Easy Coloring Tutorial with Copics

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There are many methods for coloring with Copics and so many color choices to make! This method is an easy marker based method for creating some volume and depth for skin tones and hair. Plus a little bit about light sources!

I'm using the Copic Ciao markers for this tutorial. I love the brush end and they're wonderful markers for refilling too.

You can click to see larger images if you'd like. Happy coloring!




Step 1: Color the base

Color your stamp print out with a pretty color scheme. Ensure that you have a nice, even application without marker streaks. If you have streaks, then go over it again with another application to smooth it out.

I used Copic E50 for the skin tone.

Step 2: Light Source

Shading accurately is aided by having a proper light source / direction. Where should the light be coming from in your image? I find it easiest to just go with the top right. I imagine a light (or the sun) shining down on this pretty face and it highlights the right side and creates shadows on the left. With a darker skin tone marker, I added shadows to her face is the appropriate places with a top right light source.

I used a Copic E95 (Flesh Pink) for the shadow color.

Great link:
Face changes with shifting light source

Step 3: Midtones

After plonking down my darker E95 color, I went back with a midtone color and smoothed things out by shading over top of my darker color and also into the lighter E50 color. This helps to create a smoother transition between marker tones and not leave you with hard line.

I used a Copic E00 (Skin White) for the midtone color.

Step 4: Pinks!

To add a little more color to this pretty face, I used a soft pink just under her cheekbones and on her nose. This adds a bit more definition to her face and adds more color to the skin tone too.

I used Copic R20 (Blush) for the pinks.

Step 5: Shades for the Hair

To add some volume for the hair, I used a darker brown with the brush tip to create some wavy curves.















Step 6: Dark Lowlights

To finish off her long wavy hair, I used a dark brown and created soft curves with the brush tip where the hair might naturally have darker tones with a top right light source.


Hair Shades: E35 (base color) E25 (mid) and E18 (darkest).