15 Best Professional Markers In 2023 For The Serious Artists
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on how we conduct reviews, click here.
If you're serious about your art and design, you need to use professional-grade art markers. This article will discuss the benefits of using them and why they outperform amateur-grade markers. We'll also provide a list of the best professional markers on the market to help you make an informed decision about which ones to purchase. We'll also provide you with pointers on why you should choose them over amateur-grade markers.
Our Top Picks
  |
Best overall: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers• Fast-drying inks |
Runner-up: Arteza Everbland Alcohol Art Markers• Non-toxic, AP-certified inks |
|
Best Budget Markers: Piochoo Dual-Tip Markers• Non-toxic, acid-free water-based inks |
1. Ohuhu Alcohol Markers - Best Overall
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Many customers prefer these markers over more expensive ones because of their quality and easy blending. Some customers never thought they could find such excellent pro-grade alcohol markers at such an affordable price without sacrificing quality.
Why We Think It's Great
Alcohol markers are an excellent tool for all experience levels, but the price point usually discourages artists, even professionals. Ohuhu understood that situation and made this 80-piece marker set with a bonus blender.
Ohuhu Alcohol Markers are not the best markers on canvas as they look patchy. They still perform better than most alcohol markers, though. The inks dry fast to avoid smearing and smudging, but you can still blend them with the blender marker.
The blender marker, by the way, is essential when working with alcohol markers as they moisten the alcohol marker inks on paper for more effortless blending, without smudging them, unlike when you add water to it.
The set has 120 markers and a blender marker. It also comes in a zippered canvas bag. However, it's not the best for storing or organizing while using the markers because it doesn't hold up well.
Who Should Buy It
Though these alcohol markers are best for kids, they also work well for professional artists. If you're looking for high-quality alcohol markers at an affordable price, this set is the best choice.
2. Arteza Everbland Alcohol Art Markers - Runner-up
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Many artists appreciated the slim organizer of these markers because they fit their artist's bag well. However, the markers themselves have brilliant colors that blend well, making them a favorite among art students and professional artists. Some users find the triangular barrel odd, though.
Why We Think It's Great
Arteza Everblend art markers use non-toxic, AP-certified alcohol-based inks that blend and layer beautifully to produce stunning results.
The set has 120 markers, organized in a slim canvas case with a book-like layout and 144 gartered slots for easier access and extra slots if you need to build your collection.
Arteza has excellent customer service, which means that you can contact the company for any issue you have with these markers.
Who Should Buy It
These alcohol markers are best for professional cartoonists, manga and anime artists, and designers. They're also great for portrait artists with their good range of skin tone markers included in the set. Card-makers will also love this marker set.
3. Caliart Artist Alcohol Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Even beginners love using these alcohol markers. At less than a quarter of the price of Copic markers, you can get comparable results. Customers recommend getting a horizontal organizer for storing and organizing their markers. Lining the bottom of the canvas bag with a strong cardboard piece helps to hold the bag up when the zipper is open.
Why We Think It's Great
Caliart Artist Alcohol Markers are perfect for any artist, whether you're a beginner or a professional. The selection of colors is excellent, and the colors blend well together to create exciting effects. The nibs hold up well and are not prone to wear and fraying even after repeated use.
These alcohol markers feature dual nibs - a broad chisel tip for quick coverage and a fine tip for adding details. Bleeding on regular printer paper is natural because of the heavy ink content, so it is best to use a suitable sketchbook for markers.
The set has 99 colored markers and a blender marker (organized in a free zippered canvas bag) that work well on paper, CD, stone, wood, and other porous and non-porous surfaces. Although the caps are color-coded, they don't reflect the actual color of the inks, so it helps to make a swatch card.
Caliart has excellent customer service to your complaints and queries. They will even send you a replacement item, free of charge, if you find any defect in your product.
Who Should Buy It
Caliart Artist Alcohol Markers is the perfect choice for professional artists looking for more affordable markers for their practice jobs. When used with the proper marker paper, even designers who need precise colors and clean lines on their work will get the best results.
4. Shuttle Art Fine-Point Permanent Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Customers agree that these markers are excellent for their price and quality. However, it is best to make a color swatch or try the marker on the paper before using it. The colors may be inconsistent, especially on tinted and colored paper.
Why We Think It's Great
If you're looking for a versatile marker that you can use on multiple surfaces, then Shuttle Art Markers are a perfect choice. These markers are also non-toxic and safe for kids 3 years and up.
The ink is smear-proof and fade-resistant, so your markings will last longer. They apply easily without any streaks or smudges.
The set has fine-point markers that you can use for painting on wine glasses, wood, plastic, stone, and other surfaces. Aside from writing, you can use these markers for coloring, doodling, scrapbooking, and other crafts. However, if you’re using paper less than 200 gsm, be ready to write on one side only.
Who Should Buy It
These markers are for artists looking for colorful permanent markers. It is a perfect alternative to the more expensive Sharpies.
5. Prismacolor 3722 Premier Double-Ended Art Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Most users find this set awesome to use, despite its price range, because they blend well with Prismacolor colored pencils to lengthen its life. Other users found these markers excellent for getting the professional look desired by most artists.
Why We Think It's Great
The Prismacolor Markers is an affordable alternative to more expensive professional-grade alcohol markers. These markers feature dual tips to switch nibs with ease, and they also come with a stackable organizer for easier organizing and collecting.
These markers use an advanced dye-based alcohol ink for consistent colors, less streaking on your work because they're fast-drying.
The caps are specially designed to prevent leaking while not in use. However, they are pretty challenging to remove, which is a disadvantage.
Who Should Buy It
Artists who want to build their alcohol marker collection will do it faster with the Prismacolor Premier Series because of the stackable organizer and affordable price. The set also includes fine-tip markers in metallic silver (PM 118) and metallic gold (PM 120) to complement PM 117 and PM 119, respectively.
6. Copic Ciao Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Many artists believe that Copic Ciao Markers are an excellent set because of the quality and blendability of the inks. The colors are also magnificent. Even with the price, professional artists still love using these markers.
Why We Think It's Great
Copic Ciao markers are the starter set for Copic markers, but the quality is good enough for professional artists. They're refillable, have replaceable nibs, and come in many colors, available in smaller and larger sets. They are also compatible with the Copic Airbrush System.
The inks are non-toxic and acid-free, making them safe for use around children and pets. But like other alcohol markers, Copic markers have some off-odors, so be sure to work in a properly ventilated area.
The set has 24 colors in a clear plastic case that doubles as an organizer and carrying case. For best results, you need to use a suitable marker sketchbook. Here are some suggestions for the best paper for Copic markers.
Who Should Buy It
This marker set is best for professionals who build their markers using this brand.
7. Tanmit Marker Pens
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Kids and adult artists love using these markers for their excellent quality and affordable price. The fluorescent colors have a weird, fishy smell, but the markers apply well and last for a long time.
Why We Think It's Great
Tanmit Marker Pens come with a bullet tip and chisel tip, perfect for fine detail work and broad strokes. They feature fade-resistant alcohol-based inks that will not smudge or bleed through marker paper.
This set of 40 markers is a great buy for all your creative needs. It comes with both regular and fluorescent inks, so you can create different effects to please every discerning artist.
The zippered black case is strong, durable, and waterproof. It's also lightweight and compact so that you can take it anywhere. However, you need to reinforce the bottom and the sides with cardboard to hold the weight of the markers and prevent the markers from spilling out when the case is open.
These markers are eligible for refund and returns under Amazon policy as long as you satisfy all the requirements.
Who Should Buy It
This set is best for artists looking for a professional-grade starter set. It also works well for crafters looking for a versatile set of markers for various surfaces for their crafts. They’re also an excellent addition if you’re setting up an art studio.
8. Bianyo Classic Series Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Portrait artists love the color variation of these markers because they are comparable to more expensive brands in quality and blendability. The included blender marker does more than blend the colors since you can also use them to erase and correct mistakes.
Why We Think It's Great
Bianyo Classic Series Markers is one of the top-selling markers on various online stores because of their high-quality, quick-drying alcohol inks. The 72 colors have low-odor, and quick-drying inks, making them ideal for any environment.
Depending on the user, the colors are close in variation, which can be a pro and a con. The almost similar shades are a must for those wanting a more natural gradient of colors. However, this feature is not the best choice for those looking for more variety.
The blender marker is perfect for blending colors and creating new shades, while the square barrel prevents the markers from rolling off the table. The markers' shape may need some adjusting, though, especially if you've been using round and oval-barrel markers for a long time.
The free canvas bag is good because it is durable and has a foam sheet sandwiched between layers. The thickened handle also affords more grip, while the metal zipper is strong to withstand constant opening and closing.
Who Should Buy It
Bianyo Classic Series Markers are perfect for everyone looking for gifts for aspiring artists because they are affordable but of good quality. It also works for artists who want alcohol markers for their faux calligraphy, design, and other crafts.
9. Art-n-Fly Professional Brush Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Some newbie artists think these markers are a bit overpriced, but professional artists recommend them for their refillable barrels and replaceable nibs. Some artists even dub this set as Copic killers since they replace Copics if you don't have the budget for the real one.
Why We Think It's Great
Art-n-Fly Professional Brush Markers come with a brush and chisel tip, making them the perfect all-in-one pen for artists of all levels. They're refillable, and you can also replace the durable Japanese nibs so that you can keep your markers for a long time.
The set has 48 colors in varying shades of grays, greens, yellows, light blues, purples, reds, and skin tone colors. Before using these markers, you should make a color swatch since the caps don't match the actual ink color.
Their customer service is very responsive, and they immediately address your concerns, whether it's regarding product quality, usage, or other similar concerns regarding the product. You may also contact them for booster sets or refill inks for your alcohol markers.
Who Should Buy It
This professional marker is best for artists looking for an affordable alternative to Copic markers. Since it carries a good range of skin tone colors, portrait and anime artists will also benefit from these markers.
10. Tooli-Art Water-based Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Customers love the flexible brush point for embellishments or filling-in and the fine tips for details and outlines. Though it bleeds a lot on paper, using them on marker paper improves the quality of the colors. The slim organizer is also a big help for carrying around.
Why We Think It's Great
Tooli-Art Water-based Markers have a fine liner and brush tip in one marker, making them perfect for detail work and filling in large areas. The acid-free, water-based inks produce beautiful results with no lingering odors.
The set has 36 colors, arranged according to color family in a slim, zippered canvas case with a durable zipper. It even includes a few skin tone colors, making it the perfect starter kit for those who want to try markers.
The company also offers a 100% money-back guarantee on your money, and you can get a replacement pack free of charge. Although mold grows on the brush tip, you can prevent it by wiping excess ink on the marker and storing it vertically.
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for alcohol-based inks, better stay away from these markers. However, if you need markers that you're comfortable working with for hours, these markers are the best.
11. Shuttle Art Alcohol-Based Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Users love Shuttle Art alcohol-based markers because the colors are bright and don't leave a streaky look on your work. They're also very bright, and there are no duplicate colors in this set. They also layer well, and these markers are a sure win for artists on a budget.
Why We Think It's Great
Shuttle Art alcohol-based markers are an excellent choice for affordable but safe-to-use alcohol markers. They are non-toxic and conform to the ASTM D-4236 standards, making them perfect for both kids and adults to use.
The set has skin tone colors for a more accurate depiction of human skin for your portraiture and anime projects. In addition, the line width on these markers is variable so that you can create thin or thick lines with ease.
The set has 88 colors in triangular barrels to prevent the markers from rolling on your desk while working. It is best to make a color swatch since the cap colors do not match the ink perfectly. The free canvas bag is passable, and you may want to get an alternative storage case to organize it.
Shuttle Art has very responsive customer service if you have any questions or problems with your order.
Who Should Buy It
These markers are best for design artists - fashion, product, architectural, and several other design projects. The wide range of skin tone colors also makes this marker set best for portrait and manga artists. It is also one of the best Copic markers alternatives if you want affordable but quality markers.
12. Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Many customers reported missing nibs on the pink markers. They recommend checking the markers when you receive them to request a replacement. Recent purchases, though, showed that Sharpie had fixed the issue.
Overall, the markers are good, and the colors are more vibrant and vivid than most brands. They don't bleed much on ordinary printer paper, but it is still best to use a marker pad.
Why We Think It's Great
Sharpie has introduced a new line of markers designed for any creative professional. It uses ink of the same quality used in the black markers, resulting in more vibrant colors.
Aside from using it as a marker, you may also use it for making notes, drawing, and other similar activities. You may adjust the line width by changing the pen orientation to get a fine and broad line.
Lines look perfect and pristine because the markers do not smear or smudge. It slightly bleeds when used on ordinary printer paper since it is best for marker pads.
The marker comes in sets of 24 at a very affordable price that anyone can afford. The set doesn't come with a black marker, though, but Sharpie has a wide range of black markers you can try.
Who Should Buy It
Sharpie's S-Note Creative Markers are "the ultimate pen" for those looking to produce professional designs. If you want colorful markers with the same permanent ink quality as your trusted Sharpie, why not try this set?
13. Piochoo Dual-Tip Markers - Best Budget Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Bullet journalists and scrapbookers love these markers because they have a wide selection of colors to work on in their journals. Because they're acid-free, the journals keep for a long time. However, crafters find the brush tips more challenging to use.
Why We Think It's Great
Piochoo Markers are perfect for artists, crafters, and hobbyists who want to create details and embellishments on their designs.
The markers come with a 24-color set in ultra-fine tip and brush tips. The colors are vibrant, have no odor, and are non-toxic, so even kids older than three can use them. If you use them with acid-free paper, you'll be sure to enjoy your work for a long time as it won't cause any discoloration or yellowing on paper.
The set also has a durable transparent carrying case, so you can bring them wherever your next project awaits.
Who Should Buy It
These water-based brush markers are best for artists doing faux calligraphy, while the fine-tip works best for adding details to your designs, whether they're for fashion, interior, or landscape. The set is also very affordable, so professional artists on a budget will also love these markers.
14. Winsor & Newton Promarker
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
Many artists recommend these markers to graphic and product design because of their quality inks and handy design. Even after using them for a while, the markers still hold up very well. Another artist using a more expensive brand said that these markers took his art to another level.
Why We Think It's Great
If you're an artist, chances are you've heard of Winsor & Newton. The company is most well-known for its high-quality art supplies, and Promarkers is just one of the many products that the brand carries.
True to its mission of making high-quality art supplies, Winsor & Newton's Promarkers are double-ended markers with excellent opacity and quick-drying inks. The colors are lightfast and keep their color intensity once applied on the surface, such as paper, wood, glass, metal, and plastic.
This set has 48 markers in broad and fine bullet tips for various detailing and filling-in purposes. The Promarker Brush is an excellent set to complement if you need brush-tip markers because it does not have duplicate colors.
Who Should Buy It
These artist-quality markers hold up well, so you can use them for various coloring activities. These are also best for artists looking for bullet and chisel tip markers.
15. Nicecho Dual-Tip Art Markers
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have to Say
This set is an excellent gift choice for your artist friends on all occasions. It is perfect for coloring, bullet journaling, and other papercrafts. The colors are also amazing, so the recipient of the gifts loved them.
Why We Think It's Great
These markers use non-toxic inks that are washable with soap and water. The set has 60 colors that blend and layer well together.
The colors are vibrant, represented in colorful caps. The markers have round barrels in standard pen sizes for convenience. There are no duplicate colors, and the ink is waterproof, fast-drying, and smear-proof.
If you need to take them on the go, the durable organizer bag will keep them safe and secure. Also, remember to cap them after each use to prevent them from drying out.
Who Should Buy It
These markers are best for anyone into paper crafts, card-making, bullet journaling, and scrapbooking. They also work well for product design, faux calligraphy, and similar projects.
Professional Markers Buying Guide
-
Ink Type and Ink Source
Professional art markers may come in different ink types. Alcohol ink markers are more expensive than water-based and solvent-based markers. However, they're the go-to markers of professional artists because they blend and layer well (a must if you're doing portraiture).
The alcohol ink also dries quickly and applies on most surfaces. It is also lightfast, so you can expect good longevity for your artwork. The downside of alcohol inks is the smell; hence we don't recommend them to younger kids.
Another type of ink is water-based ink. It has a watercolor effect on your projects and is generally cheaper than alcohol-based markers. It doesn't have any off-odors so that kids may use them. On the downside, you need to tape down the paper to prevent warping after the inks dry.
Some markers use solvents such as methyl, isobutyl ketone, or xylene. These inks are permanent, vibrant, and resistant to water. However, solvents have a strong chemical odor, and prolonged exposure to fumes may lead to headaches and other reactions.
Most markers have a single-source barrel, but a few brands have different sources, resulting in inconsistent colors.
Other markers are disposable, while others are refillable. If you use your marker for a long time, choose refillable ones, even if they cost more. In the long run, they should give you more value for your money.
-
Nib Type
Bullet point tip is the most common nib type for professional markers. This nib type may come in various sizes - medium (1mm), fine (0.7mm), and ultra-fine (0.4mm). It is best for detailing and outlining sketches.
Another common type is the chisel tip. This marker tip is best for adding broad lines and filling-in large areas in your artwork. However, by twisting the marker when you write, you can choose the line width or stroke. Chisel-tip markers are best for faux calligraphy and come in various nip widths from 5mm-15mm.
Brush tip markers are flexible. You can use these markers like a paintbrush. This nib type also gives the best quality since you won't see any streaking when applying it. It also lasts longer than the other nib types but generally uses more ink.
-
Color Choices
Professional artists look for different types of markers. For example, they are particular in color schemes, like skin tone, earth tones, neon and fluorescent tones, gray tones, etc. Buy what you need, especially if your brand choice is on the pricier side.
-
Barrel Size and Design
Barrels come in four basic shapes - round, oval, triangular, and square. Of these, the round barrels are the most common shape. However, they can roll off easily off the desk, so you need an organizer to keep your markers.
Artists think that the triangular barrels are the most ergonomic design because they follow the natural contour of your fingers. Unlike round barrels, they stay well on the desk.
Oval barrels are probably the most awkward shape, especially when dealing with wide nibs. Turning the marker from thin to broad lines is hard on the hand. However, regular-sized oval markers feel like round-barreled markers and should not cause much hand fatigue.
Square barrels are most common among alcohol markers. Though the shape is a bit awkward on the hand, it should not deter you when choosing your markers, mainly stick to a brand.
Tips When Using Professional Markers
-
Use the right paper
You may see a lot of complaints in the reviews that markers bleed a lot. However, the issue is not on the marker itself but on the paper you use.
We recommend smooth, slightly glossy paper not thinner than 200gsm when using alcohol markers. The smooth surface allows you to create a more natural transition of colors. However, choose mixed media or watercolor paper when you use water-based markers.
-
Build up colors slowly
Focus on one object instead of coloring several objects that share the same color. Add highlights as you go. This way, you have better control of tonal gradients.
Since alcohol markers are slightly opaque, you need several layers to darken the tones, or you may layer a darker tone over the lighter one to achieve a more opaque look.
Water-based inks are more transparent than alcohol markers. They look like watercolors, but the attributes stop there. You may sprinkle some water on the paper, then dab off the excess droplets to adjust the tones.
Another tip is to use a fine-tip watercolor brush to wet a specific area, then repeat the dab-off process.
-
Choose the right nib
For adding details, use fine tip markers, while brush tip or chisel tip is best for filling in your art projects. Dual-ended markers give you an advantage when dealing with different application types, especially if the barrel has a single-source ink.
-
Know when to work on the inks
When using alcohol inks, blend while the ink is still wet. However, you can use a blender marker to moisten the inks and blend them.
Water-based inks are less forgiving and are more permanent than alcohol inks because you can't blend them once the inks are dry. Water-based inks are not blendable, but you can layer them. Apply the layers while the ink is wet for a more natural gradient.
-
Learn proper blending process
To blend your artwork better, whether using alcohol or water-based inks, use a mid-tone color to blend the dark and the light tones.
-
Use white gel pens for highlights
Use a white gel pen to highlight your drawings for a more natural look. While you may sprinkle white acrylic paint over your marker drawing, the water in the acrylic may have a different result on alcohol inks. The safer route is to use a white gel pen.
-
Work in a well-ventilated area
While some alcohol markers promise low odors, the fumes are still there. It is best to work in a properly ventilated area to diffuse the fumes. If you need to work indoors and in a closed room, especially during the winter months, supply ventilation with a fan.
Conclusion
Our vote for the Best Overall is the Ohuhu Alcohol Markers because the set is very affordable, but the quality is not compromised. The set has fast-drying inks, and the inks last a long time so that you can enjoy your markers better.
Meanwhile, Arteza Everbland Alcohol Art Markers are our runner-up vote. Aside from the non-toxic inks that blend and layer well, you can also use these markers on various surfaces.
If you want to stay within your budget but still want a professional look at your work, Piochoo Dual-Tip Markers is your best choice. The markers use acid-free water-based inks that are odor-free and flow smoothly.