Working with Markers ✍️

Markers are familiar to all of us. From a young age, they’ve been a staple in schools and creative spaces.

There’s a whole world within markers, and I’ll try to give you as much information as possible—without overwhelming you.

Regular Markers

These can be found anywhere, available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They can’t be erased, but they’re fun to draw with. Blending requires a delicate touch so the paper doesn’t tear. Today, you’ll find classic markers, brush-tip markers, and more—each creating a different drawing style. Using them well requires attention to detail and the type of illustration you’re making.

Permanent Markers

Thick, non-erasable markers. On thin paper, they may bleed through to the other side.

Highlighters

Familiar from school, these allow you to mark text while still being able to read what’s underneath.

Whiteboard Markers

Designed specifically for dry-erase boards, easily removable.

Alcohol-Based Markers

Professional-grade markers often used by illustrators and artists. They used to be very expensive, but have recently become more affordable and are now sold even in popular chains. Unlike water-based markers, alcohol markers allow you to build layers of color, resulting in more impressive and polished artwork.

Acrylic Markers

These are essentially paint in marker form. Posca markers are the most well-known brand, though today many alternatives exist at different price points. They create an opaque layer, and it’s important to let each layer dry before applying the next. They also come in a wide range of tip sizes.