Beginner Copic Recommendations
Let’s build an easy-blending marker collection to make learning a breeze
Learning doesn’t have to be hard!
A common mistake is to research “best blending combinations” and purchase every marker on anyone’s list of favorite blends.
But here’s the problem:
Experienced colorists don’t always use beginner blends. Many of Copic’s prettiest blends are challenging, even for the professionals.
The most important thing I’ve learned over decades in teaching is how quickly advanced blends lead beginners to frustration and self-doubt.
Let’s keep this fun, learning with easy markers.
“Fire Betta” by Amy Shulke. Copic + Holbein Pencil. 12x12” on Strathmore Bristol. Class details here.
Beginners learn faster with easy blending markers.
There’s no shame in this, it’s totally natural!
Let’s find some amazing beginner blending combinations for you!
Best Copics for Beginners
Don’t forget to download my starter Copic list— Scroll down for details!
Why are some Copics more beginner friendly?
Copics come in 358 colors — This doesn’t mean 358 versions of the same ink!
Every Copic has a unique formula with special behaviors, traits, weaknesses, and flaws. Many markers are “staining”; they bond firmly to paper fibers and refuse to budge.
Sometimes, it’s not you or your technique— you’re dealing with an unfriendly marker!
My Starter list has THREE criteria:
NON-STAINING COLORS - easy blenders only!
STABLE COLORS - no weird colors appear, no unexpected results
USEFUL COLORS - it’s not a bargain if you never use the marker
Watch my Starter Colors series of videos below for more details.
Watch the Videos:
Get the Starter List!
With more than a dozen years teaching Copic beginners, I’ve developed a master list of beginner marker colors.
I’ve selected a small group of easy-blending markers, covering every major color group. With this list, you can color a wide range of flowers, animals, objects, and even people.
The Beginner List is one of many free resources in my FREE Download Library at VanillaArts.com
Subscribe to Vanilla Beans, my weekly newsletter for Library access. Beans is full of tips and thought provoking Color Theory lessons designed to improve your coloring. Library access is only available to subscribers.
(Link takes you to the subscription page at my primary site, VanillaArts.com)
WARNING: I DO NOT TEACH CLASSES WITH THE STARTER MARKER LIST
Every once in a while, someone buys my entire starter list, then signs up for classes expecting to use the starter set.
There’s a difference between a beginner list for self-study and a class supply list.
My classes use a wider variety of colors because it’s my job to teach every marker. Our class time is better spent focused on things you can’t teach yourself.
THE STARTER SET IS NOT A SHOPPING LIST FOR THE BLEND, THE POINT, OR COLOR WONK.