Art Markers & Felt Pens

Types of Markers and Their Uses

Alcohol-Based vs. Water-Based Markers

Not all markers are created equal, and the type of ink they use makes a huge difference in how they perform.

• Alcohol-based markers are a go-to for professional artists, illustrators and designers because they layer smoothly, dry fast and create seamless blends. Their vibrant, permanent colours make them ideal for comic art, fashion sketches and realistic shading. If that’s your style, check out Copic Sketch Markers or Winsor & Newton Promarkers.
• Water-based markers are more beginner-friendly, budget-friendly and easier to control. They don’t bleed as much as alcohol markers, making them great for sketchbooks, bullet journaling and mixed media. If you love soft, watercolour effects, try Talens Ecoline Watercolour Brush Pens or Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens.

  So, which is better? If you want smooth blending, bold colours and a professional finish, alcohol markers are the way to go. But if you prefer controlled ink flow, softer blends and a more affordable option, water-based markers are a fantastic choice.

Brush Tip vs. Chisel Tip vs. Fine Tip Markers

The tip shape of your marker makes a huge difference in how you apply colour.

• Brush tip markers feel like a paintbrush, offering fluid, expressive strokes and effortless blending. If you love dynamic lines or calligraphy, try Posca Paint Markers Brush (PCF-350) or Tombow Dual Brush Pens.
• Chisel tip markers are best for bold lines, broad strokes and quick coverage. They’re great for filling large areas or creating sharp edges—Copic Classic Marker Set 36 is a favourite among designers for this reason.
• Fine-tip markers are all about precision. If you do detailed sketches or technical drawings, STAEDTLER Pigment Liners and Copic Multiliners are excellent choices.

  Some markers, like the Copic Sketch Marker Mini Pale Pastel Set, come with dual tips—a brush tip on one end and a chisel tip on the other, giving you the best of both worlds.

Popular Brands and Their Features

Copic Markers: The Gold Standard for Artists

Ask any professional illustrator or designer, and chances are they’ll swear by Copic markers. These alcohol-based, refillable markers are known for their incredible blending ability, smooth ink flow and long-lasting quality.  

• Copic Sketch Markers have a brush tip and chisel tip for ultimate flexibility.
• Copic Ciao Markers are a more budget-friendly version, perfect for beginners.
• Copic Classic Markers are ideal for graphic designers who need sharp, clean lines and precise control.

  One of the best things about Copics? They’re refillable, so instead of throwing them away when they run out, you just top up the ink and keep creating.

Winsor & Newton: A Solid Alternative

If you’re looking for high-quality alcohol markers at a slightly lower price, Winsor & Newton Brushmarkersare a great alternative. They offer vibrant colours, smooth blending and a flexible brush tip that makes layering a breeze.

Faber-Castell & Other Top Brands

For artists who prefer water-based markers, Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pensare a fantastic option. These pigment-based, waterproof pens are perfect for sketching, outlining and mixed media work.   Other popular options include:

• Posca Paint Markers for bold, opaque colours that work on almost any surface.
• Liquitex Professional Paint Markers for acrylic-based, permanent colour.
• Talens Ecoline Watercolour Brush Pens for fluid, water-soluble ink perfect for blending.

How to Choose the Right Markers for Your Art Style

Blending & Layering Tips

• Use alcohol markers for smooth, streak-free blending. Start with a light base, add darker tones, and then use a colourless blender like Copic Sketch Marker Set 12 to soften the edges.
• For water-based markers, use watercolour paper. The Winsor & Newton Watercolour Markers blend beautifully when paired with the right surface.
• Build up the colour gradually. Don’t oversaturate the paper—let layers dry before adding more to avoid streaks.

  If you're working on large areas, go for chisel tip markers like Posca Paint Markers Extra Broad (PC-17K) for quick, even coverage. For tiny details, STAEDTLER Triplus Finelinersgive you pinpoint precision without bleeding.

Budget-Friendly vs. Professional Markers

If you’re just getting started, you don’t need to break the bank. Try:

• Copic Ciao Marker Set 12: A fantastic entry-level alcohol marker set.
• Stabilo Pen 68 ColorParade Set 20: Great for vibrant, fun illustrations.
• Texta Permanent Markers: A budget-friendly option for casual sketching.

  For professionals looking for top-tier performance, consider:

• Copic Sketch Marker Set 36: A favourite for serious artists and designers.
• Winsor & Newton Brushmarker Sets: Excellent for rich, fluid blending.
• Liquitex Professional Paint Markers: Durable, high-pigment acrylic markers.

  If you love experimenting with mixed media, water-based options like Talens Ecoline Watercolour Brush Pensadd beautiful, fluid washes to your work.

Find the Perfect Markers for Your Art

The best markers for drawing and illustration depend on your style, technique and budget. Whether you need alcohol-based markers for smooth blends, water-based markers for mixed media or professional fine liners for precision, there’s a perfect set for you.   Check out the top marker brands at Discount Art & Craft Warehouse and find your new favourites. Shop now for amazing deals on quality art supplies!