There's No "Best" Copic Set — Just the Right One for You

When I first started buying Copic markers, I assumed the biggest 358-color set was the obvious choice. More colors = more possibilities, right? One year and a lot of unused pale shades later, I realized I was wrong. The truth is, your needs depend on your budget, how often you create, and how quickly you need them.

In my role coordinating rush supplies for artists and designers, I've seen people blow their budget on the wrong set more times than I can count. So let me walk you through the three most common scenarios and help you figure out which one matches your situation.

"Bottom line: don't buy a set until you know your personal color frequency curve."

Scenario 1: You're a Beginner on a Budget

If you're just starting out or you're a hobbyist who creates occasionally, the Copic Ciao series is your best bet. They're about half the price of Sketch markers, but still blend beautifully. I recommend starting with a 12-color set (around $45–60 depending on the retailer) rather than a 36-pack. Why? Because you'll quickly learn which colors you actually reach for, and you can expand with singles later.

Before you buy, use a percent-off calculator to compare prices. Say the MSRP for a 12-set is $60. A 20% off coupon brings it to $48. That's a $12 saving — enough for one more marker. But watch out: some retailers advertise a low price but then charge hidden shipping or exclude popular colors like black and sepia. I've learned to ask "what's NOT included" before "what's the price."

Scenario 2: You're a Pro Who Needs Refills

If you create art daily — for commissions, teaching, or illustration — you'll burn through ink fast. In that case, buy Sketch markers and invest in the refill system. Each refill bottle holds as much ink as 5 new markers, and costs about $6 vs. $8 for a new marker. The savings add up. (I once ran the numbers: refilling 20 markers saves over $200 in the long run.)

To calculate the average cost per color across your whole collection, you can use a mean calculator. For example, if you own 50 Sketch markers (bought at $7.50 each on average) plus 20 refills ($6 each), your mean cost per color is (50×7.50 + 20×6) / 70 = $6.64 per color. Compare that to buying only new markers at $7.50 — refilling is a no-brainer.

From my perspective, the refillable system is a game-changer. But not all retailers are transparent about the true cost of ownership. Per FTC guidelines (ftc.gov), environmental claims like "recyclable" must be substantiated. Copic's refillable nibs and bottles are genuinely long-lasting, which lowers waste — but verify the actual recycling program in your area.

Scenario 3: You Need Markers Under a Tight Deadline

This is where the emergency specialist in me kicks in. I once got a call 36 hours before a client's gallery opening: she needed 24 specific Copic colors, but only had 6 in her studio. Normal delivery was 3–5 days. We paid $50 extra in overnight shipping (on top of the $200 base cost) and had them in hand the next afternoon. The alternative was a $12,000 display with incomplete art.

If you're in that boat, don't overthink. Order a complete set that includes all the staples — warm grays, skin tones, and primaries — even if you pay a little more. Time pressure means you can't price-shop. Just make sure the vendor lists all fees upfront. I once ordered a "36-set" for $120 that turned out to be missing 4 colors because the listing fine print said "36 popular colors." Transparency matters.

Bonus: How to Watercolor Paint with Copic Markers

You might be wondering how alcohol markers relate to watercolor. The trick is to use Copic markers to simulate a watercolor wash. Draw a shape, then quickly blend it with a colorless blender before it dries. You can also apply the marker ink to a plastic palette and brush water over it (alcohol ink doesn't react with water, but if you use a Copic-friendly paper, the color spreads nicely). For a true watercolor look, though, you're better off with actual watercolor paints. But for quick illustrations, this technique saves setup time.

How to Decide Which Scenario You're In

Ask yourself three questions:

  • What's my budget for this entire year? If under $150, go Ciao + refills. If over $500, Sketch + full set.
  • How often do I create? Daily → refill system. Weekly → singles. A few times a year → small set.
  • Do I need them right now? If yes, emergency purchase: buy the set with most common colors and pay for rush shipping. Don't stress about price optimization.

That's it. No one-size-fits-all solution. But if you follow these guidelines, you'll avoid the two biggest mistakes: overbuying colors you never use, and underestimating the true cost of a set that's missing staples.

Prices as of January 2025; verify current rates. Regulatory information is for general guidance only — consult official sources for current requirements.