Alcohol Markers NZ: Choose, Blend and Start Small

Before you choose your first set of alcohol markers, picture one drawing you want to make. A flower card? A character sketch? A page in your favourite colouring book?

That choice helps you pick useful colours and tips. For a flower card, you might need two reds and two greens. For a character sketch, you may want skin tones and shades for clothing.

This guide helps you compare alcohol markers in NZ and turn your first set into a simple drawing.

What Are Alcohol Based Markers?

Alcohol based markers use ink with an alcohol based carrier. You can use them to colour, layer shades and practise blending.

Shops may also call them alcohol pens or graphic markers. Read the product details to confirm the ink type. The name “graphic markers” alone does not tell you what ink a pen contains.

Brush, Fine or Chisel Tips?

Choose tips that suit the size and style of your drawings.

• Brush tips: Use these for leaves, petals and strokes that vary in width.
• Fine tips: Choose these for small shapes and detailed colouring.
• Chisel tips: Use the broad face for larger areas and the narrow edge for thinner marks.

If you want alcohol based markers with brush tips, check the second tip too. Brush and fine gives you an option for small details. Brush and chisel gives you a wider tip for filling shapes.

Choose Colours You Will Use Together

Start with a small palette for one project.

For a pōhutukawa-inspired card, choose a lighter red, a deeper red and two greens. Leave some white space around the flowers for your message.

For other drawings, look for:

• Greens and earth tones for plants.
• Skin tones and clothing colours for characters.
• Greys for shading objects.

When comparing alcohol based markers in NZ, check the colour selection as well as the total count. Related shades give you a simple way to practise light and shadow.

Leave room in your budget for suitable paper.

Test Your Paper Before Drawing

Use paper intended for alcohol markers. Place a protective sheet under your page.

On a spare piece, make three small squares:

1. Fill the first with one colour.
2. Fill the second, then add another layer to half.
3. Use two related shades in the third, with a small overlap.

Let the ink dry. Check the colours and the back of the sheet.

Write the marker codes beside each square. Your test shows how one layer looks, how a second layer changes it and how the two shades work together.

Try a Simple Flower Card

Sketch three flower clusters and a few leaves. Keep space for a short greeting.

Practise one leaf on scrap paper. Fill it with your lighter green. Add the darker green along one side. Work over the join with the lighter marker, then let it dry.

Repeat the method on your card. Add short red strokes for the flowers. Leave gaps between some strokes to keep the clusters from becoming solid blocks.

Stop before adding more colour. Let the card dry and check the balance.

Quick Questions Before You Buy

Do beginners need a large set?

Start by checking for useful colour pairs. You can practise with a small palette.

Can I use a colouring book?

Test a small area first. Check for ink passing through the page, especially if both sides have designs.

What should I check in the listing?

Confirm the ink type, both tips, colours and included accessories.

Choose Your First Set

Pick your project, list its colours and decide which tips you need.

Explore Ohuhu markers at ArtSupplies NZ and compare the details to find a set for your next drawing.