Marty, I just want to congratulate you on your viewership. I see so many channels that get thumbs-down on a regular basis (for no apparent reason other than being trolls); I see negative, unsupportive comments; off topic disgruntled bickering... You have none of that. In fact your viewers offer spot in comments!! You have a great channel here!!! Yay!! Thanks!!
+Windkisssed Hi Lauri - Thank you very much for mentioning this. I think that has everything do with the great subscribers, like you. I just feel really humbled by the support and maturity with which people respond on the channel. I'm so happy you're here and that we can all share information and the Artistic journey. I hope you have a GREAT day, you made mine! - Marty
+Windkisssed you'r wright. Can't people just enjoy the review and the time and money people spent on this? Instead of trolling, they just have to give critique to make the reviews in the future better. For example, you'r music at start is to loud, your speech volume is to low or its to dark recorded etc...
I have used the windsor and newton marker paper that is for promarker and I think it is plastic impregnated because the colors are re-wetable indefinitely and it dose not buckle with alcohol markers. I have not tired these yet but I thought they would be like a gouache because they are opaque. Hey, thanks for the shout, they are on my "to try" list.
+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich and +Owings Art ... what do you two think of Yupo paper then? I'd love to know as I'm not warming to it at all. Thank you! edit... asking questions before watching the video is silly really! lol :)
If you write to Winsor and Newton regarding their Pigment Marker Paper pads, they may send you a sample pad, but I'm not a big fan of the Pigment Marker paper, even with the intended markers. Right now, I'm excited about how these handle on vellum- it's just a matter of getting the video recorded and up. This was a great video by the way- I was so excited to hear that these are neither water nor what we think of as alcohol- it changes how artists handle the markers, and what pens are compatible with them.
+Becca Hillburn Thanks for the notes Becca. I tried mixing them with other markers and had some success, but it wasn't a perfect process and I might have been mishandling them. At any rate, I'm no marker expert, but wanted to give them a try anyway because I love W&N products for the most part. Hope you have better luck than I did. - Marty
My American friend bought me some of these when she flew out to see me in the UK before Christmas. I had none of the paper but what I discovered was that you definitely need to use the specified paper to get the best results. They are disappointing on most other papers when compared. You will notice a difference on the Winsor and Newton paper. Tracing paper or yupo or foam board may provide a reasonable secondary platform.
I was going to buy a set of these, and I'm glad you did this review. I don't recall you ever being this frustrated with an art supply before. I have the full set of watercolor markers from winsor&newton that I liked a lot, and I was hoping that I'd like the pigment markers as much. Now if only W&N will extend the watercolor markers to 120 colors, I'll be happy to buy.
+Assaf Shtilman Hi Assaf - I agree 100% on the W&N watercolors and I am hoping very much, as you are, that they add additional colors. Yes, I was a bit disappointed by these Pigment markers and my expectations were higher. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment! - Marty
The markers aren't really meant to be used on normal sketch paper, they work best on the W&N marker paper, Yupo or Vellum. Papers with slick surfaces. If you do use them on the papers mentioned, you can actually go back and activate them days later. I've done that. I left one of my tests for 2 weeks, went back with one of their blenders and it worked perfectly fine. There's a youtuber named Debby Hughes, she tested them out on a few different papers (she has 2 videos actually). One thing she found is that you can actually scrub them onto say an acrylic block or a palette and then use them like paints.
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich She tried it on the W&N paper and vellum paper. Then there were some stamping papers. I have them, personally speaking, I think they work wonderfully but hey, that's just me.
I saw a video from a crafting artist and she used the markers on her sketchbook pre-coated with gesso and the pigments blended equally well as when used on the W&N paper.
Hi Janet - Thanks for the note. I saw the same at a demo. They're a bit expensive, you have to use special paper or gesso your own AND there are other comparable products that might work better. The big selling feature here is longevity (100 yrs) for me, and I'm not sure marker work for me needs to last that long. I need to give them more work to get used to them. :-) ~Marty
Thanks for a thoughtful review. I appreciated that you included thoughts about chemical analysis- always important for working artists. I am looking for supplies that have good longevity, so I may try these out.
+Brian Kilpatrick Thanks for the note Brian. Yes, I think the lightfastness on these is excellent, but there were a few too many negatives for me to recommend them after a first pass. Then again, it's only one guys opinion and certainly there are other Artist's who like them. The tough part was I usually love anything the W&N puts out. Thanks for checking out the video. - Marty
Are these similar to the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Brush Pens? I love the Pitt Pens and would like to add some more colours to my collection, and these have so many colours, so it might be great to combine them.
Yeah copics are ethanol based as well just read the MSDS for copic markers but I have a question, Can they be used with copics or other alcohol markers? I have a few pigment markers and copics that I really want to use together but I don't want to destroy my expensive markers, I know this is over a year old but I can't find any information online about whether or not they can blend together, the dye vs pigment is what has me a bit worrisome and I don't know what to do, was about to run to the art store and grab a bunch of grey toned pigment markers because I'm working with a few cool grey WN promarkers and I'd really love to mix them but I don't have the money to risk it
Hi Marty, since i saw these markers for the first time i was a bit confused about them and couldn't find out what they are made for. As another subscriber wrote: i really wanted to like these, but there's so much going against them. I really love the design of these markers though, this futuristic shape. I'm very much looking forward to your review of water brushes! I have a small and medium Pentel Aquash water brush which i really like to use. The Caran D'Ache water brushes look interesting... greetings from Germany!
+Anja Meurer Hi Anja - I agree with you and I really wanted to like them as well. I love the W&N watercolor makers and I think my expectations were high for these, maybe at least comparable to Copic. Sadly they are not close. Maybe they're just too different for me and I need to get used to them. Water brushes are coming up this week and an announcement on the give away. I hope you have some more room in your house! :-) - Marty
+Owings Art oh, a giveaway, how nice! My house is small but yes, a little space is still there :-). I still need to try the Winsor & Newton watercolour markers; bought a small set last year...
Fantastic review Marty, I've seen these markers about on various site and liked the look of them, but obviously seeing your review I think I'll stay clear of them. I think them not being refillable is a big negative. I've spent a lot on art supplies over the last year or so, but I now have them pretty much for life, be it replacing individual colouring pencils as opposed to getting a new set when one colour runs out, or in the case of my Copic Markers which I've just purchased, refills are going to be more than enough for my needs. All the very best Marty mate and talk to you soon.
I think, although I'm very new to Copic Markers and I love them already, I would like to try the new Chameleon Markers, they look absolutely outstanding.
+Coloured Pencil Reviews Hi Harry - Makes perfect sense to me. I think the industry really needs to try harder if they're going to knock the Copic's off the top of the list. These just didn't stack up and I won't buy any more. I'm not a Marker Artist, so I might be missing something, but these really aren't much competition for Faber-Castell, Copic or even Tombow's, in my opinion.
Thanks for this review! I'am so glad I saw this and come here when I'm eyeing a new product, as I was looking at maybe getting some as an alternative to Copic, but now I will be saving for something else. I have serious health problems so I do pay attention to getting quality stuff, I really hate it when companies don't disclose everything as it makes it harder to know what's safest to use. Thanks again for saving me money and from making a bad choice that I would regret! As always much appreciated Marty! Take care.
+Hermione Jarvis Hi Hermione - I'm happy this was informative to you and I'm really glad it was timely. No sense spending money on things you don't need or want. - Marty
I'm glad that you kept this really honest! I've looked into them a little bit as a person who likes using markers, but like you said, there's a lot of gimmicks with them, including the fact that they're such a specialized medium. I mean, I've seen them on the specific W&N paper . . . they're great there . . . but when you compare them to the other W&N markers, like the Promarkers and Watercolor markers, they're just not as impressive. I dunno. I think the idea is impressive, but it needs more work. (Also - marketing idea: don't make a product that requires special paper to preform at their best. If I can't use them with my cheap marker paper then I don't want 'em!)
They're not alcohol based?? Ethanol is alcohol specifically it's the type of alcohol people drink, I don't know for a fact but I'm pretty sure if you look up the ingredients in a copic it would say ethanol and not alcohol
it was good to hear your opinion about them and well i admit, it kinda itches me to try them once but regarding the price and all the negative critiques i'm reading, i'd rather spend my money on sth else also i havent really seen any real good artwork with them where i thought i really need this product and using them without the special paper is kinda pointless but the paper is really really thin so that's another no go for me
Can't wait till they're available in Australia! You can never have too many markers :) Looking forward to the white blender... sounds really interesting. edit (commented before watching... again! lol) - I thought they were going to be more like acrylic paint pens. I guess it depends what you're going to use the markers for. I won't rush but might get them one day still - the Derwent Graphiks are really cool. Have you tried them yet?
Hi Marty! Thanks for an honest in-depth review. I've not tried these markers, and as much as I like most W&N products, I shan't be spending my money on these. If they can only perform on special paper, they aren't for me - I like to be able to use my markers on a variety of paper. Sure, Copics will bleed through most non-bleed proof paper, but you can still use them and blend them on these papers (you just won't be able to draw on the reverse) - this doesn't seem to be the case with these. They looked simply awful on 'regular' paper. Such a shame - I really wanted to like these. - - - A little side note - you always call the Strathmore 400 series paper, their "best paper". Do you mean that as in your own personal opinion, since there is also the 500 series? I use both 400 and 500, but I like 500 better, especially their hardbound sketchbooks. I also REALLY like the Windmill Series, being a bit of an eco warrior. AND it's a GREAT paper! :)
+Anonymous Hi A - Yes I think I'm confusing the paper description. It's listed as "Series 400 Best", so that's what I've been saying. However, they do make the 500 series which is actually better as you point out above. I've tried the Windmill a while back and the paper wasn't heavy enough for me (just my preference), but I liked it for graphite pencil work. I completely agree with you about the Copic's. They are superior in almost every aspect. The Japanese really know how to make a great product and it shows in the Copics. Their competitors are going to have to create something spectacular if they want to compete. These were awful on regular paper and not that great on Yupo, they're very niche as far as I can tell. Thanks for the thoughts as always! Have a great day! - Marty
I had two problems with these markers both perhaps not huge problem, but I was using my usual canson mixed media sketchbook and I couldn't blend with them because I found a nice even color started tearing up my paper. On another type of paper they're probably fine but thats what I had. The otehr problem I had was more of the design of the inside of the caps, they have ridges (that doesn't quite describe them) whereas copics had a smooth plastic on the inside of the cap, and if i'm working very quickly as I was when I was using my two markers of this brand the nib caught on one of the ridges inside the cap and sliced right through the nib basically destroying its potential to make nice even lines for now on. What's funny it I never noticed this little difference between copic and these markers until this happened. So if you get lost in your flow like I do be mindful so you don't destroy your nibs. :(
+Dandy Serenity Thanks Dandy. I agree on all your points and that just makes my non-recommendation more reasonable. I like most everything W&N makes, these just didn't quite stack up for me. Thanks for your comments, much appreciated. - Marty
That's right... I noticed those ridges!!!! HUGE defect!! I noticed it on all of the displays and then when I got home I actually did it too! Thanks for mentioning that. Terrible design. I know it's meant to preserve the tip, but very difficult to avoid. Lauri
Indeed. Something that I just wanted to point out too though Prismacolors and Touch markers also have a smooth interior on the caps as well, while they have their pros and cons as well I just wanted to throw those out there as copic alternatives that also perhaps thought of the issue we experienced with these W&N markers.
I really wanted to like these, but there's so much going against them. No refills, you have to use specialty paper to get good results, no brush tips, they're expensive as hell, and on top of everything they're so streaky. Good try W&N, but these need to be rethought a little before they try to price them at the same price point as a Copic or Molotow.
+GummyTumor Agreed! Glad to hear your thoughts on these. And that's exactly why I just couldn't recommend these upon my initial try. I need to give them another try though. - Marty
GummyTumor actually any non absorbent paper will work, even the shiny side of poster board works. Vellum also works well. And they blend okay on wet watercolor paper
I agree, except for the streakyness. just coloring something in with one colour is indeed streaky, but once you start using the technique you can get beautiful results. Lachri fine art has some almost photorealistic drawings with them.
Thanks for the honest review. I will be happily sticking with my Copics, I love them and I don't need anything to be lightfast for 100 years so no worries there. . . Lol!
+Maureen Hayes MAUREEN - You're BACK!!! I sent you a message, but never heard back. Just hoping you were doing well and missed you on the channel. Hope all is well and please drop me a line. Have a great day!!! - Marty
I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the look of the white blender... I guess true to it's name, it actually has white pigment? So it doesn't just blend, it also seems to add a whitening effect.
i use markers on an almost daily basis. I have all kinds. Copics ,Winsor Newton Watercolor markers, The new and old Windsor newton / let reset pro markers and aqua markers. Paint markers, Ink markers I would never spend the money for these markers. I usually buy all the new markers to give them a try but for this price I wouldn't go there. Shannon
+Art Junkie Thanks for the note Shannon. I consider you a, "Marker" expert so I value your opinion on all things marker related. In the end, I just couldn't recommend these. They're kind of expensive, not refillable and I'm not too sure about the methanol as a dispersing agent for the pigments. I need to keep working with them. - Marty
The paper does matter. The people at blick art suggested yupo paper and the back side of marker paper the canson or the bee brand but the back side i guess or buy the windsor stuff. If you have the marker paper laying about use that what I've done works dandy.
+Owings Art yep. Same as their watercolor markers, and now their Promarkers they took over for Letraset, they all require testing on different paper surfaces if you choose not to go with the ones they specifically make for each marker. Copic users will know that they can't just use Copics on drawing paper or watercolor paper and expect the same effect as when used on marker papers. The art stores around me have sample paper to try out the markers on and it really does change how it works. No streaks is the first thing you notice. Second is how they move around the paper like its a layer of paint. I personally don't have these markers but definitely wouldn't turn them down if someone gave them to me. (Unlike the W&N Pigment Sticks... NOT a fan). Hope you're doing well Marty! Long time!!!
+My Panda Paints Hi Panda - Sure, I understand. Still though, after using them on their paper, I was a little disappointed with the lack of vibrancy. They just aren't for me. Others may enjoy them though. I probably need to give them a second chance.
+Owings Art I forgot that you love bright colors! :) hehe. I don't mind different palettes and I'm always the experimenter. So that's probably why I wouldn't mind it. Though since I don't have any, I don't know for sure if I'd like it or not. Haha hope you're doing great!!!
We do agree on this review too... While I was at Blick I saw their display and picked up a color, a white and a blender. After trying them like you did, I found i just didn't get anything out of them. I have viewed a really good review of them with a variety of papers including W&N paper. ua-cam.com/video/q0BYb96RnLg/v-deo.html. I'm not much of a marker blender either... I enjoy very fine tip pens for coloring. But that's about it. Thanks for another great one Marty!! Lauri
+Windkisssed I watched Debby's review and a few others before I reviewed them myself to get an idea of uses. I just didn't have a good experience with these. It's not like Winsor & Newton aren't putting out great stuff, I love their Watercolor Markers and most everything else they make for that matter. I was just really disappointed with these Lauri. I was hoping for much better. Still I might be missing something. - Marty
+Owings Art I don't think you're missing anything. I believe it's a great marketing approach- you need to buy THEIR paper for the highest quality outcome... Perfect! I have the Spectrum Nois set and I tried really hard to get into the marker fun. But I have to say, I totally suck at blending. I know Copics are better for blending but as you know... I like my collections...and even I can't get the entire Copic line!! 😗. So I just threw in the towel for that area of art. As I mentioned earlier, I do love the fine tip markers like Sakura microns and such. I get pleasure from that type of use as in coloring (Gelly's too for that matter!!). Nice to hear you did your research before-hand. Always great reviews!!! Thanks again!! Lauri
Windkisssed Thanks Lauri. I'm the same way when it comes to collections. I can't afford the Copic collection, but I have amassed about 100 of them over the years. I don't mind the cost though, because they're refillable, so I get continual re-use. I also love the Sakura microns, which are great. Happy Sunday! - Marty
You haven't rated something that low since you reviewed the Prismacolor Verithins. Shows you even the greatest companies can make disappointing products. Hey, when will you start the giveaway contest? I know you're busy with life, but I am just curious and broke. lol
+SuperFlawless9 Ha! The countdown is already on. I think by the end of the week I'll be making some announcements on the giveaway, so stay tuned. :-) Yeah, these pigment markers just aren't worth the money for and I can't recommend them. That said, I need to give them a second chance.- Peace! - Marty
+Owings Art I saw the title and got so hyped for some more types of Winsor & Newton markers, but then after you started making critiques, I started awkwardly frowning. Seems like these markers are lowering the company's reputation a bit .
Marty, I just want to congratulate you on your viewership. I see so many channels that get thumbs-down on a regular basis (for no apparent reason other than being trolls); I see negative, unsupportive comments; off topic disgruntled bickering... You have none of that. In fact your viewers offer spot in comments!! You have a great channel here!!! Yay!!
Thanks!!
+Windkisssed Hi Lauri - Thank you very much for mentioning this. I think that has everything do with the great subscribers, like you. I just feel really humbled by the support and maturity with which people respond on the channel. I'm so happy you're here and that we can all share information and the Artistic journey. I hope you have a GREAT day, you made mine! - Marty
+Windkisssed you'r wright. Can't people just enjoy the review and the time and money people spent on this? Instead of trolling, they just have to give critique to make the reviews in the future better. For example, you'r music at start is to loud, your speech volume is to low or its to dark recorded etc...
I have used the windsor and newton marker paper that is for promarker and I think it is plastic impregnated because the colors are re-wetable indefinitely and it dose not buckle with alcohol markers. I have not tired these yet but I thought they would be like a gouache because they are opaque. Hey, thanks for the shout, they are on my "to try" list.
+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Can't wait to see what you think of these Lindsay. - Marty
+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich and +Owings Art ... what do you two think of Yupo paper then? I'd love to know as I'm not warming to it at all. Thank you!
edit... asking questions before watching the video is silly really! lol :)
+Jenny James I like Yupo but I am a loose painter so it works with my style. I like it for watercolor best.
Thanks Lindsay :) Great to know. I think I just need to have more practice! Time to make more time for painting I think :)
If you write to Winsor and Newton regarding their Pigment Marker Paper pads, they may send you a sample pad, but I'm not a big fan of the Pigment Marker paper, even with the intended markers. Right now, I'm excited about how these handle on vellum- it's just a matter of getting the video recorded and up. This was a great video by the way- I was so excited to hear that these are neither water nor what we think of as alcohol- it changes how artists handle the markers, and what pens are compatible with them.
+Becca Hillburn Thanks for the notes Becca. I tried mixing them with other markers and had some success, but it wasn't a perfect process and I might have been mishandling them. At any rate, I'm no marker expert, but wanted to give them a try anyway because I love W&N products for the most part. Hope you have better luck than I did. - Marty
My American friend bought me some of these when she flew out to see me in the UK before Christmas. I had none of the paper but what I discovered was that you definitely need to use the specified paper to get the best results. They are disappointing on most other papers when compared. You will notice a difference on the Winsor and Newton paper. Tracing paper or yupo or foam board may provide a reasonable secondary platform.
+Kyomii Brown Thank you Kyomii. Yes, I think you're exactly right. - Marty
I was going to buy a set of these, and I'm glad you did this review. I don't recall you ever being this frustrated with an art supply before. I have the full set of watercolor markers from winsor&newton that I liked a lot, and I was hoping that I'd like the pigment markers as much. Now if only W&N will extend the watercolor markers to 120 colors, I'll be happy to buy.
+Assaf Shtilman Hi Assaf - I agree 100% on the W&N watercolors and I am hoping very much, as you are, that they add additional colors. Yes, I was a bit disappointed by these Pigment markers and my expectations were higher. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment! - Marty
The markers aren't really meant to be used on normal sketch paper, they work best on the W&N marker paper, Yupo or Vellum. Papers with slick surfaces. If you do use them on the papers mentioned, you can actually go back and activate them days later. I've done that. I left one of my tests for 2 weeks, went back with one of their blenders and it worked perfectly fine.
There's a youtuber named Debby Hughes, she tested them out on a few different papers (she has 2 videos actually). One thing she found is that you can actually scrub them onto say an acrylic block or a palette and then use them like paints.
+RedStarLights Oh I saw her demo, she loved them, I think she had a different non absorbant paper. (she made me want them LOL!)
thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
She tried it on the W&N paper and vellum paper. Then there were some stamping papers.
I have them, personally speaking, I think they work wonderfully but hey, that's just me.
I saw a video from a crafting artist and she used the markers on her sketchbook pre-coated with gesso and the pigments blended equally well as when used on the W&N paper.
Hi Janet - Thanks for the note. I saw the same at a demo. They're a bit expensive, you have to use special paper or gesso your own AND there are other comparable products that might work better. The big selling feature here is longevity (100 yrs) for me, and I'm not sure marker work for me needs to last that long. I need to give them more work to get used to them. :-) ~Marty
Owings Art ultimately it will depend on the kind of drawing/painting/illustration each person is doing.
Janet Garcia Of course, you're right about that.
Thanks for putting the MSDS sheet link up, I'd been looking for what base these markers are.
:-) Sure thing.
Thanks for a thoughtful review. I appreciated that you included thoughts about chemical analysis- always important for working artists. I am looking for supplies that have good longevity, so I may try these out.
+Brian Kilpatrick Thanks for the note Brian. Yes, I think the lightfastness on these is excellent, but there were a few too many negatives for me to recommend them after a first pass. Then again, it's only one guys opinion and certainly there are other Artist's who like them. The tough part was I usually love anything the W&N puts out. Thanks for checking out the video. - Marty
Are these similar to the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Brush Pens? I love the Pitt Pens and would like to add some more colours to my collection, and these have so many colours, so it might be great to combine them.
Wow, I was about to get a set. Thanks so much for this review!
+Rebecca Nelson Hi Rebecca - I'm happy it helped. Thank you for watching! - Marty
Yeah copics are ethanol based as well just read the MSDS for copic markers but I have a question, Can they be used with copics or other alcohol markers? I have a few pigment markers and copics that I really want to use together but I don't want to destroy my expensive markers, I know this is over a year old but I can't find any information online about whether or not they can blend together, the dye vs pigment is what has me a bit worrisome and I don't know what to do, was about to run to the art store and grab a bunch of grey toned pigment markers because I'm working with a few cool grey WN promarkers and I'd really love to mix them but I don't have the money to risk it
Hi Marty, since i saw these markers for the first time i was a bit confused about them and couldn't find out what they are made for. As another subscriber wrote: i really wanted to like these, but there's so much going against them. I really love the design of these markers though, this futuristic shape.
I'm very much looking forward to your review of water brushes! I have a small and medium Pentel Aquash water brush which i really like to use. The Caran D'Ache water brushes look interesting... greetings from Germany!
+Anja Meurer Hi Anja - I agree with you and I really wanted to like them as well. I love the W&N watercolor makers and I think my expectations were high for these, maybe at least comparable to Copic. Sadly they are not close. Maybe they're just too different for me and I need to get used to them. Water brushes are coming up this week and an announcement on the give away. I hope you have some more room in your house! :-) - Marty
+Owings Art oh, a giveaway, how nice! My house is small but yes, a little space is still there :-). I still need to try the Winsor & Newton watercolour markers; bought a small set last year...
Anja Meurer :-)
Did they ever actually release the special pigment marker paper to the public?
+Adam Wallen Yes! You can pick it up now. See the link in the description. Thanks Adam. - Marty
Fantastic review Marty, I've seen these markers about on various site and liked the look of them, but obviously seeing your review I think I'll stay clear of them. I think them not being refillable is a big negative. I've spent a lot on art supplies over the last year or so, but I now have them pretty much for life, be it replacing individual colouring pencils as opposed to getting a new set when one colour runs out, or in the case of my Copic Markers which I've just purchased, refills are going to be more than enough for my needs.
All the very best Marty mate and talk to you soon.
I think, although I'm very new to Copic Markers and I love them already, I would like to try the new Chameleon Markers, they look absolutely outstanding.
+Coloured Pencil Reviews Hi Harry - Makes perfect sense to me. I think the industry really needs to try harder if they're going to knock the Copic's off the top of the list. These just didn't stack up and I won't buy any more. I'm not a Marker Artist, so I might be missing something, but these really aren't much competition for Faber-Castell, Copic or even Tombow's, in my opinion.
+Coloured Pencil Reviews I need to check out those Chameleon Markers. Thanks for the tip my friend.
Thanks for this review! I'am so glad I saw this and come here when I'm eyeing a new product, as I was looking at maybe getting some as an alternative to Copic, but now I will be saving for something else. I have serious health problems so I do pay attention to getting quality stuff, I really hate it when companies don't disclose everything as it makes it harder to know what's safest to use. Thanks again for saving me money and from making a bad choice that I would regret! As always much appreciated Marty! Take care.
+Hermione Jarvis Hi Hermione - I'm happy this was informative to you and I'm really glad it was timely. No sense spending money on things you don't need or want. - Marty
I'm glad that you kept this really honest! I've looked into them a little bit as a person who likes using markers, but like you said, there's a lot of gimmicks with them, including the fact that they're such a specialized medium. I mean, I've seen them on the specific W&N paper . . . they're great there . . . but when you compare them to the other W&N markers, like the Promarkers and Watercolor markers, they're just not as impressive. I dunno. I think the idea is impressive, but it needs more work.
(Also - marketing idea: don't make a product that requires special paper to preform at their best. If I can't use them with my cheap marker paper then I don't want 'em!)
+Tamera Janneff Thank you Tamera, I agree. Thanks for the comments. - Marty
They're not alcohol based?? Ethanol is alcohol specifically it's the type of alcohol people drink, I don't know for a fact but I'm pretty sure if you look up the ingredients in a copic it would say ethanol and not alcohol
it was good to hear your opinion about them
and well
i admit, it kinda itches me to try them once
but regarding the price and all the negative critiques i'm reading, i'd rather spend my money on sth else
also
i havent really seen any real good artwork with them
where i thought
i really need this product
and using them without the special paper is kinda pointless
but the paper is really really thin
so that's another no go for me
+Tales Of Color Hi There and thanks for sharing your thoughts. - Marty
Can't wait till they're available in Australia! You can never have too many markers :) Looking forward to the white blender... sounds really interesting.
edit (commented before watching... again! lol) - I thought they were going to be more like acrylic paint pens. I guess it depends what you're going to use the markers for. I won't rush but might get them one day still - the Derwent Graphiks are really cool. Have you tried them yet?
+Jenny James I can't recommend these just yet. They just didn't stack up for me on initial use.
Hi Marty! Thanks for an honest in-depth review. I've not tried these markers, and as much as I like most W&N products, I shan't be spending my money on these. If they can only perform on special paper, they aren't for me - I like to be able to use my markers on a variety of paper. Sure, Copics will bleed through most non-bleed proof paper, but you can still use them and blend them on these papers (you just won't be able to draw on the reverse) - this doesn't seem to be the case with these. They looked simply awful on 'regular' paper. Such a shame - I really wanted to like these. - - - A little side note - you always call the Strathmore 400 series paper, their "best paper". Do you mean that as in your own personal opinion, since there is also the 500 series? I use both 400 and 500, but I like 500 better, especially their hardbound sketchbooks. I also REALLY like the Windmill Series, being a bit of an eco warrior. AND it's a GREAT paper! :)
+Anonymous Hi A - Yes I think I'm confusing the paper description. It's listed as "Series 400 Best", so that's what I've been saying. However, they do make the 500 series which is actually better as you point out above. I've tried the Windmill a while back and the paper wasn't heavy enough for me (just my preference), but I liked it for graphite pencil work. I completely agree with you about the Copic's. They are superior in almost every aspect. The Japanese really know how to make a great product and it shows in the Copics. Their competitors are going to have to create something spectacular if they want to compete. These were awful on regular paper and not that great on Yupo, they're very niche as far as I can tell. Thanks for the thoughts as always! Have a great day! - Marty
I had two problems with these markers both perhaps not huge problem, but I was using my usual canson mixed media sketchbook and I couldn't blend with them because I found a nice even color started tearing up my paper. On another type of paper they're probably fine but thats what I had. The otehr problem I had was more of the design of the inside of the caps, they have ridges (that doesn't quite describe them) whereas copics had a smooth plastic on the inside of the cap, and if i'm working very quickly as I was when I was using my two markers of this brand the nib caught on one of the ridges inside the cap and sliced right through the nib basically destroying its potential to make nice even lines for now on. What's funny it I never noticed this little difference between copic and these markers until this happened. So if you get lost in your flow like I do be mindful so you don't destroy your nibs. :(
+Dandy Serenity Thanks Dandy. I agree on all your points and that just makes my non-recommendation more reasonable. I like most everything W&N makes, these just didn't quite stack up for me. Thanks for your comments, much appreciated. - Marty
That's right... I noticed those ridges!!!! HUGE defect!! I noticed it on all of the displays and then when I got home I actually did it too! Thanks for mentioning that. Terrible design. I know it's meant to preserve the tip, but very difficult to avoid.
Lauri
Windkisssed I hadn't noticed it, but it's yet another thing to admire about the Japanese Copics.
Indeed. Something that I just wanted to point out too though Prismacolors and Touch markers also have a smooth interior on the caps as well, while they have their pros and cons as well I just wanted to throw those out there as copic alternatives that also perhaps thought of the issue we experienced with these W&N markers.
Dandy Serenity Great alternatives.
I really wanted to like these, but there's so much going against them. No refills, you have to use specialty paper to get good results, no brush tips, they're expensive as hell, and on top of everything they're so streaky. Good try W&N, but these need to be rethought a little before they try to price them at the same price point as a Copic or Molotow.
+GummyTumor Agreed! Glad to hear your thoughts on these. And that's exactly why I just couldn't recommend these upon my initial try. I need to give them another try though. - Marty
GummyTumor actually any non absorbent paper will work, even the shiny side of poster board works. Vellum also works well. And they blend okay on wet watercolor paper
I agree, except for the streakyness. just coloring something in with one colour is indeed streaky, but once you start using the technique you can get beautiful results. Lachri fine art has some almost photorealistic drawings with them.
Thanks for the honest review. I will be happily sticking with my Copics, I love them and I don't need anything to be lightfast for 100 years so no worries there. . . Lol!
+Maureen Hayes MAUREEN - You're BACK!!! I sent you a message, but never heard back. Just hoping you were doing well and missed you on the channel. Hope all is well and please drop me a line. Have a great day!!! - Marty
I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the look of the white blender... I guess true to it's name, it actually has white pigment? So it doesn't just blend, it also seems to add a whitening effect.
I think that's exactly right. :-)
Owings Art Ehh. I can see how that would be nice for certain effects, but for blending... I dunno.
there's a colourless blender too
i use markers on an almost daily basis. I have all kinds. Copics ,Winsor Newton Watercolor markers, The new and old Windsor newton / let reset pro markers and aqua markers. Paint markers, Ink markers I would never spend the money for these markers. I usually buy all the new markers to give them a try but for this price I wouldn't go there. Shannon
+Art Junkie Thanks for the note Shannon. I consider you a, "Marker" expert so I value your opinion on all things marker related. In the end, I just couldn't recommend these. They're kind of expensive, not refillable and I'm not too sure about the methanol as a dispersing agent for the pigments. I need to keep working with them. - Marty
i agree when i saw them in store i was like that price for non refillable non alcohol markers nope
The paper does matter. The people at blick art suggested yupo paper and the back side of marker paper the canson or the bee brand but the back side i guess or buy the windsor stuff. If you have the marker paper laying about use that what I've done works dandy.
Thanks Jessica. Good tips.
+Owings Art haha you used the yupo paper anyways so you know more then me lol
The W&N paper makes all the difference in how these markers work. You have to try it to believe it.
+Bartholo Clumpdink I will give it a try for sure, but so far I'm a little disappointed with these on first use. Thanks for the note. - Marty
+Owings Art yep. Same as their watercolor markers, and now their Promarkers they took over for Letraset, they all require testing on different paper surfaces if you choose not to go with the ones they specifically make for each marker. Copic users will know that they can't just use Copics on drawing paper or watercolor paper and expect the same effect as when used on marker papers. The art stores around me have sample paper to try out the markers on and it really does change how it works. No streaks is the first thing you notice. Second is how they move around the paper like its a layer of paint. I personally don't have these markers but definitely wouldn't turn them down if someone gave them to me. (Unlike the W&N Pigment Sticks... NOT a fan). Hope you're doing well Marty! Long time!!!
+My Panda Paints Hi Panda - Sure, I understand. Still though, after using them on their paper, I was a little disappointed with the lack of vibrancy. They just aren't for me. Others may enjoy them though. I probably need to give them a second chance.
+Owings Art I forgot that you love bright colors! :) hehe. I don't mind different palettes and I'm always the experimenter. So that's probably why I wouldn't mind it. Though since I don't have any, I don't know for sure if I'd like it or not. Haha hope you're doing great!!!
My Panda Paints Send me your address and may send you package. - Marty
We do agree on this review too... While I was at Blick I saw their display and picked up a color, a white and a blender. After trying them like you did, I found i just didn't get anything out of them. I have viewed a really good review of them with a variety of papers including W&N paper.
ua-cam.com/video/q0BYb96RnLg/v-deo.html.
I'm not much of a marker blender either... I enjoy very fine tip pens for coloring. But that's about it. Thanks for another great one Marty!!
Lauri
+Windkisssed I watched Debby's review and a few others before I reviewed them myself to get an idea of uses. I just didn't have a good experience with these. It's not like Winsor & Newton aren't putting out great stuff, I love their Watercolor Markers and most everything else they make for that matter. I was just really disappointed with these Lauri. I was hoping for much better. Still I might be missing something. - Marty
+Owings Art I don't think you're missing anything. I believe it's a great marketing approach- you need to buy THEIR paper for the highest quality outcome... Perfect! I have the Spectrum Nois set and I tried really hard to get into the marker fun. But I have to say, I totally suck at blending. I know Copics are better for blending but as you know... I like my collections...and even I can't get the entire Copic line!! 😗. So I just threw in the towel for that area of art. As I mentioned earlier, I do love the fine tip markers like Sakura microns and such. I get pleasure from that type of use as in coloring (Gelly's too for that matter!!). Nice to hear you did your research before-hand. Always great reviews!!! Thanks again!!
Lauri
Windkisssed Thanks Lauri. I'm the same way when it comes to collections. I can't afford the Copic collection, but I have amassed about 100 of them over the years. I don't mind the cost though, because they're refillable, so I get continual re-use. I also love the Sakura microns, which are great. Happy Sunday! - Marty
I use a lot this Markers are outstanding not Problems the are all....
interesting
+Christinia Peake :-)
You haven't rated something that low since you reviewed the Prismacolor Verithins. Shows you even the greatest companies can make disappointing products.
Hey, when will you start the giveaway contest? I know you're busy with life, but I am just curious and broke. lol
+SuperFlawless9 Ha! The countdown is already on. I think by the end of the week I'll be making some announcements on the giveaway, so stay tuned. :-)
Yeah, these pigment markers just aren't worth the money for and I can't recommend them. That said, I need to give them a second chance.- Peace! - Marty
+Owings Art I saw the title and got so hyped for some more types of Winsor & Newton markers, but then after you started making critiques, I started awkwardly frowning. Seems like these markers are lowering the company's reputation a bit .
SuperFlawless9 Yeah, I see in the comments that a lot of people aren't too impressed with them.
Ethyl alcohol They are Alcohol based
alcohol and Ethanol are the same;-) Ethanol is of the different kind of alcohols that are made.
I think you should try them on canvas. I've never used them but @honhonx (instagram) uses them on canvas and I think result is perfect
Thanks Rana, maybe I'll give them a try on canvas. Thanks! ~ Marty
Hopefully it dosean't give off that funny smell that Copic does hmmm :/ again random question
Not much of an oder as I recall.
the colour is sort of okay though