One of my FAVORITE art supplies

They make you feel like a kid again, but fancier

Since I posted about my 100 Day Project, I’ve had a lot of people ask what paint I use. Almost all my art was created with alcohol markers. They are my go-to. Markers are not what they used to be. During lockdown, my daughter discovered all the artists on YouTube doing drawing sessions. They were all using these markers. I had no idea what they were. For her birthday, her grandmother gifted her a monster pack of Bianyo Markers. Well, I should say she gifted them to me because I fell in love.

Alcohol markers are perfect for achieving vibrant colors that dry quickly. They're portable and offer both smooth, even coverage and the ability to layer for shading. Some even come with a clear blender marker to experiment with. In some of my pieces, I used a dot technique to create a paint-like texture. The colors slightly bleed into one another. They’re especially fun to play with in a sketchbook (but you do have to sacrifice the back of the page since they bleed through). I use four different brands I can tell you about.

Here’s how I evaluate these magical markers:

1. How smoothly the color applies

2. Price

3. Whether the cap color matches the ink (creates the extra step of testing color)

4. Colors

Copic: Often considered the cream of the crop, these Japanese alcohol markers offer incredibly smooth application. They’re available in curated 6-pack color palettes that are a delight to use. The cap colors are true to the ink, and what really pulls me in are the unique shades you can purchase individually. That said, they’re expensive. Still, they win for the most distinctive and beautiful colors. ($6 a piece or $24 for a set of 6 curated colors)

Bianyo: Smooth on paper and far more affordable. The downside? You have to buy them in large sets, so you’ll likely end up with colors you won’t use often - and you can’t buy individual replacements, which is frustrating. The caps match fairly well, with a few exceptions. Overall, Bianyo offers the best value for the price and is my favorite for everyday art. (75 markers for around $35)

Ohuhu: These markers pack a punch with bright, bold colors, though they’re not quite as smooth. On textured paper, the ink can catch in spots. The curated sets offer a good range of values, and there are some hidden gems. The caps don’t always match the ink, so you might be surprised once it’s on the page. Bonus: they work surprisingly well on fabric. If you love vivid color, Ohuhu is a solid, budget-friendly choice.
(48 markers for around $25)

Tombow: Beloved for good reason. These have fine tips and flexible brush ends that are great for detailed work. They don’t apply as evenly over large areas - on textured paper, the color can appear patchy. Still, they’re fun to use, come in well-curated color packs, and the caps match closely. Tombows win for most fun to use in everyday life—they have made my bullet journal beautiful. Note: these are water-based. ($15 for a set of 10 curated colors)

Speaking of fabric, I recently learned you can use alcohol markers on fabric and drip alcohol over your linework to create a watercolor-like effect. The ink is permanent and dyes the fabric beautifully. Here's a bag I tried in an art class I took…

Used the Ohuhu markers. Their vibrant color pops on fabric.

As you can see, these babies will spark your creativity. They are fun to experiment with and easy to keep in your bag. They make you feel like a kid again, but fancier.

Do you use a different brand of alcohol marker? Or have any tips to add? I would love to hear about it in the comments. Please share! I love trying a new art supply.

Until next time✨,
Kim