Alcohol markers have become a staple for many illustrators, designers, and hobby artists. Winsor & Newton Promarkers are undeniably among the leaders in this field – reliable, vibrant, and capable of delivering a professional-looking result even in the most spontaneous sketch.
What makes alcohol markers special
Unlike water-based markers, Promarkers use alcohol-based ink. This means the colour dries quickly, doesn’t leave streaks on the paper, and allows the creation of translucent layers and smooth colour gradients. The alcohol ink also enables colours to blend seamlessly into one another, resulting in an airy, soft finish that’s difficult to achieve with other types of markers.
Promarker colours are transparent and buildable, making them ideal for detailed drawing as well as shading larger areas. Thanks to their quick drying time, you can build depth and shadows layer by layer without causing the paper to warp or smudge.
Dual-tip convenience and the flow of a brush tip
All Promarkers feature two tips, making them extremely versatile tools. The broad chisel tip is perfect for covering larger surfaces and creating even colour fields, while the fine tip offers precision for contours and details.
For those who prefer a more painterly, flowing line, there is the Promarker Brush. Its soft brush tip allows for dynamic strokes, organic shapes, and gentle transitions – ideal for illustrations, character design, and creative sketching where movement and rhythm are essential.
Colour selection and layering
The Promarker range includes over 180 colours, covering all essential colour groups from neutrals to pastels. While the colours don’t blend directly, their translucent ink allows them to be layered to create soft gradients and smooth transitions. Because the ink dries quickly, you can build both light and deep tones one layer at a time.
The paper that delivers the best results
When using alcohol markers, paper choice plays a crucial role. Regular drawing or printer paper absorbs ink too quickly, causing colours to bleed and appear dull. The best results come from using specialised marker paper designed to support the properties of alcohol ink.
Marker paper is typically smooth and thin yet durable, helping to prevent ink bleed-through while enabling clean colour transitions. This makes it suitable for both single-tone applications and layered work.
If you want to try something different, consider Canson Figueras paper. It has a finely textured, canvas-like surface that gives marker strokes a painterly character and adds depth to the artwork. Although Figueras was originally intended for oil and acrylic painting, it works surprisingly well with alcohol markers thanks to its synthetic, slow-absorbing surface.
The right paper helps achieve smooth gradients, preserves colour clarity, and keeps the back of the sheet clean.
Results that speak for themselves
The strength of Promarkers lies in their versatility. They are suitable for quick concept sketches as well as refined illustrations. The translucency of the colour layers brings liveliness and a sense of light, which is especially valued in fashion design and character illustration.
Promarker and Promarker Brush give the creative hand complete freedom – whether the goal is sketching, practicing smooth blends, or professional illustration, the result is always clear and high-quality.
