Introduction to Copic Markers

Stock Photo

Hello!  If you read my post yesterday, you will know that I recently made the switch from Spectrum Noir markers to Copic.  That post was more about the decision behind why I switched.  Today I would like to talk more in detail about the Copic markers themselves. 

What Are Copic Markers?

Stock photo

Copic (pronounced ko-pick)  is a brand of refillable markers with an alcohol based ink that is made in Japan by the Too Cooperation (TOO).  Copics are available in 358 non-toxic, colors and are refillable using standard color ink refills.  Copic markers come with the ability to refill dry markers with Copic ink refills instead of having to buy additional markers in the same color.  Tutorials for how to refill a Copic marker can be found on YouTube. It is also possible to mix the ink colors to create a custom color.

The markers are airtight to prevent them from drying out. Sketch markers, which are the most popular version, have a chisel-style tip at one end and a brush tip at the other, though additional styles of replaceable nibs and tips are available for purchase.

A Brief History

Copics are not new to the market (only new to me)!

In 1987, the initial classic line of Copic Markers was introduced in Japan with the manga industry in mind. A total of 71 colors were launched and were developed to meet designers’ demand for photocopy-safe markers. The markers would not dissolve the toner of freshly-printed photocopies, and in turn the markers were given the name Copic, deriving from the word “copies”.

In 1989, an additional 71 colors were added to the line, adding a set of more neutral tones and grays to the marker’s library. These additional tones were created to accommodate for architectural design and figure painting. In 1991, 72 new colors were added to meet the need to design environments and fashion.

In 1993, Copic Sketch was introduced with an assortment of 144 colors. These markers featured a Super Brush Nib, a brush that revolutionized fine art markers with its nib durability and long-lasting lifespan. The Copic Sketch has since become the most widely sought-after marker from the company.

In 1998, the Copic Ciao marker was introduced. The line was released with 72 colors and was an inexpensive pack designed for beginners. Since 1999 many new colors were added to the line of Copic Sketch to meet the success of the markers and the expansion of the manga market. Many colors introduced to the Copic Sketch line included flesh tones, pastels, fluorescents and more.

Types of Copics

Classic - These are available in 214 colors with nine different tip options, including two calligraphy tips, two types of broad tips, and a range of fine nibs. They come with a broad nib and a bullet nib on each side.

*Sketch -  These markers are available in all of the 358 colors offered with a brush nib and a smaller chisel-shaped nib. They are compatible with the Copic Airbrush System. These are the most popular marker from Too Corporation.

Ciao - These are available in 180 colors. They have a brush nib and a smaller chisel nib and are smaller than Copic's other markers, with a circular barrel. Made to be a more affordable option.

Wide - The wide markers were available in 36 colors, had a wide chisel-shaped nib and a large oval shaped barrel. They have been used for large backgrounds as well as calligraphy. Too Corporation has discontinued the production of colored Copic Wide in 2016, but Copic Wide Original (empty marker) continues to be sold.

Multiliner - Available in 10 colors. They have a nib perfect for illustration, design, and comic. It also have a version "SP", which is available in various colors.

Gasenfude - Available in only black. They have a brush nib and their ink is waterproof and copic-proof, which does not smudge when copic ink is going over the line. It also has a good body design.

Drawing pen - Available in black and sepia. It has a nib similarly to fountain pen nib. It is water-proof and copic-proof.

*Copic Sketch are the markers that I purchased.

Stock Photo

Decoding the Caps

On the two ends of the marker, the caps have a code that contains a letter(s) and either 2-4 numbers following it. This system of numbers/letters describes the type of marker being used.  Each number is pronounced individually.  For instance, Y44 (Yellow 44) is not "Yellow Forty-Four," it is "Yellow Four Four." 

The first part of the codes is the letter(s), which represent the color group the marker is part of. There can be up to 2 letters that show what color family the marker fits into. The colors are abbreviated as follows:

Primary Colors

• R - red family
• B - blue family
• Y - yellow family

Secondary Colors

• G - green family
• V - purple/violet family
• YR - orange family (letters stand for Yellow Red)[2]

Tertiary Colors

• BG - blue-green family
• YG - yellow-green family
• BV - blue-purple/blue-violet family
• RV - pink/red-violet family

Other Colors

• E - earth tones/ browns
• N - neutral grays
• C - cool grays
• W - warm grays
• T - toner gray
• F - fluorescent/neon type colors
• There are completely black markers but those are represented by numbers only, such as 100 for black and 110 for special black.

There are also a few cases in which a copic code will have more than 2 numbers. These colors will look something like B000, or B0000. These cases only show up in colors that have their saturation and shade numbers marked as zero. The colors just mean that they are even lighter than the "lightest color". For example, take B00, there are even lighter shades of that color even though both its saturation and shade numbers are as low as they can be.

The last code that should be mentioned is the colorless blender. This marker is only coded with a single 0 since it only contains the base of the marker minus the color pigment and is thus colorless.

Saturation

Following the letter is the first number. The pigmentation and saturation directly relate to the first number given to a Copic marker. This first number can range from 0-9 and fluctuates depending on the vibrancy of the color given to a marker. The lower the number, around 0-2, the brighter and more intense the color is in pigmentation. Those with a higher number ranging from 3-9 for the first number tend to be more dull and less saturated than those with a lower number.

Shade/Value

After the first number, there is one last number. The final number in a Copic code signifies what shade the color is. Shade relates to the lightness or darkness of the marker color. Like the saturation, the numbers range from 0-9. Lighter colors tend to be relative to lower numbers such as 0-4 and the darker colors relate to the higher numbers like 5-9. If you can picture a value scale from white to black, that is somewhat like the numbering system, the 0 is the "white" the 9 is the "black" and all the numbers in-between are the ascending/ descending gray values.

Other

There are also a few cases in which a copic code will have more than 2 numbers. These colors will look something like B000, or B0000. These cases only show up in colors that have their saturation and shade numbers marked as zero. The colors just mean that they are even lighter than the "lightest color". For example, take B00, there are even lighter shades of that color even though both its saturation and shade numbers are as low as they can be.

The last code that should be mentioned is the colorless blender. This marker is only coded with a single 0 since it only contains the base of the marker minus the color pigment and is thus colorless.

Stock Photo

I hope you have found this Copic marker overview to be informative. I'm excited to own these markers and look forward to using them both for personal use and in my classes.  For additional information about Copic, color charts and more please visit their English website here.  I will not be going into detail about the how-to's of coloring with these markers because there are so many fantastic tutorials, Youtube videos and lessons already in existence by those far more qualified than I.

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

XO, Crystal