Markers for Professionals

Art is fun when you do it right. One should enjoy the process of a drawing, a sketch, a painting or some jewelry work. There’s plenty of room to experiment with your art supplies for professional artists. Art markers are simple things to handle. You just have to uncap and use them wherever you need. These things are boons in expert hands. One cool thing about these is the fact that there’s minimal maintenance required. For example, I just need to keep them at a cool, dry place and things are fine. Obviously, there are numerous brands on offer when you’re looking for a piece. That’s where my article comes in. In this little (pun intended) piece, I’ll be going in-depth into the different types of art markers for professionals and recommendations when it comes to buying these objects. Obviously, each of them has its perks and disadvantages to look into. I’ll focus on that as well. Interested? Let’s get into the thick of things starting from the next section. Different Types of Markers You’ll Find on Offer Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the things and go into recommendations, let’s get to know these products better. In this section, I’ll explain the different types of markers that you’ll have to choose from when buying these online or through a brick and mortar store. Professional Art Markers can be classified based on many parameters. One of them is ink dependent. Let’s discuss the three main categories of markers you’ll find when classifying them based on the type of ink they use. Alcohol-Based These are the most efficient markers you can get all around. The main material that constitutes the ink is Alcohol. Hence, the name. One good thing about these products is that you get the quality you pay for. Alcohol markers dry quickly. Users won’t have to wait very long till the drawing or coloring is complete. I could layer different colors on top of each other since the ink is partially transparent. This gives you opportunities to use this type of ink for artwork, home design, DIY projects, Manga and anime drawing, and doing blueprints for various architectural projects. Let me warn you, the ink is highly pigmented. Sure, it results in better effects when used on various surfaces. Yet, using it too much on paper can result in bleeding. In simple terms, the ink will drip through the paper causing a mess in your art room. Using alcohol ink gives these products a resistance against fading. Meaning, your drawings won’t get discolored easily. I’ve seen artists preserve their pieces for two to three years. That’s good longevity when you consider that they’ve used markers instead of paintbrushes, pencils or ball-point pens. However, be careful when kids are using these things. Alcohol has an odor that seeps through the marker as well no matter how good the manufacturing process turns out to be. Water-Based Now, these markers make good use of water when manufacturing their ink. Either you have liquid ink in the barrel that depends on water or it can be “Activated” when you pour water on it. These types of products are disposable. Meaning, you don’t usually get the chance to refill them. I wouldn’t go for these things unless I want to achieve the “Watercolor” effect with my drawings/paintings. These are cheaper when compared to their alcohol-based cousins. I must be honest with you, using too much water-ink can warp the drawing. These products are meant for experts who know their way around art and drawing. On the Brightside, watercolor markers are odorless. Thus, these are safe for kids to use. However, these things take time to dry up. You’ll need to wait a bit till the drawing reveals its colors. Solvent-Based Solvent-based products are not all that popular on the market. These are for special occasions when someone needs to draw on a specific surface or two. The makers often combine two or more materials and come up with a solvent. Then, the solvent is used as the ink. Hence, the name. Methyl, Isobutyl ketone, Xylene, and other chemicals are pretty common in these markers. The ink you get is waterproof. It lasts longer than alcohol based. However, all these chemicals often result in strong odors. On the bright side, the colors you get, are vibrant and permanent. Artists can use these markers on porous and non-porous surfaces as well. So, complaints there. Besides these three types of markers, people often make further classifications based on the shape of the nibs/tips of these objects. Let’s take a look at it. Chisel Tip: The chiseled shape is one of the most common tips you find when choosing markers. People usually lay down colors and fill blank spaces with this thing. However, one can do much more with it if he/she knows the proper application. We have the flat side to fill blank spaces with colors. What novice artists don’t realize is the fact that there’s a pointy side as well. I often used it to draw fine lines. But I must admit, the lines will not be as fine as you’d expect from a “Bullet” tip or “Fine” tip markers that you find available on the market. Fine Tip: These types of products have pen-like nibs and produce thin lines on paper. Take it as a tool similar to an architect would use for drawing and scaling blueprints. These things are particularly useful when you’re doing sketches and shades to define various shapes and characters in anime or manga. Brush Tip: To put it simply, imagine a paintbrush but in the shape of a marker. As you’d come to know in the buying guide, these tips are flexible. You won’t be able to break them even if you try very hard. Brush tip markers go well with highly pigmented ink. They don’t give you streaks when drawing. On the flip side, these tips consume more ink than a typical marker would. For single-ended markers, I needed frequent replacements. For double-ended ones, I needed frequent refills. Dot Tip Markers: Dot markers are generally for kids. These markers have sponge-like tips that stay moist. These tips are perfect when our kids are practicing hand-eye coordination and hand dexterity. I haven’t seen that many artists use these sharpies for their artwork. However, when it comes to kids, it’s a different story altogether. Best Art Marker Reviews for 2021 With numerous brands enticing us to buy their products, it’s hard to choose the best in the business. That’s where my list of markers comes in. You’ll find some fantastic products when it comes to design, performance, consistency, and price. 1. Prismacolor Double-Ended Markers Buy it on Amazon.com For me, art is putting my thoughts on the canvas. I need all the tools at my disposal to do it right. That goes for markers as well. I find switching a chisel-tip maker with a fine one every two minutes tedious. Most of us do. That’s why guys at Prismacolor made double-ended markers to cover for us. Yes, artists will have a chisel and fine tip at each end of the product. I could lay out vibrant colors on the paper with the chiseled end. I must mention that this is an alcohol-based product you’re dealing with. The drawing/artwork will smell a bit when completed. Let it dry a little and it’ll be fine. Don’t forget about the fine-tip end just yet! If you’re a “Detail-Oriented” and a nitpicky guy like me, feel free to define the edges with precise strokes on the paper with this end. No, I’m not overstating things one bit. I have my experiment with these products and an “Adult Coloring Book” to rely on. If you ask me, the “Fine” end goes well with people who enjoy drawing panels and characters for traditional comic books, Mangas (Japanese Comic Books), and hand-drawn posters. Alcohol-based markers have its own set of benefits. As artists would tell you, this version of marker gives a smooth flow. You can cover a considerable area of the artwork with a single stroke. Don’t worry, the end product won’t let you down. These Prismacolor pes doesn’t get choppy when dry. “Why,” you ask? Brace yourselves for another secret. Well, both the tips share just a single source of ink. Some of you might consider this a drawback since it will run out faster than usual. Yes, it’s true. The ink reservoir depleted faster when I put it to intense use. Yet, the single tank has its perks as well. For example, what I noticed with this set of markers (you have 24 markers in a set) is that they are consistent with the ink-flow. To put it in “Artsy” language, multiple colors blend with each other without disfiguring the colors and spoiling your artwork. This is true for both ends. Now, the 'Million-Dollar' question. "Would I recommend it?" Of course! Otherwise, why would it even be on the list? In fact, besides the artists, this marker set is particularly useful for students who like a bit of tinkering when drawing stuff. Who doesn’t like a “Complete” artwork with saturated colors that speak to the admirers? I know, I do! 2. Copic Marker Sketch- Basic Set Buy it on Amazon.com Let’s sway from vivid colors to an older form of art for a moment. Let’s talk about “Sketches” and a product that helps you do them better. If you’re into Manga and sketchbooks, you’ll love Copic Marker’s SB24. After using it for six months or so, I can tell you: Japanese people do know their stuff. The makers shipped my package of 24 markers on time and in a well-built plastic case. Each product goes into a specific slot. This helps in keeping things organized for us messy sketch buffs. I could refill Copic SB12 markers once the ink depleted. Believe me, it’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to manage your budget. Refilling options are cheap. For the last six months, I didn’t have to buy another Copic set. This allowed me to invest in some of my art accessories. Guys at Copic went as far as giving us replaceable nibs with this product. I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for brands. I have trouble switching to a different set when sketching after I’m used to handling one. Say what you will but consistency and ink-types differ from one brand to another. Replaceable Copic nibs come with the same pattern and allow you to use the same ink type. Users won’t have to spend extra bucks on a new set when it gets damaged. People won’t have to go out of their ways to adapt to alternative products. Thus, your sketches will retain the same style and flair. Wondering how long these alcohol-based art markers hold out? Don’t fret. People can use and reuse the same set for as long as 25 years. Just don’t forget to refill the ink. See, how casually I let out the fact that these products use Alcohol in the ink? But I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you. It is acid-free and non-toxic. It doesn’t burn or cause allergies to your skins. But people already expect that from alcohol-based products, right? So, the makers went ahead and did better. The SB24 doesn’t destroy the paper fabrics or cause smudges on them. Normally, whatever you draw on paper with Copic, it’s permanent. Wait… there’s a catch! With these markers, I could re-edit my sketches after a week or so when the ink is dry. Yes, users can wet their sketches. But only if they use these on “Uncoated Paper.” The open time (it’s a period during which you can edit drawings without spoiling them) for Copic is limitless as the makers say. However, I must tell you: I tested this theory on a 7-day-old sketch. Feel free to experiment with an older sketch and let me know how it turned out for you. I’m sure, you won’t be disappointed. For the makers to come up with such a bold claim, there must be an ace in their sleeves, right? As it turns out, there is. These sketch markers come with flexible brush-style nibs that create paint-like effects on paper with vibrant colors. One good thing about these nibs is the fact that they’ll keep the consistency of colors. Adding new layers to existing sketches is easy. Just wet the sketch and you’re good to go. 3. Tombow Dual Brush Pens Buy it on Amazon.com Tombow is one of the best markers for professionals if you want to go cheap. How cheap? Well, one can get Tombow 56185 under $30 and still come up with “Pro-level” artwork. As pen markers go, this dual-brush product is perfect for faux and calligraphy among other things. With a pack of 10 markers, artist can go for standard illustrations, watercolor illustrations, and Journal artworks as well. Before you get the jump on me, the package features 9 markers and a blending pen for people to merge different sections of a piece without smudging the colors. For all you beginners out there, a blending pen is colorless. It bridges the gap between two distinct colors. I’m a big fan of watercolor painting. This pen helps to create the same effect with a marker. Did you know that these markers come with color-coded caps? It’s easy to keep them organized. Now, just because you get 10 pens in a package doesn’t mean it’s all Tombow has. There are 108 pens in total. That’s a huge arsenal if you decide to collect them all. Flabbergasted already? Don’t worry, you’ll get the list of colors on their website. This Tombow pen has two tips. One tip is for broad strokes. The other is meant for writing calligraphy with straight lines. Of course, you can combine both the aspects in one drawing without the fear of overlapping each-other. The “Fine Tip” gave me lines after lines without breaking its form. I’d say this is perfect for embellishments with intricate designs and filling details. I must mention a thing or two about the nylon-made brush tip here. The tips are flexible. Nylon tips are known to retain their points no matter how hard you bend or squeeze them. I was able to do medium and bold strokes without breaking a sweat. I did this by altering the pressure of each stroke. I needed little to no maintenance with these things. The brush tips clean themselves after you blend colors. I rubbed them onto a scrubbing paper once in a while. There’s no need to be messy about it. This is a water-based art marker (obviously). I know people who are uncomfortable with these things. I was a bit skeptical at first too. Water markers can damage the papers if you’re not careful. But these are meant for professionals. I take it you’ll be fine just fine. Of course, this set is odorless and acid-free as well. Water ink will take its time to dry up but it won’t bleed through the paper to spoil your piece. 4. Ohuhu Double Tipped Art Markers Buy it on Amazon.com Ever since I got my set of Ohuhu, I suddenly have become a consultant of markers. Wanna know why? I love sharing my artworks with my circle and guess what? They all replied praising the color tone. I myself got overwhelmed to see how Ohuhu has maintained quality and vibrancy in all 80 colors. You know how you need broad and thin tips from time to time. I face this a lot and I have the solution right in my hand. These markers have a chisel tip and a fine bullet tip. Which means even though you’re much into coloring, you can now consider drawing or doodling too. As these are double ended art markers you can use them for either highlighting or underlining. They have used alcohol based ink so that your artwork becomes more permanent than others. There are more good stuff about this non-bleeding markers. Without any effort, it will dry really fast. You’ll get smudge free artwork with no time. And when I said that your artwork will become more permanent than others, I assured you that the color won’t fade away easily. How your marker supplies ink is a very important factor to notice. With irregular ink supply you might face bleeding or it might interrupt when you try to blend different colors together. I was pretty amused to experience the ink flow of this set. It was right in the point. Every time I blend colors together with the colorless blender I got with the package, it really comes out brilliant. Even while blending, the color pigmentation appear to be equally attractive. It seems like you can create more 80 colors by blending. A huge collection it is though. I’m about to give you a different situation. Let’s say the ink of your marker is about to end but it’s the end of the month and of your credit. This set will save you big time. Although it’s not mentioned in their feature but I’ll tell you the secret. With Copic ink, you can refill your marker anytime. Follow same method when your nib becomes unusable. Bring a Copic nib and replace your current one. Your project will be easier to complete when the cap of your marker is color-coded. Yay! But don’t remove the cap too roughly. Be gentle while dealing with it. A warranty card and a black carry case will come with the package. So, travelling and storing it right will be easy. With all the greatness, are you thinking that you might have to deviate from your budget? Actually, no. The price is very much affordable. If you are a professional, you’re definitely going to fall in love with this (like me). And if you want it to be a gift to your kid, you’ll be their favorite soon. 5. ARTEZA Everblend Dual Tip Art Markers Buy it on Amazon.com If someone told people, "You can’t sketch and color with the same set of markers," they’re lying. With ARTEZA Everblend, people can do all that and more! This set of drawing equipment comes with a lightweight case as well. You can organize these markers however you see fit while carrying. Kudos to the makers as they made room for 72 products inside. Yes, artists will still have room for twelve additional pens once their collection of 60 is complete. How cool is that? Most brands claim to blend two or more colors with their blending pens. People from ARTEZA show you how to do it (cue: The Name). What you have are as many as 60 different colors to work with. These are blendable (as expected). To help you pull this off, there’s a blending pen included in the package. Wait, I lied to you about the blending tool! This specific pen does more than just blending two colors. I mean, the users have the flexibility of drawing freestyle, shading, and layering when they need to. Use it well enough and blending produces “Gradient-like” effects that you see in digital drawings. Intriguing, isn’t it? The next logical question would be, “What exactly can you use these for?” Well, these markers are great for manga artists. You can do anime, cartoons (yes… these two are different beasts), architectural blueprints, and fashion illustrations. I’ve seen people draw boutique elements with these items as well. Your only limitation is your imagination, I guess. Before this one, I put up products that are excellent when working on paper. ARTEZA does its thing on paper, wood, glass, and plastic. Yes, the alcohol ink and the nibs are just that good. These are non-toxic and odorless. Artists or engineers won’t have to wait hours for it to dry. They aren’t acidic or react to your skins. You know the deal at this point, don’t you? Yes, this is a double-ended marker as well. Artists will have a chiseled tip. As things go, these help you in filling your drawings with vivid colors. The unique part about these coloring tips is that people have precise measurements of them. The chiseled tip measures up to be .24" in thickness. For the “Fine” version at the other end, the measurement is .11”. As usual, I used the tip for outlining the artworks. These are good for coloring books or intricate maps. Before I forget, these things are replaceable nib as well. All you need to do is to pull out the tips using a spatula. Then, insert new ones. The nibs will lock into place by themselves minus the hassle. 6. Bianyo Classic Series Alcohol Markers Buy it on Amazon.com To be perfectly honest with you, I’ve been ranting about professional-grade art markers until now. That’s why I decided to change things up with this product on my list. Let’s give our children something to draw with as well. Bianyo Classic is a brand that kids will feel at ease with. I mentioned “Kids” specifically but keeping the trend alive for this article, professional artist can put this square-barrel marker to good use as well. Yes, Bianyo is not your regular “Round” marker. You have a “Square” shape that facilitates good ink capacity and grip for people of all ages. It doesn’t matter if you’re a recreational artist, visual creator, a complete beginner, or master at your craft… these markers are a great fit for your skills. Why wouldn’t they be? You have a 5.9-inch barrel that carries a substantial amount of ink. Not to mention, you can refill the ink whenever you need to stock up on supplies. Point Two: The replaceable ink is cheaper than what you get with normal products. Normally, dual-tip markers don’t specify their "Tip Width" right away. But Bianyo Classic Series does. It provides 1mm wide tip for the fine nib at one end. For the chiseled nib, you’ll have 7mm width. These nibs are sleek and deliver perfect outputs when put to the test. For example, I could draw thin lines with the "Fine" end. The chiseled section gave me coloring options. Let me tell you, these are great markers for drawing. Kids in elementary schools will have fun handling these and going wild in their coloring and sketchbooks. As usual, this one Alcohol Based. Guys at Bianyo know the risks. That’s why they made it acid-free for kids. It’s processed in multiple stages. That’s why you’ll have no pungent smell to worry about. It doesn’t spoil the papers as traditional water based inks do. So, there’s that too. Very few markers can work their magic on fabric. This one works with fabric, wood, ceramic plates, and plastic. If you get creative, you’ll end up using utensils with your own drawings or designs on them. People even go for bathroom decors with these as they’re permanent in nature. Our kids will enjoy playing with 72 markers if they decide to get the entire collection. Of course, there’s a colorless blender pen in the package as well. I loved the “Canvas Cloth” bag. It protects these products from damages. Kids and artists are messy. They get creative and love to try new things. They can spoil the markers with ink in the process. The canvas cloth protects markers from ink stains as well. There’s a nifty handle at the top of the bag. It helps people carry the markers around for a drawing trip outdoors. 7. Artify Artist Alcohol Based Art Marker Set Buy it on Amazon.com I decided to take the traditional route for this one on the list. With Artify, you’ll have a longer ink reservoir than Bianyo. I mean, bigger markers with more ink. Naturally, it’ll last longer as well. What you get is a set of 40 color markers in a plastic carry case. The package comes at a budget-friendly price. I’m in love with the case. I can clearly see all the markers inside. I came up with the idea of a color grid when I bought this package for the review. Thus, I acted. I used MS Excel to get the color grading right. Then, it’s only the matter of putting the right marker at the right slot so I can see from outside. When it comes to performance, Artify doesn’t disappoint. I’m impressed by the “Triangle” handle. It looks fashionable and sits well with your hand. Artists can grab the marker comfortably no matter the hand or finger sizes. You won’t get fatigued even after drawing with it for a long time. Dual-Tip markers have caps at both ends. We all know that. The makers at Artify went further and gave the caps a “Dotted” texture. This helps users in removing them easily when needed. When not in use, the caps lock into place just as easily as well. Speaking of "Dual Tips," you’ll have "Fine" and "Broad" tips to work with. You can do fine lines with one stroke thanks to the “Fine” tip. Manga and Anime drawing will most definitely improve. Not to mention, these tips are useful when working with blueprints in important architecture projects. The "Broad" chiseled tip is used for filling in details. This goes well with projects where you need to show off your coloring skills. People can blend two colors together with a white blender. Now, most objects have a distinct pattern when drawn with certain types of inks. This one doesn’t. People can create any effect they like when blending two colors together. I’ve seen artists creating the illusion of water-color painting using these markers. The ink is highly pigmented. You’ll notice greater depth in your drawings. That’s one positive I’d take any day of the week. 6.22-inch barrel makes for a long-lasting product. What I like is the consistency of the alcohol ink you have. The marker won’t form dotted or spotty patterns on paper when drawing. I wouldn’t include a product on my best art markers for professionals’ list if it smells. This thing doesn’t. Luckily, Artify doesn’t. It’s non-toxic as well. Thus, this product is perfect for kids to use as well. You know the Shtick at this point, don’t you? 8. Art-n-Fly Professional Art Markers Buy it on Amazon.com For budding and professional artists, price is a concern. It’s the sole reason many of us settle for lesser products compromising on detailing and color-grading. For example, a few of my colleagues strive for "Copic" quality but settle for less because of the price. If you belong to a similar bunch of people, Art-n-Fly can be a viable alternative. It keeps the quality same at a meager price when compared to Copic. Yes, you have Dual Tip markers in your hands. But there’s a twist (of course, there is). These are not your Chisel and Fine tip markers. Instead, you’ll have Brush and Chisel tips for a change. This is the first Brush-tip marker on my list. There’s one key difference between Brush-Tip and Fine-Tip markers. The brush-style tip covers intricate spaces and helps in detailing. Also, the strokes are thicker than what you’d get from its counterpart. I suggest using it on occasions where you don’t need to have well-defined and sharp lines. On the Brightside, these nibs are nimble. You can twist and turn them in whichever way you prefer to get “Uniformed” strokes with vibrant colors. The chiseled tip will give you broad and bold strokes when you need them. These markers are particularly useful when you’re filling blank space up with colors that need no outlining (do the outlines with brush tips). These tips give you perfect color balance when blending two colors. The ink Art-n-Fly uses is made of alcohol. I’ll not go too deep into it as I covered how the it performs in my previous recommendations. Of course! this set of art markers provide refillable option. In fact, the company sells refill inks for these markers as well. It’s good to have a reliable brand refilling markers. The nibs/tips are replaceable as well. In fact, the makers hand out replacement nibs with the actual product. Feel free to replace them on your own. All you need is to do is to twist and turn the nibs a bit and you’re all good. Besides, the guys at Art-n-Fly are here to help if you need them to. In short: You won’t have to look elsewhere for marker maintenance from time to time. The users will have 48 different colors as part of a set. However, they’ll be able to expand their repertoire even further with as many as 90 different options from the manufacturers. I’m swept away by the design to be very honest. These things are modern and sleek. If you have a marker stand, these are the products to display there. I liked the "Hexagonal" shape as well. Thanks to the shape, you’ll find them easy and comfortable to grip. Use them from any angle, the results won’t be very much different. Besides, these markers won’t roll off and fall from the table. Chuckle all you want but picking the markers up every time is not pleasant at all. With these, I don’t have to worry. 9. Winsor & Newton Promarker Buy it on Amazon.com Out of all the Alcohol Ink Markers on my list, this one is perhaps the closest to my heart (er… hands since I’m an art enthusiast). What you have is a package including 24 sleek markers that are easy to grip. They perform well along with having the aesthetic you need to adorn your cabinet. If you’re interested, the total range of colors for the Promarker is 148. And you can have them all. Obviously, it’s made for artists. Yet, students can use this package as well. You don’t have to worry about coloring options. There’re ample colors to get your artistic message through to your viewers. The best thing is, Promarker is color-coded. You will have the color labeled on the black exterior. This is particularly helpful if you want to create shades using multiple colors of the same origin. Yes, you can lay different colors on to the paper and even blend two colors together to create a new one. The makers have included a blender pen precisely for this reason. I could soften the tone of the colors and even create overlays resulting in vivid images. However, pay attention to the “Wetness” level of your ink before you do so. Or else, things can turn out to be spotty at best. There’s a major difference between the type of ink Promarker uses and what others do. You have a dye-based ink at play here. This is an ink that grants vibrancy and variation among the colors. You won’t find color streaking when comparing these markers to your traditional felt-tipped ones. Speaking of tips, you have yet another double ended art markers marker at hand. One end features the chiseled version. This is ideal for filling in large spaces with ideal colors. The Fine tip defines the lines. This is ideal for defining boundaries and thin lines when drawing a complete picture. The intriguing thing about Windsor & Newton, however, is the fact that both ends have distinct caps to cover the tips. The chiseled end features a broad cap. The “Fine” end features a narrow one. This way, the tips will not suffer performance issues and will remain in shape for the longest possible time you can think of. However, you need to be careful about what paper you use them on. For example, normal paper for pigmented alcohol-based ink won’t work. It will bleed through the paper leaving you at a loss (excluding few of the more popular brands). The makers have their own “Bleedproof” and lightweight paper that goes well with these products. If you decide against using it, go for heavyweight papers that can resist the ink flow. I’ve seen people use these markers on wood, glass, acetate, and fabric as well. As the ink dries quite fast, pigmentation and color-depth shouldn’t create any problems. 10. ARTISTRO Oil Based Painting Markers Buy it on Amazon.com Let’s take a break from Alcohol-based markers, shall we? At this point in my list, let’s focus on a solvent-based marker (oil in this case) instead. Artistro Paint Pens are one of a kind in the respect that they offer vivid colors to work with at a manageable cost. One good thing about this product is the fact that people can use it on any type of paper they prefer. Of course, you can use one of these markers on other surfaces as well. There’s a specific system of using these painting pens. You’ve got to peel off the plastic first. Then comes the shaking of the products. Afterward, I let the air out. You need to hold the nib down for the air to escape. The next step is to prime it on paper. Simply, press the nib softly on the surface. Artists can draw with it like they do with normal markers. One thing to note is the fact that this product comes with a single fine tip instead of having two different kinds. After you’re done, cap the marker. Don’t forget to keep it stored horizontally so that the material doesn’t flow outward. What I like most about Artistro is, there’s no age restriction in terms of who can use these markers and who can’t. These are fit for artists of all ages and different experience levels. You might have your reservations when it comes to using oil markers. I don’t. These babies keep the ink flow constant. The oil based ink won’t bleed on paper. Users won’t have any issues regarding the material drying at the tip, creating spotty paintings or flowing too much on the surface. Most important of all, you won’t have the pungent smell or the delay time markers take to dry up. Thus, kids can use it without facing problems while using these on their coloring books. No, there’s no catch or any tradeoffs. Instead, the colors you get are vivid and alive. Most importantly, these markers work their magic on various surfaces with the same level of efficiency. My research tells me that, this brand is one of the best when it comes to delivering markers for canvas painting. Besides that, people can use it on paper, stone, ceramic, glass, metal, and wood. Let me remind you, this is a "Single-Tip Marker." When I say 'Fine,' I mean it in every sense of the word. This thing comes with a 1-1.5 mm tip. One can only write or design unique patterns with the tip. But the ink dries quickly and doesn’t fade, distort or wither over time. In my case, I worked on a necklace made of hard clay with it and the colors remain true to this day. I must mention that I used a color sealer to seal the paint. If you’re interested, I had 15 types of colors to pick from when using this brand. 11. The Chartpak AD Tri-Nib Markers Buy it on Amazon.com Being different always pays off well. Sometimes way better than others. The set I’m going to tell you about is an example of that. Chartpak is one of the Xylene-based markers that are still running successfully. You’ll feel a lot more interested about it once you’re done with reading the rest of the article. Are you familiar with the concept of tri-nib? I will explain. This set here is featured with tri-nib which says that you’re about to have fine, medium and broad tips in one nib. How’s that? Unlike other ones (which has two tips on two sides), this marker has tip on one side. The strokes will be determined by how you hold it. The tri-nib performs under your control. This solvent-based art marker has waterproof and permanent ink. When alcohol-based ink started ruling all over, Chartpak showed consistency in their formula. Because of the presence of Xylene, it is recommended to use it in a well-ventilated room so that the odor wouldn’t bother you. This set is never outdated for fashion and advertising industry where conceptual illustrations are constantly required. For architectural drawings and to transfer images from the original to another surface, this set performs excellent. Yes, I tell you, you can transfer images and the effects are more like watercolor. The colorless blender will help you with that. Put the image upside down to the selected surface and use the blender. It will work like photocopy. With the blender, you can erase colors or mix colors very well. If you want to get lighter color from a dark one, the blender will help. They do have a huge collection of 130 colors but they don’t come in one single set. You’ll find separate sets for blenders, basic colors and sets for professionals. With this following set, you’ll have 25 assorted pastel colors. You’ll be absolutely safe around this set. I do have assurance because they conforms to ASTM D 4236. The ink is completely non-toxic. I’m really excited to tell you about the travel case in which the set comes in. I feel relieved when I get this for my set. Carrying case helps to keep the markers organized easily. One more thing that I loved about them is that they have roll proof caps. This was the one thing missing in all my expensive sets. With this set, you don’t have to be selective about surface because they work on pretty much any smooth surface. However, it isn’t recommended for using on Styrofoam. As you’ve read the rest of the article, don’t you think you can give this set a try? 12. Arteza Real Brush Pens Buy it on Amazon.com Let’s turn to a Water-based painting pen for my last recommendation as part of the list. Arteza gave these pens what we call "Brush Tips." These are made to be used with water-based colors on soft papers for the best output possible. I could blend, spread, and fill different colors on empty paper. I liked the fact that the tip is flexible. This felt like a real brush in my hands. People can draw medium, bold, and thin lines as per the situations demand without switching to different pens. Make no mistake, the tip won’t bend or tweak even if you put too much pressure on it for the job. Instead, you’ll have total control over how much ink you need and where. One can easily blend two colors into one or thin one as we see with traditional watercolor techniques. Without the hassle. If you ask me, "Why is the tip this good?" Well, the tips of these marker pens are made of supple bristles. The bristles are made of nylon. That’s why these are so flexible and these don’t break. So, you have the best of all the world (Noticed how I tweaked the metaphor?). So, what can you do with it? As it turns out, one can use these pens for calligraphy, sketching, water painting, coloring kids’ books and so on. These things have non-toxic ink. That’s why you won’t face problems coloring the things you want to beautify. There are no health hazards at all. Before people get confused and start to scratch their heads, I should tell you guys that there’s a small tapered area towards the end of the tips. People can use this area to come up with thin lines whenever and wherever they need. It’s not rocket science. It’s in the design. Here’s one interesting bit I found! People can use these markers without water as well. Meaning, you can use the tip to have dry painting done at a moment’s notice. I must mention that the colors are all maintained with precision. That’s the reason why you could do pastel, watercolor, shading, gradient, and other effects whenever needed without any issues. The makers put out 96 distinct colors for people to pick from. This works to expand the realm of creativity. Plus, these products are safe and non-toxic. The guys at Arteza have ACMI certification to prove it to the users. Add to that the replacement guarantee that the makers offer if anything goes wrong. The deal couldn’t have been sweeter. Why and How Did I End Up Choosing These Markers? Art is an abstract concept for many of us. Many of the marker brands claim to represent this wonderful medium to the fullest on canvas or any other surface. But the truth is different. Very few of these brands actually pull it off. I’ve selected some of the very best in the business with certain criteria in mind. Let us explore the factors that prompted me to compile the list in the first place. Various Applications This is a given when you’re in the hunt for the professional markers that artists use. As you know by now, the type of art differs from person to person. For example, someone might be a good Manga artist. Some people are good at handling watercolor effects and architectural blueprints. Then, some kids like to sketch and apply paint everywhere including their coloring books. Case and point: Artists can utilize markers differently as the situation demands. There are products available on the market (and on my list) that are suitable for different types of art and situations. For example, you have “Copic” markers for people who are into drawing Manga. These are great when you’re drawing sharp edges with clearly defined lines. On the other hand, if you’re looking to add certain effects in your art, go for brands that are famous for those effects (i.e.: Watercolor, pastel or deep coloring with Alcohol). Make sure to use the “Blending” pen effectively to mix two colors together or creating a gradient effect with shades. Type of The Ink As you can see, makers developed markers based on the type of inks that they use. As I mentioned earlier, you have water-based, alcohol-based, and solvent-based to rely on. It’s handy to know that each type of ink produces a distinct effect on paper and other surfaces. An artist should know what type of effect he needs on paper and which paper to use with which marker. Obviously, not every marker is suitable for every type of paper. For example, thin papers aren’t too good when it comes to working with Alcohol ink markers due to high pigmentation. I’d advise you to work with watercolor markers when dealing with thin papers. Alcohol demands a special paper that doesn’t bleed when you color it. Thin papers won’t do. Solvent markers can work with any surface that you put them up against. This includes rock, paper, glass, wood and any other surface that you can imagine drawing on. Sure, other markers are also adept to some degree but not as good as solvent markers such as oil or pastel. Look at The Marker Tips As with ink types, people can get markers with different types of tips as well. People can get "Chiseled, Fine, Brush, and Bullet" tipped markers. Make sure to consider what type of drawings you’re going with, how are you going to use it, and which medium you’re using it on. Go with "Fine" tip markers if you’re drawing manga on paper. Chiseled Tip is good if you’re looking to fill a blank space with colors. In that case, you’ll have to define the lines with fine-tip ones first. Artists can use chiseled tipped markers to fill blank spaces with vibrant colors. I could use chiseled tips to draw lines with the pointy side as well. But the lines weren’t as good as when drawn with fine nibs. These types of markers are most common (and relatively cheap as well) among all the varieties. However, if you really want to go to the "Cheap" route, go for bullet tipped ones. These are the cheapest of the lot. However, painting with them can be a bit tedious and slow process. Hold on, I’m not done with options! Brush-tip markers can be a great alternative if you’re looking to work with different subjects that require different color consistencies. These are apt when you’re doing effects and shades as well as drawing fine lines. These markers are sort of hybrids between different types of tips. Single or Dual Tip Markers I get that people usually go for single-tip products. Yes, this cuts down the cost to some extent. Yet, I’d advise my readers to go for double-tip markers. For me, these products are like “The Best of Both Worlds.” I can draw fine lines AND color blank spaces at the same time. No marker switch is needed. I’d recommend Tombow or Prismacolor if you’re into dual nibs/tips. These markers share one ink barrel and deliver superior consistency on any sort of surface you put them on. I can imagine some of you saying, “The ink will run out quicker than normal.” Yes, that’s the only tradeoff with these things. To counter that, we can buy pens with bigger ink reservoirs, can’t we? Blendability with Different Colors When choosing the top art markers for professionals, it’s helpful to look for a specific pen that blends two or more colors together. Normally, brands will outright tell you that there’s a pen that does the blending. However, depending on water or alcohol markers, the quality will differ. For example, water marker pens can leave streaks on the paper when blending. These things can warp colors as well. With these, you can’t really predict how things will turn out as water can have different reactions with the paper, dye or any other element you’re using for the art. Alcohol marker pens are better when blending colors. These things dry up quickly. As the ink is partially transparent, I could get distinct layering effects with the colors that I put in. The blending process was smoother than when I experimented with water painting pens. Each ink-type has its advantages and disadvantages. All I can say is, weigh your options and choose the products more carefully. Expansive Color Range It’s no use if you want to express your feelings in colors and the marker has not many on offer. You need a brand that offers different shades of colors for you to draw with. Alcohol-Based markers offer you more range when it comes to coloring options. For example, Winsor and Newton Promarker comes with 148 different color options. Each of the pens is color-coded. Copic markers have a broader range of 358. Overwhelmed? It’s only natural to be. I have a personalized color chart to discern which color I want to create which effect. I’d advise you to give yourselves the maximum options by getting a product that has the most colors. Don’t forget to create a chart that’s unique to you only. That way, you can easily find the pen you need. About the Cost of Product For an artist, his/her studio is priceless. When you consider buying art supplies, you’ll have to spend a hefty amount. It’s natural to manage costs by looking for cheap markers. If you’re looking for such products, it’s best to go for watercolor products. However, they’re tough to refill and manage. If you don’t mind the cost and prioritize quality over everything else, Alcohol and Solvent markers are the order of the day. Alcohol ink offers a wider range of colors along with the option to refill your product once the ink depletes. On the other hand, Solvent markers offer flexibility. They can cost you more if you choose to have a brand with better coloring options and the capacity of drawing on a multitude of surfaces. Frequently Asked Some Questions Throughout the whole of the article you’ve got the A- Z idea about art markers. You won’t mind me calling it a complete guideline for professional artists, would you? Despite having all the details, there are some questions that people ask also. Here, I’ve attempted to provide you the proper answers. What’s the best professional art marker you think? You just have asked the toughest question to answer. It will be very unfair to all the great markers if I just pick one for you. Besides, that one might not even fulfill your requirements. See, that’s the reason why you are reading this article in the first place. You’re given a fine list of the greatest markers with the detailed reviews. First, know what you want. Now, to be precise, Copics have become the first choice to professionals since they give literally the best performance. Starting from color to refillable options, they are just uncompetitive. But hey, if you can’t afford them, I’m suggesting you Prismacolor or Ohuhu. They have amazing color range, ink quality and absolutely affordable price. As Prismacolor uses alcohol based ink, you can pour a little rubbing alcohol inside and stretch its durability. And if you’re in need of watercolor, worry not. Tombow will be a fantastic set for you. Is it better to draw with a pen or marker? What if I say that both are good options? Primarily, pen or pencils are quite handy for drawing. Let’s dig in to know how a marker will do in this case. Markers are widely used for coloring. But if you want, you can use them for mandala art or doodling as well. Are you afraid that they’ll not work perfect? If you are, don’t be anymore. All you have to do is, pick one that has ultra-fine or fine tip marker. Cool fact is that most of the art markers come with dual tips. One fine tip or ultra-fine tip comes along with a broad tip. It’s worth mentioning that for Japanese manga drawing, markers are mostly used. When you’ll be the one to choose between pen and marker, you should consider your demand and desire first. Clearly you have options and you’re free to choose. Are Sharpies good for the artist? If you’re sharing an unavoidable attachment with Shapies, that’s great when it comes to markers for practical or heavy uses. This brand is widely admired for their wonderful collection of permanent markers which are used in different purposes including professional ones. Since Sharpie brings about some colorful collection of markers as well, like Sharpie Fine Point Markers, and their overall performance (ink quality and durability) is pretty great, you can undoubtedly use them for your next art project. Are Prismacolor markers better than Copic? Are you actually trying to compare these two? Because if you’re doing, I should remind you that Copics are quite uncompetitive for their amazing features. They are smooth to deal with when it comes to refill the ink and change the nib. Talking about "Prismacolor", have you checked out their prices yet? Trust me, I myself got amazed. Getting a number of colors at that price is unbelievable. Their color tone, ink quality (which is alcohol based by the way) and overall packaging is quite attractive. I have already mentioned how you can use Prismacolor for even longer period by adding some rubbing alcohol when necessary. Apart from the refillable and replaceable nib, this set provides almost the same ink quality and color tone as Copics. Surely you’re gonna consider some factors before choosing. If budget is one of them, Prismacolor can be your choice without any second thought. Choose smart and you’ll get maximum from your set. What paper is best for drawing with markers? As you’re now selecting paper for drawing, I’m guessing that you’re done with choosing the marker. Great then. You must be wondering if you can use your regular paper as your ink is non-bleeding. Well, that isn’t a wise thought. Regular papers are never recommended. Even though the ink is of high quality, the regular paper might ruin it all. Different drawing papers for alcohol and water based markers are available. Get one according to your ink type and start your journey. What markers are as good as Copic? No offense but to anyone, professional or not, Copic will stand as the first choice. You cannot actually find any set that will be able to perform exactly like them. But they’re too expensive that I myself try to find something that would be as good as them. You can check out the best alternative copic markers in order to find out the markers that’ll work almost as good as Copic. Last Bits of Information! Well, with that my humongous piece on the Best Art Markers for professional ends. As you can see, not all types of sharpies are good for every project you come across. Case and point: Select the sharpies/markers with care. My insights into the types will definitely help. If you want to avoid the hassle and put your fingers on the product that suits you the most, my recommendations will certainly help. I’d put Prismacolor, Copic, and Tombow as my top three choices. These products have the years behind their brand and the capacity to accomplish complicated tasks. However, it’s completely natural that none of my choices satisfies your needs. Perhaps, you’re looking for a "Dot Marker." In that case, consider my buying guide to be the torch that’ll help you in navigating through the brand jungle. Let me know how your research and purchase turned out to be in the comments.