Sunday, January 6, 2008

More Review of Copic. . .Read Previous Post Before Reading This One

Good Morning Everyone! Here is a card I made using the Copic Markers. Honestly, I had difficulties coloring this image because parts of the image were so small. I used the "original" Copic using the "fine" tip to color the image because of how tiny some parts of the image were.

Another problem I encountered and have read on other blogs is that the black ink that you use makes a whole lot of difference. I used SU Basic Black ink and there is a tendency for the ink to "feather" out. It wasn't so bad but it sort of lightens the ink a little bit giving it a slight "bluish" tint. You know, like an old faded tattoo.

Anyway. . .I'm one to not waste anything. . .I compensated and salvaged the image by using a grayish color to outline the outside of the image to sort of camouflage the "bluish tint" problem. I will try another ink next time. I'll try Versafine and see how that works out. In the end, I was able to correct the problem.

I colored another similar image and I'll take a close up picture and you'll see how the Copic marker bleeds and sometimes extend beyond the outline which is problematic. It's wasn't that bad that it's an image I have to trash. . .I'll keep it because I consider it "acceptable". Did you read my previous post on my review of the Copic markers?

Copic is a great marker but I have to be honest, if it wasn't for the fact that I like to draw and the markers are useful for other things besides my rubber stamping. . .I would not have asked my husband to buy such an expensive marker. . . .even if it was a present for Christmas. I could have lived with my Prismacolor markers. I don't dare say anything negative about the markers to him. I think he'll feel bad about it.

Don't get me wrong. . .the quality of the Copic markers are fabulous but not worth the expense for rubber stamping and card making. I just want to save you from blowing your paycheck or extra stash for markers that you may not be happy with.

I suggest that you buy a few markers in your favorite colors and maybe one or extra shades of the same color so you can blend them. Don't spend $$$$ on markers. . .use the money to buy yourself a nice Coach bag or Louis Vutton! LOL!!!

Card Recipe:
Stamp: TAC Retail Therapy, MFT and Verve Visual (sentiments)
Ink: Copic markers
Paper: DCWV Square embossed cardstock, SU Lavendar Lace, Going Gray, DCWV scrapbook paper
Accessories: Marvy Oval Punch, Fiskar Scallop punch, SU Ticket Corner Punch, JoAnn brads, Making Memories Ribbon

14 comments:

Elaine said...

Hey Maria,
You should try Brilliance Graphite Black ink or Ranger/Adirondack's black. They both work really well and are the least 'smeary' with Copics! Happy New Year girlfriend - glad you shared info on the Copics...I wish you were my neighbor though so I could come and stamp at your house! lol

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for the excellent review. I have all of the SU markers and had thought I would try the alcohol based markers. I think I will now try the Prismacolor markers--I have all of their pencils and love them.

Claudia Perry said...

Maria,

I've read on either Ellen Hutson's or Debbie Olson's website that you can also use SU' black Craft. Just heat set it first! I've tried that versus the black stazon and was very happy with it!
Claudia

Bonnie said...

Love that stamp Maria!! Your card looks awesome to me! I'm sorry you are having trouble with those silly copics......I don't have too much trouble with them, but then, I am always playing catch up with my images and FINALLY coloring one that was stamped weeks ago!! Maybe heat setting would work??!! I dunno....

CreativeMish said...

Thanks for the Review. I've never used alcohol based markers and was wondering what all the hype was about. If I go that route, I'll try the Prismacolor. We have an art wholesale store that sells them for a really good price. I'm just a hobby stamper so don't want to spend a ton of my hard earned cash! :)

Tracy.H said...

Thanks for you honest opinion on the copics, Maria. I have my SU markers and am fine with them. No plans on buying anything else. It took me a good 8 months to get them all and they work just fine for me. I like my Prisma pencils for blending. Although, I am interested in the Glitter Copics. Did you get those? What do you think of those? :0)

M!ssPr!ssy said...

I also have the copics and agree with most of what you say. I use the stazon black w/copics the su black feathers. I too find myself grabbing the su markers for the tiny details. In fact I have 2 sets of the copics for a total of 48 and have found myself grabbing for the su more often that the copics. so that has to tell you something. I like the copics but as you say for papercrafting purposes it may be a bit of an overkill. The glitter copics are GREAT and reasonable.

Little C's Creations said...

love your coloring girl. You just show that whatever type of medium you're using you know how to use them. I love this stamp set. The flower looks somewhat like the one in your banner. thanks for sharing!!!

hugs,
Jen

jenn* said...

ok, my computer is slow and picky! i have been trying to comment on your page for over 20 min.!
your work is gorgeous! risking sounding like a kindergartener, you color real good!

sbs2 sis, jenn*

2 Worlds said...

Thanks for giving the people knowledge Maria
that is important for who is letting go by this wave of copics, but personally they dont impress me .

Monika/Buzsy said...

Super cute card... love the image and the colors! TFS! After trying different inks with Copic, I settled with Graphite Black Brilliance... that seems to work the best for me... I find the Ranger/Adirondack is too wet...

Anonymous said...

Your cards are outstanding as ALWAYS!! I soo appreciate your honesty and opinion regarding the markers. I’m still hem hawing around as to what I want. And the other ladies comments regarding their experience is very helpful too. I’m leaning towards the SU markers. I prefer the water based because it blends better. Apparently the alcohol based can’t be manipulated as well as the SU water based. Thanks for all your knowledge, tips and inspiration.

Anita Van Hal said...

Thanks for sharing Maria--I decided a few months ago that no matter how good the Copics might be, I didn't want to spend that kind of money for markers so instead went with the Prismacolor. I already had the pencils and use Gamsol to blend and love them. I'm also very pleased with my Prismacolor markers--I got a set of 156 (all the colors) from Dick Blick Art for more than 50% off http://www.dickblick.com/zz213/42a/

They normally sell for $611.27 but $279.99 is the price now (although they show them as out of stock). I use Prismacolor blender pens and love them. Copics may do a better job, but I'm satisfied with the ones I have. Also, after trying several types of ink, I love using Palette Hybrid Black Noir and Burnt Umber. I haven't had a problem with them bleeding, and my stamps are easier to clean then if I use Stazon.

Anita Van Hal
stampn@westriv.com
www.anitastamps.com

Betsy said...

Hi Maria,
Loved seeing a TAC image on your gorgeous cards. Great work. I ditto what all the other folks have already commented...your honesty on the Copics was interesting to read. I think for the typical stamper they are probably too much money but for the real artists and those who nearly make a living with their blogs they might be a good investment. It's just what's important to you.

I also agree with Anita, the Palette Noir and Burnt Umber inks are GREAT. I use Palette almost exclusively and it is much easier to clean than the StazOn. Good luck!

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