Best Art Markers
Professional recommendations from a Cheshire-based illustrator
π¨ Introduction
As a professional illustrator based in Cheshire, I create custom illustrations for books, branding, and digital media. Over the years, I've tested and researched various art supplies to help fellow artists make informed decisions.
This guide covers the top-rated art markers available in 2025. Each product has been selected based on detailed research β examining verified customer reviews, technical specifications, colour quality, ink flow, and value for money. The recommendations reflect what I'd look for when advising clients and students on art supplies.
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β³ In a Rush? Our Top Picks
Based on detailed research and customer feedback, here are our award winners:
π Recommended Products
1. Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set
The Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is an outstanding choice for professional artists seeking high-quality markers that deliver superior results. Although the initial investment is significant, the performance and durability of these markers make them a worthwhile addition to any serious illustrator's collection. The Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is a premium collection of alcohol-based markers designed for professional illustrators and art enthusiasts. Known for their vibrant colors and superior blendability, these markers offer a versatile range of options for various artistic endeavors. The set includes a curated selection of colors that serve as an excellent foundation for any artist's toolkit.
β Pros
- Vibrant and consistent colors
- Excellent blendability
- Dual-tip design for versatility
- High-quality and durable build
β Cons
- High price point
- Limited color range in starter set
- Requires additional investment for full color spectrum
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
Copic Sketch markers excel in performance, delivering smooth and consistent coverage with each stroke. Their dual-tip design, featuring a broad chisel and a fine brush tip, allows for both detailed work and expansive color fills, making them ideal for illustration work. The alcohol-based ink ensures seamless blending and layering, enabling artists to achieve a wide array of tones and gradients.
π¨ Design & Usability
The design of the Copic Sketch markers is both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing, with a sleek oval barrel that prevents rolling. The build quality is exceptional, reflecting the brand's reputation for durability and reliability. Usability is enhanced by the color-coded caps, which make selecting the right shade quick and straightforward, even in the midst of a complex project.
π° Value for Money
While the Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is priced at Β£159.99, which may seem steep for beginners, its quality and versatility justify the investment for serious artists. It is best suited for professional illustrators and aspiring artists who prioritize performance and are willing to invest in long-lasting supplies. For those who require a comprehensive and high-performing set of markers, this set offers substantial value.
π― Verdict
The Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is an outstanding choice for professional artists seeking high-quality markers that deliver superior results. Although the initial investment is significant, the performance and durability of these markers make them a worthwhile addition to any serious illustrator's collection.
2. Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Chisel Tip, 12 Pack
The Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers are a worthy investment for serious illustrators seeking quality and versatility. While the price may be an obstacle for casual users, the performance and durability justify the cost for professionals. The Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers offer versatility with their dual-tip design, featuring both fine and chisel tips. This 12-pack set is designed for artists who demand vibrant colors and precision in their work. Each marker delivers smooth, consistent ink flow, making them ideal for a variety of illustration techniques.
β Pros
- Vibrant color saturation
- Smooth ink flow
- Dual-tip versatility
- Excellent blending capabilities
β Cons
- High price point
- Limited color range in 12-pack
- Potential for ink bleed-through
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
These markers perform exceptionally well for illustration, providing rich, saturated colors that blend smoothly. The fine tip allows for detailed line work, while the chisel tip is perfect for broader strokes and shading, making them a versatile choice for professional artists.
π¨ Design & Usability
The design of the Prismacolor Premier markers is both functional and ergonomic, with a sturdy build that withstands extensive use. The markers are easy to hold, and the dual-tip design adds to their flexibility, allowing for seamless transitions between different types of work.
π° Value for Money
Priced at Β£57.75 for a 12-pack, these markers represent a significant investment but offer quality that supports the price. They are best suited for professional or serious hobbyist illustrators who require reliable, high-performance tools for their art projects.
π― Verdict
The Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers are a worthy investment for serious illustrators seeking quality and versatility. While the price may be an obstacle for casual users, the performance and durability justify the cost for professionals.
3. Winsor & Newton, Promarker, Skin Tones Set, Set of 12 + 1 Blender, Alcohol Ba...
The Winsor & Newton Promarker Skin Tones Set is a commendable addition to any illustrator's toolkit, particularly those focused on portrait work. While it necessitates complementary sets for a broader color palette, its quality and affordability make it a worthwhile investment. The Winsor & Newton Promarker Skin Tones Set is a versatile collection of 12 alcohol-based dual-tip markers, specifically curated for portrait and figure illustrations. These markers offer a range of skin tones, complemented by a blender marker, making them an ideal choice for artists focusing on human subjects. At Β£16.99, this set promises professional quality at an accessible price point.
β Pros
- Wide range of skin tones
- Smooth blending capabilities
- Durable dual-tip design
- Affordable price point
β Cons
- Limited to skin tones
- Requires additional sets for full color range
- Blender may require practice for optimal use
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
The Promarker Skin Tones Set performs exceptionally well in blending and layering, allowing for smooth transitions between shadesβa crucial feature for realistic skin depictions. The alcohol-based ink provides vibrant, consistent color coverage without streaking, making it a reliable choice for both amateur and professional illustrators.
π¨ Design & Usability
Each marker in the set features a dual-tip design, with a fine nib for detailed work and a broad chisel tip for covering larger areas. The markers are ergonomically designed for comfortable handling, with a robust build quality that withstands regular use. Their caps fit securely, preventing unwanted drying out of the tips.
π° Value for Money
At Β£16.99, the Promarker Skin Tones Set offers excellent value for money, providing high-quality markers at just Β£1.31 per marker. It's an ideal choice for illustrators, students, and hobbyists who frequently work with skin tones and require reliable, professional-grade tools without a hefty price tag.
π― Verdict
The Winsor & Newton Promarker Skin Tones Set is a commendable addition to any illustrator's toolkit, particularly those focused on portrait work. While it necessitates complementary sets for a broader color palette, its quality and affordability make it a worthwhile investment.
4. Posca Water Based Permanent Marker Paint Pen - Multi Surface Use - PC-1MR, 0....
The Posca PC-1MR Starter Set is a fantastic choice for detail-oriented artists who need reliable markers for multi-surface applications. While the ultra-fine tips require careful handling, the overall quality and performance make these markers a valuable addition to any illustrator's collection. The Posca Water Based Permanent Marker Paint Pen - PC-1MR, 0.7mm Ultra Fine Starter Set offers a versatile tool for artists working across various surfaces. This set of 16 pens comes in a convenient gift wallet, providing a comprehensive color palette for both amateur and professional illustrators. Known for their fine precision and vibrant hues, these markers are a staple in many artists' toolkits.
β Pros
- Vibrant color selection
- Ultra-fine precision tip
- Versatile multi-surface use
- Quick-drying ink
β Cons
- Tips can be fragile
- Limited ink capacity
- Not ideal for large areas
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
For illustration work, the Posca PC-1MR markers deliver exceptional performance with their ultra-fine 0.7mm tips that allow for detailed and intricate artwork. The water-based ink flows smoothly and dries quickly, making it ideal for layering and blending without fear of smudging. These markers work well on a multitude of surfaces, although they show best results on paper and canvas.
π¨ Design & Usability
The design of these markers is both sleek and functional, with a sturdy build that ensures longevity. The ultra-fine tip is well-crafted for precision work, though care must be taken to prevent damage from excessive pressure. Usability is enhanced by the comfortable grip and clear labeling, allowing easy color identification and seamless workflow.
π° Value for Money
Priced at Β£36.99, this set offers good value for artists seeking a reliable and versatile coloring tool. It is particularly well-suited for illustrators who require fine detail work, though it may be less ideal for those needing broader coverage. The inclusion of 16 colors enables a wide range of artistic expression, making it a worthy investment for committed artists.
π― Verdict
The Posca PC-1MR Starter Set is a fantastic choice for detail-oriented artists who need reliable markers for multi-surface applications. While the ultra-fine tips require careful handling, the overall quality and performance make these markers a valuable addition to any illustrator's collection.
5. Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set, Dual Tip Alcohol Markers, Colouring Pens fo...
The Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set is a solid choice for those seeking a cost-effective introduction to alcohol markers. While it has some limitations, it offers good performance for casual use and artistic exploration. Perfect for beginners and hobbyists. The Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set is a budget-friendly art supply option for those looking to explore the world of alcohol markers. Featuring dual tips, these markers are designed for versatility, catering to artists who enjoy a variety of styles, from drawing and sketching to anime and manga. With a convenient carrying case and storage base, this set is perfect for both hobbyists and budding artists on the go.
β Pros
- Affordable price
- Vibrant color range
- Dual-tip versatility
- Convenient carrying case
β Cons
- Inconsistent color output
- Caps can be difficult to remove
- Build quality could be improved
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
In terms of performance, the markers offer vibrant colors and smooth application, making them suitable for illustration projects. The alcohol-based ink allows for easy blending and layering, which is essential for achieving depth and dimension in artwork. However, the color consistency can vary slightly between markers, which may affect detailed work.
π¨ Design & Usability
The design of the Tongfushop markers features a dual-tip configuration, with a broad chisel tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, providing flexibility for different line widths. The markers are lightweight and ergonomically designed, offering comfort during extended use. The build quality is adequate for the price, though the caps can sometimes be difficult to remove or secure.
π° Value for Money
At Β£15.29 for 80 markers, this set offers exceptional value for money, especially for beginners or casual artists. While it may lack the refinement of higher-end brands, it delivers a comprehensive color range at an accessible price point. It's ideal for students, hobbyists, or anyone starting out with alcohol markers without a significant financial commitment.
π― Verdict
The Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set is a solid choice for those seeking a cost-effective introduction to alcohol markers. While it has some limitations, it offers good performance for casual use and artistic exploration. Perfect for beginners and hobbyists.
π Buying Guide
When choosing art markers, consider these key factors:
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Ink Quality: Look for markers with vibrant, consistent ink flow that doesn't bleed through paper.
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Tip Options: Consider whether you need fine tips for detail work, brush tips for blending, or chisel tips for broad strokes.
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Colour Range: Ensure the set includes the colours you need for your projects. Larger sets offer more versatility.
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Refillability: Premium brands like Copic offer refillable markers, which are more economical long-term.
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Price vs Quality: Budget markers work for beginners, but professional illustrators benefit from investing in high-quality brands.
About the Reviewer
Every Big Red Illustration review is written by illustrator and agent Jamie Conner, drawing on over 30 years of combined professional experience in traditional art, digital tools, and the wider creative industry.
Here's what he has to sayβ¦
I'm Jamie Conner, a UK-based illustrator and illustrator agent with a background in character-focused and expressive artwork. My training began at Newcastle-under-Lyme College and continued at Nottingham Trent University, where I developed a strong foundation in illustration.
I now split my time between creating my own work and representing artists, supporting them with commissions, opportunities, and navigating the wider creative industry. I also review digital and traditional art products, offering clear, practical insights to help artists choose tools that suit their workflow.
Whether I'm illustrating, advising artists, or reviewing products, my work is driven by a genuine commitment to the craft of illustration and to the wider creative community.