Crafter's Companion 6 pieces Spectrum Noir Colouring System Alcohol Marker Dual Nib Pens Set Pack of 6-Essentials, Multicolor

I am not a professional artist by any stretch of the imagination, so it's a bit difficult for me to justify spending a lot of money on high end supplies for my hobby. I love the effects you can create with alcohol markers but didn't want to pay upwards of $8 for a single marker from the brand considered the "creme de la creme". I purchased these as a compromise, and have to say, I am thoroughly converted. I no longer consider myself to be settling for second best - these markers are top notch.That's not to say there aren't a few quibbles. The way this marker "system" works is that the colors are grouped together in families- dark reds, burnt oranges, dusty purples, etc. - with several colors in each family ranging from lightest to darkest. Therefore, you can grab, say, a DR1, DR2, and DR3 and be confident that you're going to get a smooth gradient when you blend from darkest to lightest (or vice versa). For the most part, this works extremely well, and I've truly enjoyed creating beautiful blends in my projects. However, there are a few quirks that I've found along the way. For instance, in some families, a 3 marker might actually be lighter than the 2, or has a noticeably different tone that makes the blending not quite as smooth as it should be.I also wish the chisel tips were replaced with brush tips. The bullet tip is excellent, but a brush tip really gives fine control when blending, really allowing for the flicking motion that helps create seamless blends. There are brush tip replacements available from Crafter's Companion/Spectrum Noir, but they are quite expensive. To be fair, I should note that Spectrum Noir does sell the Illustrator line which uses the same ink as these markers, but with a brush tip instead of a chisel, however they are significantly more expensive.I did have a very minor issue with markers being dry when I first got them. I say minor because 1) it has only affected 3 markers out of the 114 markers I have purchased so far and 2) Crafter's Companion promptly mailed me replacements when I brought it to their attention. Excellent customer service certainly makes up for the minor inconvenience.If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to the top of the line art markers, these are an excellent choice.

If you haven't tried Spectrum Noir markers and you love to color, I recommend them highly! They are easy to use, refillable and there is every color and shade under the sun at about $2.00 a marker.

If you're reading this, first let me say that I just don't get all the hype over these markers. Their biggest call to fame is their convenience. I prefer colored pencils. I'd advise anyone looking at these to first invest in the Derwent Inktense blocks, colored pencils and watersoluble pencils - the variety of shades are unbelievable. As to Spectrum Noir, I find I use this essentials pack alot. I enjoy coloring and these markers make it easy and fast. It seems I never have the right shade but I don't have the complete set. I own 48 markers so far and still need to buy a bunch. These are much less expensive than copic and I can't say how good those are - I don't own any other markers except Sharpies! If I had to do over, I'd skip these altogether. I let peers sway my opinion and bought in to something that I really can't justify the cost. I use these because I bought them but I wish I'd spent my money elsewhere! 4 stars for design, convenience and ease of use.

Love the markers. Works as expected. Vivid colors and able to get a lot of use before replacing.

Spectrum Noir are really amazing pens! Love the double end. They DO need to be refilled and finding the refill ink can be difficult at times. But I would spend the money on new sets all together if need be as they ARE that good.

Spectrum Noir Alcohol markers work really well on metal, (and probably everything else). After applying, heat the metal with a heat tool (embossing gun). This package contains black grey and other neutrals.

Dried out and didn’t work.

1. Sent wrong kit (ordered 'essentials' but received 'pinks')2. Two of the six were completely dried out.Why not return them? I am SUPER lazy and I was interested in seeing how alcohol markers worked so I decided to keep them and use them rather than wait for the correct markers to show up (and risk half of those being all dried up as well). I just consider it a poorly spent $8.50 and I won't be ordering any more.

Always my favorite

Love these markers

The description says black, but there is actually only one black pen in the pack of six pens.Very disappointing, as I particularly wanted black. The description given does not state that this is a colour pack. I will go elsewhere to purchase in the future.I also cannot return the pens, as they need special transportation, presumably because alcohol is mentioned in the description!!