Copic Drawing Ideas: 120 Cool Things To Draw with Markers

Copic markers have taken the art world by storm, offering a wide range of vibrant and blendable colors. These markers can create some amazing artworks, all you need are some fun and creative drawing ideas! In this article, we will explore 120 of the most original Copic drawing ideas that you can try with Copic markers to enhance your artistic skills or simply for sheer enjoyment. 

I had a look online, and most articles and Pinterest pages offer the same boring and unoriginal ideas.

In this article, I have curated some of the more original ideas, giving you an example image (or reference photo) here and there, a summary description, estimated skill level, some of the benefits of each drawing, and some additional tips.

The beauty of Copic markers lies in their versatility and the unique results they produce. 

You might be surprised to see how even simple drawings can come to life with the right shading and blending techniques.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these ideas will keep you occupied and entertained.

Feeling excited yet? Wait until you dive into these intriguing Copic drawing ideas that cater to various skill levels, preferences, and artistic styles.

With these ideas and your Copic markers in hand (and the right paper to use with alcohol markers), you’ll find endless ways to express your creativity and bring your imagination to life. Let’s go!

120 Cool Copic Marker Drawing Ideas

So the first time I saw Copic markers being used it was by concept artists making car based art. So the first lots of Copic marker drawing ideas will be car based and then I will cover other concepts such as art deco inspired art, fan art ideas, cityscapes and then some more random ideas all broken up by category so you can skip the ones you don’t like and focus on the ones you do like.

10 Copic Drawing Ideas – Cars

Here are 10 Copic marker drawing ideas centered around cars:

1. Vintage Road Trip

• Summary: A classic car cruising on a sunlit highway with scenic backdrops.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices rendering vintage details and landscape elements.
• Tips: Use sepia tones for a nostalgic touch.

2. Neon Nights

• Summary: Modern cars under neon city lights.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Develops glow effects and reflection techniques.
• Tips: Use neon markers against dark blues or blacks for the night feel.

3. Rusty Relics

• Summary: Abandoned cars being reclaimed by nature.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Blends machine and nature, with a focus on decay textures.
• Tips: Mix browns and oranges for rust effects.

4. Car Showroom

• Summary: A sleek line-up of luxury cars in a showroom setting.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Enhances skills in detailing and perspective.
• Tips: Use chrome colors and reflections for the shiny finishes.

5. Futuristic Speedsters

• Summary: Concept cars from the future with imaginative designs.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Encourages creativity and futuristic detailing.
• Tips: Incorporate sleek lines and vibrant shades.

6. Cars & Coffee

• Summary: A gathering of car enthusiasts in a casual setting.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Captures a communal scene with diverse car types.
• Tips: Use varied color palettes for different car models.

7. Beach Buggies

• Summary: Colorful beach cars against a sandy shore.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Practices blending beach colors and vehicle design.
• Tips: Use bright colors for a lively, summery feel.

8. Race in the Rain

• Summary: Racing cars competing under heavy rain.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Develops techniques for dynamic movement and rain effects.
• Tips: Streak white markers for rain and reflect colors on wet surfaces.

9. Mechanic’s Dream

• Summary: A car with an exposed engine and intricate parts.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Delves deep into mechanical details and components.
• Tips: Use metallic colors and deep shadows for depth.

10. Ghostly Wrecks

• Summary: Abandoned cars at night, with ghostly apparitions around them.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Merges eerie concepts with automotive design.
• Tips: Use a colorless blender and light blues for the ghostly effects.

Cars offer many opportunities to experiment with design, form, and color. The possibilities with Copic markers are vast, making them perfect tools to bring automotive visions to life.

10 Chip Foose Inspired Copic Drawing Ideas

Chip Foose is renowned for his unique approach to custom car design, blending vintage aesthetics with modern touches.

Having watched Chip in action, drawing concepts on TV using various types of markers made me want to buy some of my own markers and try to emulate professional artists. 

While Chip typically uses Chartpak Ad markers, you can use Copic markers instead. Both are alcohol based markers.

Drawing inspiration from Foose’s style, here are 10 car concept ideas suited for Copic marker illustrations:

1. Retro-Electric Roadster

• Summary: A classic roadster design with hints of modern electric vehicle features.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Balances old-school charm with futuristic elements.
• Tips: Use bright metallic colors for bodywork, offset by deep blacks for tires and window tints.

2. Neo-Classic Muscle

• Summary: A muscle car reminiscent of the 1970s but with sleek, modern edges.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Combines powerful bulk with streamlined design.
• Tips: Emphasize bold body lines and use gradients to illustrate body reflections.

3. Modern-Day Hot Rod

• Summary: A 1930s-inspired hot rod reimagined with contemporary finishes and accessories.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Captures the essence of hot rod culture while pushing design boundaries.
• Tips: Use deep reds or blues, contrasting with chrome finishes.

4. Streamlined Pickup

• Summary: A 1950s pickup truck given a sportier, aerodynamic twist.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Adapts a functional design to something more luxurious and sporty.
• Tips: Extend and lower the body, emphasizing its sleekness.

5. Vintage SUV Revamp

• Summary: Take a rugged, old-school SUV and re-design it with smoother edges and high-end features.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Blends ruggedness with elegance.
• Tips: Soften the traditionally boxy SUV shape and add modern lights and grilles.

6. Futuristic Coupe

• Summary: A compact car with inspiration from the sleek designs of the 1960s, infused with ultra-modern elements.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Allows experimentation with compact yet stylish designs.
• Tips: Use bold, contrasting colors and focus on aerodynamic curves.

7. Luxury Convertible Overhaul

• Summary: A luxury convertible from the 1980s or 1990s, but updated with present-day custom enhancements.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Upgrades a classic design with present-day aesthetics.
• Tips: Highlight luxury features like leather seats, chrome finishes, and custom rims.

8. Nomad-Style Wagon

• Summary: A station wagon reminiscent of the Chevy Nomad but with modern twists and refinements.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Revives a unique car style with a fresh perspective.
• Tips: Keep the iconic sloped rear but play with modern colors and finishes.

9. Beach Buggy Redux

• Summary: A 1960s beach buggy, but reimagined with today’s technology and materials.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Benefits: Combines fun with functional design updates.
• Tips: Use vibrant, beachy colors and consider adding modern tech features.

10. Foose-Inspired Racer

• Summary: A track race car that combines vintage Formula 1 aesthetics with today’s racing technology.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Marries historical race design with modern speed capabilities.
• Tips: Emphasize the long, sleek body and use a mix of matte and metallic colors.

Drawing inspiration from Chip Foose’s style challenges artists to rethink conventional car designs, blending old and new for fresh, captivating results.

Copic markers will aid in creating vibrant, detailed illustrations that bring these concepts to life.

10 Motorcycle Inspired Copic Drawing Ideas

I got some recent inspiration when I put together a mixed media artwork for a friend of mine of his BMW motorcycle (see picture below).

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I used Copic art markers as part of the drawing plus some alcohol-based inks, a blender marker and gouache paint.

Try your own motorcycle-inspired artworks with some of these ideas.

Here are 10 Copic marker drawing ideas revolving around motorcycles:

1. Vintage Cruiser

• Summary: Illustrate a classic motorcycle from the 1950s or 1960s with gleaming chrome details.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Captures historical designs and hones skills on reflective surfaces.
• Tips: Mix grays and soft browns to recreate the vintage vibe, focusing on chrome reflections.

2. Racing Rocket

• Summary: A high-speed racing motorcycle, perhaps in mid-race or at the starting line.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Practices dynamic movement and modern design detailing.
• Tips: Use bright colors for the bike’s livery and streaked lines to suggest motion.

3. Cafe Racer Dreams

• Summary: A customized cafe racer, known for their minimalist and retro look.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Emphasizes sleek lines and streamlined designs.
• Tips: Prioritize the racer’s distinctive dropped handlebars and crouched seating.

4. Off-Road Adventure

• Summary: A dirt bike kicking up mud or sand in an off-road setting.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Combines detailed bike design with natural textures.
• Tips: Use earthy tones and dynamic splatter techniques for the flying mud or sand.

5. Biker Portrait

• Summary: A portrait of a biker with their beloved motorcycle, focusing on the bond between rider and machine.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Captures human emotion in conjunction with mechanical design.
• Tips: Use soft blends for skin tones, contrasting with the harder metallic shades of the bike.

6. Futuristic Flyer

• Summary: Envision a motorcycle of the future, perhaps levitating or with unconventional designs.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Fosters creativity and pushes conventional design boundaries.
• Tips: Experiment with metallics, neons, and translucent effects.

7. Motorcycle Workshop

• Summary: An intricate workshop scene with a motorcycle being repaired or customized.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances skill in detailing both environment and object.
• Tips: Fill the scene with tools, spare parts, and utilize grays and metallics.

8. Classic Sidecar

• Summary: A motorcycle with a sidecar, possibly in a historic setting or scenic route.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Encourages detailing in additional components.
• Tips: Balance the focus between the motorcycle and its sidecar, ensuring both are detailed.

9. Biker’s Journey

• Summary: Illustrate a motorcycle against a backdrop of various scenic routes, from mountains to coastlines.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices scenic backgrounds with a consistent foreground subject.
• Tips: Use a limited palette for the bike, allowing varied colors for different scenes.

10. Neon Night Ride

• Summary: A motorcycle cruising in a neon-lit cityscape at night.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Challenges skills in capturing reflective light and nighttime ambience.
• Tips: Utilize blues and purples for the night, contrasting with vibrant neons reflecting on the bike.

Motorcycles, with their varied designs and contexts, provide a wealth of inspiration for artists.

Coupled with the vibrant potential of Copic markers, these ideas can lead to captivating artworks.

If cars and motorcycles are not your thing, here are some art-deco-inspired ideas that work wonderfully with different types of alcohol markers such as Copic.

10 Art Deco-Inspired Copic Drawing Ideas

With its ornate details and strong geometric forms, Art Deco pairs wonderfully with the vibrant hues and blending capabilities of Copic markers. 

Here are 10 Art Deco-themed Copic drawing ideas:

1. Deco Skyscraper

• Summary: Illustrate a tall, slender skyscraper inspired by iconic structures like the Chrysler Building.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances understanding of geometric patterns and symmetry.
• Tips: Use metallic colors, especially golds and silvers, and play with symmetrical designs.

2. Flapper Portrait

• Summary: A detailed portrait of a 1920s flapper, replete with fringed dress, bobbed hair, and headbands.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Benefits: Hones skills on period-specific detailing.
• Tips: Emphasize the contrast between bold makeup and soft fabric details.

3. Deco Poster Design

• Summary: Create a poster for an event or product, employing classic Art Deco typography and borders.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices design layout with an Art Deco aesthetic.
• Tips: Use a limited color palette with strong contrasts.

4. Jazz Lounge

• Summary: Illustrate an Art Deco-inspired jazz lounge with musicians and dancers.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Balances interior design with character depiction.
• Tips: Integrate geometric patterns in the backdrop and use vibrant colors for lively dancers.

5. Luxurious Vanity

• Summary: A vanity table with ornate mirror, perfume bottles, and classic accessories.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Focuses on detailed, decorative items.
• Tips: Use pastels for a soft feel, contrasting with bold gold and black accents.

6. Vintage Car

• Summary: Draw a 1920s-30s luxury car with a sleek, aerodynamic design.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Captures the essence of Art Deco movement in automobile design.
• Tips: Emphasize the car’s elongated curves and chrome details with shimmering grays.

7. Deco Jewelry

• Summary: Illustrate a selection of Art Deco jewelry, such as long necklaces, geometric earrings, and ornate rings.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Enhances detailing on small, intricate objects.
• Tips: Use jewel tones and mimic the shine of gems using light reflections.

8. Sunburst Clock

• Summary: Design an Art Deco sunburst clock with radiating lines and bold numerals.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices geometric forms and symmetry.
• Tips: Employ golds and dark hues to create a rich contrast.

9. Cocktail Hour

• Summary: Illustrate a lavish Art Deco cocktail party with elegantly dressed guests and intricate glassware.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Integrates human figures with luxurious interiors.
• Tips: Focus on detailed glass patterns and use rich colors for attire.

10. Fan Pattern Wallpaper

• Summary: Design a repeating fan or shell pattern reminiscent of classic Art Deco wallpaper.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Develops understanding of repeat patterns and consistent detailing.
• Tips: Keep a consistent color palette and ensure patterns connect seamlessly.

Drawing Art Deco themes with Copic markers allows artists to delve deep into the rich detailing and luxurious atmosphere of the era, making use of the markers’ vibrant colors and blending capabilities.

If you liked the art deco ideas then you will love these architecture inspired Copic drawing ideas.

20 Architecture, Landscape and Design Copic Drawing Ideas

Architecture, landscape and design are a perfect marriage of design and use of Copic markers as they are perfect for depicting glass and sleek panels, not to mention water, greenery and the like.

Here are 20 Copic marker drawing ideas focusing on architecture, landscape, and design:

1. Modernist Marvel

• Summary: Illustrate a sleek, modernist building with large glass panels.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Practices capturing transparency and reflection.
• Tips: Use cool grays for glass reflections and maintain straight lines.

2. Rustic Retreat

• Summary: A cozy cabin in the woods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Combines man-made structures with nature.
• Tips: Use earthy tones and focus on wood textures.

3. Beachfront Bliss

• Summary: Beach houses overlooking a serene sea.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Balances architectural drawing with scenic views.
• Tips: Softly blend sea blues and sandy tones.

4. Historic Street

• Summary: A cobblestone street lined with historic homes.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances detailing on older architectural styles.
• Tips: Emphasize brickwork and stone textures.

5. Floating Future

• Summary: Futuristic floating homes or cities.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Boosts imagination for speculative designs.
• Tips: Play with sky and cloud reflections on structures.

6. Zen Garden

• Summary: A peaceful Japanese Zen garden with a koi pond.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices blending nature and architectural elements harmoniously.
• Tips: Use soft greens and water reflections to create tranquility.

7. Mountain Monastery

• Summary: Ancient monastery perched high on mountain cliffs.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Challenges skills with steep terrains and historic structures.
• Tips: Use varied grays for rocky cliffs, contrasting with monastery colors.

8. Lush Vineyard

• Summary: A sprawling vineyard with a central estate.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Mixes agricultural landscapes with elegant design.
• Tips: Use greens in gradients for vine density and depth.

9. Desert Oasis

• Summary: A modern home in the desert, juxtaposed against sand dunes.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Focuses on contrasting environments and architecture.
• Tips: Use warm sandy tones, blending against cooler modern home shades.

10. Underwater Utopia

• Summary: A futuristic city beneath the ocean.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Encourages imaginative underwater architectural concepts.
• Tips: Employ blues in layers for water depth and translucency.

11. Greenhouse Garden

• Summary: Lush plants inside a beautifully structured greenhouse.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Refines skills in detailing plants and glass structures.
• Tips: Use bright greens with light grays for glass frames.

12. Urban Rooftop

• Summary: An urban rooftop garden or leisure space.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Blends urban setting with greeneries.
• Tips: Contrast city grays with vibrant plant colors.

13. Grand Library

• Summary: A grand library interior with towering shelves.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances intricate interior detailing.
• Tips: Use warm, muted colors for wood and books, and cooler shades for marble or stone.

14. Winter Chalet

• Summary: A chalet nestled in snowy mountains.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices snowy landscapes and cozy architectural design.
• Tips: Use whites and blues for snow, contrasting with chalet’s warm lights.

15. Tropical Treehouses

• Summary: Elevated treehouses in a tropical rainforest setting.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Combines organic and man-made structures.
• Tips: Emphasize foliage density and vibrant tropical colors.

16. Old Lighthouse

• Summary: A weathered lighthouse on rugged coastal cliffs.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Develops skills on natural terrains and tall structures.
• Tips: Use soft blues and grays for the seascape against the lighthouse’s stark silhouette.

17. Futuristic Train Station

• Summary: A high-tech train station platform.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Combines technology with architectural design.
• Tips: Incorporate sleek metallics and cool, futuristic lighting.

18. Secluded Waterfall Home

• Summary: A hidden home built beside or behind a cascading waterfall.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Merges dramatic nature with architectural imagination.
• Tips: Blend water tones for motion, contrasting with the static home.

19. Open-Air Museum

• Summary: Outdoor museum structures with sculptures and artifacts.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Combines artistic sculptures with architectural design.
• Tips: Vary textures between smooth museum floors and intricate artworks.

20. Space Colony

• Summary: A colony on another planet or moon, with domes and interconnected hubs.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Pushes imaginative boundaries for extraterrestrial design.
• Tips: Use unfamiliar, otherworldly color schemes to set the scene.

Focusing on architecture, landscape, and design with Copic markers allows for a detailed exploration of structures, environments, and the balance between them.

Related to architecture we come to all things city related. Let’s have a look at these city inspired ideas.

10 City Related Copic Drawing Ideas

Here are 10 Copic marker drawing ideas centered around cities:

1. City Sunset Silhouette

• Summary: A skyline silhouette against a vibrant sunset.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Focuses on color blending for the sky.
• Tips: Use warm gradients for the sky and dark shades for building silhouettes.

2. Neon City Alley

• Summary: A narrow alley illuminated by neon signs and lights.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances glow effects and perspective.
• Tips: Contrast neon colors against deep blues or purples.

3. Abandoned District

• Summary: Old, dilapidated buildings with traces of their former life.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices textures of decay and aged materials.
• Tips: Use grays and muted colors, highlighting with occasional pops of color.

4. Sky-high Rooftops

• Summary: View from a skyscraper’s roof, with tiny cars and people below.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Develops techniques for aerial perspective.
• Tips: Use lighter shades for distant structures to convey depth.

5. Rainy Cityscape

• Summary: Streets glistening in the rain with reflections of city lights.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Cultivates skill in capturing reflections and wet textures.
• Tips: Use a colorless blender to soften lights reflecting on wet surfaces.

6. City in a Bubble

• Summary: A miniature city encased in a floating bubble.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Encourages creativity in compact design.
• Tips: Add light reflections on the bubble for a glassy effect.

7. Old Town Marketplace

• Summary: Bustling marketplace with stalls, people, and old architecture.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Enhances skill in detailing and capturing human activity.
• Tips: Use varied color palettes for different stalls and products.

8. Futuristic Metropolis

• Summary: City of the future with imaginative structures and flying cars.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Cultivates imagination and unique architectural design.
• Tips: Incorporate sleek designs and bright, techy colors.

9. Snow-covered Streets

• Summary: City blanketed in snow, with lights shining through the white.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Develops techniques for snow textures and cold ambiance.
• Tips: Use blues and purples for shadows in the snow.

10. Carnival in the City

• Summary: Urban setting with a pop-up carnival, Ferris wheel, and stalls.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Blends festive elements with urban structures.
• Tips: Use bright, contrasting colors for the carnival amidst muted city tones.

Cities, with their vast and varied landscapes, offer numerous opportunities to capture life, architecture, and atmosphere.

Using Copic markers can help bring the vibrancy and dynamism of cities to the canvas.

This leads to the next batch of ideas that also work well with the strengths of Copic markers. The easy drawing ideas will impress your friends.

10 Cyber Punk Copic Marker Drawing Ideas

Here are 10 Copic marker drawing ideas focused on the cyberpunk genre:

1. Neon Streets

• Summary: A bustling street bathed in the glow of neon lights and holograms.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Mastering glow effects and urban details.
• Tips: Use vibrant neon colors against dark grays and blues to achieve contrast.

2. Augmented Rebel

• Summary: A portrait of a rebel with cybernetic implants and piercings.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices blending skin tones with metallic details.
• Tips: Highlight metallic parts with a bit of white for a gleaming effect.

3. Hover-car Chase

• Summary: Flying cars weaving through skyscrapers.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Refines dynamic action scene rendering.
• Tips: Add motion blurs using the colorless blender.

4. Market of Mods

• Summary: A marketplace selling cybernetic modifications.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Enhances detailed scene creation and storytelling.
• Tips: Use cool metallic shades for gadgetry and mods.

5. Cyberpunk Rooftops

• Summary: Hackers or rebels meeting on rainy rooftops filled with antennas and tech.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Combines atmospheric effects with intricate details.
• Tips: Softly blend blues and purples for a moody, rainy ambiance.

6. Digital Dreams

• Summary: A character plugged into a device, with vivid dreams visualized around them.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices transitioning from realism to surreal imagery.
• Tips: Blend dream elements smoothly to create a hazy effect.

7. Robot Bartender

• Summary: A robotic bartender serving drinks in a neon-lit bar.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Focuses on rendering robotic anatomy in a lively setting.
• Tips: Introduce slight wear and tear on the robot for a lived-in feel.

8. Cyber Noir Detective

• Summary: A detective with cyber enhancements in a moody, futuristic office.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Merges classic noir elements with futuristic details.
• Tips: Use shadows heavily, illuminating with select neon lights.

9. Underground Hackerspace

• Summary: A dimly lit room filled with screens, wires, and tech-savvy individuals.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Perfects capturing intricate tech setups and ambient lighting.
• Tips: Use many dark shades with light spots to focus on key details.

10. Virtual Paradise

• Summary: Characters entering a lush, bright virtual reality amidst a dark city.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Contrasts two very different worlds in one frame.
• Tips: Use bright, almost over-saturated colors for the virtual world against a muted cityscape.

With its mix of gritty urban settings and high-tech elements, the cyberpunk genre is an excellent canvas for experimentation, especially with the varied palette and blending abilities of Copic markers.

Related to cyber punk you have robots and robotics. Their shiny surfaces perfect for alcohol markers.

10 Robot and Robotic Copic Drawing Ideas

Here are 10 Copic marker drawing ideas centered on robots:

1. Vintage Robot Toy

• Summary: A nostalgic, old-school robot toy with signs of wear.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Hones skill in capturing vintage textures and metallic wear.
• Tips: Blend grays and browns for an aged, worn-out look.

2. Guardian Mech

• Summary: A massive robot designed to protect a city or base.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Practices large-scale design with intricate detailing.
• Tips: Use varied cool grays for depth and detail in the metallic body.

3. Robot Nature Walk

• Summary: Robots exploring or walking through a forest, interacting with wildlife.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Combines organic and inorganic elements in harmony.
• Tips: Use greens and nature tones against the cold metallic shades of robots.

4. Child’s Drawing Robot

• Summary: A robot as imagined and drawn by a child, with whimsical details.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Encourages freedom and creativity without constraints.
• Tips: Keep lines simple and use bold, primary colors.

5. Robot Repair Shop

• Summary: A workshop with robots being repaired, showing internal circuits and parts.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances skills in showing mechanical internals and layers.
• Tips: Use fine liners for intricate circuitry and details.

6. Dance of the Robots

• Summary: Robots dancing, perhaps in a club or stage with lights.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices dynamic movement in stiff mechanical bodies.
• Tips: Use bright neon shades for the club lights reflecting off metal.

7. Rustic Robot Farmer

• Summary: A robot working on a farm, perhaps tending to crops or animals.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Merges rural and futuristic elements.
• Tips: Use earthy tones for the farm and contrasting metallics for the robot.

8. Android Portrait

• Summary: A close-up portrait of an android with human-like features.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Hones skills in blending organic and mechanical facial features.
• Tips: Softly blend skin tones with hints of metallic underlayers.

9. Robot’s Day Off

• Summary: A robot doing leisurely activities, like reading or sunbathing.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Encourages storytelling and a touch of humor.
• Tips: Add some human elements, like a hat or sunglasses, for added whimsy.

10. Battle Bots Arena

• Summary: Robots competing in an arena, with sparks and dynamic poses.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Captures action and movement in a scene.
• Tips: Use oranges and reds for sparks and dynamic shadows for intensity.

Robots, with their mix of mechanical and sometimes human-like elements, offer a rich area for exploration, especially when colored and shaded with the versatile Copic markers.

After being inspired by robots I started thinking about all the comic books I used to read that had robots and inspiration hit me! Comic books and fan art! Perfect for Copic markers.

10 Comic Book and Fan Art Copic Drawing Ideas

Here are 10 Copic marker drawing ideas focused on cartoons and comic fan art:

1. Classic Saturday Morning Mashup

• Summary: Blend characters from various beloved Saturday morning cartoons into one lively scene.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Expands versatility in adapting various animation styles.
• Tips: Maintain each character’s unique style while ensuring harmony in the overall scene.

2. Superhero Showdown

• Summary: Iconic comic superheroes (or villains) facing off or in dynamic poses.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances action scene rendering and character detailing.
• Tips: Emphasize bold, contrasting colors and dynamic shadows for intensity.

3. Toon Noir

• Summary: Cartoon characters reimagined in a classic noir setting.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Merges two distinct genres, fostering creativity.
• Tips: Use muted colors with dramatic lighting to emulate the noir atmosphere.

4. Anime Meets West

• Summary: Take a classic Western cartoon character and reimagine them in an anime style (or vice versa).
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Expands adaptability between different animation styles.
• Tips: Study specific stylistic features of each style, like eyes and proportions.

5. Comic Strip Homage

• Summary: Create a short comic strip using a blend of characters from different popular comics.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Develops sequential art skills and storytelling.
• Tips: Keep a consistent color palette and use fine liners for clarity.

6. Sidekick Spotlight

• Summary: Create a piece focusing on the sidekicks instead of the main heroes.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Encourages detailed exploration of often overlooked characters.
• Tips: Use bright, lively colors to bring out the sidekick’s personalities.

7. Super Pets!

• Summary: Illustrate the pets of famous superheroes or villains.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Benefits: Mixes fun and creativity, with a focus on animal anatomy.
• Tips: Give each pet a distinct trait or accessory linking them to their owner.

8. Fairytale Crossover

• Summary: Blend characters from different fairytales or fables into a single narrative.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Enhances narrative creativity and character interaction.
• Tips: Use a cohesive color palette to unite various characters.

9. Villains’ Vacation

• Summary: Illustrate famous villains enjoying a day off at the beach or a theme park.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Incorporates humor and unconventional scenarios.
• Tips: Add comical elements, like a villain building a sandcastle or riding a merry-go-round.

10. Chibi Champions

• Summary: Transform well-known superheroes or cartoon characters into chibi (miniature) forms.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Simplifies characters and emphasizes adorable features.
• Tips: Focus on large expressive eyes and exaggerated features.

Fan art, especially using beloved cartoon and comic characters, offers endless creative avenues.

With Copic markers, artists can bring a special vibrancy and depth to these creations.

And as I started to run out of original ideas, here are some of the more random ones you marker artists can try.

20 Random Copic Drawing Ideas

1. Floating Islands

• Summary: Floating landmasses with miniature landscapes on them.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Refines blending and detailing skills.
• Tips: Use lighter shades for distant islands to convey depth.

2. Galaxy Portrait

• Summary: A portrait against a starry, galaxy background.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Merges portrait skills with abstract techniques.
• Tips: Blend multiple dark shades for depth in the galaxy.

3. Crystal Clusters

• Summary: Bright, shimmering crystals growing from the ground.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Introduces color shading.
• Tips: Use colorless blender for creating gleams on crystals.

4. Steampunk Animals

• Summary: Animals with mechanical, steampunk elements.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Develops imaginative and intricate detailing.
• Tips: Incorporate metallic colors for machinery parts.

5. Transparent Creatures

• Summary: Ethereal animals with see-through bodies.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices layering and transparency.
• Tips: Overlap colors without fully saturating the paper.

6. Bottle Terrarium

• Summary: Miniature ecosystems inside glass bottles.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Develops patience and focus on tiny elements.
• Tips: Add small creatures or elements for intrigue.

7. Reflective Orbs

• Summary: Spheres reflecting intricate scenery.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Enhances understanding of reflections and light.
• Tips: Notice how curved surfaces distort reflections.

8. Candlelight Scene

• Summary: A moody setting lit by candles.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices light source shading.
• Tips: Use yellows, oranges, and deep reds for warm lighting.

9. Metallic Armor

• Summary: A warrior adorned in shimmering armor.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Improves metal rendering techniques.
• Tips: Introduce light streaks on metal for reflective qualities.

10. Vintage Toy Shop

• Summary: Shelves filled with classic toys.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Encourages detailed storytelling.
• Tips: Utilize browns and muted colors for a vintage feel.

11. Fading Memories

• Summary: Portraits fading away like old photographs.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Develops gradient skills and emotional storytelling.
• Tips: Blend softly where the image starts to fade.

12. Desert Mirage

• Summary: A vivid oasis amid a desolate desert.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Understands contrast and mirroring effects.
• Tips: Blur the oasis’ edges to give it a mirage effect.

13. Luminous Jellyfish

• Summary: Jellyfish glowing in the deep sea.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Refines luminescent rendering.
• Tips: Use neon markers for the glow, surrounded by dark blues.

14. Cursed Treasure

• Summary: A chest of gold guarded by ghostly spirits.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Mixes vibrant treasures with ethereal entities.
• Tips: Use a colorless blender for the ghostly apparitions.

15. Glass Fruit Bowl

• Summary: Assorted fruits inside a glass bowl.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Practices transparency and texture techniques.
• Tips: Show reflections and refracted light through the glass.

16. Inked Forest

• Summary: Trees that bleed ink instead of sap.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Imaginative concept development.
• Tips: Drip dark markers to simulate the flowing ink.

17. Monochromatic Mood

• Summary: Landscape using only one color family.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Benefits: Focuses on value rather than color.
• Tips: Use the marker’s tip variations for texture.

18. Origami Wildlife

• Summary: Animals that look folded from paper.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Develops geometric drawing techniques.
• Tips: Use sharp edges and folds for the origami look.

19. Frozen Timepiece

• Summary: A clock or watch encased in ice.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Benefits: Practices blending cold hues.
• Tips: Use a colorless blender for frost and icicle effects.

20. Feathered Dreams

• Summary: Birds turning into feathers, drifting away.
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Benefits: Mixes realism with ethereal transition.
• Tips: Softly blend where the bird transitions to feathers.

Remember, the goal is not only to refine techniques but also to cultivate creativity and imagination. Each idea can be modified to fit the artist’s preference and level of experience.

Now that you have a bunch if Copic drawing ideas, let’s take a look at why alcohol-based markers such as Copic markers are so good compared to your every day markers and the ones you used as a kid.

What is Copic Art?

Copic art refers to artwork created using Copic markers, which are high-quality, alcohol-based markers favored by many artists, designers, and illustrators.

Copic markers originate from Japan and are renowned for their blend-ability, wide color range, and the fact that Copic markers are refillable. 

Here are some key aspects of Copic art:

Blendability

One of the standout features of Copic markers is their ability to blend seamlessly.

This blendability allows artists to create smooth gradients, subtle color transitions, and layered tones, akin to what one might achieve with watercolor or paint but with the precision of markers.

Wide Color Range

Copic markers come in a plethora of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, allowing for a great deal of versatility in artwork.

The color numbering system they use also helps artists identify and remember their favorite shades.

Refillability & Replaceable Nibs

Unlike many other markers, Copic markers are designed to last. Once the ink runs out, it can be refilled, and if the nib wears down, it can be replaced.

This sustainability aspect is one reason they’re a favorite among professional artists.

Different Types

There are various types of Copic markers in the Copic collection, including:

• Copic Classic (or Original): The first line, with a broad chisel and fine point tip.
• Copic Sketch: Perhaps the most popular, they have a broad chisel and a brush tip, ideal for both detailed work and broad strokes.
• Copic Ciao: Similar to the Sketch but slightly smaller and more affordable.
• Copic Wide: As the name suggests, these have a wide tip ideal for covering large areas.

Applications

Copic art can be found in a variety of sectors, from professional illustrations in comic books and manga to fashion design sketches, architectural drawings, and hobbyist art.

Techniques

Artists often use specific techniques with Copic markers, such as layering, feathering, and stippling to achieve desired effects and textures in their artwork.

The richness of color, the ability to blend, and the markers’ durable nature make Copic art distinct and recognizable. 

The investment in these markers is often justified by their performance and the professional results they can yield.

Understanding Copic Markers

Marker Types

Copic markers come in three main types: Copic Sketch, Copic Classic, and Copic Ciao. Each type has unique features that make them suitable for different artistic purposes.

The Copic Sketch markers are popular for their double-sided design, with a broad tip on one side and a brush tip on the other.

Copic Classic markers offer the greatest ink capacity and are known for their durability. Lastly, Copic Ciao markers are the most affordable option, available in sets of six, making them perfect for beginners.

Color Range

The color range of Copic markers is vast, spanning over 300 different shades. Each marker color belongs to a color family, which is labeled on the marker itself.

The labeling system helps you identify the right colors for smooth blending.

To create smooth blends with Copic markers, focus on selecting colors from the same color family. Start with the lightest color, and gradually move on to darker colors.

The colors within a family work together, ensuring seamless transitions for your artwork.

Remember to keep your color choices concise by sticking to necessary shades within a color family. This way, you can create beautiful and polished Copic drawings.

Getting Started with Copic Art

Choosing the Right Markers

Selecting the right markers is vital for achieving the desired results in your Copic art.

Start by exploring the different styles and nib types of Copic markers available, such as Classic, Sketch, and Ciao.

Focus on the colors that resonate with you and complement your art. Check out affiliate programs or affiliate links to get access to a large variety of options at competitive prices.

Learning the Techniques

Now that you have your markers, it’s time to learn some essential techniques. Be patient with yourself, as getting the feel of a light touch may take some practice.

Develop your skills by watching tutorials, reading beginner’s guides, and studying art created by experienced Copic artists.

Experiment with various shading, blending, and layering methods to give your drawings a new look.

• Shading: Understand color values, and learn how to transition from dark to light.
• Blending: Combine two or more colors smoothly to create gradients or a customized color palette.
• Layering: Build up color density for added depth, texture, and contrast.

Preparing Your Workspace

A well-organized workspace sets the stage for a successful art experience.

Ensure that you have a smooth surface to work on, such as a desk or table, with substantial space for your markers and paper. Gather other necessary supplies, including:

• Sketchbooks or paper with bleed-resistant properties
• A colorless blender for seamless blending of colors
• Replacement nibs and ink refills to maintain the quality of your markers

Keep your workspace clutter-free and organized to help develop your skills as a marker novice.

Having everything you need within reach will allow for easier access and smoother creation of your Copic art, especially as a first-time Copic artist.

Following these guidelines will assist you in setting the foundation for your Copic art journey. Now, grab your markers and let your creativity flow.

Techniques for Using Copic Markers

Creating a Smooth Gradient

To create a smooth gradient with your Copic markers, start by picking colors that are close in shade.

Apply the lighter color first, covering the entire area you want the gradient to be.

While this ink is still wet, begin applying the second, slightly darker color at the edge of where you want the gradient to begin.

Work quickly to blend the two colors together, and don’t forget to clean your marker tip afterward to avoid color contamination.

Mastering the Brush Tip

The brush tip is a necessary tool for various techniques such as line work, shading, and blending.

To master the brush tip, try practicing different strokes on a scrap piece of paper. Keep your hand relaxed and find the right pressure for creating thin and thick lines.

For shading, use a lighter touch and employ the flicking technique, which creates a feathered effect. This technique allows colors to blend more seamlessly.

Making Use of the Bullet Tip

The bullet tip on Copic markers is perfect for small details and precise coloring.

To effectively use the bullet tip, steady your hand, and apply consistent pressure.

Experiment with different techniques on a practice sheet, such as stippling, a method of creating texture using small dots.

Remember to always be careful with the bullet tip’s fine nature, as too much pressure can damage the nib.

Joseph Colella

Joseph Colella is a frustrated artist with over 40 years experience making art (who moonlights as a certified Business Analyst with over 20 years of experience in tech). While he holds a Diploma in Information Technology, in true wasted talent style he spent years trying to get into various Art degrees from the Accademia di Belle Arti (Napoli), and failed to get into the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at the University of Western Sydney. His goal is to attend the Julian Ashton School of Art at The Rocks Sydney when he retires from full time work. In his spare time, he writes for the this blog, WastedTalentInc, where he shares practical advice on art, making art, and art materials. Joseph’s art has been sold to collectors all over the world from the USA, Europe and Australasia. He is a trusted source for reliable art and copyright/fair use advice and is committed to helping his readers make informed decisions about making them a better artist.
He also loves all things watches (ok it’s an addiction) so show him some love and visit his other website https://expertdivewatch.com