If you’re anything like me when I first started with alcohol markers, you’re probably super excited… and just a little overwhelmed.
There are so many brands, styles, and price points out there — it’s hard to know where to start when you’re looking for the best alcohol markers for beginners!
When I bought my first set, I thought I had it all figured out just from reading a few Facebook group posts…
Spoiler: I didn’t.
(And I’ll share a few of those lessons with you today so you can skip the headaches I ran into!)
In this guide to the best alcohol markers for beginners, I’ll break down what to look for, how many markers you really need to start, and some of the best beginner-friendly sets to help you fall in love with coloring — without feeling lost or frustrated.
Why Choose Alcohol Markers for Coloring?
Alcohol markers are kind of magical once you get the hang of them.
They blend like butter, create rich, vibrant colors, and leave a professional, polished look — even if you’re just doodling for fun!
Compared to water-based markers, alcohol markers don’t tear up your paper or leave it pilled and soggy.
They dry fast, layer beautifully, and open up a whole new world of techniques like shading, gradient blending, and even texture work.
If you want your art to pop off the page — alcohol markers are the way to go.
Important Tips Before You Buy Alcohol Markers
Before you grab the first pretty marker set you see (been there, done that!), here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
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Always Read Reviews:
Reviews are gold. They’ll tell you the real story about how markers hold up over time — like whether they blend easily or if the nibs dry out too fast. -
Price Isn’t Everything:
It’s tempting to grab the cheapest set, but super cheap markers might not last long. Sometimes they blend poorly, dry out quickly, or the colors just aren’t as vibrant.
Spending a little more on a trusted beginner brand can save you a lot of headaches (and ruined drawings). -
Think About Your Goals:
Are you coloring for fun and stress relief? Or planning to get serious about your art?
Your goals can help you decide whether you want an affordable starter set or something a little more long-term.
Bottom line: Start simple, but choose something you’ll actually enjoy using.
How Many Alcohol Markers Should a Beginner Start With?
You don’t need 200 markers to make amazing art — promise.
A set of 24 to 48 alcohol markers is the perfect starter range:
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24 markers gives you plenty of colors without overwhelming you.
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36 to 48 markers offers even more shading and blending options but still feels manageable.
Starting smaller helps you learn how to blend, layer, and get creative with the colors you have — instead of getting stuck choosing from 100 different shades every time.
Quick Tip:
When you’re picking a set, make sure it has a good mix of light, medium, and dark tones. Trust me, it makes blending so much easier.
Speaking of mistakes…
When I bought my first set of alcohol markers, I made my decision based mostly on reviews I saw in a Facebook group.
I didn’t do much research beyond that — I was just excited to dive in.
I ended up ordering a set of 48 markers with a chisel tip and bullet tip. They were vibrant and fun to use, but I quickly realized I wished I’d looked a little deeper before buying.
At the time, I had no idea that different brush tips were even a thing — like soft, flexible brush tips that are amazing for blending and creating smooth gradients.
Without them, blending was harder than it needed to be, and I sometimes felt stuck with the look I could get.
If I could go back and give myself some advice, it would be:
Take a little extra time to research tips, tones, and blending options — it’ll make your creative life so much easier.
Best Alcohol Markers for Beginners (Top Picks)
Alright, now let’s get to the good stuff — the best alcohol marker sets to get you started!
1. Ohuhu Alcohol Markers (Budget-Friendly and Beginner-Approved)
If you’re just starting out, Ohuhu Alcohol Markers are honestly one of the best choices you can make.
They’re super beginner-friendly, affordable, and blend like a dream.
You get rich colors, smooth application, and a lot of value for the price — which is exactly what you want when you’re learning.
Pros:
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Affordable and high quality
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Huge range of colors
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Smooth blending
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Comes with a carrying case
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Refillable ink available for popular sets like the Honolulu Series
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Replaceable nibs available for select series
Cons:
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Some older sets (non-Honolulu) are not refillable
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Nibs may wear out with heavy use if not replaced
Ready to give them a try?
Click here to shop Ohuhu Alcohol Markers! (affiliate link)
Heads up:
If having refillable markers is important to you, make sure to double-check which Ohuhu series you’re buying.
The Honolulu Series offers refillable ink and replaceable nibs — which can save you money in the long run if you plan to color a lot!
2. Copic Ciao Markers (Premium Starter Set)
If you’re ready to splurge a little, Copic Ciao Markers are legendary for a reason.
They’re smooth, blend effortlessly, and you can refill them and replace the nibs — making them a long-term investment if you stick with coloring or illustration.
Pros:
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Professional blending
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Refillable ink and replaceable nibs
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Amazing color quality
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Lightfast (colors don’t fade)
Cons:
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Higher upfront cost
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Smaller starter sets
Best for:
Anyone who’s serious about diving into art or building a pro-level collection.
3. Arteza EverBlend Art Markers (Great Mid-Range Option)
Arteza’s EverBlend markers are another awesome choice if you want good quality without the Copic price tag.
They have rich colors, nice blending, and a wide selection of sets.
Pros:
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Good color saturation
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Solid quality for the price
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Variety of set sizes
Cons:
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Blending can be slightly harder compared to Ohuhu or Copic
Best for:
Beginners who want a little more variety without a huge price jump.
4. Spectrum Noir Classique Markers (Great for Crafters and Coloring)
Spectrum Noir markers are known for being affordable and very “blendable,” making them great for card-makers and colorists.
Pros:
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Budget-friendly
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Blend well
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Replaceable nibs and refillable ink
Cons:
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Nibs are a little firmer than other brands
Best for:
People who want an affordable upgrade option with lots of available colors.
5. Blick Studio Brush Markers (Hidden Gem for Beginners)
If you’re near a Blick store (or love ordering online), their studio markers are a hidden gem.
They offer brush tips, solid color choices, and a good build quality for the price.
Pros:
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Affordable brush tip option
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Smooth blending
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Good for sketching and coloring
Cons:
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Limited color sets compared to Ohuhu
Best for:
Anyone who wants brush tips without spending Copic money.
Final Thoughts on Starting with Alcohol Markers
Starting your alcohol marker journey doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive).
Pick a good beginner-friendly set, focus on learning how to blend and layer, and don’t stress about having every single color right away.
Most importantly — have fun.
That’s really the whole point, isn’t it?
And hey — if you’re looking for a great starter set, I can’t recommend Ohuhu enough.
Grab your Ohuhu markers here and start creating!