Are you missing Copic Colors?
It can be so frustrating trying to blend when one shade is too light and the other is too dark.
I have a simple effective trick to show you.
Try the Nib to Nib Technique
Have you ever started coloring an image and get a harsh line in between the 2 shades?
In this post I’m going show you how to get a better blend between YR15, which is a yellow-ish orange color and YR20 which is a peach color.
I have purposely chosen 2 different colors / shades to show you how you can blend colors that are missing that middle color or maybe they are from a different color family/combo.
Which is usually the case if you have purchased one of the large Copic Marker kits.
… and also the reason why I do not recommend buying the larger kits.
So if you have bought a kit or a bunch of random Copic Markers, this post is REALLY going to help you!
plan your coloring journey
FREE Copic Workbook
I’m so happy you have stumbled across my site and onto this page so you can grab my Free Copic Workbook and Guide! This guide will help you…
- decide what Copic Markers to buy
- figure out a Copic budget
- create your own coloring style
How do you use the Copic Nib to Nib Technique
The YR20 is much lighter than YR15. Which makes it harder to get a smooth blend.
This can be frustrating.
Step 1. In the photo below I have colored using the Flicking Technique on a scratch paper using the YR15.
Step 2. Still using the Flicking Technique, and trying to “pull” color out with my YR20.. and you can see it’s not really happening. As you can see I have a harsh line between the 2 colors, which don’t seem to be blending very well.
Step 3. By using the Coloring Nib to Nib technique you can “pick up color” by rubbing the lighter nib on the darker nib.
NOTE: This will not ruin the nib, if you are concerned about that.
Step 4. Then, using the Flicking Technique, color the area where it’s not blended by Flicking and softening the harsh line. The YR15 that is on the YR20 nib will fade out as you color. You may need to repeat this process a few times. When you’re finished, you will want to scribble out, on a scratch paper just to make sure the color is all off.
Here are the results of the Nib to Nib Technique below.
In the following picture using the Guinea Be Friends Digi Stamp from Rachelle Anne Miller. You can see that I’ve colored orange part of the Guinea Pig using the Nib to Nib Technique.
Digi Stamps
I know there are some people who are hesitant about using digi stamps because it seems difficult but you will love it if you try it. Check out my Resizing Video Tutorial — I show you how to resize in Word and also in Photoshop. I printed my image on my Copic Xpress it Blending Card — my favorite paper to use with Copic Markers. Check out my Copic Marker Must Haves. Rachelle Anne Miller is now including a no-line version when you buy a digi from her online store – which is what I’m using today. The no-line look really gives that Storybook feel to your cards, which I love!
Color Combos
Here’s a list of the colors I have used on my card. If you are still new to Copics and not quite sure what to buy, check out my post, How much are Copic Markers + a simple way to pick the right colors.
Skin – E000, E00, E11, E13, R30, R000
Hair – E41, E42, E43, E44
Guinea pigs – W00, W1, W3, YR15, YR20
Girl clothes – BG10, BG11, BG13, BV02, BV00, W1, W3, W5
Boy clothes – E43, E44, B37, B34, B32, W1, W3, W5
Rocks – W1, W3, W5
Ground – E30, E31, YG11, G20, YG13, YG67
Sky – B000, BG10, BG11, B0
FREE Copic Workbook
Don’t forget to download this guide which will help you…
- decide what Copic Markers to buy
- figure out a Copic budget
- create your own coloring style
COLORING TIP:
I’m using the same color combo for hair for the boy and the girl. As you can see you get a much more different look if you add more of the darker colors and then adding more of the lighter colors. So each time you use a color combo you don’t have to have the same look — making Copic Markers even more versatile. For more information on Coloring Hair with your Copics, check out my Coloring Hair with Copic Markers Post.
Do you have a question about Copic Markers? See if I have already answered it in my Frequently Asked Questions. You can always submit a question, too!
I made this card a slim-line card which is 8 1/2 x 7 and scored at 3 1/2. I used my Micron Pen to create the stitching around my card and the ‘hugs’ die is from Pretty Pink Posh.
Supply List
Pin the image below so you can always find your way back to this post!
