Control Freak Tips: How to Color with Loose Artistic Style (Copic Marker, Colored Pencil)

Control Freak Tips: How to Color with Loose Artistic Style (Copic Marker, Colored Pencil)

Do you micro-manage your markers?

You’re not alone. There’s something about Copic Marker and especially colored pencil that seems to attract persnickety people. We like control and we want to regulate our colors, so we choose the most controlled version of all art mediums.

Because really, who trusts a drippy paintbrush and all those weird little tubes? That stuff gets messy! Markers and pencils are safe.

And yet we dream of painting. Painting with wild abandon.

Today, let’s look at tips for coloring with passion and freedom.

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Coloring in Times of Stress & Sorrow: Tips for Finding Relief Through Art

Coloring in Times of Stress & Sorrow: Tips for Finding Relief Through Art

Can creativity make you feel better?

I think so.

Coloring can be emotionally uplifting.

Spending time focused on things you love, like Copic Markers, colored pencils, cute stamps and coloring images— just being surrounded by color— for many of us, it soothes and calms the mind.

It simply feels good to be creative.

So knowing that coloring can make the best day feel even better… And now, with all this pandemic stuff…

Can we use coloring to help us cope with our emotions and struggles this time of social distancing and isolation?

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Artist's Notebook: 4 Tips For No-Line Coloring (Copic Marker, Colored Pencil)
Creativity, Power Poppy, Realism Amy Shulke Creativity, Power Poppy, Realism Amy Shulke

Artist's Notebook: 4 Tips For No-Line Coloring (Copic Marker, Colored Pencil)

I love to color Power Poppy digital stamps with Copic Markers and colored pencils. But I’m a coloring instructor so I draw and color daily. Your hobby is my day job.

My hobby? I l bake bread. I’m nerdy, so when I bake bread, I geek-out. Old recipes, odd ingredients... I’ve even cultured my own yeast. I enjoy baking the same way you enjoy coloring. It’s relaxing fun.

But here’s the difference: when I make bread, I don’t staple the recipe to every single slice. I don’t announce with a bullhorn “Hey everybody, before you take a bite of my bread, please note that I used Gold Medal Flour and Morton's Salt!”

But in coloring? You advertise your supplies all the time.

And you don’t even realize it.

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Best Copic Marker Colors for Beginners

Best Copic Marker Colors for Beginners

Which Copic Marker Set is Best for Beginners?

New to Copic coloring? Never bought markers before? It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the many Copic Marker sets. You’re ready to play but you’re also nervous. Copics are a big investment! Unless you’re a long lost Rockefeller, most people can’t buy all 358 markers at once.

How do you make the most of your initial investment and what’s the best way to build your way up to a full collection?

Let’s make sure your first purchase is a smart purchase!

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