Copic Sketch Marker B41 Powder Blue

Upgrading my art tools has been a special experience. Buying Copic markers was a transition to quality that I needed to step up my art. As a fashion designer these have been game changer! The color is beautiful and builds very nicely. I was very lucky to be able to get these for a good price during a back to school sale (buy 2 packs get a third free), so I was able to buy some necessary “basic” colors. The greyscale pack is perfect for shading and adding darker values, the skin color pack is what I use to color all my croquis, and I got myself a primary color pack as well. I love these so much, my only complaint would be the price, but I do feel at least the basic packs are worth it.

BYO Scales to thoroughly test or buy a dud

TL/DR- Copic quality has really face-planted with the latest Sketch offerings. BYO jewellery scales to check ALL markers you buy are right for weight, both nibs work AND both lids are securely snapping on and off. If not, leave it.I recently upgraded after owning several classics almost 2 decades and 30-odd ciaos over a decade (?) thinking it was time for larger capacity brush markers. I've replaced maybe half the nibs and refilled many times over the years. Sketch would be an upgrade, so I thought. Yeah, no. Just nope.I've bought sketch markers that within a week dropped 0.5g meaning closer inspection needed- a small crack in the body was the culprit. Exchanged zero problem by Eckersleys staff. BUT if there are cracks elsewhere you'll be out of luck. I've had 6 ... MoreTL/DR- Copic quality has really face-planted with the latest Sketch offerings. BYO jewellery scales to check ALL markers you buy are right for weight, both nibs work AND both lids are securely snapping on and off. If not, leave it.I recently upgraded after owning several classics almost 2 decades and 30-odd ciaos over a decade (?) thinking it was time for larger capacity brush markers. I've replaced maybe half the nibs and refilled many times over the years. Sketch would be an upgrade, so I thought. Yeah, no. Just nope.I've bought sketch markers that within a week dropped 0.5g meaning closer inspection needed- a small crack in the body was the culprit. Exchanged zero problem by Eckersleys staff. BUT if there are cracks elsewhere you'll be out of luck. I've had 6 of 40 markers dried out in under 6 months yet owned not even a year- that's never happened with any of my previous markers. The usual experience is maybe 0.1g drop in 6 months of zero activity with my classics/ciaos. I refill sketch when it's lower than 13.5g back to 13.9-14.1g to keep it happy as once the resin core dries out the marker's done. (Classics and ciaos have different tolerances.)I went to an Eckersleys to discuss with the manager (friendly due previous art purchase experiences) and instead talked through quality with the two staff. I'm no copic expert or social media artist but been using them a while.Sketch markers with lids on ex-factory weight is 14.6g, so don't buy below 14.1g. Yes I turn up with my little pocket scales and calibrated them at the counter. Shortly after the staff wandered over to see what I was up to.I was able to show mine (a dodgy despite refilling B34) and then of the 3 new Sketch in stock one was doing exactly the same thing- it weighed barely 11.6g indicating issues well before opening. Yes not a typo, 11.6g, the two others were 13.99g and 14.01g respectively. I showed the staff how clean the inside lids were (ie not used in store as they tried to claim) and then demonstrated the nib. The chisel was completely dry, identical to the issue mine had and the only use I have for the chisel nibs in my Copics is pulling it for refilling. Zero excuse for a brand new in store marker to be doing that.The staff put it to the side so it wouldn't be sold. But I also had 5 other dud markers with me to show the same thing occurring. (Across the colour spectrum too- E000, G05, V09 etc etc). I went home with most of the markers I needed and a lighter wallet, so only buy sketch markers on sale.I had to buy replacements because I'd not brought the receipts and was pretty grumpy with the duds already. I couldn't even buy the brush tips to replace because all 3 packets in store had at least one brush tip faulty (ie instead of one smooth piece the hand made brush nib had cut line visible ie was very obviously badly made that shouldn't have passed QC inspection). Staff also pulled them aside too.Copic was synonymous with high quality but I've had other negative experiences with other brand new items (like an SP marker). I now wish I hadn't gifted my ciao collection to an art student because the sketch experience has been so uneven. Other well-known art supply reviewers have had similar experiences and zero help from Copic.

Great Markers!

I purchased this to use with my manga and anime style drawings as I had heard many good things about Copic Sketch Markers. Especially the fact that they are refillable. I chose Sketching Grays as one of my starting sets because I wanted a way to add shadows and tones to my work, as well as to use the microliter for outlining.These markers did not disappoint! The dual tips allow for a wide range of line options and the colors lay down and blend beautifully. There is bleed through on cardstock, which I expected based on previous research, but I am going to primarily use them on Bristol Smooth paper going forward.I recommend these markers. Since they are refillable, I will be buying the refills rather than these exact markers again, however I will buy more Copic ... MoreI purchased this to use with my manga and anime style drawings as I had heard many good things about Copic Sketch Markers. Especially the fact that they are refillable. I chose Sketching Grays as one of my starting sets because I wanted a way to add shadows and tones to my work, as well as to use the microliter for outlining.These markers did not disappoint! The dual tips allow for a wide range of line options and the colors lay down and blend beautifully. There is bleed through on cardstock, which I expected based on previous research, but I am going to primarily use them on Bristol Smooth paper going forward.I recommend these markers. Since they are refillable, I will be buying the refills rather than these exact markers again, however I will buy more Copic marker sets and individual Copic markers to expand my collection.#copicmarkers #sweepstakes #blick #copicmarkers_review

Industry standard for a reason!

Excellent markers with one of the broadest color ranges and arguably the best blending capability on the market. With refillable inks and replaceable nibs, these are also much more sustainable than other brands--meaning unless you damage the casing, you don't really need to buy replacement markers as yours die out.Budget Minded Tip: Using the proper paper is important for ensuring more use between refills. You don't want a paper that's super absorbent (generally heavy weight or thick papers) or it will suck the ink right out of it. Find paper that's best used with alcohol markers.Budget Minded Tip 2: Given these are alcohol based, they dry incredibly fast for smear free applications on paper, however, this also means that the longer the lid is off--the more ... MoreExcellent markers with one of the broadest color ranges and arguably the best blending capability on the market. With refillable inks and replaceable nibs, these are also much more sustainable than other brands--meaning unless you damage the casing, you don't really need to buy replacement markers as yours die out.Budget Minded Tip: Using the proper paper is important for ensuring more use between refills. You don't want a paper that's super absorbent (generally heavy weight or thick papers) or it will suck the ink right out of it. Find paper that's best used with alcohol markers.Budget Minded Tip 2: Given these are alcohol based, they dry incredibly fast for smear free applications on paper, however, this also means that the longer the lid is off--the more product evaporates from the marker itself. It helps to have your colors planned before you begin your project to ensure longer usage.Honestly, as with any medium, once you learn the proper techniques for using them, the only thing these markers will disappoint is your bank account.Bonus tip for the parents of young aspiring artists who are trying to justify taking out a second mortgage to support their child's dreams: If your child has the passion and drive for art, and they constantly journey down the path of self improvement (and have shown a solid understanding of respecting their equipment), these markers are a great investment and can be acquired individually, over time.When it comes to art supplies, quality of the medium used makes a world of difference. Seriously, search for comparison projects using cheap supplies vs. expensive and you'll see what I'm talking about.(Plus, consider all the credit you'll receive once your child hits it big. "This gallery wouldn've been possible if my (insert your relationship to child) had never supported my dreams and bought me a small pack of Copic markers when I was twelve and had no idea what I was doing. And it didn't matter that I didn't know--what matters is they believed in me.")

My favorite markers

I love Copic markers because they blend so effortlessly and really give me a nice finish to all my work. I mainly use them to color stamped images, although I do use them on original artwork and occasionally in mixed media. I have had issues lately with the Copics I received from Blick, which is very unusual, but they immediately made it right and replaced the markers that were completely dried out on arrival. I had given away my entire collection and had to buy quite a few markers at a time, so perhaps it was just bad luck that a number of markers were duds given the number I ordered. I will continue to use Blick and to buy Copics. I know they are expensive, but they are refillable and I find they usually last a good long while before I need to refill them. I like ... MoreI love Copic markers because they blend so effortlessly and really give me a nice finish to all my work. I mainly use them to color stamped images, although I do use them on original artwork and occasionally in mixed media. I have had issues lately with the Copics I received from Blick, which is very unusual, but they immediately made it right and replaced the markers that were completely dried out on arrival. I had given away my entire collection and had to buy quite a few markers at a time, so perhaps it was just bad luck that a number of markers were duds given the number I ordered. I will continue to use Blick and to buy Copics. I know they are expensive, but they are refillable and I find they usually last a good long while before I need to refill them. I like not having to throw away a marker and add more plastic to our landfills. I also like the quality of Copic ink and how it blends. I highly recommend them.

[Rewarded Review] COPICS FOREVER!

I've been drawing since I could hold a crayon, and that was well over 50 years ago. I've used many different brands of markers over the decades as my hobby morphed into my career, but once I tried Copic Markers I was done with every other brand of marker. The "Sketch" variety are double-ended, with one tapered brush tip, and one chisel tip. They are oil-based, so they can be blended beautifully, and mistakes can be lifted using a colorless Copic marker. The markers are also refillable, and the tips (nibs) can be very easily replaced. They flow smoothly, and are available in an amazing array of colors. I liken the switch to Copic markers to going from driving on a square wheel to a round one!

[Rewarded Review] Copics are worth the cost

Copic markers are worth the money. I’ve tried several other brands like Ohuhu, Artist’s Loft, and Master’s Touch, and while all the markers I’ve tried are decent quality, you cannot get the same blending with other markers. Other markers still leave a visible line between shades or lift the ink that was previous placed. Copic you get a seamless blend unlike any other. The brush nib surpasses any bullet nib on other brands for blending and covering large areas.

[Rewarded Review] High Quality Go To Marker Line

I really like a lot about the Copic cool gray marker line. I use the Cool Gray No. 3 for a lot of background tint in my art pieces. The brush, chisel tip combination is good for covering larger spaces and have the versitity to create more defined lines or a feathered softer line. The lighter cool gray colors also blend nice with the clear blender marker. A nice option with the cool gray line is Copic offers refills so I don’t need to buy a new marker when the ink runs out. Even nicer is that Michaels carries the refills online.

[Rewarded Review] Smooth and juicy; refills hard to come by...

As far as alcohol markers, Copic have been the gold standard for years. Despite some quality issues and issues with the refills being difficult to come by in the United States (these are manufactured in Japan and sold for much less overseas), the rubberized brush nibs in Copic Sketch are what sets this alcohol marker brand apart from most other brush tip markers as the others use felt. Ranging from light to dark hues, each marker comes with a colour coded system designed for you to learn colour theory as you collect and use them. :)As far as the blue violet range, or BV for abbreviation, the name suggests and correctly denotes that these are blue-hued violets which will range from light to dark depending on how many 0s are in front of the number and how low the ... MoreAs far as alcohol markers, Copic have been the gold standard for years. Despite some quality issues and issues with the refills being difficult to come by in the United States (these are manufactured in Japan and sold for much less overseas), the rubberized brush nibs in Copic Sketch are what sets this alcohol marker brand apart from most other brush tip markers as the others use felt. Ranging from light to dark hues, each marker comes with a colour coded system designed for you to learn colour theory as you collect and use them. :)As far as the blue violet range, or BV for abbreviation, the name suggests and correctly denotes that these are blue-hued violets which will range from light to dark depending on how many 0s are in front of the number and how low the number is. If you want a good blend using only Blue Violets, pick a light, medium, and dark.Overall, this marker line in the BV range is good but still has a lot of room to improve in the US due to its high price and lack of availability on refills. Be aware that some markers have a manufacturing defect on them where the cap has an invisible hairline crack and it will make your marker bone dry and unusable if not caught quickly.