Both markers are ready to use right out of the box and don’t need an extra step. You can use the Sketch marker for coloring or drawing illustrations and others. However, here are a few tips you may find helpful:
Artist Loft Markers Review: Our Experience with This Art Supply
Not everyone has the money to shell out for expensive brands like Copic. This means that artists, especially novice ones, will have to make do with more affordable alternatives. Among them, Artist Loft stands out as a mid-range brand for students and beginners.
As is the case for any aspiring artist, one should learn how well markers can perform before buying them. Otherwise, they’ll end up with coloring pens that don’t fit their specific needs. Therefore, at least check out this Artist Loft markers review before you make a purchase.
In short, though, Artist Loft markers have vibrant colors; they are also easy to use and layer. For more details, read on!
Table of Contents
- Artist’s Loft Markers: What is It?
- 1. Sketch markers by Artist’s Loft
- 2. Watercolor markers by Artist’s Loft
- 1. Sketch Markers
- 2. Watercolor Markers
- 1. Sketch Markers
- 2. Watercolor Marker
Artist’s Loft Markers: What is It?
Artist’s Loft Markers are made by Michaels Stores Procurement Company and have been around since 2009. Among them, the most prominent type is the Sketch product lines, which are Artist’s Loft alcohol markers. That said, their watercolor markers sell pretty well, too.
Aside from that, the brand also has a huge selection of art supplies under the trademarked name, such as Artist’s Loft colored pencils and Artist’s Loft paint brushes.
This review will only focus on two markers: the Artist’s Loft Sketch markers and the Artist’s Loft Watercolor markers.
Artist’s Loft Marker Features
1. Sketch markers by Artist’s Loft
● Ink Type
Featuring alcohol-based ink, these markers can blend and layer well, even with other markers. The pigments also look incredibly vibrant on papers without leaving unsightly brush strokes.
However, like most alcohol-based markers, they tend to bleed and smudge a bit, especially on thin papers. To get around this issue, be sure to use thick papers, such as cardstock, and don’t brush your hand over the ink while it’s still wet.
● Design
The triangular barrel design is meant to stop the pen from rolling and falling off the table. And while it actually does it job, this triangular barrel also feels awkward in your hand, despite the matte finish for added grip.
The caps are color-coded, although the number orders are all over the place, making it somewhat harder to find the color you want. To make the matter more confusing, the cap’s color is slightly different from the actual ink’s. However, the slight color disparity may not be noticeable for beginner artists.
● Dual-tip
These Artist’s Loft dual-tip markers have a chisel tip and a brush tip. The chisel side is a little chunky and slightly hard to control.
As for the brush tip, it was made with fibrous felt. It performed poorly and frayed pretty quickly. Fortunately, newer versions are now made with a better material, a rubberized foam.
They are now more flexible than the previous version and do not fray. That said, some noted that they are not that precise.
● Color Options
The Artist’s Loft markers color chart indicates up to 144 colors, so you’ll have a wide selection of shades to decorate your artwork with. Of course, if you’re to compare Artist’s Loft markers vs Copic, the latter will come out on top in terms of selection.
However, you can always buy the missing hues to use alongside your Artist’s Loft alcohol-based markers.
2. Watercolor markers by Artist’s Loft
● Water-based Ink
The Artist’s Loft Watercolor markers ink is juicy and highly pigmented. It spreads nicely upon application and does not bleed, even on thinner papers.
● Slim barrel
It has a slim barrel, good for users with small hands. The colored caps are still a bit different from the actual ink’s color. Unlike their alcohol-based counterpart, these markers are not color coded.
● Dual-tip
These watercolor markers have a bullet tip on one end and a brush tip on the other end. This tip is self-cleaning, which makes it ideal for making ombre effects. Plus, it also offers good control, so you can make more precise strokes.
● Color options
There are 48 color options in watercolor markers, so the small range can feel somewhat limited.
Price Point
The Sketch markers are sold in sets and open stock. Each marker, when sold individually, costs $4.99, while the full set (144 colors) is sold at $221.82. This may or may not sound good to you but do consider that these makers are disposable.
The Watercolor markers are cheaper. These are only sold in sets. Its full set (48 colors) is only $64.99. This is a lot cheaper than its counterpart.
Personalized Hand-Painted Shoes
Have you ever gone shoe shopping but couldn’t find the right pair to match your style? Here’s a creative workaround: personalized hand-painted shoes! This tutorial from Danielle Lazala will show you how easy it is to turn a basic pair of white canvas shoes into a work of art that you can wear with Tulip Brush-On Fabric Paints and Puff Paint. Creating your own colorful custom kicks is a great way to add a unique flair to your wardrobe!
What you need:
- Tulip Brush-On Fabric Paints
- Tulip Puff Paint
- Water-resistant sealer (optional)
- White canvas shoes
- Paintbrushes
- Palette
Gather your supplies for this project and pick which Tulip Brush-On Fabric Paint colors you want to use for your hand-painted shoes. Make sure your canvas shoes are clean and free of any dirt and debris.
Tulip Brush-On Paints can be mixed to create your own custom colors, and can even be watered down to create watercolor effects! Squeeze some paint onto a palette and mix to create unique colors for your hand-painted shoes.
Apply Fabric Paint onto the canvas shoe as a base. Apply one or two coats of paint as desired, allowing to dry between coats. Try to avoid getting paint on the rubber soles—clean with a cotton swab and water to remove any excess paint.
Now it’s time to get creative and paint fun designs onto your hand-painted shoes! For this project, Danielle Lazala began with a layer of white Fabric Paint to make their colored-designs really pop.
Once the white paint has dried, paint over your designs with your desired colors! Repeat this process until your hand-painted shoes are decorated to your liking.
It’s time to add some finishing touches to your hand-painted shoes with Tulip Puff Paint! Squeeze Puff Paint directly onto the shoes to add a touch of textured fun to your custom kicks. Puff Paints are perfect for adding dimensional accents to your project! Allow to dry completely.
Apply a water-resistant sealer to lock in your custom designs and allow to dry completely. This step is optional—Tulip Fabric Paints dry permanent and machine washable for colorful fun that lasts!
Once your shoes have dried completely, they’re ready to wear! These personalized hand-painted shoes are the perfect way to show off your creativity with any outfit.
Will you be making your own personalized hand-painted shoes with Tulip Fabric Paints? Show us your style and tag us on social media @TulipColorCrafts!
