1. The advantages and constraints of alcohol markers

Uniform fills or gradient shades, anything goes when it comes to playing with colours. Markers come in a range of tips. Alcohol markers often come with a dual tip that allows for varying movement and coverage. From extra-fine tips, which give the precision of brush tips with their flexibility, to bevelled tips, which are like a highlighter for covering larger surfaces.

It is possible to layer the colour, which is the unique feature of alcohol markers. The more layers of colour you add, the more pigmented and darker the hue becomes, without damaging the paper or leaving marks.

Markers are suitable for all kinds of manual work on paper, manga, graphic arts, and fine arts.

Tip: Markers from different brands can be used together. As long as the markers are alcohol-based, you can combine colours and shades according to the tips and colour charts offered.

Bonus tip: Alcohol markers are compatible with coloured pencils, screens and acrylics, so you can refine details even further.

The downside is that it takes a little getting used to, but as with any tool, practice makes perfect. You need to give yourself time to discover all the possibilities. 

The choice of paper is very important, as some are better suited to wet techniques and will absorb too much ink and have a blotting effect (causing the ink to smudge or the marker to wear out more quickly). You also need to make sure you protect your table. With certain types of Bristol card or other paper (such as machine paper), the ink can seep through and stain.

Finally, as with any marker pen, remember to replace the cap after each use to prevent it from drying out. When it comes to storage, it's best to store them horizontally to prevent tips from drying out.

Tips: When it comes to colouring, the movement is everything. The slower you apply the ink, the more time the paper will have to absorb it. For clean edges, use quick, short strokes.

2. Papers for this medium

Canson® The Wall is an innovative gem. It is very opaque, white, and smooth, allowing you to draw on both sides of the sheet without the ink bleeding through. It’s a favourite for marker use.

XL® Marker pads have a barrier to prevent ink penetration. This means the ink stays on the surface without soaking through the paper.  Using an XL® Marker saves marker ink for greater durability, offers excellent colour rendering, and allows for velvety fills.  These papers are often used by professionals for design roughs: architecture, fashion, product illustration, or manga, etc.

It's also recommended in art schools to get to grips with markers.

The Canson® Bristol Illustration Pad is ideal for alcohol marker use. Its characteristics include a satin-like, extra-white, extra-smooth, and highly resistant paper (250g). It absorbs the ink slightly, allowing you to work on colour nuances in successive layers to highlight the volumes.

In terms of weight, we recommend you use paper weighing 200g or more.

Les alternatives :

• Canson^®  Illustration Manga
• Canson^® Graduate Mixed Media papers