Why This Is Harder Than a Simple Answer
I've been using alcohol markers for about six years now — first as a hobbyist, then as a freelance illustrator handling commissions (about 250+ pieces in the past 3 years). In my first year (2019), I made what I now call the 'cheap first' mistake: I bought a 120-set of Ohuhu markers for $65, convinced I was being smart. Six months and $400 in reorders later, I understood why experienced artists kept telling me to start with Copic.
But here's the thing — I don't think everyone should start with Copic. And that's the point of this article. There's no universal answer. It depends on what you draw, how often, and what you're trying to achieve. Let me walk you through the three scenarios I've seen (and been through) so you can figure out where you fit.
Scenario A: Professional / Semi-Professional Work
If you're producing artwork for clients, selling prints, or building a portfolio that needs to look flawless — get Copic. I learned this the hard way.
In September 2022, I took a rush commission for a children's book illustration — 12 characters, full color, two-week deadline. I'd just started using Copic Sketch after two years of Ohuhu. The difference was night and day. With Copic, I could blend seamlessly across skin tones (I used maybe 8 colors for one face). With Ohuhu, I'd have needed 12+ colors and it still would've streaked.
"When I compared my Q1 and Q2 results side by side — same subject, different marker brands — I finally understood why the details matter so much. The Copic piece had gradients that looked airbrushed. The Ohuhu piece looked, well, like marker art."
Price check (as of February 2025):
- Copic Sketch individual: $7.50–$9.00 each
- Copic Ciao (half the ink): $5.50–$7.00 each
- Ohuhu full set (120 colors): $55–$75
- Ohuhu individual: $2.00–$3.00 each
Why it's worth it for pros:
Blendability. Refillability (a $7 marker refills for $4). Replaceable nibs. The color consistency batch to batch (I once ordered two Ohuhu sets two months apart — the 'same' colors had noticeable hue shifts).
My personal rule now: if the piece is going to a paying client, I use Copic. Period. (Should mention: I keep a few Ohuhu for non-paying practice sketches — no regrets.)
Scenario B: Hobbyist / Journaling / Casual Art
If you're making art for yourself, maybe coloring books, bullet journals, or just relaxing — Ohuhu is absolutely fine. In fact, I'd argue it's the smarter choice until you hit a wall.
I still kick myself for buying a full Copic set ($600+) before I knew if I'd stick with the hobby. What I wish someone had told me: get a small Ohuhu set (24–36 colors, $25–35). Use it for 3 months. If you feel limited by blending or color range, then upgrade. That's what I eventually did — but I wasted $350 on Ohuhu markers I never used again after the switch.
The question isn't which is 'better' in absolute terms. It's which serves your current level. I can tell you from experience: a beginner won't need 358 colors. They'll need 24 and a lot of practice.
One thing I overlooked: Ohuhu markers are more prone to nib fraying if you press hard (like a beginner might). I went through four Ohuhu nibs in two weeks at one point. Copic nibs last months even with heavy use. (note to self: include this in my beginner guide)
Scenario C: Budget-Conscious / Testing the Waters
This is where most people start — and where the cheap option actually wins. If you're unsure whether you'll even like alcohol markers, spending $50 on Copic just to try is nuts.
I made exactly that mistake in 2019? 2020? — actually 2019, I'm sure now. I bought a Copic Sketch 6-color set ($42) thinking 'I'll just try a few.' Then I fell in love and wanted the full range, which meant buying the big set later anyway. The 6 markers ended up being my least-used colors.
What I'd do now: get a 24-pack Ohuhu ($30) or a 36-pack ($40). Spend two months drawing. If you run into blending limitations or want to keep going, then switch to Copic. You'll appreciate the difference more — and you won't have wasted money on expensive markers you might abandon.
But hey, if you're reading this article, you're probably already deeper into markers than a casual buyer. (I should add: most people who search 'why are Copic markers so good' have already tried something else and are considering the upgrade.)
How to Know Which Scenario You're In
Ask yourself these three questions:
- How often do I draw? Less than once a week? → Scenario B or C. Daily use? → A.
- Do my drawings need to be seamless / professional? Yes → A. No → B or C.
- What's my budget for markers right now? Under $100 → C. $100–$300 → B. Over $300 → A.
The beauty of Copic is that it's a long-term investment. A $7 Copic marker refills for $4 — after 4 refills, it's cost you $23 for years of use. The Ohuhu equivalent would need a whole new marker ($2–$3 each time), and you'd go through maybe 6–8 in the same period (nibs wear, they dry out faster). Total cost: similar or higher. But that math only works if you actually use them long enough.
I only believed in that math after ignoring it for a year and buying replacements. (Reverse validation: I did the long-term cost comparison on my own spreadsheet. It hurt to see.)
That said, I'll never tell a beginner to drop $600 on Copic. That's just reckless. The best advice is honest about boundaries: Copic is best for serious, consistent work. For everything else, save the money and buy something that won't hurt if you lose interest.
The vendor who told me 'start with Ohuhu, upgrade if you need' earned my trust for everything else. I still buy my Ohuhu papers from them — because they knew what I actually needed.
