The Sketching Workshop Education Series:

Sketching with Markers: What Inspired This?

With so many talented artists in the Sketchbook
Workshop group, we thought it would be a great
idea to tap into the expertise of those who spend
many hours of their sketching time focused on
illustrating with markers. In our discovery
conversations, we thought there might also be
some great perspectives on how some of them
approach various textures and effects to
augment their renderings.
The intent of this project is to have them write
about it in a how-to type paper and include
some of their sketches as examples to help clarify
the detail that is outlined in their article.
A great first example of this kind of collaboration
exists in the Pen & Ink collection and
The Living Creatures collaboration, available
as downloadable PDFs on the Sketching Workshop
Facebook page (Files tab).

Don Carson, Disney Imagineers

To get the artists minds started on this topic of sketching

with markers, here are some thought starter questions we
posed. The really crazy thing is that few of these artists
have ever met in person except through dialogue in the
Sketching Workshop Facebook Group.

Frequently Asked Starter Questions:

What kind of artists use markers the most and why?

What are the best markers to use?

What are the benefits of using markers for sketching?

What are the drawbacks to using markers?

What markers work best for beginners?

For experienced artists?

Is there a special kind of paper for markers or will

any paper work?

What should I do if my markers bleed through to the

next sheet?

Do markers have a strong smell and is this dangerous?

How do I decide which kind of marker tip is best for

my needs?

If my markers start to dry out, should I throw them

out or is there a way to extend its life?

Are markers water soluable or permanent?

What is the best way to clean markers off of my hands?

How do markers compare to watercolor, pencils

or chalks?

What are some cool stylistic techniques with markers?

Is there a way to create texture with markers?

A huge thank you is due to Orna Aizenshtein, Lisa Flahive

and Wes Douglas who have volunteered their time and
talent to this project. Without their unique perspectives and
experience this project would not have been possible.

Chip Foose of Foose Design and Velocity

Channels Overhaulin television program.

Rotating the marker to different positions

will create different lines and effects.

Table of Contents
I. Introduction to Markers
A. What Inspired This Project?
B. Frequently Asked Starter Questions
C. Markers Are Just Another Tool
II. Beginning Marker Technique
A. Marker Tip Options
B. Anatomy of the Chisel Tip
C. Introduction of the Chisel Tip
D. Flat Run, Pull & Push Fade, Arch Fade
E. Why Use A Fade?
F. Importance of Pre-Testing Your Markers
III. Marker Brands, Papers and Tools
A. Review of popular marker brands
B. Pros and Cons of Using Markers
C. Review of popular papers for markers
C. Q&A with Wes Douglas
D. Advice for First Time Markering
IV. Advanced Marker Technique
A. Benefits of the Marker
B. Different Applications for Markers
C. Step-by-Step Demonstration
V. Peeking Over The Shoulder
A. Working with Markers Orna Aizenshtein
B. Keeping It Loose Lisa Flahive
C. Chip Foose, Automotive Designer
D. Candice Olsen, Interior Designer
E. Sketchnotes & Graphic Recording
F. How to Clean Up Marker Stains
VI. Good Reference Books on Markers
A. Rendering With Markers
B. How to Draw Cars The Hot Wheels Way
C. Marker Rendering Techniques
D. Sketching & Rendering Interior Spaces
E. Marker Magic: Problem Solver for Designers
F. Drawing Techniques for Product Designers

Basic Marker Techniques

Location sketching is a crazy collection of whatever skills
you can bring to the site. There are those who sketch with
paints/watercolors, colored pencils, pen and ink, graphite,
markers and even dry erase markers. Its all good. As they
say in the southern part of the United States, dance with
the date you brought. I am one of a number of urban
sketchers who has found comfort in the use of markers.
Styles range from a tighter, realistic look to a loose energetic style and everything in between.
For example, check out the range of styles between...
Lisa Flahive
http://flahive.fineartstudioonline.com/collections/48778
Donald Owen Colley
http://buttnekkiddoodles.com
Orna Aizenshtein
https://www.facebook.com/orna.aizenshtein/media_set?set
=a.662014843857624.100001473443079&type=3
Picking out markers are a lot like picking out paint
brushesthere is a large variety of marker tip sizes and
shapes available, from very fine pens and brush tips to
chisel and calligraphy tips (also known as nibs in some
places). The advantages of using markers is that they are
fast-drying, blendable with other colors, and come in an
assortment of colors and kits. For example, you can pick
up a set of cool greys, warm greys, basic colors, earthy
colors and pastel colors. These are great if you can identify in which color palette your sketches normally reside. Of
course, you can always mix and match to create your own
customized marker set.

Sangwon Seok

Basic Marker Techniques

First, lets get to know the different kinds of markers that
are on the market. The diagram at right are the basic
marker tips available with most larger marker brands.
Extra Fine Point Pen
The extra fine point pen is your detail workhorse. It is
perfect for fine line work such as hair, fur, tiny foliage,
and delicate facial details on animals and people. It is
also the pen you will want to use when creating crosshatch shading and textures. If you color in large areas in a
lighter tone, this fine point pen is great for finishing off a
sketch. Popular fine point pens include Sharpie Fine Point,
Micron, Uniball Vision Micro pen and Prismacolor Fine
Point Pen.
The Round Fine Point Tip
The round fine point pen is also known as a bullet point tip
and has the unique ability to bridge the gap between extra
fine point pens and chisel tip markers. At its smallest tip it
can color in very tight areas with a light touch and when
laid on its side it will color in broad areas of color.
The Versatile Chisel Tip
The marker tip that I grew up on is the chisel tip. I used to
think of it only as a marker that would be great for filling
in large areas of color fast. Over the years, I have discovered that the chisel tip is like getting three markers in one.
Take a look at the anatomy of the chisel tip (right). There
is the broad side (the base) the point, and the narrower
front side or rise.

The basic marker tips available with most larger marker brands
include: Fine Point Sharpie Pen, Sharpie Fine Point Marker,
Pointed Tip, Chisel Tip, Brush Tip, Calligraphy Tip, Calligraphy
Split Tip and a Dual Tip combines a pointed tip at one end of the
barrel with either a chisel or a brush tip at the opposite end.

The Brush Tip Marker

The brush tip marker, much like the round tip fine point
(above) has the huge benefit of a very small tip combined
with a large broad side for coloring in large areas. The
brush tip is particularly useful for creating very expressive
lines that varies along the length of the stroke. Wiggly
lines, wavy hair, cartoons and suggestive trees can all be
accomplished easily with the brush tip.
The Calligraphy Tip
The calligraphy tip marker is very useful for fanciful
lettering and light airy effects. It is similar to the chisel tip
marker but it does not have the angled edges, so there are
a number of different ways to control this marker that are
unlike the brush or chisel tip. The split-tip chisel marker
offers one more level of complexity to the line quality.

The anatomy of the versatile chisel marker is shown above.

Because there are so many facets to this style of point, it can
be used in a variety of ways to achieve different effects.

Basic Marker Techniques

The Flat Run

Here is a quick description of the various techniques used

with marker renderings:
The Flat Run
Place your marker on the paper and pull your marker
across with even pressure in straight lines to create bands
of solid color. If you pull your marker from left to right
and back again without lifting your marker, you can create
a smoother color area with little to no banding. Banding
happens when the marker solvent is allowed to briefly dry
between strokes. If you keep the marker moving, this will
minimize the striping that can happen.

Push Fade

The Push Fade and The Pull Fade

Place your marker on the paper at a starting point and push
the marker in an outward motion, lifting at the end of the
stroke. This technique is especially useful when the desired effect is a gradation or fade outs.
The Pull Fade is very similar to the Push Fade. Place your
marker on the paper at a starting point and pull the marker
downward towards you in a picking fashion, lifting at the
end of the stroke. This technique is especially useful when
the desired effect is a gradation or fade outs. I have also
used this to create blurry, ghostly representational objects
in the distance such as foliage and crowds of people.
The Arch Fade
Place your marker on the paper at a starting point and push
the marker in an outward, curving motion, lifting at the
end of the stroke. This technique is especially useful when
the desired effect is a gradation or shading effect on a
curved surface such as a pillow, car fender, or a ball.
Combo Fading
is when you combine a Push Fade and Pull Fade by pulling your marker from the edges and fade inward. The
highlight area, therefore, ends up in the middle of your
shape as opposed to on one side or the other.

This diagram demonstrates the lifting action which creates the

different fades. The fade keeps the pigment from soaking in at
the end of the stroke and thus a softer edge.

Pull Fade

Arch Fade

Basic Marker Techniques

With all fades, the darkest or most concentrated color
should be the side farthest away from the light source
and the lightest side closest to the light. When blending a
second color into an existing fade, do so at a slightly
different angle (as if cross-hatching) to smooth out the
color and avoid dark banding.
Why Use A Fade Instead of Flat Color?
The use of fades adds interest to a sketch by adding
dimension to a surface.
It is more interesting and expressive than all flat
colors. It gives the suggestion of lights and darks.

It keeps color from welling up or over-saturating

at the stopping point.

It is best for blending colors because it lets colors

share the space without getting to heavy.

It gives the suggestion of highlights and shadows.

It is similar to when singers hit a high note and then

pull the mic away from their mouth to avoid sounding
too flat, a fade keeps the color full of life without too
harsh of an ending.

Importance of Pre-Testing Your Markers

The quick answer is no, all markers do not fade the same
way. A big reason for this is because while most markers
are made with similar materials, the solvents used with the
pigments varies between manufacturers. It is highly
recommended that you always test out your markers
before you sketch. There are two reasons for this:
1. You will want to get to know how your markers will
behave on a certain type of papers and under certain
conditions. A very good technique is to draw out
stripes of each marker color and overlap them with
other colors. You will see the pure color on a particular
paper as well as the blended color. Some artists like to
write the name of the marker color off to the side so
that they know which color blends with another color
to attain the desired effect.
2. If you test out your marker ahead of time, you will also
find out which ones have dried out and need replacing.

An assortment of the most popular marker brands

Introduction to Chisel Tip Markers

Chisel markers are types of markers that come in a variety of
colors and are designed for use on many different surfaces.
The name comes from the shape of the marker tips, which
is usually angled to provide different widths for use while
writing or drawing. These markers are often used for writing
on glass, mirrors, or white boards, though permanent chisel
markers can also be used for making posters, writing on
metal or plastic, and drawing on fabric. Chisel markers are
used by a number of different professionals
and may be used for artistic works as well.
Also called chisel tip markers, chisel markers are used in a
number of different ways, often depending on the type of
ink or pigment found in the marker. These markers take their
name from the shape of the tip used to apply pigment. The
tips are usually shaped with a tapered edge, somewhat similar to a chisel, and are often angled as well. This provides the
user with a number of widths and line densities that can be
applied, based on how the markers are held and moved along
a surface.
Chisel markers are often made using a number of different
types of pigments, allowing them to be used in a wide range
of applications. Dry erase markers, also called white board
markers, are often made with a chisel tip. This allows them
to be used in as many different applications as possible,
from simply writing instructions or lessons on a dry erase
board to drawing subtle and complex pictures using a
variety of colors and line widths. Chisel markers are,
therefore, often found in boardrooms and classrooms for
use with whiteboards.
Some chisel markers can also be used for more utilitarian
and practical purposes. Permanent markers can be made with
chisel tips, often providing sturdier tips that do not bend or
fray through use. These types of markers can be used to
create signs and posters or to mark boxes for packing,
moving, or storage.
Since chisel markers are often permanent, they also work
well for various artistic endeavors. These markers can
typically draw on a wide range of surfaces, from glass and
plastic to metal and fabric, making them ideal for artists
working in a number of different mediums. Such markers
are frequently used to make lines or marks where different
materials are going to be cut, joined, or otherwise altered, in
which case the color of the marker is not important and may
even fade over time.

An assortment of the most popular marker papers

Q&A with Wes Douglas

Getting Started
Where did you learn how to sketch with markers?
Was it through experimentation or did you learn
from a senior artist?
I was first introduced to markers when I enrolled in a series
of classes at the community college called Advertising
Rendering with Markers. We began with ten shades of
grey plus black. I believe the marker brand that was recommended for the class was Design Markers made by Eberhard-Faber. As I recall, these were very potent, aromatic
markers that limited your exposure to the odor before you
started to get a headache.
The brand of paper we were recommended to use was
Graphics 360 by Bienfang. There are many, many different
types of papers you can use for marker renderings and it
largely depends on what finish you desire that determines
which paper is best. The benefit of Graphics 360 is its
translucency, which means that it is a white paper but you
can see through it. This is especially useful if you rough out
your sketch in pencil or pen, then place it underneath the
top sheet. Now you can color in the areas on the top sheet
that you see from the rough sketch underneath. Then you
can finish off the sketch with a black fine line pen.
Normally you might not want to sketch out your linework
with a pen, then color it with markers right away. The issue
of bleeding arises as the lighter color solvent mixes with
the pigment of the black pen and the result is a blurred line
and some contamination of the color area.
How long have you been working with markers?
I have been working with markers pretty consistently
throughout my 30 years in the graphic design field. I started out with Design Markers and switched to Prismacolor
markers after I started my own company--about 7 years
after I took that first marker class.

Q&A with Wes Douglas

Marker Brands
Do you work in other mediums too, or are you
pretty faithful to markers?
I have worked in a number of different mediums including
watercolors, acrylics, oils, pen & ink, and even sketching
with different apps on the iPad. I would say that I am more
of a generalist with most of these (meaning that I am
happy with my proficiency but I dont think I have
reached a level of expertise or style). Markers have
been an important part of my work for 30 years.
Do you have a marker brand that you prefer to
use? What brand and what drew you to this
particular brand? Have you tried other brands
and what did you like or dislike about other markers?
My marker brand of choice has been Prismacolor
markers as well as Sharpies (Sanford Corp.) Prior to this,
I had used Design Markers (Eberhard-Faber) but I had to
stop because the odor is pretty strong and it gave me headaches. An art supplier introduced me to Prismacolor with
its barely detectable, subdued odor. I have also become
a big fan of the way these markers lay down color--even
when they start to loose their juice.
I think I had a brief encounter with Letraset markers many
years ago because they were pitching an airbrush system
that used the pigment from markers instead of an ink cup.
It was a novel idea at the time but I never got hooked on
using the markers for anything besides the airbrush featurewhich lost its magic after the markers (which have
air blowing across its tip) dried out pretty quickly.
Copic is a brand of marker pen made in Japan by Too and
distributed in the United States and Canada by Imagination International. These are very popular and if I didnt
already have so much invested in my Prismacolor and Pitt
(Faber-Castell) markers, I would definitely give them a try.
The nice thing about Copic is that they are refillable
which is unique and efficient for this industry of
disposable markers.

Q&A with Wes Douglas

Marker Paper
For paper, which brand or type of paper do you
recommend to use? Why?
For many years, I have been a frequent user of the
Graphics 360 marker paper. I was introduced to it in my
marker rendering class and continued to use it in my
design profession. Graphics 360 is a 100% rag, non-bleeding, translucent marker paper. It retains true color with
permanent as well as watercolor markers.
Graphics 360 is also suitable for pencil, charcoal, pastels,
and pen & ink. 13.5 lb (50 gsm) bond weight. I especially
like to sketch out my rough sketch on a separate piece of
paper, tape it down to the table and then add a clean sheet
over the top of my sketch. This way, I can lay down my
marker color with all of the special effects I want, then
clean up the sketch by adding black line work, tracing my
rough sketch below. I highly recommend that you always
work from lightest to darkest so that your lighter colors are
not contaminated (or dirtied) with the darker color.
For the last 10 years, I have adopted a new workflow where
I make a nice clean black & white sketch, scan or photocopy the sketch, and add color to the photocopy printout.
Printer toner is not effected by the solvents in the marker
and will let you add color without incident. This also allows
me to try out several different color combinations if I am
not sure which palette is going to work best.
Is this a paper that is specifically suited for
markers or is it a general purpose sketching
paper? Does it come in a pad form, loose leaf
or sketchbook style?
Graphics 360 is also suitable for pencil, charcoal, pastels,
and pen-and-ink. When I use copier paper, I try to use
high-quality paper that is designed for use with color inkjet
printers. The surface is super-smooth and is good for a
nice clean line. It does soak in the marker color with some
bleed-thru but the opacity of the white really pops the color.
The biggest concern for markers that bleed-thru is that it
contaminates the clean surface of the next sheet underneath.
On the Graphics 360, drawing on both sides of the sheet is
not recommended because the paper is so thin. Coloring on
both sides, however, really helps strengthen the color.

Q&A with Wes Douglas

Marker Paper

I am a big fan of paper that is bound together by some

means, whether it be a glued paper pad or wire-o method.
I have even resorted to a clipboard for loose-leaf paper but
that is usually short-lived and I end up binding it somehow,
even if I have to temporarily use a stapler.
What are the advantages and disadvantages for
these three styles of paper forms?
For on-location, or urban sketching, there is a nice feeling
to know that your book is a record of what you have
observed or how you reacted to something that you saw.
I once read a great quote that explains why I like to draw
and why it is important to keep all of my drawings together
in a book:

To draw something is to own it. You

take home a sheet of paper with an
image filtered through you, and you
have an intense experience of the
subject that cant be taken away.
I know a few artists who like to draw on both sides of
every page so that the sketchbook reads like a visual
journal. One artist calls this visual literacy. Great term.
Spiral bound sketchbooks are especially useful to me
because I like to keep my drawing pen or pencil with the
sketchbook at all times. If I cannot clip the pen to the
sketchbook, sometimes I will put the sketchpad inside of
a notebook binder because there is a loop to hold the pen.
I tend to be a bit of a pen snob which means that I look
for a certain level of flow from the pen that I use and my
biggest fear is that a pen will run dry halfway through
my sketch or note taking. Because of this, I now have
developed a bad habit of having spare pens available so
that I never have to stress out about pens dying on me
mid-sketch.

Q&A with Wes Douglas

Marker Paper
What advice do you give to artists who are
interested in starting to sketch with markers?
1. Find a marker that you like that fits your style and
your budget.
2. Start out trying a few markers and make your decision
which one works the best or has the best feel. If
a marker smells too strong, you do not have to stick
with itin fact it is unhealthy to keep using markers
that have a strong odor.
3. Not all markers have that bad smell. Ask your art
supplier which ones do not smell and they will help
you find the right ones for you.
4. Never jump right in and buy a big set of a marker
brand that you do not know. Even if your friend loves
this marker, it does not mean that they will work the
same for you and the type of work you will do with
them.
5. Be honest with yourself. Markers do take some
practice because they are different than what you have
been used to using. Try them out, if they dont work,
put them aside and try again later.
6. There are no dumb questions. Always ask someone
whose work you admire how they achieved their
effect and which pens they like best.
7. Most artists love to share information that they
have discovered, especially if they are having lots
of success.

Q&A with Wes Douglas

Tricks, Tips and Making Mistakes

Are there any tricks or techniques that you

have picked up either on the job or through
mistakes and experimentation?
1. Whenever possible, use the power of the paper to
achieve your highlights and light source. Adding in
white is more difficult because you have to build up
color, but it can be done with white paint or white
pencils (but it is never as effective as page white).
2. Twirling your chisel tip markers while you stipple
works especially well for making random patterns
such as ground cover, stones, foliage, leaves, and
textured patterns in fashion.
3. Making photocopies of your linework allows you to
do two things:
adding marker color without dissolving
your line work.
you can try out different color palettes without
ruining your original sketch. You can also try as
many color combinations as you wish.

Speaking of mistakes, what was the biggest

mistake you made using markers? Was it
something that didnt work out the way you
wanted and were you able to fix it or not?
I ruined a lot of sketches when I discovered that markers dissolve other areas where marker color had been
previously applied. This has become a nice way to
make soft color blends and gradations, but it can also
have undesirable effects when a lighter color is dirtied
by a darker color. As a rule, always work from your
lightest color to your darkest colors with black being
the last color that you apply.
You really should embrace mistakes. It is really the
most powerful, effective way to find things out about
your markers and how they can work best for you. Play
around, test out your ideas on scrap pieces of paper and
learn new ways to use your markers. They will continue
to surprise you in good ways.

What are the benefits of using markers over

any other medium for your style of sketching?
Portability: Fits in your pockets, backpack
coat pockets and your purse.
No clean up needed
Durability
Convenience: Some markers have dual points
for the same color.
Consistency of color with dual tip markers
Good range of colors from pastel and warm
greys to bold colors, cool greys and black
Colors last a long time inside the sketchbook
You can blend colors for an iridescent effect
or deepen the saturation of color.
In what ways are markers used? Here are
some different applications for markers:
Loose Sketch: (Least detail)
Gestural sketch, rough ideas, Pictionary, and quick
communication of idea
Memory Sketch: (Less detail)
A quick capture of a thought, a vision, a dream, or
a fragment of an idea
Observational Sketch: (Medium detail)
Diagrams, how-to visual descriptions or processes,
explanations, sketchnotes, botanical recordings,
science experiments, field notes, cutaway views,
courtroom sketch artists, consumer behavior patterns
Conceptual/Imaginary Sketch: (Medium detail)
Science fiction, creative development, product design,
automotive design proposals, theme park and
restaurant theme designs, mood boards
Planning Sketch: (More detail)
Storyboards, planograms, interior designs, landscape
designs, fashion, architectural proposals
Presentation Sketch: (More detail)
to leave a positive impression with the audience
to pitch an idea with the goal of alignment or
approval (such as a real estate development)
Fine Art: (Most detail) Gallery quality and framed
pictures. Most marker renderings fade over time.

Marker Process:
Step-by-Step Demonstration
Step 1: Create The Sketch
Creating the sketch is the nearly the same as any
other rendering style. Pencil out your scene and
then ink it with the pen of your choice. Here is a
tip: test your pen with the marker of your choice
by drawing a line first on a scrap piece of the
paper you have chosen. Then scribble the marker
over the line. You want to find a pen and marker
combination that will not smear or dissolve the
line work.
Step 2: Add Color
After you have found a pen that will not be dissolved or smeared by the marker, add color in the
fade style of your choice. Always start with the
lightest color first and gradually progress towards
your darker markers. Also, make your strokes go
in the direction of the light source by lifting your
marker as you reach your highlight area. You
should also make your marker strokes go along
the length of the panel or shape. Imagine if your
object had a grain, like wood does, your markers
should move in the direction of the grain.
Step 3: Blend Colors
As you start to progress to your darker colors,
overlap each color layer at a slightly different
angle. The reason for this is to prevent the little
overlap lines from getting too dark and detracting
from your sketch. A slightly different angle or
cross hatch with your marker will start to dissolve
your previous color and help to smooth it out.

Working With Markers

By Orna Aizenshtein

About Me
I have been drawing since I can remember. My professional
field is pretty wide. I worked as a 3D artist for TV
Commercial projects, in the Computer Graphics gaming
Industry, and I have experience as a character and
environment supervisor for a CG feature film.
For the last few years, I thought more and more about
getting back to the roots meaning to return to a traditional
medium. These days I work as a team leader of concept art
at a gaming company and I mostly work in Photoshop.
Markers as a technique I discovered several years ago.
Unfortunately, I dont even remember who was first that
inspired me. But it took time. Its like a puzzle where every
part you get from somebody or somewhere, layouts, drafts,
sketching and very popular for Manga illustrations.
One day I got three markers as a gift. Wow, thats how it
looks, the markers! That was my reaction. I cant call
myself a marker expert but I can share with you my
experience and conclusions after about a year or more
working with markers.
Why I Like Markers
Markers dry very quickly. They are comfortable and
compact which you can carry with you always and
everywhere. They combine well with pen, pencil, ink
and colored pencils. The transparency of markers reminds
me of watercolors. Markers blend well and make it easy
to create a variety of tone and shading effects.

Working With Markers

What Kind of Markers?
There are a lot of different kinds of markers which
you can find in art stores and on the internet. The
markers I use are ProMarkers from LetrasetI
started out with the neutral tone set. Why? Without
too much thought or making a global search about
it, it just happened. The ProMarker is a fine marker
for any type of coloring, be it about filling areas
of color or creating gradients. It does not matter if
you are making a sketch or coloring an illustration.

http://www.letraset.com/products/2208ProMarker-6-Sets/4705-ProMarker-6-Set--Neutral-Tones/
My latest purchase is a set of Copic Sketch markers and it is my favorite because of the flexible
Super Brush nib (also know as Super Brush tip) on
one side and the medium broad nib on the other. If
you are looking for a greater control over gradients
and colors which fade out softly, or you wish to
create distinct details in hair such as hair strands,
the brush nib makes it much easier.
Paper Choice
Ordinary Sketching Paper:
For quick sketching, I use an ordinary sketchbook
120 GSM A4. Its super smooth surface is perfect
for inking and coloring. But beware, it also allows
for bleeding. So its a good idea to put a scrap
piece of paper underneath your sketch to act as a
blotter.
It is cheap and you can have fun without worrying
too much about how expensive it is. Normal print
paper can be used too but the color spreads and
stains everything underneath. On the plus side,
some techniques work for this kind of paper
which do not work as well on papers suited for
marker use.

Ordinary sketchbook
120 GSM A4

Working With Markers

How To Start:
Line Sketch
You can start your sketch using ink,
pen or pencil. Be sure to test out if
your pen or ink will smear when
marker is applied on a scrap piece of
paper first. Then you can add color
with your markers on top of the
line work.
There is one more way to start your
drawing correctly with markers. I
applied my lightest tone of markersa
Number 1 or Number 2 value first.
Why you might ask? If you make a
mistake with the lightest marker, you
will still be able to correct any mistakes more easily by sketching a corrected line over the light tone. It might
be a benefit and you can get a different/
softer look without the outline.
Building Up The Value:
Build up your scene value by working
from lightest marker to your darkest.
You can apply layer after layer of tone
as much as you need until you reach
your desired effect. By slightly overlapping your marker strokes your tones
will be smoother too. For a dry-brush
effect, use less layers or apply your
colors at the end. For smooth gradients,
you need to flood the area with marker
quickly or to put down the colorless
blender and again work quickly until
the paper stays wet.

Working With Markers

Building Up The Value:
Sharpness
Apply pen, ink or pencil to already colored areas to
help bring out detail and add some more interest to
parts of the sketch you wish to highlight.
Contrast and Highlights
One more thing: dont be afraid to lightly use your
pencil to help push those values in your sketch. A
few hatch marks in your dark areas can help punch
contrast and help things pop even more in your
sketch. If you are working with a neutral marker
set, its a good idea to add any type of tone with
colored pencils, blue in the shadow for example.
Final touches can be added in the highlights with
a white pencil.
Summary
Markers are a great tool but they are not generally
meant for creating permanent pieces of art. Use
markers to create quick sketches. They are faster
and more convenient than any other medium.
They dry quickly and work well on any surface
(but smooth is best). But even archival markers
are not necessarily lightfast so if you want to
save it, scan it.
Draw, experiment and most importantly have fun!
Thanks for letting me share my experience
with you.

Orna Aizenshtein
Tel Aviv, Israel

Keeping It Loose
By Lisa Flahive
You wont end up with a loose sketch if you start
out rigidly seeking perfection.
You must let go and freely scribble.
Allow emotion, rather than knowledge to guide
your pen. Easier said than done.
I prefer not to sketch from photographs. I find that
sketching jazz musicians while they are performing is the deepest way to feel the groove and thats
what I like my artwork to expresshow it felt to be
there listening to the music in the club.
For this demonstration, I started with my Copic
Multiliner pen, very loosely getting a sense of the
bassists movement. Despite the fact that I use
permanent black ink, I am unafraid of making a
wrong mark and instead use the loose line to give
a sense of movement and energy.
I continue the loose feel when I begin to work the
values. Ive been told that I actually sketch with
the beat of the music and that I can feel that beat
in these energetic vertical marks (made with a
warm grey Pitt Big Brush marker.
I try not to get bogged down by unnecessary details as I add darker values to bring out the highlights. When I paint in the studio, I use these
sketches, rather than photographs, as reference
material for my watercolors. In fact, that is how
I started drawing in the first placeno one would
allow me to set up my easel indoors and paint live
music so I started carrying a sketchpad with me in
my purse wherever I went. The only reason I
began to work with markers was that I needed
materials that would not smear or get all over me.

Keeping It Loose
Once I had the sketchpad with me I began to draw
wherever I went. I found that the quickest way for
me to grab enough detail to be able to paint from
later on was to use Pitt Big Brush grey scale markers to quickly block in some values. Plus, I find
this to be more representational of the energy and
emotion of a place than if I worked from photographs.
I have tried other paper but keep going back to
an 8.5 x 11 Bee Pen Sketchers pad. I enjoy the
weight of the paper (70lbs.) and find the markers
do not dry out as much as on other papers. I wish it
came in a larger size but this size does fit perfectly
in my purse.
These days I find more businesses willing to allow
me to set up my easel indoors so I can paint chefs
and caf scenes. I also paint on the bandstand at
least once a week and try to employ these same
loose techniques to keep my watercolors fresh.
You can see more of my work at
www.flahive.fineartstudioonline.com

Lisa Flahive
Traverse City, Michigan

Chip Foose, Automotive Designer

Chip Foose is an American hot rod shop owner,
automotive designer and fabricator, and star of the
reality TV series Overhaulin on Velocity.
Chip and his wife Lynne started their Huntington
Beach, California based company Foose Design,
an automotive and product design development
company. His company specializes in illustration,
graphics, ideation model making, surfacing and
complete construction of automobiles and
automotive related products. These products are
available to private individuals, television, film
and the automobile manufacturers.

Candice Olson, Interior Designer

Canadian interior designer Candice Olson was
born on October 27, 1964. She was educated at
the University of Calgary, and later studied at the
school of Interior Design at Ryerson University in
Toronto. She worked for many of Canadas interior
design firms, later using her skills to build her own
practice called Candice Olson Design in 1994.
Candice Olson is best known for hosting a number
of home-makeover shows. She was on Divine
Design in 1991, which aired on Canadas W
Network and later on HGTV. In 2011, she was cast
in her own series: Candice Tells All. She has also
written books, namely Candice Olson on Design:
Inspiration and Ideas for Your Home and
Candice Olson: Kitchen & Bathroom.

Sketchnotes & Graphic

Recording Examples
Wes Douglas
Sketchnotes are rich visual notes created from
a mix of handwriting, drawings, hand-drawn
typography, shapes, and visual elements like
arrows, boxes, and lines (definition from Mike
Rohde, author of The Sketchnote Handbook).
Graphic Recordings are very similar to
Sketchnotes except that they are created on a much
larger format than a sketchbook. Typically the
graphic recordings are done on large foam boards
or paper scrolls that measure somewhere between
a 6 x 4 board to a full wall-sized dry erase board.
Here are some examples of my sketch notes and
graphic recordings created live during various
presentations or cleaned up immediately
following an event.
Markers are used to add color accents because
they dry quickly, have brilliant color and and there
is absolutely no clean up--something that will slow
down a sketchnoter. Dry erase boards and dry
erase markers can also be used with the distinct
benefit of quick erase/edits on the fly.

How to Remove Permanent Marker From Your Clothes & Hands

Whether your child is drawing with permanent markers or the marker slips out of your hand and onto your
clothes, it doesnt mean that your outfit is bound for
the trash. If treated soon after the stain, even permanent-marker stains can be removed from clothing.
Read the tips listed below and learn about how you
can get permanent marker out of clothes.

Hairspray
Believe it or not, hairspray is a fantastic way to
remove stains from clothing. Moisten the stain with
water and then blot away at it with a paper towel that
has been sprayed with non-oily hairspray. You should
begin to see the color from the marker transfer from
the fabric to the paper towel
[source: Mrs. Clean USA].

Rubbing alcohol
Your household rubbing alcohol is another effective
way to remove marker stains. Place the stain face
down on top of a piece of paper towel. Dip a cloth
in rubbing alcohol and dab at the stain. You should
see the ink transfer to the paper towel underneath the
stain. Change the paper towel often so that the paper
can absorb the color. After the stain is removed, wash
the clothing in the washing machine
[source: Good Housekeeping].

Milk
You have to see it to believe it. Milk is a great way
to remove stains from fabric. Fill a bowl with milk
and soak the stained area of the garment in the milk.
The milk will begin to turn the color of the permanent marker. When the milk has significantly changed
color, refresh the bowl with new milk and repeat the
process until the stain is removed from the clothing
[source: Learn How to Remove].

Thank you for allowing us to share some of our tips and tricks
for the sketching medium we love to use.
Our hope is that weve inspired you to try out markers
(if you have not already done so) and that
with these techniques that are you too
will discover how wonderful of a tool
markers can be. Enjoy and have fun.

Orna Aizenshtein, Lisa Flahive,

and Wes Douglas

References and Books

Rendering With Markers
by Ronald B. Kemnitzer

How To Draw Cars The Hot Wheels Way

by Scott Robertson

Marker Rendering Techniques

by Dick Powell

Sketching and Rendering Interior Spaces

by Ivo D. Drpic

Marker Magic:
The Rendering Problem Solver for Designers
by Richard M. McGarry, Greg Madsen

Drawing Techniques for Product Designers

by Koos Eisen and Roselien Steir