Help With Copic Markers

[Alie K]

I got a bunch and am trying to mess around with them. Anyone have any suggestions on paper and/or techniques? I find that copier paper seems to bleed a lot (unless it's laser paper - then it bleeds less). I don't like hot press illustration board - I don't seem to be able to color very smoothly. And watercolor paper seems to suck up the color right away, so it doesn't really blend that great for me.

I have a 'drawing with copics' book, but it's an anime book that talks about a lot of paper that isn't available in the art supply stores here. :c

Any wise words would be appreciated!

[tattooedpirate2]

high grade inkjet paper uses less paper. you can take a felt tip pen to the store and test it out and see how wide the ink spreads. no recycled paper it soaks the ink up like a spounge. Brothers Printer MCW 6490 it will copy up to 14"x17" and the ink cartridges last a good long time.

[Administrator]

You can also get "Cotton Rag" inkjet papers that are coated to keep the ink from soaking or bleeding. Even an Arches water color that will not absorb the ink much at all.

[Glen-P]

I like using vellum as well. Super smooth and nice to work with for the markers! If you like the paper route, try a pack of bristol board. Works great too and less expensiv e. I did a whole series of drawings on bristol with both copic and Tria markers and they hold up great!
Just a couple examples.

NIX1.jpg war pigs.jpg

[Alie K]

Thanks! I have some bristol board (the pad I have says 'bristol plate). I'll give that a go. Maybe I'll get to pick your brain a little bit when you're here during 'NIX week', Glen!

[Alec_Benjamin]

Copic multiliners and arches 30gsm hot press watercolour paper, never fails.

[Alie K]

What does 30gsm translate into? I went to the art supply store and am used to seeing 90lb press at the thinnest. I've used 140lb press and upwards, but the sales girl wasn't sure about 30gsm. When I looked it up online, there was 300 gsm/ 140 lb press. Is that what you meant?

[Administrator]

1 lb. of Text paper is equivalent to 1.48 gsm.
1 lb. of Cover paper is equivalent to 2.708 gsm.
1 lb. of Index paper is equivalent to 1.81 gsm.
1 lb. of Vellum is equivalent to 2.91 gsm.
1 lb. of Tag paper is equivalent to 1.63 gsm.
1 lb. of Bond paper is equivalent to 3.69 gsm.
1 lb. of Bristol is equivalent to 2.19 gsm.

[Alec_Benjamin]

What does 30gsm translate into? I went to the art supply store and am used to seeing 90lb press at the thinnest. I've used 140lb press and upwards, but the sales girl wasn't sure about 30gsm. When I looked it up online, there was 300 gsm/ 140 lb press. Is that what you meant?

My apologies, 300gsm hot press.

[tattoo4satan]

they sell marker paper that is basically vellum. i bought a huge pad once for $50. i wasnt using copic markers but prisma color markers. they make a blending marker to help smooth stuff out. you need a few of em, or at least i did cause they stain and then are good for only that color.

glen those are cool!