The age-old practice of self-expression through artistic endeavours is undoubtedly one of the most gratifying activities known to man. The blank canvas is your friend and your foe – it’s a daunting task to fill every inch of the white space with something beautiful, but all of the unique and individually crafted masterpieces have their own special stories to tell. Their differences and nuances create a visual dialogue that speaks louder than words.

But even the greatest of artists need the right tools to make their visions come true. Among the essential art supplies for beginners and experienced individuals alike, markers have long been a favourite of many painters, illustrators and designers. With an impressive range of sizes, shapes and formulations to choose from, they’re an integral aspect of creating art.

What Kinds of Art Markers Are There?

At the heart of your marker collection is their formulation. Markers can be categorised according to the type of ink they contain, with some options being more appropriate for certain techniques and surfaces than others.

Alcohol-Based Markers

Perhaps the most reliable and widespread types of markers used in art are alcohol-based models. They are often referred to as ‘permanent’ due to the archival quality of their pigment and are capable of producing a wide range of vibrant colours with minimal fuss. As the ink is alcohol-based, it evaporates quickly, meaning you can work with it almost immediately – great for those who like to be spontaneous and creative on the fly.

When you’re using pigmented and lasting alcohol-based ink markers, it’s essential to remember that the ink is permanent and therefore, any mistakes or slip-ups can be difficult (if not impossible) to rectify. Their waterproof nature means they won’t smudge or bleed, and they’re suitable for use on a variety of surfaces including paper, wood, glass and fabric.

Even though they have a slightly stronger smell than other models, alcohol-based ink markers are considered to be the most versatile and reliable. Their slightly transparent nature also means they can be layered with ease, allowing you to create a wide range of shades using just one marker. Multiple layers of the same shade can also be used to darken and saturate the colour.

Depositing the pigment with these markers is also much more even and efficient than with other types, with fluid lines and vibrant shades. You can use them to outline, blend and shade various drawings, as well as sketch a few lines here and there. They’re quite resistant to fading and discolouration over time, which means they’re a fantastic option when you’re looking for a long-lasting solution.

Water-Based Markers

Next up is a slightly gentler option – water-based markers. Working with this type of ink is much more forgiving, as any smudges or mistakes can be rectified using a wet cloth or brush (and a bit of elbow grease). The pigment is much more opaque and thicker than alcohol-based ink, meaning it’s better for covering larger areas.

The colour range is not as extensive, with only certain makers having the ability to blend and mix two shades into one. They’re not as waterproof and therefore can be smudged if you’re not careful. You won’t experience the same level of vibrancy and opacity as you would with alcohol-based varieties, but they’re an effective alternative to traditional watercolour paints.

Solvent-Based Markers

The last type of marker is solvent-based, which can be used on the same surfaces as alcohol-based markers. The pigment is derived from oils and uses a resin instead of alcohol, meaning they’re slightly less transparent than their alcohol counterparts.

Because of this, they’re more difficult to layer and require a few coats to achieve full coverage. You’ll also need to allow the pigment time to dry between coats, as it has a much slower drying speed compared to other types of markers. However, they are capable of blending and shading with ease, as well as producing vibrant hues.

Main Things to Look Out for in Art Markers

While the type of ink plays an essential role in the quality of your artwork, it’s not the only thing that determines the success of your endeavours. A handful of other aspects play a role that’s just as crucial, and knowing what to look out for can be the difference between a masterpiece and a mediocracy.

Tip Size and Shape

Contrary to popular belief, size does actually matter when it comes to markers. The tip is extremely vital as it dictates the type of detail you can achieve, as well as the thickness and weight of the lines you draw. If you’re looking to colour in larger areas, it’s best to opt for a marker with a wider nozzle, allowing you to cover the surface quickly and efficiently.

On the other hand, if you want to create more intricate designs, you’ll need to pick one with a thinner tip. This will give you greater control over the line width and allow you to achieve those crucial details. The shape of the tip is also a factor, with some markers having chisel and bullet tips for different types of artwork. The former features a flat edge, which allows you to produce a few different widths of line. Meanwhile, the latter has a round tip and is better suited for thin, uniform lines.

Colour Range

The colour selection is greatly dependent on the type of ink you decide to buy. While alcohol-based markers typically have a much wider variety, water and solvent options usually lack a bit in this department. Furthermore, you should also consider the chroma and opacity of each hue – no one wants to be stuck with dull shades.

Chroma is essentially the intensity of a colour, ranging from pale and light to dark and rich. Opacity refers to how much of the pigment covers the paper, which is vital if you’re looking to layer your design or preserve the vibrancy.

Blending Capabilities

Transferring the perfect colour to paper is only half the battle, as you may also want to mix a few shades together. How well the pigment blends is dependent on the type of ink, with alcohol-based markers having an easier time mixing than water and solvent-based ones. This is because alcohol dries more quickly and produces less streaking. It doesn’t mix as much with the paper, meaning you can achieve more vivid results. The other two types are still capable of blending, but they need more time and effort to do so.