5 Easy Tips for Creating Stunning Marker Drawings

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

If you've ever found yourself lost in the stationery aisle overwhelmed by the myriad of marker options, you're not alone. The world of markers is vast and choosing the right ones can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to creating easy marker drawings. Let's break down the process into digestible chunks with these five easy tips for creating stunning marker drawings.

1. Choose the Right Markers

When it comes to marker drawings, the first hurdle you need to jump over is selecting the right set of markers. Just like picking the right team for a school project, you need to choose markers that will work best for you.

Explore Various Brands

The market is flooded with various brands of markers. Some popular ones include Sharpie, Prismacolor, and Copic. Give yourself permission to try out different brands. Each brand has its own strength and defining features. For instance, Sharpie markers are known for their vibrant colors and durability, while Copic markers are praised for their blendability. Experimenting with different brands will help you find the one that speaks to your artistic soul.

Understanding Marker Types

Markers come in different types—there are alcohol-based markers, water-based markers, and even oil-based markers. Alcohol-based markers, like Copic and Prismacolor, are great for blending and creating smooth gradients. Water-based markers, such as Crayola Super Tips, are excellent for those who want less intense colors or are just starting their marker drawing journey. Understanding these types is like learning the rules of a game—once you know them, you'll be better equipped to play.

Pick the Right Colors

Choosing the right colors is like picking the right words for a poem. You want a selection that can express your vision. For beginners, a basic set of primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—is a good place to start. As you grow more comfortable with marker drawings, you can expand your color palette to include a wider variety. Remember, just like a good story, every color in your drawing plays a role.

2. Master the Art of Shading

Shading is like the salt and pepper of drawing—it can add depth and dimension to your work. Just as a chef learns to balance flavors, an artist must learn to balance light and dark. Let's delve into the art of shading with markers.

Experiment with Light and Shadow

Light and shadow are the yin and yang of your easy marker drawings. They can create a sense of depth and form. Start by simply observing how light falls on different objects around you. Notice how it creates shadows and highlights. Practise replicating this in your drawings. Remember, it's not just about making parts of your drawing darker or lighter—it's about understanding how light interacts with the object you are drawing.

Use Blending Techniques

Blending is an essential skill in the artist's toolkit. It's like learning to ride a bicycle—once you get the hang of it, your artistic journey becomes smoother. Start by practicing blending two similar colors together. Once you're comfortable, you can begin experimenting with blending different colors. Be patient with yourself, good blending takes time and practice, much like learning a new recipe.

Practice Gradient Shading

Gradient shading is a great way to create a smooth transition from light to dark in your drawings. It's like creating a beautiful sunset with your markers. The key to mastering gradient shading is practice. Start with a single color and try to create a smooth gradient from light to dark. Once you're comfortable with a single color, try creating gradients with two or more colors. Remember, practice makes perfect!

3. Learn to Layer Colors

Just like a fascinating novel has many layers of plot, an arresting piece of art often has layers of color. Layering colors can add depth, interest, and realism to your easy marker drawings. Here's how you can explore this technique:

Start with Light Colors

Always remember, in the world of marker art, it's easier to go from light to dark than the other way around. Consider this the first rule of layering. Begin your drawing with light colors. Think of it like laying the foundation of a house—you want to start with something solid and build up from there. These light colors will form the base on which you'll add your darker shades.

How to Overlap Colors

Layering colors isn't just about piling one on top of the other. It's more like weaving a beautiful tapestry where each color interacts with the others. When overlapping colors, remember to let the first layer dry completely before adding the next. This can prevent unwanted blending and keep your colors vibrant and distinct. It's somewhat similar to baking—you wouldn't take the cake out of the oven before it's ready, would you?

Experiment with Color Combinations

One of the best parts about creating art is the freedom to experiment. When it comes to layering colors, the possibilities are endless. Try combining colors that you wouldn't normally think to pair together. Maybe you'll discover the next peanut butter and jelly combo of the art world. Remember, there are no wrong choices here, only learning opportunities.

4. Use the Right Paper

Just as a chef needs the right ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece, an artist needs the right paper to create stunning easy marker drawings. Using the right paper can make a world of difference in the final outcome of your artwork. Let's take a closer look at what to consider when choosing your paper.

Understand Paper Weights

When it comes to paper, weight does matter - but not in the way you might think. Paper weight refers to its thickness, not how much it would tip a scale. Heavier papers can handle more layers of ink without tearing or bleeding. For marker drawings, you might want to opt for paper with a weight of around 190 gsm or higher. It's like choosing a sturdy raft for a river adventure - it just holds up better.

Choose Paper with Smooth Surface

When using markers, a smooth surface is your best friend. Why? Because rough papers can cause your markers to fray or lose their sharpness. It's like trying to ice skate on a gravel road—it's just not going to end well. Smooth paper will allow your markers to glide effortlessly across the surface, producing clean, crisp lines. It's the difference between a smooth sailing journey and a bumpy ride.

Avoid Bleeding with Thick Paper

There's nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your meticulously drawn lines bleed into each other, creating a messy blur. The solution? Using thick paper. Thick paper absorbs marker ink better, preventing those heart-wrenching bleeds. It's like having a good friend who’s always there to lend an ear—you can pour out all your thoughts (or in this case, ink) without worrying about them overflowing.

5. Practice Regularly and Patiently

Just like learning to play a musical instrument or mastering a new sport, creating easy marker drawings takes practice. In fact, it's the secret ingredient to improving your skills. Let's dive into how to make your practice sessions more efficient and enjoyable.

Set Up a Daily Practice Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to mastering any new skill. By setting up a daily practice routine, you can ensure that you're dedicating enough time to your art. Think of it as taking your markers for a daily walk—you're helping them to stretch their legs, and in return, they're helping you to stretch your skills. Even 20 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.

Draw from Life

Drawing from life is a fantastic way to practice. By doing this, you're not only honing your drawing skills but also training your eye to see colors, shapes, and shadows. It's like turning your everyday surroundings into your personal art studio. From the fruit bowl on your kitchen table to the trees in your local park, there's inspiration all around you.

Seek Inspiration and Stay Motivated

Every artist has moments of feeling stuck or uninspired. In such times, seeking out inspiration can help you stay motivated. This could be anything from a vibrant sunset to a beautifully designed building. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day— and neither will your art skills. The key is to keep going, keep practicing, and remember to enjoy the journey. After all, isn't the journey to creating beautiful easy marker drawings just as beautiful as the destination?

If you're looking to further improve your marker drawing skills, don't miss the workshop 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy' by Yazmin Moktan. This workshop will provide you with valuable techniques and tips to help you create stunning marker drawings with ease and precision.