Copic Mondays-More Marker Basics

Copic Mondays-By Laura Burleson

We have been talking about coloring and color combinations in our recent articles. Are you new or relatively new to Copics? Do you have a bunch of markers, but you really aren't sure what ones to purchase next?

In Wendy's first Copic Mondays article she took you all through each type of Copic Marker. She explained the difference between Sketch, Ciao, and the Spicas. She also reference the Copic Color Wheel, remember? Did you all print one out?

This has to be my single most valuable Copic resource. I have the chart printed on the two main cardstock papers I use for my stamped images. Each tine I get a marker, I color in that box on the chart. Now you are probably saying, "Why on earth does she do two of those?" Well, your markers will color slightly different on each cardstock that you use. Sometimes it is a subtle difference, but it can be different. When you are trying to make that perfect project, it is important to know how your markers are going to color on your chosen materials.

Of course you don't need to make a full chart to check colors on every single project. It is, however, a good idea to check your colors on a scrap sheet of paper before coloring on your project.

Here are samples of my two main charts:

I know it is difficult to see the subtle differences in the photos, but there is a difference in the coloring on the two pages.

So how do you know what colors you want before you purchase?

When selecting your first colors, you want to buy in lots of three in your color range. As Wendy discussed, it gives you an option for a highlight color, main color, and shading color. My biggest question was still, "Okay, so which ones?"

Last week we covered my favorites for hair colors. In week 3 we looked at skin colors. So this week here are some of my other favorite color combinations:

Pinks: R81, R83, R85 (Mauve pink) or RV02, Rv21, RV23 (Girly Pink)

Oranges: YR00, YR12, YR16, or YR18 (Pumpkin Orange)

Yellows: Y00, Y11, Y21 (Buttery Yellow)

Yellow-Red: YR21, YR23, YR26 (Mustard Yellow)

Reds: R02, R22, R27 (True Red) or R22, R24, R29 (Rich Red)

Blue (for jeans): B91, B93, B95 or B97

Blue Green (Water) BG10, BG11, BG13

Lavender: V01, V12, V15 or V17

Yellow-Green: YG01, YG23, YG25 or for a softer look YG01, YG13, YG17

Green: G40, G21, G24 (Mossy Green) or G40, G94, G99 (Olive Green)

Brown: E31, E33, E35, E37

Blue: B24, B26, B29

For Shadows use C1, W1 or T1

Here is what they look like grouped together:

I hope this helps to give you a better idea of selecting colors in groups for highlighting and contrast. Leave me a comment to let me know what you would like to see in future posts on Copic Markers. I can't wait to attend the certification class and share more great techniques with you! Happy Monday~

Laura

All markers used in this post are Sketch Markers by Copic. All markers are available from Cutters Creek. The cardstock used was the Bazzill (Prism) white cardstock.