Why Is It Better to Buy High-quality Markers Rather Than Cheap Alcohol-Based Markers (Patreon)

Hello friends, one of the most common questions I receive is whether it's worth investing in expensive Copic markers or opting for cheaper alternatives. To help you decide, I've attached a short video where I demonstrate drawing with cheap alcohol-based markers. As you can see, I struggle to achieve a nice, even layer without streaks, and the limited color range makes it challenging to achieve a smooth transition. Furthermore, the colors appear dull compared to high-quality markers. Read on for more information.👇

There are many different brands of alcohol-based markers available on the market, ranging from cheap options to high-end products like Copic markers. While cheap alcohol-based markers may seem like a more affordable option, they often differ significantly from high-quality markers such as Touch by Shinhan art or Copic brand in terms of quality, performance, and durability.

One of the most significant differences between cheap alcohol-based markers and expensive markers is the quality of the ink. Cheap markers often contain lower-quality ink that can appear streaky or uneven on paper ( and you can clearly see that on the video, the layers are so streaked that it was quite hard to get a smother transition between colors) This can make it difficult to achieve the precise lines and vibrant colors. In contrast, expensive markers are known for their high-quality ink that blends smoothly and evenly on paper, allowing for greater control and flexibility in the creative process.

Another key difference between cheap alcohol-based markers and high-quality markers is their performance. Cheap markers may have a shorter lifespan and can dry out quickly, which can result in inconsistent coloring and limited use. Copic markers, on the other hand, are designed to last longer and maintain their performance even with heavy use. Additionally, high-quality markers have replaceable nibs and ink refills, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.

Finally, Copic markers are renowned for their wide range of colors and shades. The Copic system consists of over 350 colors, including a range of grays and skin tones, providing artists and designers with a broad spectrum of options for their creative projects. Cheap markers, in contrast, often have a limited range of colors.

I've been using Copic and Touch markers for years, and a couple of years ago, I also purchased a cheap marker set. After drawing a few pictures with those markers, I can confidently say that I'm glad I started investing in high-quality markers at the beginning of my art journey. Here are some disadvantages that I noticed in my cheap marker set:

They leave stripes and blend unevenly.

Some of the colors, such as red, green, and brown, leave marks on nearby pages after a while.

The colors fade away much faster.

The limited color range makes it hard to create a good gradient.

Most of the cheap markers are not refillable, and the nibs are not replaceable.

The vibrancy of the colors is lacking; the colors appear more dull on the paper compared to Copic or Touch markers.

In conclusion, while cheap alcohol-based markers may seem like an affordable option, they often pale in comparison to the quality, performance, and versatility of high-quality markers. Investing in high-end markers like Copic or Touch markers can be a worthwhile investment for artists.

If you cannot afford expensive Copic markers, there are still many other options available that can provide good quality at a more affordable price point. Some alternative alcohol-based marker brands, such as Prismacolor, Winsor & Newton, and Ohuhu, offer a range of colors and a comparable level of performance to Copic markers at a more budget-friendly price. You could also consider purchasing individual Copic markers in colors that you use frequently rather than investing in a full set, or buying used markers or discounted sets from online marketplaces. Ultimately, it's important to find markers that fit your budget while still allowing you to achieve the level of quality and performance that you need for your creative projects.