While I have relied on a couple of
Chartpak 25-Slot Empty Marker Caddies to store my spare Prismacolor markers for years, never really got around using the
Chartpak AD markers themselves all that much. After trying out a black one that I got as a sample during a products expo long ago, I found its xylene solvent too strong for working in enclosed spaces. It performed well enough as a design marker, but its smell was just too distracting and unpleasant. Thus it was just by chance that I came across these
AD markers in the
United Arts Council recycling room and got to try them
once more.
After making a quick
color chart and this sample doodle on 110 lb card stock, found their rectangular juicy chisel nibs to be quite effective for making thin to thick strokes and coloring swatches quickly. The colors blended quite nicely, but the inks
bled right through the thick paper. I think I will stick to
Copic and
Prismacolor markers for working indoors, and will save these
Chartpak AD markers for coloring cartoon portraits at
caricature events held outdoors or with excellent ventilation. They are a fine product manufactured in the
USA, so I would encourage you to try and use them if you can get past the smell or count with effective ventilation or strong exhaust fan in your studio (at the very least crack open a window if weather permits).
While I have relied on a couple of Chartpak 25-Slot Empty Marker Caddies to store my spare Prismacolor markers for years, never really got around using the Chartpak AD markers themselves all that much. After trying out a black one that I got as a sample during a products expo long ago, I found its xylene solvent too strong for working in enclosed spaces. It performed well enough as a design marker, but its smell was just too distracting and unpleasant. Thus it was just by chance that I came across these AD markers in the United Arts Council recycling room and got to try them once more.
After making a quick color chart and this sample doodle on 110 lb card stock, found their rectangular juicy chisel nibs to be quite effective for making thin to thick strokes and coloring swatches quickly. The colors blended quite nicely, but the inks bled right through the thick paper. I think I will stick to Copic and Prismacolor markers for working indoors, and will save these Chartpak AD markers for coloring cartoon portraits at caricature events held outdoors or with excellent ventilation. They are a fine product manufactured in the USA, so I would encourage you to try and use them if you can get past the smell or count with effective ventilation or strong exhaust fan in your studio (at the very least crack open a window if weather permits).
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2 comments:
I've been hankering for some new markers. I have a couple dozen Prismacolors, but once I realized that the Copic numbering system shows you how they blend, I've been considering getting a few of those. But art done with these Chartpaks looks great too! Too many decisions. Though your comment on the fumes helps me decide some. ;)
While Copic markers require an initial higher investment, they are a very economical choice on the long run since they are refillable and with some digging you can even find replacement nibs. Their ease-of-use and impeccable performance are hard to beat.
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