FAQ

Frequently asked Questions

Here’s a list of some frequently asked questions. If you do not see your question here, please feel free to Contact Me!

Copic Marker FAQ

Copic Markers are an alcohol marker which means you can blend the inks together. In other words, you can different colors, textures and gradients.

The kits are actually not really picked all that great for blending. There’s usually not a whole lot of coordinating colors. Therefore, it will be difficult to achieve that smooth blend. It’s like blending a light forest green with a dark olive green, the shades do not match. However, if you do want to purchase kits I recommend the Copic Blending Trios. They come with 3 coordinating colors that you can blend. In addition, also recommend the 6 packs they come with 3 different shades with 2 coordinating colors you can blend. (affiliate links)

My favorite paper to use is Copic Xpress it Blending Card. However, I do know others use different paper that works just fine, Copic xpress it happens to be what I prefer. (affiliate link)

Copic Sketch – Prices vary from $5.85 – $8.99

  • oval barrel (which holds more ink than the Ciao)
  • the names and numbers are listed on the cap ends
  • 358 color choices
  • replaceable nibs (comes with super brush and chisel)
  • refillable

Scrapbookpal.com has Copic Sketch Markers for $5.85.

Copic Ciao – Prices vary from $3.90 – $5.99

  • round barrel
  • names and numbers are listed on the side of the marker
  • 180 color choices
  • replaceable nibs (comes with super brush and chisel)
  • refillable

Scrapbookpal.com has Copic Ciao Markers for $3.90.

(affiliate links)

I recommend getting 1 set of 3 or 4 coordinating colors. In other words, choose a pink, purple, blue etc. Make sure they are in the same family so, B91, B93, B95, B97. This way you can learn to blend them.

Freebie Alert!

Check out my Free Copic Workbook to help you plan a budget and it will also show you how to choose your Copic Markers in a way where you can create your own coloring style.

I know there are quite a bit of stamp companies that have their own black inks that will work well with Copics — that I’ve heard from other crafters. However,  I started with Memento Black ink and Memento Desert Sand (for no line coloring) so that’s what I’ve stuck with for the last 15 years. (affiliate links)

I color from dark to light. It makes more sense to me to pull out a little of the previous color with each new lighter color. In addition, it allows me to have more control of the ink. However, if you have never colored before I think you should try both ways and see what’s more comfortable. If you are already comfortable coloring from light to dark — it might throw you off by switching. In conclusion, I don’t think there’s a wrong way to create art — just do what feels more comfortable.

By using the tip of your brush and laying down the marker and then flicking out. Therefore,  where your marker touches the paper last is going to be a lot lighter then when you first put your marker to the paper. In conclusion, this makes the color a little lighter and a little easier to blend the next color. Check out this video on different ways to color.

This is Phoebe...

Copic Marker FAQ continued..

First, I want you to first make sure your paper is Copic friendly, I use Copic Xpress it Blending Card. Sometimes, you’re not doing anything wrong but the paper isn’t heavy or smooth enough. After that, make sure you aren’t going back over the dark colors with the light, in short, making your darker color separate and causing blotchiness. On the other hand, another thing that might be happening is you’re not adding enough color to the paper. So, if you’re using R81, R83 and R85 to color and it’s not smooth. Add another layer in that order exactly how you laid the color down the first time.

Try thinking of your image in a fully lit room. Where would shadows make sense? If she was wearing a hat there would be a shadow on her forehead. If a kid was holding their arms in front of them, there would be a shadow casting onto the shirt under the arms. To sum it up, it’s easier to start by doing this rather than focusing on a certain direction where the light is coming, while you’re still learning. Above all, it will soon just come to you and you will color without thinking. 🙂

Meanwhile, checkout my Blog Post – STOP Trying to find the light source.

The BLOB!

If your Copics are newer or recently refilled they might be super juicy. Also, there could be pressure built up in the barrel which will also result with a “blob”. If you use a marker and this has happened or is happening, try taking the cap off the other end when coloring which will help release some of the pressure forcing the ink to come out.

TIP: Never open your marker directly over your image.

TIP: Keep a paper towel close by and when you see the nib start to get shiny, that’s your que to give it a little squeeze with the paper towel.

It depends on how much you use that marker. The tip can get dull and not as pointy. Also when the nib looks like it has darker or lighter areas on it. I always try to soak the nibs in some blending solution (if the tip is not dull) which will help clean out some of that sticky ink, but make sure you push the nib back in the barrel fully because if you don’t that can cause air to get through the seal as a result that will dry your ink all up.

Copic Marker maintenance is so important and if you do the maintenance that will result in your markers lasting much longer. Your most used markers will need to be refilled. You’ll notice your marker ink not blending well on the paper and you will know you need some more ink. Another part of the Copic upkeep is to clean the inside of the marker lids, you can soak them in the blending solution. You will need to do this when you notice your ink getting sticky and that’s due to the dried ink on the cap getting on the nib of your marker causing your nib to get all gunky and your nib will need to be changed. These markers are seriously amazing and will last you forever if you take care of them!

Sure!!! You can email me a photo and I’ll take a look! email – hello(AT)mycreativescoop.com

Copic Coloring Course FAQ

You can substitute color combos for whatever you have this way you don’t have to run out and buy more markers and can actually use them more often. For example if you have B91, 93, and 95 for blue and I’m using B12, B14 and B18 for the water.. use what you have. Try to replace however many markers I’m using with your combo. If you were to follow a class or tutorial and do not have those colors used you can still follow along. If you are watching someone color a brown bunny and they are using E30, E31, E33 — and you have E23, E25, E27 you can color using those. Yeah your bunny will be darker and different shade, but you’ll still get to follow the rule of applying the ink to the paper in the same way as the teacher. You can even make a pink bunny! 🙂

My classes are going to help you more if you are using Copics. The technique is a little different if you’re using another alcohol marker with a bullet nib as opposed to the Copic which is a super brush nib. However, you will learn from the class still, light source, depth perception, freehand backgrounds and more. However, I do not have a lot of different coloring mediums — so telling you which colors to use will be difficult. In conclusion, if I’m asking for blue for water and I’m using 4 different shades of blue, just use whatever blue color combo that coordinates that you have. 🙂

First, I’d like to say that you should learn from as many different people as possible. Then take the techniques and tips you learned, that you like the best, from each artist and combine them so you can create your own style! I think it’s so important to stand out and create your own look.

In other words, I encourage you to do just that. There’s no pressure to color it exactly the way I did, whether you didn’t want to go as dark, or if you wanted to do some extreme shadows. You need to create the look YOU want! I’m just there to help you learn how to use the markers and teach you some freehand backgrounds. 🙂

Freebie Alert!

Check out my Free Copic Workbook to help you plan a budget and it will also show you how to choose your Copic Markers in a way where you can create your own coloring style.

Most of my new classes are only available for about a 2 week period. After a year has gone by I’ll re-open the course according to the season, although, some classes will stay all year if it’s not a seasonal class.

🙁

Unfortunately, no. I’m sorry. I’ve had an issue with class re-distribution and I put a lot of effort into my classes.

However, you will have lifetime access to classes you purchase and can login to view them anytime.

You can substitute color combos for whatever you have. In other words, if you have B91, 93, and 95 for blue and I’m using B12, B14 and B18 for the water.. use what you have. However, try to replace however many markers I’m using with your combo.

If you were to follow a class or tutorial and do not have those colors used you can still follow along. If you are watching someone color a brown bunny and they are using E30, E31, E33 — and you have E23, E25, E27 you can color using those. Yeah your bunny will be darker and different shade, but you’ll still get to follow the rule of applying the ink to the paper in the same way as the teacher. In other words, if you colored a bunny pink – that would absolutely be okay!! 🙂

Once you pay for the course you have lifetime access. So if you you don’t have time right away to start but are interested in a course, it’s best if you sign up right away as the courses will only be available for a limited time.

Lifetime access is valid for the life of the course. We reserve the right to discontinue any product or service at any time for any reason. Your lifetime access continues in perpetuity until this product is discontinued or disabled.

You will have 30 days to request a refund and I’ll refund your money and remove you from the course as less than 20% of the content was viewed. I will issue your refund and after that, remove you from the course.

Random FAQ about Me and My Creative Scoop

I’ve been card making for about 15 1/2 years now. When I was pregnant with my youngest I had gone to a friends house and saw a Stampin’ Up! catalog and fell in love with the idea of making her birth announcements. After that, I became a demonstrator, after that, hosted classes and clubs. Then I discovered all these other stamp companies and started to get on Design Teams and work the trade shows. I met a lot of store owners and was asked to teach at their stores. 🙂

Why yes it is! I’ve taken multiple classes to learn about online marketing, teaching online, blogging etc. As a matter of fact, you can read the post on How to Create a Craft Blog, if you’d like to learn a little more about the process. Indeed, yes, crafting and maintaining my site is my full time business.

I’ve been thinking of doing a course on how to making money online as a crafter. Therefore, if I got enough interest I would totally do this or start a coaching group. Therefore, email me if you are interested about this! hello(AT)mycreativescoop.com

I cannot remember, way to many to count. However, I try to keep my ‘Craft Resume’ updated. You can check it out HERE!

Unfortunately no, just coloring and card making. I have dabbled in mixed media but I never know what to do with it afterwards. In other words, it usually ends up in the trash. I love the idea of bullet journals but I have no time and never complete it.

I do, I’m currently using an Erin Condren Planner. However, I will be honest, I only use the monthly spread and notes. 

I use a laser printer, it’s an HP Color Laser jet Pro M478f-9f. But, I have used an inkjet printer to print digis. Occasionally, I have had people tell me that the printer ink has smudged with the Copic ink. In any case, if you are worried about the ink running into your Copic ink – try heat setting your image for a few seconds before you start coloring.

I love my Copic Markers and coloring! I also love working with my Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks and alcohol inks. Hovever, I haven’t had much time in using my distress oxide inks lately.

Yes, absolutely! You can make money with affiliates, being on design teams if they pay, being published, open an Etsy shop, teaching classes and more. Above all, I have been able to replace 3 part time job incomes with my site. Check out my How to start a Craft Blog page!