Marker Art for Absolute Beginners: Your First Steps Guide

Starting with markers is easier than you think. This guide covers everything absolute beginners need. Find starter sets in our best markers guide.

What Are Markers?

Markers are pens with ink-soaked nibs. Two main types: Alcohol-based (blend smoothly, permanent) and water-based (washable, safer for kids). Most have dual tips: broad and fine.

Your First Purchase (£20-40)

12-24 marker set: Ohuhu or Arteza recommended. Marker paper pad: 50 sheets, A4 size. Pencil and eraser: For sketching first. Optional: Black fineliner for outlines.

Understanding Your Markers

Chisel tip: Wide, angled, for filling areas. Fine tip: Pointed, for details and lines. Caps: Always replace immediately. Storage: Lay flat horizontally.

First Technique: Even Coverage

Work quickly in one direction. Overlap strokes by 50%. Keep consistent pressure. Don't go back over drying ink. Complete section before pausing.

First Project: Color Swatches

Draw rectangles for each marker. Fill evenly with color. Label with marker number. Keep as reference. Practice even coverage.

Second Technique: Simple Blending

Apply light color first. Add darker color next to it. While wet, blend with lighter marker. Overlapping strokes. Work fast (30-60 seconds).

Second Project: Gradient Strips

Create smooth color transitions. Light to dark. Practice with all color pairs. Build blending confidence.

Third Project: Simple Shape

Draw circle (sphere). Leave highlight white. Apply light color around highlight. Add darker color opposite light. Blend transitions. Your first 3D form!

Common Beginner Mistakes

Working too slowly: Ink dries before blending. Solution: Work faster, smaller sections. Wrong paper: Bleeding and feathering. Solution: Use marker paper from day one. Buying too many: Overwhelmed. Solution: Start with 12-24 markers.

Practice Schedule

Week 1: Color swatches, even coverage. Week 2: Blending, gradients. Week 3: Simple shapes.

Find beginner-friendly options in our alcohol markers guide and markers for colouring shapes, shading. Week 4: First simple illustration.

Tips

Practice 15 minutes daily. Test on scrap paper first. Watch beginner tutorials. Be patient with yourself. Have fun!