Ohuhu Markers:
Big Savings or Budget Buster?
A bit of marker history…
In the beginning, art markers contained toxic solvents. Nowadays, we use alcohol markers but I was trained in the 1980’s on Xylene and Toluene markers.. We had specialty ventilation systems to deal with the off-gassing and fumes.
Copic Marker changed illustration forever by developing safer, odor-free alcohol based markers.
To be fair, Pantone and Prismacolor were also early to the alcohol party, but Copic dominated the illustration market for decades with their large range of top quality inks, superior nibs, and comprehensive refill system.
In the 2000’s, craft companies entered the marker market with mid-grade alcohol markers aimed at hobbyists.
Now we’re seeing the rise of Chinese off-brands— oddly named companies selling dirt-cheap markers. They spring up like mushrooms and disappear over night, appealing to bargain hunters on Amazon and Temu.
Of this latest marker generation, Ohuhu seems to be the brand with the most staying power. They definitely have the largest marketing budget.
What makes me a marker expert?
I’m a professional technical illustrator working with art markers since 1989. I’ve used DeSign, Chartpak, Pantone-Letraset, early Prismacolor, and Copic Markers. My work has appeared in text books, educational materials, and marketing print media.
Are Ohuhu Markers as good as they claim?
I’ll admit, I’m totally biased.
I work with markers for a living. I’ve used them in professional studios. I use them for freelance and personal projects, and for the last decade, I’ve taught artistic marker classes using fine art techniques borrowed from oil paint and watercolors.
I can’t mess around with badly made markers. It’s not worth my time.
But Ohuhu is on the rise— they’re everywhere on YouTube and social media and I’ve got students begging to use them in my classes.
So this old dog bought herself a full set of 320 Ohuhu Honolulu Markers. I’m testing them for ease of use, layerability, lightfastness, cap accuracy… All of the things I ask of a Copic, I’m asking of Ohuhu. It’s time to put up or shut up.
Are Ohuhu Markers a quality product?
Can you get good blends from Ohuhu Markers?
Are Ohuhu Markers a bargain or are they a waste of your precious money?
Let’s find out.
UPDATE: JANUARY 2024
I’ve tested the entire collection of 320 Ohuhu colors but I’m halting all future articles.
Why?
Because Ohuhu has demostrated atrocious fade rates, incredibly stubborn inks, and truly incomprehensible labelling system.
I do not want to waste time writing 320 negative reviews about yet another failed color test.
Every color seems worse than the last and I’m out of synonyms for OMG-WTF-Why??? This is not a serious marker company and they do not deserve my efforts. I wanted to be able to say “Hey, if you’re new to makers and want to try an inexpensive brand before you invest a ton of money, try these.”
No. Absolutely not.
These markers are not worth my time and they’re not worth your money.
“Flamin’ S’mores” a Copic Marker illustration by the author, Amy Shulke, 2023. Size: 12x12 inches on Strathmore Bristol. Additional details added with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils.
Ohuhu Marker Test Results
We swatch and test Ohuhu Marker inks, helping you understand the behavioral characteristics of your marker colors.
I’ve lightfast tested the entire Ohuhu Honolulu collection but I will not be releasing further test results. See above for the “January 2024 Update” with a complete explanation.
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