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Ohuhu recently reached out to me to review their 120 marker pack, and naturally, I couldn't resist. My obsession with alcohol markers (and the Ohuhu brand!!) is well-known; I love the instant impact alcohol markers bring to any drawing. In today's new video on YouTube, I'll share my approach to getting comfortable with the Ohuhu Honolulu 120 Colors Dual Tips Alcohol Art Marker set - even if you're a complete beginner. Additionally, I'll highlight WHY I highly recommend Ohuhu and provide some useful tips on maximizing their potential. Let's dig in!!  *All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.* Why I Love Alcohol Markers Markers are a staple in my art toolkit because of their ability to add vibrant and dynamic colors to any artwork. I've used them extensively, taught classes on them, and even published books like the one below - dedicated to helping alcohol marker lovers choose the perfect skin tone marker combos to shade gorgeous portraits!  Authentic RecommendationIt's important to point out that despite any assumptions, I've never been sponsored by Ohuhu before this. In fact, I approached them myself before publishing my Skin Tone Secrets book, but I received no response. Since then, I've bought multiple skin tone alcohol marker sets by Ohuhu with my own money because I genuinely LOVE them!  Swatching: A Necessary StepOne of the first things I do with a new marker set is swatch the colors. Ohuhu markers are affordable, costing about a dollar each compared to the more expensive industry-standard, Copics. In terms of quality, Ohuhu markers are on par with their costly counterparts. Swatching helps you familiarize yourself with each color. Though it might seem tedious, it can save you countless hours later. I start by swatching skin tones and then proceed with the other colors. It’s funny how the organization of colors sometimes doesn’t make sense, and cap colors don't match the ink inside, making swatching is vital.  GRAB MY FREE SWATCH SHEET!I've put together TONS of resources to help make swatching alcohol markers (and really ANY art supply!) more fun. Grab my FREE SWATCH SHEET to make your swatching process more fun :) Remember to print your swatch sheet on cardstock like this one by Hammermill. Alcohol markers glide beautifully across it, and it's only 7 cents/sheet!!   I've also created a super fun BOOK called Swatch! Copy! Color! for you to play around with swatching markers (or any art supply!) in as well.  Organization TipsAnother tip is to organize your markers in a way that makes sense to you. Personally, I group similar colors together to avoid the hassle of searching for the right shade later. This organization makes drawing more efficient and enjoyable. I LOVE marker storage units like this sitting at my art table so all my colors are within easy reach! The Importance of PaperPaper choice is critical when working with alcohol markers. I recommend using Strathmore marker paper or Bristol paper. Each paper type serves a unique purpose; marker paper is excellent for blending, while Bristol provides a sturdy surface for final projects. 👉Watch my detailed video on the best papers for alcohol markers for more in-depth insights.  Getting to Know Your MarkersSwatching is not just about filling in color samples; it's about getting to know your markers intimately. You'll notice that sometimes colors that appear similar have slight variations that can make a big difference in your artwork. By swatching twice—first on a card provided, and then again on the paper you're going to use —you get a comprehensive understanding of each marker's behavior. Organizing Your MarkersAfter swatching, I move my markers into storage bins or wooden marker holders like this to keep my workspace tidy. This not only helps with organization but also streamlines my creative process. An orderly workspace leads to a clearer mind and more efficient work.  Preparing for a ProjectBefore diving into any project, I pre-select the colors by swatching them together on a separate sheet. For example, if I'm working on a fairy illustration for my Celtic Collective Fantasy Art Club students, I'll pick out the shades I need and test how they look together. This way, there are no surprises, and I can ensure a harmonious color palette. Choosing Colors with Low ContrastWhen working on faces or any subject that requires delicate blending, it's crucial to choose colors with low contrast. High contrast between shades can make blending difficult and result in an unnatural look. Subtle variations in color ensure a smooth, gradient effect that looks professional and polished.  Working Quickly One essential tip for using alcohol markers is to work quickly. Just like paint, the ink can dry and affect the blending process. If you move swiftly, you maintain the wetness of the ink, allowing for seamless blending and fewer visible brush strokes. Directional Brush StrokesThe technique you use with your brush strokes can also dramatically affect your final result. For smooth surfaces like skin, circular blending strokes work best. For detailed textures like hair, use strokes that mimic the natural direction of the strands for a more realistic effect. Align your brush strokes with the object’s natural form to enhance the realism of your coloring. Alcohol Markers and Mixed MediaAlcohol markers do not mix well with other art mediums like acrylics. They work best as the bottom layer in mixed media projects. Limited layering with colored pencils, a bit of ink, and white highlights can be used, but for the most part, alcohol markers should be the foundational layer.  Love the Project Above?Me too! She's one of the fairy drawing projects that will be released in my Celtic Collective fantasy art club next month :) The drawing and coloring portions of this project and over 260 others are all step-by-step in real-time. LEARN MORE or JOIN the Celtic Collective HERE. My Verdict on Ohuhu MarkersAfter extensively using the Ohuhu markers, I can confidently state that they offer excellent value for their price. The 120 marker set is robust enough to cover various projects, from portraiture to landscapes, while still being budget-friendly. Multiple shades within each color family allow for detailed and nuanced work, especially for skin tones. Get the Most Out of Your Ohuhu MarkersOhuhu was SUPER GENEROUS and is offering a10% Discount on all purchases at their store using the coupon code KARENCAMPBELL10. The 120 set featured today is an affordable and high-quality option for both beginners and seasoned artists. They also sell a (cheaper than Amazon) bamboo marker organizer for just $54 that looks awesome!!  Final Thoughts Using markers can be incredibly rewarding with the right approach and materials. By taking the time to swatch, organize, and select the appropriate paper, you set yourself up for success. Ohuhu markers provide a great balance between cost and quality, making them a favorite in my studio. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. I'm here to help you make the most of your alcohol marker experience. Happy drawing AND COLORING!! Additional Resources🔥Watch my latest video on marker paper and why it's crucial for your projects! ⬇️Download free swatching sheets HERE ❤️️Follow my YouTube Drawing Channel for more tips and tutorials on using alcohol markers effectively. 💃Connect with Me If you have any questions or need further assistance, drop them in the comments below or email me directly. I’m always excited to connect with fellow artists and help you on your creative journey!
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Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of paper selection for alcohol markers. If you've ever struggled with streaky, uneven layers while using alcohol markers, today's video is a must-watch.  *All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.* For the past DECADE and through seven published books on alcohol markers, I’ve been loyal to my trusty Bristol paper (or a slightly less expensive alternative by Hammermill). These smooth, reliable surfaces have been my go-to for all my marker masterpieces. However, I recently stumbled upon a new kind of marker paper that promised to change the game. Intrigued? So was I!  Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn in today’s video: |
Karen CampbellFounder of Awesome Art School. Mixed Media Artist. Author of 19 Instructional Art Books! 
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"Karen is flipping hilarious and she's very real...I like the way she teaches in a way that really gives you confidence, whether you're a beginner or advanced there's always something new to learn!"
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What Fans Are SayingKaren, you are absolutely fabulous! You make me feel like I can draw anything. I have recently retired and finally have the time to do some of the art that I have loved since I was in school. I am really at the beginning of my art journey and I hope to learn as much as I can. Thank you for all you do. |
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