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.
Learn about B140 Aquamarine, a medium blue Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Learn more about BG4 Mint Blue, a blue-green Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Learn about BG050, a cool gray Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Learn more about Ohuhu E080 “Praline”. Is this a high-quality alcohol marker or does it fade? We test Ohuhu inks for Lightfastness, layering, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com
Learn more about G7 Chromium Oxide Green, a deep green Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Ohuhu Marker PB3 Cobalt Blue. We swatch and test Ohuhu inks- stain, lift, value, lightfastness, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Learn more about R3 Coral Red, a warm red Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Learn about R13 Clematis, a badly numbered Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Learn about R18 Pastel Peach, a peachy flesh toned Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Ohuhu Marker R080 Cherry Pink. We swatch and test Ohuhu inks- stain, lift, value, lightfastness, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Learn about RV070 Sakura Pink, a bright pink Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Learn about V050 Pearl Violet, a medium violet Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Learn about V340 Lavender Blue, a light gray-violet Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Learn about Y030 Lemon Chiffon, a light yellow Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
Ohuhu Marker Y070 Acid Yellow. We swatch and test Ohuhu inks- stain, lift, value, lightfastness, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Ohuhu Marker YG080 Yellow Gray 08. We swatch and test Ohuhu inks- stain, lift, value, lightfastness, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to blend alcohol ink markers.
Learn about YR190 Cadmium Orange, a medium orange Ohuhu Marker. We swatch and test Ohuhu colors- layering, staining, lift, value, lightfastness, saturation, and cap accuracy. | MarkerNovice.com | How to color with alcohol markers
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