Hey guys I haven't posted my stuff here yet but I will soon...

Anyways, my question is:
Is there a difference between Copic markers compared to Prismacolors and ShinHan Touch Twin markers??? The last one is from a Korean professional art company and I can get a set of 12 Cool Grays for around $15 (18,000 Won - 10,000 Won aprox. $12 AUD, I think). But from the same seller, the set of 12 Neutral or Cool Grays are 40,000 Won. Prismas, I can't find...

Suggestions??

If you're just starting out, then go for a cheaper brand markers, but if you have good knowledge on how to use em than Copic brand is what i recommend.

well i did do about 5 large renders of existing cars already (like a protrait). this was at a design school thing that i go for 4 hours a week. the teacher helps me render but we're gonna do some other stuff like people and interiors cos he thniks that i have learned enough of car rendering for now. i also did some with arcryllic paint, ballpoint pen and pencil.

i dont have GOOD knowledge, but i have a basic understanding and i want to improve before i can send in portfolios =]

also, how long do these usually last for???

depends on how much you use them.
copics are nice because they're refillable. you can just order the ink.
prismacolor is garbage. just absolute streaky, messy garbage. may be alright for starting out, but i never reccomend them to anyone because you'll never learn good technique if you don't have something good to work with. Look into AD markers too, a co. called Chartpak makes them. they're pretty fun as well.

Well I used Prismacolor and another Jap company called Yoken. I cant really tell a BIG difference but I would recommend a marker with an Alcohol base. Most markers have some **** chemicals that can make you dissy...like Prismacolor...but they hold up good on marker paper. Go with what you feel suits ur sketching style...that's what counts..

ok so prismas are out copic is reccomended but the shinhan is also alcohol based and didnt mke me dizzy, so im just gonna check if i can refill the shinhans cos theyre cheaper and i dun wanna worry about wrecking my markers too much. if i cant refill shinhans, ill just get copics, provided that the refills arent too expensive thanks guys!

It all depends on your preference really. I myself use Prismacolor markers and have no problems with them really. I've used Tria's and Copics, and like them as well. Chartpak AD markers are good too, BUT they smell terribly bad. Work great, but smell very bad.

Also, depends on the type of marker paper you use. Prisma marker on Beinfang brand paper is very streaky, but on Canson brand you can get it really smooth.

Again, your preference. Try out several here and there and find out what works for you.

--cel

The Chartpak AD markers are also alcohol based....and yeah they can make your head spin a bit. They are still my favorite marker though. Smooth and wet if you get my meaning. I find that if you are sketching with a Biro (bic) then the Copics tend to pick it up and drag it across the page. The ADs dont seem to do that. Just dont spend all night drawing in the same room as you sleep!

Prismacolor has a unique colorpencil like feel on tip and it's easier to draw accent lines and fading lines with it, which you can't really reproduce with Copic or Tria. I prefer Copics because of its watercolor-like quality and color. Just try various markers. Each brand is unique and your preference will differ based on your drawing technique.

If you are on a low budget, go with copic and buy the refillable ink. Although its initial price will on the higher side, they will save you a lot of money in the longer run.

You can replace copic's felt tips w/ new ones easily! thats VERY important. prismacolor is also refillable, but I dont know about tips replacement. Frankly, when I render w/ complex colors, prisma is more subtle and natural...copic has this acidic color look thats sometimes hard to massage. Copic's grey (warm, cool, toner) set however, is a basic must. why not use both?