Markers
Draw, design, create, and illustrate with markers from Blick. From bullet, chisel, brush, and dual-tip markers for art, craft, and professional design and illustration use, to paint markers for glass, wood, painted surfaces, metal, plastic, and other less traditional surfaces, to acid-free, archival markers and pens for calligraphy, hand lettering, journaling, and artwork, Blick carries all the top brands — and we're always adding more. For creating on silk, cotton, and other materials, try our fabric markers.
Kids love making marker art, and Blick has a huge assortment of art markers with features such as vented caps, non-roll barrels, and low odor formulas for children with sensitivities. They'll love the scented, glitter, fluorescent, neon, and multicultural colors, too. Kids’ markers come in sets of all types and sizes — many in washable format.
For office and school use, shop for highlighters and dry-erase markers that make bold marks for maximum visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are layout markers?
Layout markers are professional grade markers used by artists, illustrators, animators, designers, engineers, and architects, as well as hobbyists, often for illustrations, storyboards, or technical drawings. Some layout markers are waterbased, others solvent based. Layout markers are available in many colors and shades of gray.
How "permanent" are permanent markers?
With markers, the designation "permanent" means that the ink cannot be washed off with water. Permanent markers are indelible, but not necessarily lightfast or even fade-resistant.
Permanent markers use a solvent-based ink, and with some brands this solvent is toxic. Read labels and instructions carefully.
Are waterbased markers always washable?
Water-based markers use a water-soluble ink, and they are generally non-toxic, but not necessarily washable. Read instructions carefully. If you must have a washable marker, select one that specifically features washability. Many brands are designed to be easy to wash off skin or clothing, and are suitable for children.
What does it mean to say that a marker is "archival"?
Archival markers contain pigments rather than dyes, however colors other than black may fade over time with exposure to ultraviolet light. Archival markers are acid-free, and will not damage the underlying surface. This makes them suitable for marking on photographs, fine art prints, and so forth.
What are paint markers? Do they contain paint?
Paint markers use opaque inks, and are often designed for large areas of coverage. However, they don't contain actual paint. Some are solvent-based and permanent, others water-based.
What are calligraphy markers?
Calligraphy markers are marking pens with one or more special tips that can create the same effects as a calligraphy or lettering pen.
Are markers a serious drawing medium?
Markers are a great tool, but they are generally not for creating permanent works of art. Use markers to create quick sketches. They are faster and more convenient than any other medium. They dry quickly, and work well on any smooth paper surface. But even archival markers are not necessarily lightfast, so if you want to save it, scan it.