Best Drawing 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 drawing 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 artists seeking high-quality markers that deliver professional results. Despite the premium price, the performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about their craft. The Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is a premium selection of alcohol-based drawing markers, designed to offer artists a versatile and vibrant palette. Known for their blendable colors and dual-tip design, these markers are ideal for both beginners and seasoned illustrators looking to expand their toolset. Priced at Β£159.99, this set includes a thoughtfully curated range of colors to kickstart your creative projects.
β Pros
- Exceptional blendability
- Vibrant, consistent colors
- Dual-tip for versatility
- Long-lasting ink
β Cons
- High price point
- Limited color range in the starter set
- Refillable ink sold separately
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
The performance of these markers is exceptional, providing smooth application and vibrant, consistent color output. They are particularly effective for layering and blending, which is crucial for achieving depth and dimension in illustrations. The alcohol-based ink ensures that the colors are long-lasting and resistant to fading over time.
π¨ Design & Usability
Copic Sketch markers feature a sleek, ergonomic design that makes them comfortable to hold for extended periods. The dual-tip design, with a brush tip on one end and a chisel tip on the other, provides versatility and precision for various illustration techniques. The build quality is robust, ensuring that the markers withstand regular use without deterioration.
π° Value for Money
While the Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is a significant investment at Β£159.99, the quality and versatility of these markers justify the price for serious artists. This set is best suited for illustrators who frequently work with markers and need reliable, professional-grade tools. Beginners may find the cost prohibitive, but the results can significantly enhance their artwork.
π― Verdict
The Copic Sketch 24 Piece Starter Set is an outstanding choice for artists seeking high-quality markers that deliver professional results. Despite the premium price, the performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about their craft.
2. Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Chisel Tip, 12 Pack
The Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers are a solid investment for artists seeking top-tier performance and versatility. While the price may be a consideration, the quality and functionality make them a worthy addition to any serious illustrator's toolkit. The Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers offer a versatile and high-quality solution for artists seeking precision and vibrant color. Featuring a fine tip and a chisel tip on each marker, this 12-pack provides the flexibility needed for detailed illustrations and bold strokes. Known for their rich pigmentation, these markers are a staple for both professional and amateur artists.
β Pros
- Vibrant pigmentation
- Smooth ink flow
- Versatile dual tips
- Durable construction
β Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited color range in 12-pack
- Potential for ink bleed on thin paper
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
These markers deliver exceptional performance with smooth, consistent ink flow that ensures even coverage and minimal streaking. The dual tips allow for seamless transitions between fine detail work and broad color applications, making them ideal for complex illustrations and mixed media projects.
π¨ Design & Usability
The design of the Prismacolor Premier markers is both functional and sturdy, with a robust build that withstands daily use. The double-ended tips are well-integrated, and the ergonomic barrel design facilitates prolonged use without discomfort, enhancing usability for extended art sessions.
π° Value for Money
Priced at Β£57.75 for a 12-pack, these markers offer a high-quality experience but may be considered a premium option compared to other brands. They are best suited for serious illustrators and professionals who require reliable, vibrant markers for their work, though beginners may find the investment worthwhile for the quality obtained.
π― Verdict
The Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers are a solid investment for artists seeking top-tier performance and versatility. While the price may be a consideration, the quality and functionality make them a worthy addition to any serious illustrator's toolkit.
3. Winsor & Newton, Promarker, Skin Tones Set, Set of 12 + 1 Blender, Alcohol Ba...
The Winsor & Newton Promarker Skin Tones Set is a solid choice for illustrators seeking reliable performance, particularly in portrait and character work. While the range is somewhat limited, the quality and usability of the markers make them a worthwhile investment. The Winsor & Newton Promarker Skin Tones Set is a versatile collection of 12 alcohol-based markers, specifically curated for rendering a variety of skin tones. Accompanied by a colorless blender, this set is designed to offer both amateur and professional illustrators the precision and subtlety needed for detailed portrait work. Each marker features dual tips, providing both fine and broad strokes for diverse artistic requirements.
β Pros
- Smooth, even application
- Quick drying time
- Dual-tip versatility
- Ergonomic design
β Cons
- Limited skin tone range
- Not refillable
- Potential bleed-through on thin paper
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
For illustration work, these markers deliver smooth, even coverage with vibrant, true-to-color pigments. The alcohol-based formula ensures quick drying and minimal streaking, which is crucial for layering and blending, especially when working on complex skin tones. However, the color range could be expanded to better serve diverse skin types and tones.
π¨ Design & Usability
The markers boast a sleek, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in hand, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort. The dual-tip feature, with a fine nib on one end and a broad chisel tip on the other, enhances versatility, catering to both detailed and large-scale drawings. Build quality is robust, with caps that secure tightly to prevent drying out.
π° Value for Money
Priced at Β£16.99, this set offers good value for money, especially given the brandβs reputation for quality. It is ideally suited for budding artists and professionals focusing on portraiture or character design, although those requiring an extensive palette for varied ethnic representations might need to supplement with additional shades.
π― Verdict
The Winsor & Newton Promarker Skin Tones Set is a solid choice for illustrators seeking reliable performance, particularly in portrait and character work. While the range is somewhat limited, the quality and usability of the markers make them a worthwhile investment.
4. Posca Water Based Permanent Marker Paint Pen - Multi Surface Use - PC-1MR, 0....
The Posca Water Based Permanent Marker Paint Pen set is an excellent choice for illustrators seeking precision and versatility. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its performance across multiple surfaces and ergonomic design make it a valuable addition to any artist's toolkit. The Posca Water Based Permanent Marker Paint Pen - Multi Surface Use - PC-1MR, 0.7mm Ultra Fine Starter Set is a versatile tool for artists, offering vibrant colors and precision. Designed for multi-surface application, this set includes 16 markers housed in a convenient gift wallet, making it an enticing choice for both beginners and experienced illustrators. Priced at Β£36.99, it promises quality and performance in a compact package.
β Pros
- Vibrant color range
- Precise 0.7mm tip
- Quick-drying ink
- Multi-surface capability
β Cons
- Ink opacity varies on different surfaces
- Higher price point
- Limited refill options
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
For illustration work, these markers perform exceptionally well, offering smooth and consistent ink flow with a precision that caters to detailed artwork. The water-based ink dries quickly, reducing smudging, and adheres well to a variety of surfaces including paper, wood, and plastic. However, the opacity may vary slightly depending on the surface texture.
π¨ Design & Usability
The design of the Posca markers is sleek and user-friendly, with a sturdy build that ensures durability during extended use. The ultra-fine 0.7mm tip allows for intricate detailing, which is ideal for precision work. The markers are easy to handle, with a comfortable grip that aids in control and accuracy.
π° Value for Money
At Β£36.99, the set offers good value for money, especially considering the high-quality ink and durable construction. It is best suited for illustrators who require a reliable tool for detailed work across various surfaces. While it may be a higher initial investment, the longevity and versatility of these markers justify the price.
π― Verdict
The Posca Water Based Permanent Marker Paint Pen set is an excellent choice for illustrators seeking precision and versatility. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its performance across multiple surfaces and ergonomic design make it a valuable addition to any artist's toolkit.
5. Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set, Dual Tip Alcohol Markers, Colouring Pens fo...
The Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set is a cost-effective choice for hobbyists and intermediate artists, offering vibrant colors and versatile tips suitable for a variety of creative projects. While not perfect for professional use, its affordability and range make it a worthwhile consideration for expanding one's artistic toolkit. The Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set offers a comprehensive array of dual-tip alcohol markers designed for illustrators seeking versatility and vibrant color application. Priced at Β£15.29, this set includes an impressive range of hues, suitable for a variety of artistic projects such as drawing, sketching, anime, and manga. The set comes with a convenient carrying case and storage base, enhancing its portability and organization.
β Pros
- Wide range of colors
- Dual-tip versatility
- Quick-drying ink
- Portable carrying case
β Cons
- Slight color inconsistency
- Limited precision for professionals
- Caps can be difficult to remove
ποΈ Quick Review Summary
β‘ Performance
These markers perform admirably for illustration work, offering smooth and even application of color without streaking. The alcohol-based ink ensures quick drying times and blends seamlessly, making them ideal for layering and shading techniques. However, the color consistency may vary slightly with extended use, which might require additional blending efforts for professional-grade projects.
π¨ Design & Usability
The dual tips, featuring a broad chisel and a fine bullet point, provide flexibility for both detailed work and broader strokes. The markers boast a solid build quality with caps that secure tightly, reducing the risk of drying out. Despite their robust design, the markers are lightweight and comfortable to hold, facilitating extended drawing sessions.
π° Value for Money
At a price point of Β£0.19 per marker, the Tongfushop set offers excellent value for amateur artists and hobbyists seeking a budget-friendly yet comprehensive marker collection. While professional illustrators might require more precision and color accuracy, this set is perfect for those at the intermediate level or those exploring different art styles.
π― Verdict
The Tongfushop 80 Colored Marker Set is a cost-effective choice for hobbyists and intermediate artists, offering vibrant colors and versatile tips suitable for a variety of creative projects. While not perfect for professional use, its affordability and range make it a worthwhile consideration for expanding one's artistic toolkit.
π Buying Guide
When choosing drawing 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.