The version of Ohuhu markers that I’m reviewing is not the new brush marker version of Ohuhu markers.

Carry your markers anywhere with the Ohuhu 100 Marker Set carry case

As I’ve never bought a set of alcohol markers before, I was quite impressed by the fact they came in a carry case. My only other experience with markers was buying a standard set of Sharpies, which ended up finding shelter in an old pencil case I had lying around. The fact that the Ohuhu markers come in their own carry case made me feel like a real artist with a set of important tools. Despite the fact I’m just a beginner.

Theportable black carrying case has a zipped opening on the top. Inside, the markers are sectioned into four compartments. I appreciated these compartments as when you open the case, you’re not met with the chaos of markers falling loosely in all directions.

If you’re a super organized artist, you may want to reorganize the markers in a way that makes sense to you. For instance, maybe one compartment can have all of your earthy colours, while another has skin tones. Or maybe you want your reds, oranges and yellows in one compartment; blues and purples in another; greens in another and one with blacks and whites. The choice is yours.

One thing that can be slightly annoying if you’re adamant on having your markers in a specific order, is that when you remove one marker from the case, the gap is instantly filled by surrounding markers. Some would argue that the case should have individual slots for each 100 marker. But I feel this is a big ask from the manufacturer, and it would no doubt add to the cost.

For a developing artist such as myself, I’m happy with the current state of this case. It even comes with a handy leaflet that details all of the colours included in the set. I still recommend coming up with your own index of colours on paper though, as this will give you the most accurate example on how each colour will look on your paper.

My Thoughts on the Ohuhu 100 markers color range and blending

These markers are double sided. One end has a chisel nib and the other side has a fine tip. Each side is capped, with the only downside being that you can’t snap the cap on the back end while you’re using the marker. A bummer if things roll off your desk like they do here. Having two nibs is one of the biggest selling points, as each nib is good for colouring specific things. The fine nibs do wonders for getting in between thin, tight lines. While the chisel nib is great for filling larger areas.

The selection of colours is great for beginners. But if you’re at a point in your artistic endeavors when you require extreme depth of colour, you may find some tones lacking. For instance, the range of possible skin tones leaves more to be desired (there’s a separate 24 colour set for skin tones). I also noticed that some tones are pretty similar, and when too many of them are similar, it makes you wish they’d included a completely different shade instead.

When I swashed the colours in my sketch book, I was impressed at how well each colour fit the shade on its cap. It was much more accurate than I expected. That makes it easier to locate the exact colour you need when glancing at your case full of markers.

One nitpick is that earlier versions of the Ohuhu markers included both the number and the name of the shade on the cap, which made locating the right colour even better when glancing at the caps. But now, the caps only have the number of the shade printed. Its a small thing that doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but in the past, having the name of the shade was a nice touch.

Included in the set is a colorless blender, useful for getting the most out of your blending. Alcohol markers are made for blending, and this set is perfect if you’re just trying to wrap your head around the concept. I suggest making a page in your sketchbook for testing out blends, so that when it comes time to work on a piece you’ll know exactly which colours blend well together.

Ohuhu’s Quality and Reputation

For the price you’re buying these markers at—I believe it’s around 80c per marker in America. In the UK it’s 55p per—these markers are insanely good quality. For someone at my level of artistry, I’d say it’s almost a steal considering that one Copic marker is 6-7 dollars.

Because of the insanely good price of Ohuhu markers, there’s no way they can match the quality of a Copic. But unless you’re a professional artist taking commissions, or an art student who needs to understand the difference, the distinction isn’t a problem. The choice here is simple, if you want top-of-the-line quality then be prepared to shell out up to $300 for 72 Copic makers (there are of course smaller sets too). But if you just want to create great looking art at an affordable price, in my opinion, Ohuhu markers are a clear choice.

But there’s one other thing that makes Ohuhu favourable to me. And that’s the fact that as a brand they truly care. They listen to feedback, they read reviews and they are willing to help customers in need.

When you buy such a large set of markers, the likelihood of a marker shipping dried out or exploded is there. It didn’t happen to me, luckily, but I’ve seen others who had this problem. Thankfully, Ohuhu includes a pamphlet in the carry case with a guarantee that they’ll replace any faulty marker you receive. And if the set isn’t to your liking, they’ll also refund you. They may not be the only brand with such guarantees, but there’s a strong sense of humility in the way that Ohuhu interacts with their customers, as well as those in the artist community.

And I want to make it clear that my own set of markers was purchased and was not issued for free in exchange for this review. So I have no reason to speak this highly of them. I am simply going by what I’ve observed of them over the years.

– From the Ohuhu Facebook page

Verdict

Ohuhu markers are no-brainers for artists who want some great quality markers without spending hundreds on them.

One day, when I feel my art warrants it, I will buy myself a set of Copic markers so I see what the difference is. But for now, Ohuhu markers look incredible on paper to me. And so far they’ve allowed me to develop my skills in a useful way.

Having a range of 100 markers to pick from presents the challenge of identifying which colours contrast well together and this makes creating a piece of art even more special. It allows you to learn what works. And being able to blend so easily opens up more possibilities. The markers are superb quality and they’re a delight to hold and apply on paper.

It’s also worth mentioning that there are a number of Ohuhu marker sets available. Including a skin tone set and the pastel colour set.

I’m not at a level where I’m comfortable sharing my own art with the world, but below I have linked a number of Ohuhu YouTube reviews from artists I admire so you can see the markers in use for yourself.

I will also post a review of the Ohuhu sketchbook I used, which has special marker paper. The link will be added here as soon as its published.

Feel free to drop any additional questions or concerns in the comments below.

Ohuhu Alcohol Markers 100 marker set | Buy on Amazon US | Buy on Amazon UK

Ohuhu artwork from professional artists

DrawingWiffWaffles

Oliver’s Antics

One thing I absolutely love about Prismacolor premier pencils is how much the colors pop on the page compared to other budget colored pencils I brought in the past. And in addition to the beautifully vibrant colors, they have a rich waxy texture to them. The colors can be applied in a smooth motion that doesn’t require much pressure on the wrist to get bold pigments.

But perhaps one of Prismacolor’s biggest selling points is how well the colors blend. Blending is seamless and often doesn’t require external tools to get pro-level results. Laying the colors over each other smoothly is enough to breed new color options on the page, giving you endless possibilities.

A downside to Prismacolor pencils is that they are more delicate than other high-end pencils on the market. They aren’t designed as sturdy, which means its easy to break the tips when sharpening. And if you’re careless with the pencils, you could event end up breaking their cores, leading to a shortened pencil lifespan.

As with many premium art pencils, Prismacolor Premium Colored Pencils are available in different quantities, providing options to suit any budget. You can get sets of 12, 24, 48, 72 and 150 pencils. A set of 12 pencils will run you around £25/$25 while a [hard to find] set of 150 is in the ball park of £150/$130.

My advice here is to decide which set to buy based on your level of interest in art. If adding color to your art is a serious step you want to take then perhaps investing in a set of 48 is best. Otherwise, if you just want to fill in some coloring books as a hobby I recommend the 12 or the 24 sets.

It’s important to note that these coloring pencils have a fantastic range of color. Meaning, each pencil’s tone of color can vary based on how much pressure you apply. When you pair that with the fact that these pencils are made for blending, no matter what set you go for you’ll have a color range that basically triples the amount of color options in your set. So even if you started with a 12 set you’d end up with a greater number of color choices by blending.

Perhaps the most important thing to note for professional artists is that Prismacolor colored pencils have been said to fade over time. So if you’re an artist specifically looking to use colored pencils to sell art commissions you’ll either need some preservative solutions to cover your pieces with or it might be best to go with a more proven pencil brand geared specifically towards pro level artists.

Verdict

Prismacolor Premier Pencils are a fantastic option for those who are exploring their love of art. Whether you want to dabble in coloring books or you want to bring some life to your own artwork, Prismacolor offers a fantastic range of pigments to really make your pages pop. Also, if you’re lucky enough you may even spot some special edition sets that appeal to specific art-styles, such as the Manga colors set. These special editions have colors you won’t find in some of the other sets.

Another bonus I didn’t mention before is that the white pencil in the Prismacolor collection is one of the best I’ve used. There are white pencils I’ve used with other brands that don’t layer very well over other colors in the range.

The only drawbacks here is the lack of durability compared with other colored pencil brands and the fact that some of the colors fade away with time.

With that being said, I highly recommend Prismacolor premier pencils unless you are looking to sell your work.

Buy Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12 Set | Buy from Amazon US | Buy from Amazon UK

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 24 Set | Buy from Amazon US | Buy from Amazon UK

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 48 Set | Buy from Amazon US | Buy from Amazon UK

Let me begin by explaining the difference between ink cartridges and ink converters.

Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges vs Ink Converters

Before I get to the pens themselves, let me break down what I think about ink cartridges versus converters. Ink cartridges are the most common ink solutions for fountain pens. They’re essentially plug-in and play solutions to providing ink. You can typically buy packs of cartridges for your pen that will last you months to years. Converters on the other hand, allow you to manually refill your ink directly from an ink bottle.

If you’re just starting out with a fountain pen and you find a deal that includes some ink cartridges, then by all means go for it. You’ll be able to get started with your pen much quicker and if you have a few cartridges at your disposal then you won’t need to worry about buying more for a while.

But in the long-term, I find it more cost-effective and more pleasing to purchase an ink converter and some fountain pen ink for your pen. This will allow you to refill your pen(s) more frequently for a longer stretch of time. This is ideal for those who may use their pens daily.

Not all ink is suitable for your pen!

It’s also important to know that not all ink is suitable for your fountain pen. You’ll need to buy fountain pen friendly ink; otherwise you run the risk of some inks clogging up the pen nib. Other types of inks may also not look as smooth on the page.

The good thing is that most fountain pen manufacturers have their own branded fountain pen ink for you to purchase, making it easier to find the right type of ink for your pen.

I’ll be sure to include direct links to the correct converters and ink types for all pens I’m about to list.

The Best Starter Fountain Pens

LAMY Safari

Buy Lamy Safari (Many colours available) | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US
Buy Lamy Vista | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

The German-made Lamy Safari tends to be many people’s first fountain pen, especially for students. It’s an affordable pen with a solid grip and great ergonomics. It has a steel nib that produces a wet and consistent ink flow.

The pen itself is made of ABS plastic, the same stuff used to produce LEGO. But the downer here is that the Lamy’s broad and colourful design isn’t always appropriate for everyone’s needs. I myself own a Lamy Vista, which is the same design as the Safari but with a see-through exterior and a silver clip. I found the more muted see-through design to be more to my liking than some of the vibrant exteriors associated to the Safari.

Another thing to note about the Safari is that it has a replaceable nib, which is crucial for a pen’s longevity.

Design aside, the Lamy Safari and Lamy Vista are both suitable options for fountain pen beginners, no matter what point in life you’re at. For those wanting to invest in a converter and ink, see the details below.

Lamy Z24 converter (to manually refill ink) | Buy on Amazon UK |Buy on Amazon US

Lamy Ink (Black) | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

And for those of you who prefer the simplicity of cartridges, here are the Lamy Safary and Vista compatible ones…

Lamy black ink cartridge (4-pack/20 cartridges) | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Lamy blue ink cartridge (4-pack/20 cartridges) | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Pilot Metropolitan

Buy Pilot Metropolitan | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

The Pilot Metropolitan has been praised as the go-to fountain pen for beginners since it’s entry on the market in 2012. The pen looks and operates like a fountain pen that should cost far more. It’s all in the presentation. For under $20/£20 you receive a high-quality metal body, a choice of nib width, an included converter and a nice box to keep the pen in.

The Pilot Metropolitan produces clean lines, and the medium width nib is perfect for all beginners.

Pilot Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges (12) | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Pilot Fountain Pen Ink | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Jinhao X750

Buy Jinhao X750 | Amazon UK | Amazon US

With it being the cheapest fountain pen on this list, the Jinhao X750 is likely the most favourable first time fountain pen. At the cheap price of £8/$8 these pens offer a comparable level of quality as pricier pens like it. But the pen is made with cheaper materials.

Those who choose the Jinhao X750 are often not expecting much, only to then be blown away with its performance. The nib keeps the ink wet and flows well with a vast amount of writing styles. The weight of the pen is also suitable for longer writing sessions without feeling any discomfort.

This pen is compatible with a variety of cartridges, inks and converters. The Jinhao X750 does come with a converter, but you may wish to purchase a better one for long-term satisfaction.

Jinhao compatible cartridges | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Compatible ink converter | Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

For beginner fountain pen ink, you can use any ink that’s specifically for fountain pens, including the one’s I’ve linked above. There are hundreds of different inks to choose from in a variety of colours, so feel free to dig deeper to find the one that’s perfect for you. Just be 100% sure that the ink is for fountain pens.

Conclusion

This is just a small selection of fountain pens for beginners. There are many options out there to explore but I believe these are the most accessible to people who have little knowledge of pens and are keen to get started right away.

My personal favourite on this list is the Lamy Safari and Vista, mainly because of its flexibility and its height and weight. It’s lightweight enough to use without discomfort, but it also has enough weight to make writing signatures feel legit. Please do share your own preferences and other recommendations in the comments!

The notebooks come in four colours: yellow (sun), green (leaf), pink (lotus) and blue (moon). They also come in three paper types including: blank, lined and dotted.

The notebooks are a tool to bring out your creative side; empowering you to either doodle, bullet journal, write, gratitude journal or anything you deem appropriate.

As mentioned before, each notebook as a symbol that inspires its user to bring out a specific side of them.

The sun represents happiness, confidence and joy; perfect for gratitude journaling and celebrating your successes.

The moon represents emotions and feelings; perfect for morning pages, self-reflection and internal healing.

The leaf represents growth, vitality and health; perfect for goal-setting or health and fitness tracking.

The lotus represents spirituality, creativity and beauty; perfect for spirituality journaling, expressing your creativity and logging all of your new found wisdom.

These journals are 100% recyclable and they ship with no plastic. They come in a thin elegant box that you could easily reuse or recycle. You can either buy the notebooks separately, or all in one as a set.

The video above explains a little more about the pastel notebooks, as well as the vision behind the colours and designs. Be sure to subscribe to Lavendaire to get more ideas on how to journal, as well as enjoying all of the inspiration Aileen provides through both her YouTube channel and her Podcast.