Craft Elevation: Must-Have Art Markers for Every Artist

If you’re looking for special drawing markers, look no further. Many artist markers are on the market, and not all of them are worth spending on. 

But there’s something for every budget, and this guide will help you find the best art markers for you! 

Markers serve a wide variety of needs for both artists and creative professionals. They’re perfect for drawing, creating comics, manga, and more. 

All sorts of professions use art markets. Professionals ranging from designers to architects all need markers from time to time. 

And that’s because markers are so distinctive, fun, and bold. They’re super easy to use, and you don’t need specific skills. Plus, they’re low-maintenance, portable, and don’t make a mess.

Anyone can get started using art markers and create some amazing artwork! 

Whether you’re after the best markers for illustration, design, or another use, read on! I’ll show you how to find the best markers and what to look for when shopping around. I’ll share some of my favorite drawing markers in the reviews! 

So, let’s get stuck in and help you find the perfect markers for your needs.

Buying Guide to the Best Color Markers for Artists

Have you ever wondered which markers to use or which markers artists use?

Here’s a quick guide you can use to ensure you’re buying the right type of markers. There are a lot of factors to consider, and it can get pretty confusing. 

I’ve explained what to look out for when buying art markers so that you can feel confident in your choice.

What Ink Do the Markers Have?

There are two main types of art markers to choose between. You can either go for alcohol-based or water-based markers. Each type of ink has pros and cons, so here’s a quick summary of what you need to know.

Alcohol-based markers tend to be permanent and resistant to smudging. As a result, you can get a clean, crisp drawing with vivid colors. 

Mixing and layer colors are also simple, and the alcohol-based ink is normally waterproof. 

But there are some drawbacks. For one thing, these markers tend to be very smelly. The strong odor can be overwhelming if you work in a small, non-ventilated space.

Also, alcohol-based markers tend to bleed through the paper to the other side. So, they don’t work as well in sketchbooks and some types of paper.

In contrast, water-based markers are generally safer, non-toxic, and odorless. But they don’t tend to hold up so well over time, as the ink can fade, and it’s not waterproof. 

Water-based ink tends to dry quickly, but it’s not as permanent and smudges easily. It’s also not so gentle on your paper fibers and can wear them away. 

A third, less common option is solvent-based markers. While these markers produce brilliant colors, they smell more than alcohol-based ones. For this reason, they’re not as popular or commonly found.

Range of Colors 

One of the most obvious things to consider is the range of colors you’ll get. How many different shades are included, and is there a good mix? 

Generally, the more colors, the better, as you can create vibrant and varied artwork. 

But you should also pay attention to the pigmentation of the markers. Fully saturated markers will produce eye-catching drawings and won’t look washed out. It’s best to invest in quality markers that look great. 

Lightfastness

As I mentioned earlier, some inks will last longer than others. If you want your drawings to stand the test of time, you should look for lightfast ink. 

This means that your designs won’t fade when sunlight exposes. If this is a priority for you, avoid any water-based markers as they fade quickly. 

How Long The Markers Will Last

Some markers can dry out quickly if you don’t use them all the time. So, if you only plan to use your markers occasionally, you should look for long-lasting ones. You don’t want to invest in professional art markers only to find that they’ve dried up when you need them.

Marker Nibs

We all remember drawing with felt-tip pens when we were kids, right? If you pressed too hard, you’d bend the tip or squash it down. Then, the pens wouldn’t work properly anymore.

You don’t want that to happen with your expensive art markers. That’s why looking for durable, sturdy pens that will stand up to regular use is essential. 

There are three main types of marker tips:

• Chisel tip markers
• Brush tipped markers 
• Fine tip markers

You’ll need to pick the right type depending on the type of drawings you’ll make. For instance, you’re best off with a fine-tipped marker for intricate details. 

But for shading large areas, a brush-tipped marker is more effective. 

Chisel tips are also very versatile, making them a good choice for all sorts of artwork. You can use them for highlighting, drawing, and illustration.

You should find out whether a certain type of marker is suitable for frequent, heavy use. Some pens are designed for more delicate, light work. 

Knowing that from the beginning will help you to choose the best markers for your needs. You can even find dual-tipped markers, allowing for even more flexibility in how you can work.

User-Friendly Markers 

If you’re splashing out on markers for drawing, you want them to feel great in use. The ink should flow smoothly and consistently, applying nicely to the paper. 

They should feel comfortable in your hand, glide across the paper, and lay down color evenly. Basically, you want an amazing experience with your new art markers.

Also, you can apply more or less pressure to control with the best markers. That allows you to create shading effects and even create thinner or thicker lines.

Good-quality markers will make drawing effortless and enjoyable. 

Are the Markers Refillable?

With some markers, you can replace the nibs when they run low on ink. Not only is this kind to your wallet, but it’s also great for the environment. It cuts down on single-use plastics ending up as waste products. 

So, you could consider going for refillable markers. You’ll also save some cash and do your bit for the planet. 

Price & Your Budget

There are so many different types of artist markers available for you to choose between. While it can be overwhelming, the good news is that there’s something for every budget. 

And this guide will help you decide what the best art markers for you are! You’ll find everything from budget markets for kids to high-end markers for the pros.

But you can find quality markers at lower prices if you also know what to look for. 

The Best Professional Art Markers: Reviews

Here’s my roundup of the top artist’s markers you can buy. Whether you need the best markers for illustration, coloring, or comic art, you’ll find them here!

Copic Premium

Best Set of Premium Markers 

(Image credit: Copic)

Copic is the gold standard when it comes to professional markers. This brand comes from Japan and is commonly recognized as some of the best markers money can buy. 

This set contains an excellent range of 72 different colors. So, you’ll be kitted out and ready to create any kind of drawing you can imagine! 

These superb markers are also refillable with replaceable nibs. While they don’t come cheap, they’re a fantastic investment and should last a long time. 

(Image credit: Copic)

The alcohol-based ink is vibrant and permanent and shouldn’t fade over time. If you’re looking for high-end markers, you won’t go wrong with this set of Copic art markers! 

Pros:

• Fantastic quality 
• These markers are non-toxic and permanent
• The alcohol-based ink makes them easy to blend
• You get a wide range of 70+ different colors

Cons:

• They’re not cheap – not a good choice for anyone on a budget

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Amazon

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Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended

Best Minimalist Set

(Image credit: Prismacolor)

If you want a small set of markers to start, pick up this fantastic Prismacolor set. Remember that it’s quality over quantity, and these are some of the best on the market. 

Within this set, you get 12 excellent dual-tipped markers. It contains all the common colors you’ll need, each with a fine tip and a thick chisel tip. So, there’s everything you need to get started! 

These markers are versatile enough for any artwork. You can create designed details and cover large areas with the thick tip. 

As they’re alcohol-based, the colors come out rich, consistent, and vibrant. They’re fully saturated, and the ink flows smoothly for a flawless result.

But most importantly, they’re manufactured in the US to the highest standards.

Pros:

• These art markers are richly pigmented for bright, vibrant drawings
• The alcohol-based ink flows smoothly and is blendable
• Each pen has a fine tip and a thick chisel tip

Cons:

• They’re not the cheapest markers out there
• The ink bleeds through most types of paper

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Amazon

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Copic Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set, Skin Tones

Best Skin Tone Markers

(Image credit: Copic)

If you like to draw portraits, you’ve probably encountered a common problem. Skin tone markers are rare and hard to find.

But this set solves that problem. It contains six different skin tones that cover all the shades. You’re not limited to peaches and pinks. So, you can reflect a greater diversity in your artwork. You can even blend the shades to get a wider range of skin colors. 

(Image credit: Copic)

Copic has a highly respected reputation for producing top-quality markers. So, you can be sure that you’re getting superb markers when you buy this set. 

And while they’re not cheap, it’s worth investing in some realistic skin tones. The markers are acid-free, so they’re gentle on your sketchbooks. And you can swap out the nibs when they run low, so these markers should last even longer.

Pros:

• This set contains six different skin tones
• They’re realistic and have a good range of shades
• Copic is one of the best brands of art markers
• The ink is non-toxic and acid-free
• They have refillable nibs

Cons:

• This set is quite expensive for just six markers

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Amazon

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Arteza Everblend Art Markers, Set of 60 Colors

Best Portable Set

(Image credit: Arteza)

If you’re looking for a large set of high-quality alcohol-based art markers, snap this one up! 

Arteza markers produce rich, saturated colors and have non-toxic ink. And with 60 markers in this set, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to what you can create.

These markers are versatile, as each one has both a fine tip and a chisel tip. That gives you more options and allows you to get really creative.

(Image credit: Arteza)

You can use these markers for all sorts of art, and they even draw on many different materials. That includes plastic, wood, glass, and canvas – take your pick! 

Finally, the markers are a useful case you can carry anywhere. It has a handle and a long strap, making it easy to take with you.

Pros:

• 60 bright, vivid colors
• Each marker has a chisel tip and a fine tip
• You can draw intricate details and thicker lines with ease
• This set comes in a portable case with a carrying handle and strap

Cons:

• They’re quite expensive – but still great value

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Amazon

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Blick Studio Brush Markers and Sets

Best Brush Marker Set

(Image credit: Blick)

Blick produces high-quality art supplies, and these markers are no different. 

They provide plenty of bang for your buck, each with a dual tip. There is a chisel tip at one end and a brush tip at the other. 

So, they’re easy to use to get your desired effect. You can produce thin and thick lines quickly and effectively. 

These markers are also water-resistant and fade-resistant. So, your drawings should last long and not get smudged, smeared, or washed out. 

(Image credit: Blick)

The ergonomic design is also a smart addition. Each pen has a flat edge so it stays where you put it and won’t roll away. They feel comfortable in hand, and the ink applies smoothly to the page. 

As art markers go, these are reasonably priced. Even better, they are refillable, which can save you even more money in the long term.

Blick has sets ranging from minimal to maximalist.  You can buy a small pack of 6 markers or go all out and treat yourself to 96 markers in every color of the rainbow. Either way, you won’t regret going for these fab Blick markers.

Pros:

• These alcohol-based markers are resistant to water and fading
• They produce bright, vibrant colors
• You can choose the size of pack you want
• Each marker is dual-tipped, making them practical and versatile
• High-quality & good value for money

Cons:

• The markers do have quite a strong smell

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Blick

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Shuttle Art 51 Colors Dual Tip Alcohol Based Art Markers

Best Budget Set

(Image credit: Shuttle)

This affordable set from Shuttle Art is a great choice if you’re shopping for a budding artist. It includes 51 different shades, providing plenty of inspiration for any artist. 

Each pen has a triangular shape that fits perfectly in your hand. So, drawing is fun and comfortable. But this unique design also has another benefit – the pens don’t roll off the table when you put them down. Little touches like this make a real difference to your experience.

The markers are suitable for beginners and experienced artists. They blend beautifully so that you can build up layers without any unwanted streaks.

Image credit: Shuttle)

These pens don’t produce a strong odor, and the ink is non-toxic. So you can hand these markers to the children in your life with no health and safety worries. And as the ink is also acid-free, it’s gentle on your paper.

Kids will love the bright, vivid colors and the case that keeps them neat and tidy. But anyone on a budget will also appreciate the low cost and overall quality.

Although they’re child-friendly, that doesn’t mean they’re low-quality. Experienced artists will appreciate the dual tips and blendability. 

These markers allow you to create amazing art without blowing your savings. 

Pros:

• Great art markers for children 
• They’re bright, fun, and comfortable to hold, thanks to the triangular design
• The ink is acid-free and non-toxic
• It comes in a useful zippered case to keep your pens tidy

Cons:

• They’re not the most durable or lightfast markers

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Amazon

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Caliart Dual Tip Art Markers

Best Dual Tipped

(Image credit: Caliart)

If you’re looking for a complete set of art markers, snap up this 100-piece bundle from Caliart. Within, you’ll find 100 dual-tipped art markers in every shade you can imagine! 

These markers have a fine tip and a thicker tip. So, they’re very flexible, and you can choose whichever tip works best. Opt for the thick tip if you need to color in a large area. But when you’re working on tiny details, you can swap it to the fine tip instead. 

These markers are perfect for illustration, comics, hand-lettering, and more. 

These pens are smudge-proof and waterproof. So, you can rest assured that your hard work won’t get ruined. You also get a colorless blender for a smooth blending of different shades. 

All the pens come neatly packed in a zippered carry case. So once you’re done for the day, just pack them away, and you’ll always know where to find them. 

The case makes it easy to keep them together and take them with you anywhere you like. Plus, the colored lids allow you to find the right shade with a glance. 

The wide range of colors and the high quality make this set a fantastic gift for a loved one (or yourself!) 

Pros:

• You get a fantastic range of 100 colored markers
• It also includes a colorless marker for effective blending
• They come portable and organized in a neat zippered case
• Color-coded caps make it easy to find the right pen
• Each pen has a fine and thick tip for choosing between

Cons:

• The case isn’t very sturdy and durable 

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Amazon

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Croma Brush Dual Tip Markers

Best Gray & Neutral Toned Professional Markers

(Image credit: Croma)

Sometimes, you don’t need a ton of brightly colored markers. If you work in monochrome, then you’ll love this set of markets! 

It’s especially suited to manga, comic artists, or anyone looking for neutral skin tones. Each pen has a dual tip with a brush and chisel tip. It applies effortlessly and can be blended smoothly, and it’s easy to cover large areas using the soft brush tip. 

This set provides 36 different shades, ranging from pale to dark gray. It’s not easy to find such a wide variety of grayscale colors for realistic artwork and nuanced images.

Plus, they’re fantastic to work with and blend seamlessly for a superior result. They also don’t have a nasty odor or produce any headaches.

Croma uses some of the best-quality nibs you’ll find anywhere, imported from Japan. These nibs are more durable and should last much longer than your average art marker.

They’ve also taken care of the design, creating a pen with curves designed to fit perfectly in your hand. They’re ergonomic, compact, and easy to open. 

It’s hard to find any faults with this set, but they don’t come cheap. But they’re worth every penny you spend on these outstanding art markers. 

Pros:

• These pens feel luxurious and premium 
• They have a comfortable ergonomic design
• It’s rare to find such varied shades of gray
• The nibs are durable, high-quality, and long-lasting

Cons:

• These markers are more expensive (but worth the price)

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Amazon

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Ohuhu Double Tipped Markers

Best Affordable Dual Tipped Markers 

(Image credit: Ohuhu)

If you’re looking for an affordable set of artist markers, check out this great deal from Ohuhu. 

You get 80 different markets for a very reasonable price when you buy this pack. But what makes it an even more attractive deal is that each of those markers is double-tipped. 

What that means is that each pen has two nibs. You get a thin nib for fine lines and a thick chisel nib for highlighting or shading big areas. 

So, that gives you more control over your drawings and allows you to create the exact design you had in mind.

Image credit: Ohuhu)

These pens dry fast and blend smoothly for a beautiful result. So, your illustrations will look amazing! 

Grab this set for new or intermediate artists who love drawing bold, bright designs! 

Pros:

• A fantastic beginner set
• It’s a very affordable price
• You can blend different colors together
• You get 80 beautiful shades to create any kind of image you like

Cons:

• The markers can bleed through your paper

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Amazon

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Artify Artist Art Marker Set

Best Professional Markers

(Image credit: Artify)

If you’re looking for professional art markers, check out this set from Artify. It contains a decent collection of 40 dual-tipped markers in vibrant colors. 

The shades are true to life and cover the whole rainbow. So, there are no limits to what you can draw with these markers. 

They’re excellent for beginners and more experienced artists. The ink flows smoothly, and you can get a good, comfortable grip thanks to the triangular design. Plus, you can take your pick from the fine nib or the chisel nib, depending on what you’re creating.

These pens come packed in a plastic case that is sturdy enough to hold them upright. Combined with the color-coded caps, that makes it easy to grab the marker you want next. No need to search through them all the time! 

Artify alcohol-based art markets are another great option for any artist on a budget. 

Pros:

• This set contains 40 dual-tipped markers in fantastic colors
• Each one has a fine and thicker tip for all your drawing needs
• They come in a durable, sturdy case
• The color-coded caps make it easy to grab the one you want

Cons:

• They’re not as high-quality as Copic and other premium markers

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Amazon

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The Wrap Up

There you have a complete guide to the best markers for coloring and illustration! Whatever project you’re working on will surely find some great markers on this list.

There’s something for every budget, skill level, and preference. So, take your pick, and let me know which set is your favorite in the comments below! 

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