When we were children, getting the felt tip pens out felt like what we could only imagine Monet, Picasso or Van Gogh experienced as they opened their box of paints - aka the absolute height of artistry
Felt tip pens symbolised a graduation from the less messy, slightly more mistake-proof alternative of colouring pencils and HBs.
As we waded through the woes of secondary school art lessons and into the adult world, many of us picked up the notion that felt tip pens continued to represent a rather childish artistic medium. If we were to take our art seriously, we should be using the likes of oil, acrylic and watercolour paints. Yet with the introduction of Copic pens, the world of felt tips and markers was forever changed.
Founded in Japan in 1987, Copic was launched to meet the needs of the next generation of professional designers. Today, the brand has a whopping 358-strong colour repertoire, offering specialist shades for the most advanced illustrators, artists and graphic designers. Yet other than offering more colours than many of us thought existed by name, what is it that makes these felt tip pens so revolutionary?
The dual-nib markers which come in a variety of sizes house a reservoir of high-quality alcohol-based ink that neither streaks nor bleeds when used on the correct paper. This alcohol-based ink is specially formulated to be highly transparent and remarkably blendable, making it an invaluable medium for intricate layering and shading. The markers are also surprisingly eco-friendly, with the option to purchase ink refills and replacement nibs.
Though initially launched as a decidedly professional tool, the remit of Copic markers now stretches far beyond that of architects and professional designers. That being said, the prices of these pens continue to reflect that of artisan usage. As a result, a number of ‘dupe’ felt tips and markers have entered the market to meet the newfound demand for supreme quality colouring pens.
Of course, traditional felt tip pens have been around for far longer than Copic, with the patent for the first felt tip filed in 1910. Likewise, iconic felt tips for colouring by brands such as Staedtler and Stabilo are an invaluable resource and make a brilliant Christmas present for kids. For students, avid notetakers and journallers, a standard set of felt tips are all you could possibly need.
Contemporary brush pens made with felt or fibre nibs and are a popular artistic tool for all ages and levels. They were also invented in Japan as a modern alternative to the ancient art of calligraphy, though slightly earlier than Copic markers – in 1973 by Kuretake. They allow for a more painterly approach to graphic design, offering a greater sense of fluidity.
Whatever your artistic preference or needs may be, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best felt tips and markers. Shop our top picks below.
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Copic Sketch Markers Set of 72
The set of felt tip markers to rival them all, Copic may be eye-wateringly expensive, but these pens are a sure-fire investment in your artistic career. The ‘sketch’ pens are the most popular model and are available in the widest range of colours. They feature a medium-broad and flexible superbrush nib combination. Choose between three different sets of colours which feature slightly warmer or cooler tones, depending on what suits your colour palette.
Our personal favourite is set A, which we feel offers a brilliant combination of tones. Set B, on the other hand, is better suited to those who work with darker colours and heavy outlines – such as manga and comic designers. Set C offers all brightly-hued colours and no blacks or greys.
Buy now £399.99, Cult Pens
Winsor & Newton ProMarker Architecture Set of 24
Designed for architects, this set of Winsor & Newton ProMarkers features the colour combinations of a classic cityscape. In comparison to Copic, Winsor & Newton alcohol-based markers are just as high-quality and are offered at a more affordable price point. The main difference is that Copic markers are smaller and easier to manoeuvre, and also don’t smell as strongly of alcohol.
Nevertheless, Winsor & Newton’s twin-tipped markers feature a broad chisel and fine bullet nib which offers the ability to switch freely between broad strokes of colour and precision detailing. A fantastic felt tip beloved by students and professionals alike, we’re big fans of how this particular set is housed in a portable display case.
Buy now £37.90, Art Discount
Ohuhu Set of 48
Ohuhu markers are the most popular ‘dupe’ for Copic, and for good reason. While Ohuhu doesn’t offer refills, replacement nibs or the sheer amount of colour options, the brand remains a fantastic choice for newbies to the felt tip scene who aren’t quite ready to make the financial commitment. For instance, you can pick up a set of 168 markers for just £129.99. Filled with high-quality ink, quick-drying and easy to blend, you simply can’t go wrong.
Buy now £35.99, Amazon
Cass Art Marker Set of 24 - Assorted Colours
Yet another addition to the world of alcohol-based Copic lookalikes, we’re nevertheless enamoured by the colourways offered in this set of 24 markers from Cass Art. Though available in six different packs, the assorted pack of 24 is wonderfully vibrant and particularly suited to botanical and natural illustrations.
Buy now £29.95, Cass Art
Stabilo Pen 68 Premium Fibre-Tip Pen – Pack of 65
When it comes to traditional felt tips, you can’t do much better than the Stabilo Pen 68. Offering highly saturated colour with streak-free, water-based ink, these are a back-to-school essential, no matter whether you’re in primary, secondary or university education.
The classic Pen 68 features a versatile 1mm fibre tip, though it’s also available with a metallic, brush or precision tip. The ink is water-soluble, which means it takes roughly 24 hours to dry fully – so make sure to properly store your work and take care with potential bleed-through.
Buy now £62.48, Amazon
Edding 1200 Fibre Tip Pen
A metallic option for lovers of contemporary calligraphy and all things glittery, the Edding 1200 is available in a variety of other non-shiny colours too. Brilliant for writing and sketching alike, you can even buy multi-packs of the same colour, which is fantastic for artists and illustrators who tend to use the same hues time and time again.
Buy now £4.36, Amazon
Creativepeak Watercolour Brush Pens - 48 Vibrant Colouring Pens & 2 Blending Brushes
Featuring flexible, extra-long brush tips, the Creativepeak brush pens offer a middle-ground for artists experimenting with graphic illustration. Pairing the vibrant saturation and easy access to a range of colours afforded by felt tips with the effect of watercolours, these brilliant pens come with two refillable water brushes for blending. One features a round tip for detailing, while the other is equipped with a square tip for covering larger areas.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Staedtler Calligraph Duo - Assorted Calligraphy Marker Pens
Filled with high-quality, light-fast, water-based ink which won’t fade over time, these colourful calligraphy felt tips are double-ended for both large (3.5mm) and small (2.0mm) lettering.
Buy now £17.85, Art Discount
Verdict
For artist-quality, premium felt tip markers filled with alcohol-based ink, Copic is the obvious choice. However, Ohuhu offers a vast range of colours for a far more affordable price. For water-based felt tips, Stabilo Pen 68’s are a tried and true classic.
