Markers vs. Watercolors: Choose Wisely Before Your Wallet Screams Bloody Murder
Markers seem like the fast track to sexy design sketches and pro-level comic flats, but they have hidden costs that could leave your wallet gasping for air. Know the trade-offs versus watercolors.
Choosing a suitable medium can feel daunting when starting as a comic artist or designer. You're bombarded with options—markers, watercolors, gouache—each with its own set of promises and pitfalls. However, understanding the trade-offs between these mediums can equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, instilling confidence in your artistic choices. This article will help you navigate these choices so you don't waste money or, worse, create subpar work because you didn't fully understand the tools at your disposal.
Trade-Offs
Markers and watercolors are two popular mediums that attract beginners due to their versatility and ease of use. But they're not interchangeable, and choosing the wrong one for your needs can lead to frustration and wasted resources. Markers offer immediacy and control, making them great for comic flats and quick design work. Conversely, watercolors provide a fluidity and depth that's hard to replicate but requires more skill and patience. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each will allow you to make informed decisions based on the specific demands of your project.
Get It Wrong?
Imagine spending hours perfecting your comic page only to realize that your markers have bled through the paper, ruining the following page, or that marker runs out of ink before you get all 24 pages done. (It will!) Or maybe you opted for watercolors to create a smooth gradient background, only to find that your cheap paper can't handle the moisture, leaving you with buckled pages. These kinds of issues arise when exploring new mediums. The result? Time blown, materials wasted, and a final product that fails to meet your vision. To avoid these common mistakes, let's consider how to choose the right paper, practice your technique, and understand the quirks of both markers and watercolors.
Focusing on Markers
Markers, often seen as the go-to tool for comic artists, offer versatility that's hard to match with other mediums. They're fast, precise, and easier to control. But they come with unique challenges and costs.
First, the paper matters—a lot. While you can use markers on almost any paper, absorbent papers will suck up marker ink like a gas at a monster truck rally. On substandard paper, they saturate in bands and inhale vast quantities of ink. This goes doubly for cheap sketchbook paper. Ideally, you'll want to use marker paper to prevent ink from bleeding through and for smoother gradients and even blending. In addition to absorbing less ink, your markers won't dry out as quickly, and the next piece of paper won't be ruined when the markers bleed through.
Second, the type of markers you use makes a significant difference. Expensive markers like Copics offer refillable options, which offsets the high upfront cost. Once you've nailed your preferred color palette, you won't need dozens of colors—just a few essential shades you can refill. Cheaper markers, while tempting, often lack this refill option, and their colors may not be consistent across production runs. Seem trivial? For long-term projects with important, color-discerning clients, this can end up being more problematic than you might ever imagine.
Markers are also excellent for creating flat colors, which is why they're so popular in comic book coloring. However, they're tricky for gradients. Creating a smooth gradient with markers requires a lot of skill and often a supply of extra colorless blenders. Even then, the results can be hit or miss. Plus, if you plan to scan your work for digital production, be aware that gradients often don't scan well. They scan with banding instead of the smooth airbrush-like perfection you thought you patted yourself of the back for. If your scanner isn't top-of-the-line? Well, don't say I didn't warn you.
Finally, consider the environmental impact of your markers. Markers are often disposable, and using them can generate a lot of plastic waste. On the other hand, watercolors are typically applied using reusable brushes and can be more environmentally friendly. But don't ask the sables what they think. They won't be amused.
Focus on Watercolors
Watercolors, on the other hand, offer a completely different yet equally accessible artistic experience. They're versatile, capable of creating effects that markers can't replicate, and can inspire you to explore new creative horizons. However, they also require a different skill set and approach.
One of the most significant advantages of watercolors is their ability to create smooth, fluid gradients and washes with relative ease. With the right brush and technique, you can blend colors seamlessly, something that's much harder to achieve with markers. However, this fluidity also means watercolors are less predictable and more challenging to control. It takes practice to master the balance of water and pigment; even then, the results can be unpredictable.
The paper you use is critical. Unlike markers, watercolors require a specific type of paper that can handle moisture without warping or bleeding. Arches watercolor paper is famous among professionals because it's thick, durable, and designed to absorb water without buckling. Cheaper papers might be tempting but can lead to uneven drying, buckling, and tearing. Investing in good paper is non-negotiable if you're serious about using watercolors.
Watercolor paints themselves also come in a wide range of qualities and prices. You can start with cheaper materials, but you'll likely want to upgrade to higher-quality pigments and brushes as you progress. Expensive pigments tend to be more vibrant and easier to work with, while higher-quality brushes give you more control over your strokes and the amount of water you're using. Watercolors can still be an affordable medium, especially if you're experimenting.
How to Choose Between Them
So, when should you reach for markers, and when should you go for watercolors? It largely depends on the project and your personal preferences.
Markers are ideal for:
Comic Flats: If you need solid, flat colors without worrying about blending, markers are your best bet. They're quick, easy to control, and give you consistent results.
Design Work: Markers are great for industrial design sketches where precision and speed are essential. They allow you to quickly lay down lines and color, helping you visualize ideas on the fly.
Portability: Markers are easy to transport, making them perfect for artists on the go. You don't need water, brushes, or a palette—grab your markers and sketchbook, and you're ready to create.
Watercolors are ideal for:
Gradients and Washes: Watercolors are the way to go if your project requires smooth color transitions. They allow for more subtlety and depth in your work.
Expressive Art: Watercolors lend themselves well to more expressive, less controlled art styles. If you like to experiment and let the medium do some of the work for you, watercolors offer a unique experience.
Professional Illustrations: Many professional illustrators prefer watercolors because they can create rich, vibrant images full of life and texture. Watercolors are hard to beat if you're aiming for a more traditional, painterly look.
Actionable Tips
Experiment with Paper: Don't be afraid to test different papers with your markers and watercolors. A good paper can make a difference, so invest in samples before committing to a bulk purchase. I know marker paper sounds tedious and expensive. It kinda is. But if you’re picking up speed and skill with your markers, this investment will take you to the next level.
Start Small: If you're new to either medium, start with a limited palette and a few essential tools. You don't need to immediately buy every color or the most expensive set. I recently suggested beginning with a cheaper Ohuhu set to a friend before getting a second mortgage for a complete Copic Marker and Refill set. Focus on mastering the basics first. Get the complete set only if a hefty check clears before the project gets rolling.
Practice Blending: Blending is a crucial skill whether you're using markers or watercolors. Practice creating smooth transitions between colors; don't be discouraged if it takes time to get it right.
Know Your Tools: Understanding the limitations and strengths of each medium will make you a better artist. Take the time to learn how your markers or watercolors behave, and use that knowledge to your advantage.
Markers are NOT archival. They’re fine for quick turnarounds. But if you think the renderings will survive to make your late-career show at MoMA. Sister, I got bad news for ya.
Find Your Yourself
The choice between markers and watercolors comes down to personal preference. Each medium has unique qualities; what works for one artist might not work for another. The best way to find out what suits you is to experiment with both. Try using markers for one project and watercolors for another, and see which feels more natural to you. You might even find that combining the two works best for your style.
Arm Yourself
Markers and watercolors are both valuable tools in an artist's arsenal, but each have unique trade-offs. Markers offer speed and precision but can be costly and difficult to blend. Watercolors provide fluidity and depth but require more skill and suitable materials to use effectively. By understanding these trade-offs and experimenting with both mediums, you can find the tools that best suit your artistic vision without breaking the bank. Remember, the key is to start small, experiment, and gradually invest in quality materials as your skills grow. Whether you choose markers, watercolors, or a mix of both, make sure your choice aligns with your artistic goals and preferences.
Ultimately, it's not the medium but what you do with it. So don't max out your credit card just yet. Take your time, explore your options, and find the medium that speaks to you and your creative process. Your wallet—and your art—will thank you.
This is dedicated to Will and Blake… hope it helped.
Charles Merritt Houghton
28 August 2024