Red Riding Hood - Time Lapse Product Test: Studio 71 Alcohol Markers

Red Riding Hood illustration, testing out Studio 71 Alcohol Makers in time lapse video. (Sorry explanation/review is bellow). Line work: Micron 005, Uni-Ball Signo 1.00mm white gel pen Blender: Copic refilled with Isopropyl Alcohol Neutral Grey: Copic (I have N0-N6, and N8) Colors: Studio 71 48 set + "Pearl" Paper: Strathmore vellum surface "best" Mixed Media Paper 11x14in. For the Sake of full disclosure I have not used color Copics before (only the neutral grey scale for about two years, per suggestion of a fellow artist and rep.), but I have used Prismacolor chisel/bullet nib makers--not in this video. Studio 71 vs. Copic: I am very happy with the colors and behavior of the ink in the Studio 71 markers. However, while they do have a brush tip (which I almost exclusively prefer) it is no where near the quality of the Copic brush nib. The Studio 71 is stiffer, "frays" and loses it's tip much, much quicker, has less line control (unlike Copic which allows you to get a very fine and accurate line). I also think there is a bit more bleeding from the Studio 71 because of this. The Copic nib feels "spongey" while the Studio 71 feels more felt-like/fabric-like (if that makes sense, it's hard to describe). The Copic nib flexes more, and returns to its original shape better. I can get gentle gradient fades with the Copic nib, but found it near impossible with the Studio 71. I could not get the nice "flick" either. Copics have replacement nibs and ink, with a larger variety of colors and cost around $7, while I was able to get an individual Studio 71 currently have a limited pallet in the ballpark of 50 (to my knowledge) for around $2 or less (with discounts). For reference: By the end of the video I had to: refill my Copic grey I used on the base of the ears, refilled the blender countless times, get a couple replacement Studio 71 markers (pale pink, and Sand which I'd admittedly used in prior drawings), and several Studio 71 nibs are dulled. The little nit picky stuff, I love the shape of the Copic barrel. It's comfortable and functional, they are easy to identify and quickly switch over. The Studio 71 has a prism shape, which is good for the rolling issue, but I find to be annoying when trying to replace the cap. And speaking of, they labels rub off extremely quickly, making color identification sometimes tricky. ... Though I didn't use them in the video here's my thoughts on Prismacolors: In my little & limited experience using their makers, they win if you want a good chisel tip. Their's is the best out of the three brands I've used, BY FAR! Their bullet nib is great if that's your thing, but I almost never have a need for either nib. Prismacolor nibs seem as durable and good as Copic (but still there's not brush tip on the set I used). Prismacolors are cheeper than Copic but more expensive than Studio 71. The round barrel feel a little cumbersome for my hands (and mine aren't dainty), but they did add a little tab to help catch rolling, and caps are easy to replace. As far as I know there are no refill inks, which in the long run are of intere$t to me. The color quality was good, and blended well. Ultimately, until I find a set of Prismacolors with a brush nib, I just can't justify buying them for the methods I use to create my work (reference my other videos/website to see what I mean) despite being a great product. If the brush nib isn't an issue for you, then this may be a great option. Quality for less cost. ... Overall, despite my gripes about the nibs, if you want an entry level or affordable option, I was pleasantly pleased with the product for it's price. I bought my 10 year old cousin #color alcohol markers, and these would have been a fantastic option had the store I was at carried them (shucks). If you want good color, but just can't afford Copics, I vote these are a good start for the budget conscious (me). But I'm a snob and a sucker... so the nib is everything for me. If I can fork over the money, I am still a #1 fan of the Copic maker. http://www.SChristineBrink.com