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This is one question I get asked all the time so I thought I'd explain the importance of paper and share with you the details of the specific paper I use  When it comes to creating stunning works of art with marker pens, it's not just about having the best markers or artistic skill. Your choice of paper plays a crucial role in the final outcome of your masterpiece. The importance of selecting the right paper for your marker drawings cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of paper selection and how it can elevate your artwork to a whole new level. CompatibilityNot all papers are created equal when it comes to markers. Marker paper is designed to be compatible with alcohol-based and water-based markers, as well as other art supplies like coloured pencils and ink. This compatibility ensures that your creative options are not limited and that you can experiment with different techniques without compromising your work's quality. Have you ever been drawing with Posca pens and had the paper pil up (where the fibres of the paper come loose)? This is because your paper is not compatible with Posca pens and for years my solution was to varnish cardboard and draw on that. Now although that is still a viable option I much prefer the convenience of a sketchbook and a few years ago Artgecko released the FREESTYLE sketchbook with paper that was made for Posca. This was a gamechanger for me and I've been using these sketchbooks ever since. In fact I have become so close with the team at Artgecko they have made a Doodle With Korp embossed edition of the FREESTYLE sketchbook.   Smooth BlendingOne of the defining features of alcohol marker art is its capacity for smooth blending. The right paper is your partner in achieving this. The smooth surface of marker paper allows for easy blending and layering of colours, enabling you to create gradients, transitions, and intricate shading. This is particularly crucial when working on complex illustrations or portraits, where achieving smooth transitions is essential. In the past I used to use cheap copier paper because it would bleed. This would enable me to blend colours easily but did create some issues when outlining. I have recently started using the Spectrum Noir Premium Marker Pad and I'm finding it a joy to work with. It somehow keeps the inks wet so you can blend them but doesn't bleed out, meaning your outlines will stay accurate.  When it comes to marker art, choosing the right paper is a crucial decision. The choice of paper is just as important as the pens you use and the right surface will enhance your work in numerous ways, from colour vibrancy to precision and longevity.
To recap, here are the 3 paper options I use: Posca paint markers: An A4 Artgecko Freestyle Sketchbook. Fineliners: An A5 Artgecko Classy Sketchbook. Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers: A Spectrum Noir Premium Marker Pad. These are not affiliate links, just my choices based on years of doodling.
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As its close to Halloween I thought I'd draw some scarier stuff. I figured I might get a little push back from some people that prefer to draw cute stuff in my lesson but I was not prepared for a simple tongue to cause such an issue.  We started with Doodle Club and I revisited a character I drew a few years ago for an adult drawing workshop. I show you how a few simple guidelines make it easy to split open a head. The extra drips going from side to side are a treat.  Next up was Posca Club and the start of #tonguegate. I enjoyed showing people how easy it was to create the effect of a head being torn off and to reinforce that I put the tongue coming out of the bottom of the neck. The problem is not everybody saw it that way. Check out my YouTube video that explains more.  In the second Posca Club of the week I decided to upgrade the split head from our first lesson and add some colour to it. The smiley character makes the horrific scene look a lot more pleasant than it really is.  The third lesson of the week was Doodle Club and this time I decided to take the top off the head and have lots of worms coming out. I think this is a piece that lots of people can resonate with.  We finished up SCARY week with another split head character this time using Spectrum Noir Illustrator markers. I love these pens because they enable you to create some fantastic shapes by blending in shadows.
Hope you enjoyed this weeks lessons, head over to Kofi if you want to see the replay videos or join my waitlist for the live sessions.  In the fast-paced world we live in, where stress and anxiety often seem to be an inevitable part of our daily lives, finding effective ways to manage our mental health has become a priority. While there are numerous strategies and therapies available, one often overlooked yet immensely powerful tool is drawing. The act of creating art can have a profound impact on our mental well-being, offering an outlet for self-expression, stress relief, and a path towards improved mental health. In this blog post, I wanted to explore the importance of drawing for mental health and tell you a little more about how I think that simple acts of creativity can bring about transformative changes in our lives. Self-ExpressionDrawing provides a unique channel for self-expression. When words fail to convey our feelings and emotions, art can step in and bridge the gap. Through colors, shapes, and lines, we can communicate our innermost thoughts, fears, and joys without the constraints of language. This process of self-expression can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing us to better understand and process our emotions. By externalizing our feelings on paper, we gain clarity and perspective on our inner world, which can be the first step toward healing.  Stress ReductionOne of the most immediate benefits of drawing for mental health is stress reduction. Engaging in art can serve as a form of meditation, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic motions of sketching or coloring can induce a state of mindfulness, in which we focus solely on the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future. This mindfulness not only lowers stress levels but can also improve our overall well-being.  Creating a Sense of AchievementThe act of creating art allows us to set goals and achieve them, no matter how small or simple they may be. Each completed drawing represents an accomplishment, and these successes can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. As we see our skills improve over time, we gain a sense of achievement and pride, which can translate into increased self-assurance in other areas of our lives. My drawing tutorials are specifically designed to help you start and finish your artwork within an hour because I think its important to have that sense of achievement immediately. Completing an artwork, no matter its size or complexity, provides a tangible sense of achievement. In a world filled with deadlines and pressures, it's easy to overlook personal accomplishments. Drawing reminds us that we have the power to create something beautiful and meaningful, reinforcing our self-worth and sense of purpose.  Drawing is not just a hobby or a form of creative expression; it is a powerful tool for improving and maintaining mental health. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, the act of putting pen to paper can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. It offers a means of self-expression, stress reduction, and personal growth. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of a mental boost, consider picking up your pens and a sketchbook and settling in front of one of my tutorials to let the healing power of drawing work its magic on your mental health. Your mind will thank you for it.  Zombie week is always lots of fun in the Korp Academy. I love drawing zombies because it doesn't matter if you make little mistakes. Here are the 5 new drawing tutorials available now on my Ko-fi page.       |
KorpHead of cutting out and colouring in at Korporate Industries. 
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