Best art markers with fine tips and regular tips
Reader Question: I am looking for a variety of colors of markers that are probably two different sets:
fine tips for small detail where colored pencil is too large, and
regular sharpie tips (in marker ink or acrylic but still a wide variety of color).
I have already purchased both in cheap discount packs and have quickly learned the drawbacks. I want something reliable and consistent.
What do you recommend? I appreciate your guidance.
You should consider double-ended markers, which have fine tips on one end and bigger tips on the other, which will save you from having to buy 2 sets of markers.
Below I’ll discuss 9 different double-ended markers, ranging from professional quality to ultra-budget offerings.
Note: since writing this article I created a Markers Buying Guide that offers a more in-depth look at the different markers available. Check it out for more detailed info!
I've provided links below to the relevant products so that you can easily find them on Blick Art Materials, my favorite online art supplier. I'm a member of Blick's affiliate program, which means if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I'll receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your purchase helps support this site and keeps it free of ads. Click here for more info.
Copic Double-Ended Markers
Copic is a highly-regarded brand that makes professional-quality art markers used by illustrators, designers and fine artists. Copic offers 3 different types of double-ended art markers:
- Copic Ciao Double Ended Markers - Copic Ciao Markers contain the same professional quality ink as the other Copics, but their smaller size and lower price makes them a good choice for beginning artists. They can be bought individually (currently under $4 each) or in sets, and come in 180 colors. They have a brush tip on one end and a chisel tip on the other end.
While Copic Ciao Markers are good for beginners, the larger Copic Original Markers and Copic Sketch Markers are both widely used by professional illustrators, designers and comic artists. They're known for their rich color and ease of blending. The main difference between the two has to do with the tips, as described below:
- Copic Original Markers - Copic Original Markers currently cost between $5-6 each and they are also available in sets. They are available in 214 different colors. Copic Original Markers have a fine point on one end and a chisel tip on the other end.
- Copic Sketch Markers cost about the same as the Originals, but they have a brush nib on one end (not a fine point tip) and a chisel tip on the other end. They can be purchased in a whopping 358 colors!
To learn more, check out my in-depth review of Copic Markers!
Blick Studio Markers
Blick Studio Markers are not as well-known as Prismacolors or Copics, but they are still considered professional markers because of the ink quality. I prefer the Copic markers, but these are much cheaper and worth considering if you're on a budget.
Blick Studio Markers have a fine nib on one end and a chisel tip on the other end. They come in 144 colors and can be purchased individually (just over $2 each) or in sets.
You can also get Blick Studio Brush Markers that are very similar to Copic Sketch Markers, but are half the price. They are double-ended (with chisel and brush tips), are refillable, and use high-quality ink. You don't get as many colors as the Copics (144 vs 358), but that color range is still more than enough for most people.
Ultra-Budget Markers
The markers below are available in sets, which you can purchase from Amazon. (As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.) I’ve used all three of the markers listed below and found them to be excellent options for the price. Since these are ultra-budget picks, they aren’t available as individual markers. Also, the nibs usually aren’t replaceable (aside from the top option below) and the manufacturers don’t currently offer ink refills.
If you’re on a tight budget, then Ohuhu brush markers might be a good option for you. They’re very similar to the markers mentioned above, but they lack certain perks that the aforementioned markers boast, in that Ohuhu doesn’t currently offer ink refills, and their markers are not available individually (only in sets), although these are both perks that Ohuhu hopes to offer one day.
Another great option by Ohuhu is their line of Kaala markers, which have a chisel tip on one end and a fine tip on the other end. These markers are an excellent choice for people who want a bullet tip instead of a brush tip. Just keep in mind that they're only available in sets, and currently the nibs aren't replaceable, and ink refills are not available.
Those on a budget should also consider Arrtx Markers, which are similar to the Ohuhu Markers above. They have a bullet/fine tip at one end, and a chisel tip on the other. In addition to a very competitive price point, they came with a carry case that has individual slots for each marker. Ink refills and replacement nibs are not available for these markers.
So there you have 9 different types of double-ended art markers that you can try. If you're not sure which one to get, you could buy 1 or 2 markers of each type (for those available individually), try them all out, and then decide which one to invest in.
If you're on a budget, I recommend the Blick Studio Brush Markers because they are such great value and so similar to the Copics.
If price is not a factor, then I recommend the Copic Sketch Markers, which is what I use almost every day (I own all 358 colors). They have the best tip combination (brush and chisel) and no other marker can beat that massive color range.
If you want a very inexpensive set of double-ended alcohol markers, then Ohuhu or Arrtx are good brands to start with.
Just a note: Although the prices for these markers will inevitably change over time (so they may be different when people read this a few months or years from now), it is likely that the general price differences between these markers will remain the same.
For much more information about markers, check out this page:
Markers: a Buying Guide
Ultimate Guide to Using Alcohol Markers
If you’d like to learn how to get the most out of your alcohol markers, check out my comprehensive online art class: Ultimate Guide to Using Alcohol Markers!
You’ll go from beginner to advanced with over 11 hours of step-by-step instructional video and over 40 pages of downloadable resources!
With lessons on blending techniques, paper types, marker maintenance, transferring your reference image and so much more, you’ll learn everything you need to know to master the art of using alcohol markers.
You’ll also learn step-by-step how to color in the artworks shown below! Printable line art is included, so you can follow along at home, at your own pace!
Learn more!
Read more about my favorite coloring supplies and brands - from markers and colored pencils to gel pens and paint pens! I’ve also provided links to where they can be purchased online.
Check out my overview of art markers, which is perfect for beginners looking to buy their first set of markers. Find out how they differ from kids’ markers, and learn why they’re so awesome to work with!
If you’re interested in markers for coloring and making art, check out my in-depth guide to art markers which will help you understand the different types, learn what they can do, and decide which ones you want to try!
Learn how to use alcohol markers with my step-by-step tutorials, from basic blending techniques to creating full works of art.
See a gallery of alcohol marker art and get inspired by the possibilities of what you can create with this fun medium!
Did this article pique your curiosity about Copics? If so, have a look at my detailed article all about Copic Markers to learn why they’re considered the best of the best when it comes to alcohol markers.
If Copics are out of your budget but you’re itching to try brush-tip alcohol markers, check out my review of Ohuhu Markers, which are economically-priced and come in a wide array of colors.
If you’re more into bullet-tipped markers, check out my detailed review of Arrtx Alp Alcohol Markers, which are available in affordable sets with beautiful colors.
If you’re into coloring, you might enjoy this brief article on Tips for Using Alcohol Markers in Coloring Books.
