Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers Review

Finally, I'm back. It has been a while. I've been having that awful feeling that nothing I do is good enough and no one cares about anything I write. But now that that feeling is passing, and it's a feeling I think every creator keeps in the back of their head no matter how hard they try to get rid of it, I can move forward and continue to create content on this platform for the only person whose opinion of my work truly matters, myself.

Okay, now even though I've been on a blogging hiatus, I have been creating a lot of original content on my other platforms (Instagram and Tumblr) as well as some work just for me (my sketchbooks and journals). What I want to review today is the Spectrum Noir Professional Alcohol Markers in the Blues collection. These markers are purported to be a cheaper alternative to the famous Copic markers and come in 168 different shades including a colorless blender marker. They are double-ended, refillable and highly blendable according to the package.

Front

Back

Depending on the collection of colors you want, a 6-pack of these markers run anywhere from $10-13 on Amazon. However, I picked my set up at my local Joann's for only $7.99 using their 50% coupon (which they ALWAYS have online). I don't know if Michaels carries these but if they do I would suggest buying them there as well since they are known for also having 50% off coupons all the time. Oh, and I should mention that without the coupon, the markers cost $14.99. One thing I will say about purchasing through Joanns is that the color selection is limited, I really wanted to but either the Warm Greys, Browns or Essentials collection but settled for the Blues.

This is the selection of colors Spectrum Noir offers (does not show colorless blender)

Now that's over with let's move onto the fun part, starting with packaging. These markers are huge! When I use these I feel like I'm holding those giant pencils that you buy with a handful of tickets at an arcade. While I do enjoy the feeling, it does make it hard to handle and really get into tight fine details. However, I do not think these pens were made to handle time details so I can't really call that a flaw. As for the blendability (I just made that word up), I thought they blended pretty well. I will say that it's best to work from lightest to dark so that you don't mess up the tips of your markers. Personally, I used the wide end of the marker to cover my drawing in a base and added the darker colors on top, but everyone's gonna have their own technique.

Colors that come in the Blues collection

Tested on cheap Mixed Media Paper

As for my overall experience with these markers, I really like them. I think that they are perfect for use on a sturdy paper such as Acrylic or Watercolor and I would definitely repurchase them (I actually have my eye out for the colorless blender, the Essentials and Warm Greys). Below I'll post an example of how I used the markers.

Back
You can see how much the markers
bled through the back. 

Untitled Self-Portrait
Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers on Oil paper

Not bad right? I really liked how seamless the colors blend, no harsh lines, no weird marks, everything just looks like it should. What I don't really understand is why the markers don't follow a sequential order? Why wouldn't I have TB1 - TB6? Why did they skip numbers? That's a little strange. Anyway tell me what you all think about these markers? Have you used them in different ways? Would you reccomend a different brand of alcohol markers? Let me know!

Thanks for reading,

X

Art Supplies!!!

I finally did it! I finally dusted off my Amazon gift card and put that bad boy to use. Wanna know what I got? ART SHIT!!! Lately (well ever since I graduated college and have nothing to do besides trolling for jobs that I know are going to suck the life out of me), I've been into painting, specifically watercolors. Something about water colors takes me back to my fourth-grade art class with Mrs. Frailey, my eccentric badass art teacher who never gave any fucks. Now I've been in the market for a good quality watercolor pallet and Sakura's Koi 24-Piece Watercolor Pocket Field Sketch Box (that's a mouth full) came recommended on A LOT of different art blogs.

Not only is this watercolor set travel sized, it also comes with a pallet, a finger ring, and a portable water brush. And that's not even the best part, you can grab this set for less than $21. I know, mind blowing. I haven't actually tested out the colors to see the pigmentation, nor have I tested the water brush to see if it works as well as the brush set I have (it should since my brush set is pretty old and very well loved). The only complaint that I have is that when I opened the set, I noticed that some of the watercolors were literally popping out of their holders, like the glue used to keep them down was old or something. Nothing I can't handle myself.

 

To go along with my watercolor kit, I picked up a new sketchbook. I don't know about you, but I seem unable to find a good sketchbook that can handle wet media. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a sketchbook with the intent of using watercolors in it, only to be let down by low quality paper. So this time I did my research and picked up the Pen and Ink 3.5x5.5 Heavy Weight Blank Sketchbook. 

I can't really give too much information about this product because I haven't tried out the paper yet, but I ADORE the look and feel of the sketchbook. Also, I believe it's supposed to lie flat once it's been broken in so I'll update y'all on that. Oh the price for this sketchbook was around $8, which I think is a fair price for the size and amount of pages included (96-pages).

Lastly, I bought another 6-pack of my all-time favorite fine line pens. I say another because this will be my third repurchase of this product. Yes, I am talking about the Black Micron Fine Liner Pens. 

THE BEST BLACK LINER PENS EVER!!!

Newly purchased pens on the left. Greatly loved pens on the right. I can't get enough!

These pens are my holy grail purchase. I personally use them for doodling. I'll post some pictures of my work below to give you a better idea of how I use them. Their dark pigment and smooth lines make them perfect for this. However, I can't stand to use them for writing. I don't like the drag they have when I'm trying to write fast, it makes it hard to write. I see these used mostly for precision so that makes sense that they wouldn't be a useful writing tool. The six-pack retails for around $9.50. If you have a Joanns or Michaels around you I would suggest buying them there. They usually have a 50% off coupon. The price comes out to a just a little under $9.50, but you get your pack instantly and don't have to pay for shipping, which is nice.

Original Work done with Micron Fine Liner Pens & Sharpies

Work in progress. Used Micron Fine Liner Pens and Fine Line Sharpies

I can't tell you how thrilled I am with my purchase. I'm still waiting on a 3-Pack of Pentel Water brushes to come in so expect another art post when those arrive. 

'Til next  time,

X