Are you interested in using Copic markers to take you art to the next level? Learn all about Copic marker coloring techniques from professional manga artists who know all the tricks of the trade!
Considered the cream of the crop when it comes to markers, Copic are beloved by artists around the world for their smooth and vibrant colors. If you’re new to the markers, there’s no need to be intimidated when you have this informative guide with you every step of the way!
You’ll start off by learning basic techniques, including blending, mixing, and layering color. Next, you’ll discover how to use Copic markers to create texture when coloring skin, hair, clothing, and scenery.
Dozens of illustrations from talented manga artists are broken down into step-by-step instructions, allowing you to implement the same coloring techniques in your own work. Along the way, you’ll find countless tips and tricks for getting the most out of your markers—you’ll even learn how to fix mistakes!
This is an absolutely astounding guide to coloring with copic markers, not just for manga artists but for any. It is filled with photos and instructions with individual projects galore and extremely helpful information. The colors are given by copic numbers since that's the purpose of the book, but I imagine you could find a chart somewhere to tell you what colors they'd be in other brands or you can figure it out. I loved the step by step illustrations of how to color everything from sapphires to grapes to make them look beautiful and realistic. Highly recommended.
I read a temporary digital arc of this book for review.
Manga Artists' Copic Marker Coloring Techniques is a great resource for amateur marker artists looking to up their game. The book features some excellent tips on blending and shading, colour choices, and creating effects like rain and folds in clothing. Although written with Copic markers in mind, the techniques described in this book are equally valid for other brands of markers, though the successful execution of some effects may depend on the quality of the markers you are using. The book's layout is pleasing to the eye and easy to read, with plenty of accompanying illustrations to demonstrate each point. Some of the tips I have seen described in other books about drawing manga, but often they just encompass a single, brief chapter, whereas this work concentrates fully on colouring technique, rather than drawing figures etc. Recommended for those creating manga with marker pens who wish to take their colouring to the next level.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've just gotten into alcohol markers (though I haven't bought my first Copic yet) and I hoped this book would give some tips and insights into how best to use them. And it did - but its usefulness was somewhat lessened (for me) because each color was referred to only with the Copic numbering system.
It would have been easy to make it accessible to those who don't have those specific colors by saying something like: "Use copic #xxxx or your lightest warm gray" rather than simply "use copic #xxxx."
And yes, I get that Copic is in the title, but still.
I loved the illustrations showing different styles and techniques, and I definitely learned some tips I will be trying out immediately.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Zakka Workshop for providing an e-arc for review.
tl;dr Not a bad book for getting to know alcohol based markers, definitely inspiring with lots of fun art, though I wish more care was put into the explanations and demonstrations included.
I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Not tl;dr:
This book immediately caught my attention due to the artwork on the cover. I've been a fan of spicaboy (Suzu Kawana) for a while now, and I was excited to check out a book with alcohol marker tips from them.
Important note that is not mentioned in this book: these tips can work for any brand of alcohol based markers, not just Copic. Don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive (and overpriced imo) brand on the market when the cheaper alternatives work perfectly fine.
Another important note that wasn't mentioned in this book: this book leans heavily on exact colors, but please know you don't need the exact markers they use! So many other colors that are close enough can get you almost the exact same results, or you can change things up based on what you have. Don't get trapped feeling like you can't draw just because you have a different brand or color marker. <3
I really liked the introduction and how the medium is initially taught. I think they did a great job putting that section together, and I imagine it helps make the medium feel less intimidating to beginners. The layout and design of the book seems very approachable and well organized too.
I like that this book doesn't strictly have a "do this, not that" mentality to it. While it does initially say what is a more popular technique, they acknowledge that you can break the rules and create great art any way you want. Having a section on fixing mistakes with a variety of options was also fantastic to see, definitely very helpful for beginners!
I also appreciate that this book offers a variety of artists to see how they all work with these markers. You can capture a wide range of styles and looks with these markers, so I think it was smart not to focus on just one artist.
They do give quite a few recommendations for skin tones, but it was a shame to see that all of the demonstrations were of lighter skinned characters. It would've been nice to see some of their darker complexions put into action.
I wish the book was organized a little differently though, or at least planned out more in advanced. Things felt a bit strung together a bit haphazardly. And I felt like the descriptions of the techniques done by the various artists were rather lacking. I'm more experienced with alcohol markers, so the reasoning behind decisions, or observing their techniques wasn't difficult for me, but I imagine for beginners, the demonstrations might be more inspiring rather than actually educational.
I recall reading one section in particular, "Shading for Shape" which seemed to try to teach shading the face with different lighting, and keeping the form of the face in mind, but didn't have a great example to demonstrate that, and the explanations given were confusing even to me, and I've been doing art for well over a decade now.
I think this book could've benefited with more planning ahead to get specific with what demonstrations or tutorials they were going to include. It did feel rather mish-mashed, and the explanations under the process images weren't super helpful. Considering that the opening of this book was clearly aimed at artists who have never used these markers before, the demonstrations I don't think are helpful. There is no building of information.
That said, I can see how this book could be fun to read though, I know my younger self would've still loved this book regardless. It is inspiring and motivating to see the artwork, it does get you in the mood to draw and have fun with these markers. But as a more experienced artist now, with some experience teaching others how to draw under my belt too, I have a more critical eye when reading, and I do wish they approached this book differently.
I'm still feeling generous with the rating though, since I think for the target market, even if the explanations and demos aren't the most effective, I think the excitement younger artists would get out of this could make it worth picking up. :) Just try not to get too intimidated and have fun with it!
Good teaching about Copic Markers Six Manga Artists (SHIN; Maripori; Yue; Junko Kitamura; Suzu Kawana; Ramiru Kirisaki) present their joint work "Manga Artists Copic Marker Coloring Techniques. Learn How To Blend, Mix and Layer Color Like a Pro", published by Zakka Workshop. The book is divided into four chapters: 1) Basic Coloring Techniques, 2) Manga Artists' Coloring Techniques (Coloring the Face & Skin, Coloring Clothes, Coloring Accessories, Coloring Nature, and Coloring Backgrounds), 3) Fixing Mistakes and Growing Your Skills (Making Corrections, Advanced Techniques, and Trying Different Surfaces), and 4) Copic Marker FAQs. The introduction of the book encourages the readers "Whether you’re a novice or an artist with some experience, you’ll discover techniques, tips and inspiration to guide you in making better art. Don’t be discouraged if your drawings don’t look like the samples you see on these pages. Each artist works a little differently, and every artist was a beginner once. With time and lots of practice, your skills will improve and your own style and preferences will emerge. We hope this book brings some color to your life and helps your drawings come closer to what you want them to be" (p. 6). The book is very detailed, especially the valuable information about the Copic Marker Color System. It has great samples and is easy to understand and to apply. There are tips and "Try It!" challenges throughout the book as well as information how to move from analog to digital. Furthermore, there is information about the artists and the materials that they used for particular projects. Although I was more interested in the use of the Copic Markers than in the Manga Designs I consider the book highly useful, not only for Manga Designs, but also for other paintings and designs using the Copic Markers. As such I recommend it for every artist, beginner or advanced who is using or wants to use Copic Markers. The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #MangaArtistsCopicMarkerColoringTechniques #Netgalley
Manga Artists' Copic Marker Colouring Techniques is a compilation style guide with tutorials in manga style and with specific combinations and palettes for copic markers. Originally published in Japanese in 2016, this English language translation is due out 25th June 2021 from Zakka Workshop. It's 146 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a very basic beginner accessible book. The introductory sections begin with the numbering system and different pens in the Copic range and understanding how to lay down color and correct mistakes. There's a short tutorial on other tools and supplies which the beginning artist will find useful (more advanced readers will probably not find much unknown info here).
Following chapters contain step-by-step tutorials showing skin, hair, eyes, and other features as well as clothing and accessories, backgrounds, flowers and nature and composition. There's a useful troubleshooting chapter which contains a number of good fixes for unevenness, removing/covering misplaced color, lighting, and different paper choices for varied effects.
The appendices include marker FAQs and colors, links and resources for supplies, and a short thumbnail gallery of backgrounds for use in drawings. Each of the sections contain some digital resources for transferring and enhancing manually drawn pictures into digital media and enhancements and other uses for artworks such as promotional materials, keychains, cards, and buttons.
This is not a drawing manual, the tutorials are aimed at blending and using the different types of copic markers to color line drawings.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
As a professional artist I use my Copic Sketch markers on a regular basis. I love to add books to my library that offer new techniques that I haven't yet tried. This book provides that in spades! Since it includes many different artists we get to see some unique approaches. All of the illustrations are using Copic Sketch or Ciao markers, which means that you will need brush markers to imitate the techniques.
There are 4 different chapters: - Basic Coloring Methods - Manga Artists' Coloring Techniques - Fixing Mistakes and Growing Your Skills - Copic Marker FAQs
Copic marker color numbers and color swatches are provided for each example. Each chapter is filled with fantastic art, step by step instructions with images, tips, and "Try It" pointers. You won't be disappointed with the amount of information provided or the beautiful art to inspire your next creation.
My favorite sections are Gradations with Multiple Colors and Creating Skin Tones. I have a tendency to always reach for the same colors but the examples in here make me want to try new combinations.
For those of you that are Digital artists as well, there are some great sections on Analog to Digital that you don't want to miss.
The only thing I wish the book had provided was a color chart with all of the colors that were used throughout the book. However, I have a feeling this would be a long list.
If you don't have Copic markers (or all of the colors used in the book) there are cheaper alcohol marker alternatives on the market to buy (such as Ohuhu) and you can probably find acceptable color substitutes by looking at the pictures and color samples provided.
I highly recommend this book to both beginner and advanced Copic Marker Artists. It is a well-loved and permanent addition to my Art Library.
I actually use Copic markers, these pens are easy to use and lay color nicely. Although the pens are pricey compared to other alcohol pens, however, unlike other brands, the pens are refillable. The first chapter covers mainly two of the four different types and tips. From the beginning, the topic of ‘How to Color Evenly' is the most important technique to learn. I have had an issue with filling in large spaces without the area becoming streaky. The step by step methods make even the most beginner into an expert. The tips blurb could be used on their own without the step by step lesson. I enjoyed ‘How to color eyes’, eyes by themselves can be difficult, even for the experienced colorist. Chapter three, ‘Fixing Mistakes and Growing Your Skills’, I would never have thought to cut out the area that has been smeared. The book wraps up with a Q and A featured by illustrators Suzu Kawana and Ramiru Kirisaki. Kawana gives the most useful advice, “Buying a set of colors can also help you discover your preferences”. In other words, it is not necessary to sink $100 to enjoy the benefits of the Copic marker, I buy one marker every couple of weeks. One question asked to the illustrator is how to not add duplicates to your collection. Copic has a handy app to keep track, which the illustrator noted. Overall, the book is useful and well written by covering the markers and coloring Manga. I’ve stayed away from Manga, because I've not been sure how to do the images justice. Thank you Shin, Yue, Mariru, Junko Kilamura, Suzu Kawana, Ramiru Kirisaki, Zakka Workshop, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing the interesting book. I've written an honest review.
I'm so excited to see this book completed in English! I remember it being released in Japanese. I'm glad I can now enjoy it.
As an artist, I typically enjoy using my Copic Sketch markers and watercolors.
What really shines in this book is how very detailed it is. I appreciate this book that covers the basics, like paper and ink tools, to the more complex Copic color system. But if you happen to make a mistake, this book has you covered with several techniques to fix an error, digital or otherwise. This book provides step-by-step instructions with example pictures, to teach how to pick and blend colors, or how to make gradation. With several artists being represented, we get to see some unique approaches, styles and tips. It's refreshing that this book is written by artists, for artists. Steps aren't skipped and can be reproduced. What I love about this book is, I can highly recommend this book to both beginners and advanced Copic Marker Artists.
If alcohol markers are a new medium for you, I would suggest a cheaper alternative set on the market, such as Ohuhu. Copic markers are expensive, I wouldn't purchase them until you know it is something you love. I'd check the authors on YouTube, if you're a visual learner.
Thank you, NetGalley and Zakka Workshop, for providing me with a digital ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I actually was thoroughly impressed with this book! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but everything included was so detailed- methods on applying, mixing, blending, layering colors were all efficiently broken down. Things I loved: -Color System break down -Tips for achieving desired outcomes -Tips on fixing mistakes
I liked that there were different sections- it wasn't just a clump of information to overload you- the first section is an intro to the markers themselves, best tools/supplies to get the MOST out of the markers and then there is the section on how the markers relate to Manga and techniques/tips/tricks commonly used. I think that it is SUPER helpful that a lot of the instructions include the EXACT marker color# for each little blurb so that it can be recreated by the reader.
The FAQ section at the end added even MORE information that could be beneficial - a Q&A that answers commonly asked questions, references on how to transfer these techniques and pieces to a digital form and even a pattern library to inspire the reader to challenge themselves with trying out the techniques using their creativity.
Very well done and informative book, even if you're not planning on being a Manga artist I think this is a really helpful tool!
𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐇: • A comprehensive read with useful tips with actionable steps to improve and build techniques • I liked how this book was written by professional manga artists • Covers techniques such as blending, mixing, and layering
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: • if you want to improve or build your art technique, I recommend this read • perfect for beginners and advances learners
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫: artists, those who want to build and improve their technique (with Copic), fans of manga-style art (and even if you're not wanting to draw manga-style art, this is still a handy resource)
Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 𝐌𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠: 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐣𝐨𝐲.𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Manga Artists Copic Marker Coloring Techniques by SHIN; Maripori; Yue; Junko Kitamura; Suzu Kawana; and Ramiru Kirisaki is an art workbook that will appeal to aspiring manga artists everywhere. According to the description, the reader will "start off by learning basic techniques, including blending, mixing, and layering color," followed by learning "how to use Copic markers to create texture when coloring skin, hair, clothing, and scenery."
Overall, Manga Artists Copic Marker Coloring Techniques is a stunning art workbook that would make the perfect gift for any aspiring artist. One highlight of this book is how detailed it is. This book includes full-color photos and step-by-step directions to help readers take their Copic marker game to the next level. It's clear that no expense was spared in making this the best book that it could be. If you're intrigued by the description, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
MANGA ARTISTS COPIC MARKER COLORING TECHNIQUES by Shin, Maripori, Yue, Junko Kitamura, Suzu Kawana, Ramiru Kirisaki
I had never heard of Copic markers, before selecting this book as an ARC. Turns out they are very fancy and exceptional markers that many Manga artists use to color their artwork. I am not at all interested in Manga art. I am on the other hand, interested in art techniques. I am not an artist but am interested in learning all I can about art techniques.
This book takes you on a journey through Manga art, to show you how to color hair, skin, and objects. Highly recommended.
Thankfully, I was selected by #netgalley for this complimentary copy of #mangaartistscopicmarkercoloringtechniques by #shin I was under no obligation to post a review.
Im relatively new to copics but have used other brands for several years. Mainly Pro markers. I know a bit about alcohol marker colouring, this book touched on the basics but it also gave me a lot of new ideas and tips for my copic pens. I also liked the fact that there was information on digital colouring in the book as well. I am new to that and found the information interesting and informative. The tips and tutorials are well executed, and the photography was superb. Although for copics you could get the book and convert to other pen brands as there are lots of conversion charts online to help with this. Its an enjoyable book and one I would pick up repeatedly. Thank You to Netgalley and Zacca Workshop for the ARC Copy of the book. My review is my own opinion.
Thank you, NetGalley and Zakka Workshop for provided my copy. I am grateful but my thoughts are my own.
I am not a manga artist, but I enjoyed read it so much for years. When I got this book I am feel like granted pass to peek behind the scene and learn how the artist creating such beautiful artwork.
The author team generously sharing detail tehnic for coloring with copic marker. They start with introducing numbering colors system and some tips how use recipe colors code to create perfect colors. The book sharing info about how layering and correcting the wip too. Learning something new isnt always easy, but this book explains very well and easy to understand even for beginner. Highly recommend.
This book teaches you everything you need to know about Copic markers. It starts with identifying the characteristics and names of the parts of the markers to instructing the reader on how to identify the colors by the number system on the marker lids. The author goes on to the basics of shading, coloring, blending, etc, and then he takes you through numerous demonstrations on how to do certain coloring techniques common in manga coloring. However, these techniques are also useful for other areas as well such as card making. Each example has a color picture for each step of the process. The authors did an excellent job of putting so much information in one book! It's a great resource book to have, and a must for beginners!
I am a very, very, newbie ‘artist’ and I only really use pencils. I’ve seen Copic markers and I know they’re very expensive so I wanted to understand what makes them special. This book is a great introduction to Copic Markers and what you can do with them.
As a newbie, I found the early discussions about colour, use of colour, blending and how to use the markers quite fascinating. This is a real skill and it was interesting to see how experts achieve their effects. There is a lot here to absorb and I will definitely revisit this book.
Now I’m thinking I might buy a couple of the markers and see what I can do with a few of the examples. This is real artistic skill and the book showcases that perfectly.
Really nice guide to using alcohol ink markers - Copics (although techniques if not colour codes) are applicable to e.g. Promarkers) - for everyone from absolute beginner through to seasoned amateur. As well as all the basics, including shading, colour choices, and more, there are sections with step-by-step guides to colouring skin, hair, clothing, and more.
I'm not desperately into manga but there was still plenty here to help me feel a bit more confident in my use of the medium.
Manga Artists Copic Marker Coloring Techniques is an absolutely amazing and well presented art book on using Copic markers. It is not only very well thought out the art presentedis absolutely beautiful. This book is a must have for any swrios Manga artist and the perfect introduction to this beautiful and complex artform. What can be achieved by colouring with copics and combining different anime styles to illustrate is litterally breath taking the art could walk straight out if the pages. This book is sure to appeal to all ages. I consider it an essential companion to anyone interested in drawing with copics, very masterfully done. I am blown away it's beautiful!!
Really great explanations of how to use Copic markers and how to blend and mix them. Then the book goes through a lot of different projects you can do. Like how to color eyes, hair, lips, and even sweat and tears. Very detailed! It also walks you through things like processing photos to create line drawings to create backgrounds for manga characters. Very cool! I don't do manga drawings, but I have alcohol markers, so will definitely try out some of these techniques.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley & Zakka Workshop for the chance to review this amazing art technique book.
As an artist who is slowing branching out into other forms of medium, I was amazed to see how easy and understandable the Copic Marker Coloring Techniques book is. The examples and step-by-step instructions make blending to the desired shades and tones so easy. Plus the manga characters are super cute!
I will definitely purchase a few copies for family members who love to draw as well.
I absolutely loved this book I don't currently have my own set of copic markers yet because of how expensive they are but I loved to learn all about what a copic marker is capable of and I absolutely want a set of them now at reading some of the tips and tricks mentioned in this book and I might advertise it on my YouTube channel some of the techniques mentioned for copics in this book so thank you very much for allowing me to read it and would love to read any more that you have and not just about copics either but all other techniques and art forms
So i looked though this book and honestly its very good. very detailed and really well made. loved it. 5 star book. thanks to netgalley i was able to review this book. sadly i knew all that was in this book but it shows what i was trying to tell my friend so most likey ill be sending her the book links for this book. if i had a physically copy of this book then id pass it to her because it has alot of good information.
I've always been amazed at the coloring abilities of Copic markers, in the hands of artists. This book gives tips to take those interested in learning how to hone their skills from basic to great to incredible with cool techniques! I appreciate the visual instructions in this book. While this book is targeting Manga artists, the techniques are able to be applied to anything you create with Copic markers, including greeting cards, coloring books, and other artistic disciplines.
I'm just starting my art journey and I'm picking up all types of craft books to try and get a feel for different techniques and products. I've seen a lot of artists on Instagram using copic markers, so when I saw a book about how to use them I jumped on it! While I don't have any copic markers yet, this book will definitely come in handy when I do get them! It was full of tips that are super helpful for beginners.
This book gives nice tips to artists, who are new and experienced, on how to hone their skills using Copic markers. I really like the visual examples of this art book. Even though this book does target manga artists thr techniques can be applied to anything you create using Copic markers. It's very helpful for beginners so I highly recommend checking it out.
I recieved this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. thank you netgalley !
This is a well laid out instruction guide for using copic markers. The illustrations support the written material nicely and the chapters follow a progressive format. For myself, I feel more experience was needed before launching into this guide, but it could just be a lack of artistic background or being a learner who needs real time demonstrations.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is perfect! I really love it. It has everything you need to know for drawing with copic markers. For beginners and advanced learners. I am using copic markers over 20years and the book is still useful for me. You can find the basics, advanced knowledge ...example pages. Everything is explained. I am so excited. Pefect! Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Zakka Workshop for giving access to this book, which I requested on behalf of my teenage daughter. She tells me it greatly added to her knowledge (she usually watches YouTube pieces) and she particularly liked how the information was broken down in to easy-to-follow steps. She highly recommends!
As fun and colourful as Manga comics themselves this is an extremely comprehensive guide to colouring, from how to identify colours on different papers, blending colours and other important techniques for developing your art.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.