QUESTION #1: What is the difference between Stamper's Big Brush Markers and Copics?
Here are a couple basic differences between the Big Brush Markers and Copics. First, the Stamper's Big Brush markers are india ink (very colorfast and waterproof) and the Copic markers are alcohol based (great for blending). The Big Brush markers can be used direct to paper OR directly onto your stamps. Copics can only be used to color images in (direct to paper application). The look you get when using each type of marker is quite different. When coloring with the Big Brush markers the look is very "artsy", bold, bright, and sometimes they give an almost imperfect painted look. The look with Copics is very detailed and while they can also be bold, they have a nice pastel range, too. When working with the Big Brush Markers, the coloring goes faster than with Copics (less steps to blend), for example, you can do the blending with these markersusing your fingertip or by lightly coloring over the top with the lighter color. The ink in the Big Brush Markers is very "juicy" and works best on a heavy cardstock or watercolor paper. I use mine ALL THE TIME and have never run out of ink. On the other hand, Copics can be refilled. As far as the price point, Big Brush markers are less expensive than Copics. I love that with the Big Brush markers you can cover quite a range (excluding pastels) with about 11 markers. My favorite combinations are listed HERE. It's a nice investment so you can start right off with lots of color choices on your cards. And this simple set can cover you while you build up your Copic collection.
Question #2: How do you decide if you will use Copics to color in an image or Stamper's Big Brush markers?I find when stamping, the type of image leads me in whether I will use Copics or Stamper's Big Brush markers. Very detailed images or those I want to be in lighter colors are colored with Copics and bolder images are colored with the Big Brush markers. If your stamped image has a lot of black in it, the Stamper's Big Brush Markers are great, too.
Question #3: What is the difference between the PITT Artist Pens and the Stamper's Big Brush Markers?The main difference is in the size of the brush tip. The Stamper's Big Brush Markers have a large brush tip and the PITT Artist pens have a small, detailed brush tip. They work great together, for example, if you can use the Stamper's Big Brush Markers to color a large image and then go back and add detailed shading with the PITT Artist Pens.
Question #4: How can I lighten an image I've colored with Stamper's Big Brush Markers?I use the white Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Pastel Pencil (available HERE) to add highlights to my images. Just color it on and blend with your fingertip- fast and easy. (This also works with Copics, too!)
QUESTION #5: What kind of paper should I use with Stamper's Big Brush Markers? I'm getting "pilling" of my paper when I color with my markers, how can I stop that from happening? I use Neenah Tiara White cardstock with my Stamper's Big Brush Markers. And I'll be honest with you, if I add lots of layers of color the paper will "shred" a little bit beneath the marker tip. I just remove this pilled paper with the tip of the marker and color it onto a scratch sheet of paper as I work. The reason this happens is because the ink from the markers is very wet and "juicy." If this drives you crazy, there are a couple of things you can do. First, allow your first layer of color to dry (you can zap it with a heat gun if you are impatient like me) before applying your second layer. And when you color, be sure you don't color in one place for a long time. Second, and this is probably the easiest solution, use watercolor paper. It can stand up to the wetness of the markers.
Question #6: What colors/color combinations do you recommend?
I love all of the colors, but my favorite combinations are listed HERE. Unlike Copics, there is no magic formula for choosing colors that go together. I just try them on a scratch sheet of paper before coloring on my project. Here is a video showing my favorite combinations in action: (Watch in HD on YouTube HERE)
I have a tutorial video posted with one of my favorite techniques with Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils. Here's a peek at the card:
Go HERE to watch the video on the Mementos Blog or HERE to watch directly on YouTube in HD.
I love all of the colors, but my favorite combinations are listed HERE. Unlike Copics, there is no magic formula for choosing colors that go together. I just try them on a scratch sheet of paper before coloring on my project. Here is a video showing my favorite combinations in action: (Watch in HD on YouTube HERE)
QUESTION #6: Where can I purchase Stamper's Big Brush Markers?
They are all available HERE. And the white Pastel Pencil is available HERE.
They are all available HERE. And the white Pastel Pencil is available HERE.
Before I go, I wanted to let you know that I will be back tomorrow with this week's featured artist and a new card just for you. :) If you have any other questions about the Stamper's Big Brush Markers, just leave a comment and I will update this post with my answer. HUGS and thanks for visiting!
Oh, I almost forgot! Here's what is happening on the Mementos Blog today.
Oh, I almost forgot! Here's what is happening on the Mementos Blog today.
I have a tutorial video posted with one of my favorite techniques with Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils. Here's a peek at the card: Go HERE to watch the video on the Mementos Blog or HERE to watch directly on YouTube in HD.
