Copic Sketch 36pc Basic Set
Professional-Grade Alcohol Markers: The Industry Standard
About This Product:
Discover the gold standard in alcohol-based markers with the Copic Sketch 36pc Basic Set. Beloved by professional artists worldwide for over 30 years, these premium markers from Japan feature unparalleled quality, incredible blending capabilities, and exceptional color vibrancy. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 560 satisfied customers, these markers have earned their reputation as the industry benchmark.
What sets Copic Sketch markers apart is their innovative dual-tip design. Each marker features both a flexible Super Brush nib that mimics traditional brush techniques and a Medium Broad nib perfect for consistent lines and details. This versatility allows you to create everything from delicate illustrations to bold graphic designs with a single tool.
This comprehensive 36-piece set includes a carefully curated selection of essential colors: various grays (C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, W1, W3, W5, W7, W9), blues (B05, B06, B14, B29, B32, B39), reds (R02, R08), pinks (RV11, RV29), earth tones (E09, E29, E33), greens (G07, G17, G21, G28), yellows (Y11, Y13, Y15, YG03), oranges (YR04, YR24), violet (V09), and blacks (100, 110). This collection offers the perfect foundation for everything from portraits to landscapes.
Key Features:
- Dual-Tip Design: Super Brush nib for expressive strokes and blending; Medium Broad nib for consistent lines and details
- Premium Alcohol-Based Ink: Fast-drying, low-odor, non-toxic formula that creates smooth, streak-free applications
- Refillable System: Each marker can be refilled approximately 7 times with Copic Ink, making them economical long-term
- Replaceable Nibs: Both nibs can be replaced when worn, extending the life of your markers indefinitely
- Superior Blending: Unmatched color mixing capabilities for smooth gradients and transitions
- Professional-Grade Quality: Made in Japan with strict quality control and ACMI certified (conforming to ASTM D-4236)
- Ergonomic Design: Oval barrel prevents rolling and provides comfortable grip during extended use
Perfect For:
Illustration & Manga
Create professional-quality artwork with superior blending, layering, and color consistency.
Design & Architecture
Develop concept sketches, renderings, and presentations with precise control and vivid colors.
Fine Art
Create gallery-worthy pieces with archival-quality inks and professional color depth.
Character Design
Bring characters to life with dimensional shading and expressive color techniques.
Why We Recommend It:
At InnerSophist, we're committed to recommending only the highest quality tools for artists and creative professionals. Copic Sketch markers represent the pinnacle of marker technology and have been the industry standard for decades for good reason. While they require a significant initial investment, their refillable design and replaceable nibs make them economical over time compared to disposable alternatives.
The Basic 36pc set offers a particularly well-balanced collection of colors that provides enough variety for most projects while maintaining a focused palette. The inclusion of an extensive grayscale range (10 different gray markers) makes this set especially valuable for shading and creating dimensional artwork, while the carefully selected color range covers all the essentials.
Whether you're a professional illustrator, serious hobbyist, or art student looking to invest in professional-grade tools, Copic Sketch markers deliver unparalleled performance and longevity that justifies their premium positioning.
Elevate your artwork to professional standards with the Copic Sketch 36pc Basic Set – the ultimate investment in your creative journey.
The Copic Sketch 36pc Basic Set and examples of the markers in use
Professional Coloring Techniques
Feathering
Create soft transitions by using light, feathered strokes at the edge of your colored areas. This technique works beautifully with the Super Brush nib.
Layering & Blending
Build depth by layering colors from light to dark. While the ink is still wet, use a colorless blender or lighter shade to soften transitions between colors for a seamless gradient effect.
Flicking
Create dynamic, directional textures by using quick "flicking" motions with the brush tip. Perfect for hair, grass, or creating movement in your illustrations.
Burnishing
For intense color saturation, apply multiple layers of the same color until you achieve a smooth, rich finish. The alcohol-based formula prevents paper damage even with multiple applications.
Color Lifting
Create highlights by applying the colorless blender to remove some color from an already colored area. This technique is perfect for creating light effects and texture.
Care & Maintenance Tips
- Always store your Copic markers horizontally to ensure even ink distribution throughout the marker
- Keep caps tightly sealed when not in use to prevent ink evaporation and extend marker life
- When a marker begins to dry out, refill it with the corresponding Copic Ink rather than replacing the entire marker
- Clean nibs occasionally by scribbling on a scrap piece of paper to remove any color buildup
- Replace worn nibs to maintain optimal performance—both the Super Brush and Medium Broad nibs are easily replaceable
- Use marker-friendly paper to prevent feathering and achieve the best blending results
How Copic Compares to Alternatives
| Feature | Copic Sketch Markers | Premium Alternatives | Budget Alcohol Markers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | High ($5-8 per marker) | Medium-High ($3-6 per marker) | Low ($1-3 per marker) |
| Refillable | Yes (7+ refills per marker) | Sometimes (limited options) | No |
| Brush Nib Quality | Exceptional (flexible, resilient) | Good to Very Good | Basic (stiffer, less control) |
| Blending Capability | Superior | Good | Limited to Fair |
| Color Range | Extensive (358 colors) | Good (100-200 colors) | Limited (24-80 colors) |
| Long-term Value | Excellent (due to refills) | Good | Fair (requires replacement) |
What Artists Are Saying
"These are the gold standard for professional illustration. I've been using Copic markers for over a decade, and the quality is unmatched. The blending capabilities are incredible, and despite the initial investment, they're actually cost-effective because of the refill option."
— Maria J., Professional Illustrator
"As an art instructor, I always recommend Copic Sketch markers to serious students ready to upgrade their tools. The dual tips offer incredible versatility, and the color consistency is perfect for developing artists. This 36-color set is the ideal starter collection with an excellent range of basics."
— Thomas K., Art Education Specialist
"After using cheaper alcohol markers for years, I finally invested in this Copic set and the difference is night and day. The ink flows beautifully, the Super Brush nib creates the most natural gradient effects, and the colors are incredibly vibrant. Worth every penny for serious artists."
— Aisha M., Comic Artist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Copic markers worth the investment for beginners?
While Copic markers represent a significant investment, they offer exceptional quality that even beginners will notice. The learning curve is smoother with professional tools, and their refillable design means they'll last for years. However, if you're just exploring alcohol markers, you might start with a smaller set like the 12-piece basic set before committing to this larger collection.
What makes Copic markers different from other alcohol-based markers?
Copic markers stand out for several reasons: they feature premium Japanese craftsmanship, offer the widest color range (358 colors total), have a unique Super Brush nib that mimics traditional brush strokes, are fully refillable (up to 7 times per marker), have replaceable nibs, and provide superior color consistency and blending capabilities. Their alcohol-based ink also dries acid-free and is compatible with the Copic Airbrush System.
What paper works best with Copic markers?
For optimal results with Copic markers, use paper specifically designed for alcohol markers or heavyweight bleed-proof paper (at least 80lb/180gsm). Copic's own X-Press It Blending Card and Strathmore Marker Paper work exceptionally well. The paper should have a smooth surface and be able to handle wet media without pilling or excessive bleeding. Avoid standard copy paper, which will cause feathering and excessive ink absorption.
How long do Copic markers last before needing a refill?
With normal use, a Copic Sketch marker can typically be used for 1-2 years before requiring a refill, depending on frequency of use. Each marker holds approximately 3.6ml of ink, and each Copic Ink refill bottle (25ml) can refill a single marker about 7 times. This refill capability makes Copics more economical in the long run despite their higher initial cost.
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