To color or not to color? That is SO NOT the question! Of course you should color! The question then becomes "What should I color with"? I love all coloring mediums, so trust me when I say you won't get a bias opinion from me. I love Copics, Colored Pencil, Distress Markers, Spectrum Noir, you name it I love it. Each has pros and cons, so rather than debate on whats the best I'll just show you the differences and what I like about them. I'll also show you one of my favorite shadowing techniques!
Here you can see Spectrum Noir colors blended together. They blend great, they have 2 different nibs to choose from, refillable, and best of all they are AFFORDABLE! The down side is that they don't have as many colors as Copic, but I think they have enough colors to create the blended effect we all love!




Colored pencils are great for achieving a blended textured look. They are cost effective, and you can easily replace them. The downside is that you don't get that same blended gradient like you do with markers.

Distress Markers are wonderful for a beautiful soft watercolor look. You can color solid images with them as well(Just don't activate with water). Affordable, but they do run out and are non refillable.

Each one is fantastic in their own way, and I can't really choose between them because I LOVE THEM ALL!
Get out some white card stock with a cute stamped image stamped on it, your favorite Copic colors (If you want to use my color sample for your colors you'll be needing: V09,V06, RV04,R22,R21,E11,E01, and for shading B00, Y11) I'm using a super cute stamp called "Time for a Cuppa" from Lili of the Valley.

Let's get started . . . I like to color a simple little sun to remind me how and where my light source is coming into my picture. You can see my light is coming from the top right corner.
I color in my image remembering to use darker colors on the left side, and the lighter colors on the right side.
Repeat this with every part of your image. Remember to look at your sun and let your eyes follow it down to your image. The light won't hit some places, for example: the light might hit the bottom right side of her face, but not her hairline because the sun would be blocked by her head scarf. Because she's in front of the tea pot, the light would only reach the top right of the teapot, etc.
Now she's finished, and it's time to move on to shading! You'll need B00, and Y11.
I like to start with my shadows. Take the light blue and go over the edges on the left or anywhere the light won't reach.
Do the same on the other side using yellow for your light
I make sure the yellow is really heavy on the top of her head where she's closest to the sun.
Look at the side by side comparison : )

I really love the difference in the images and how it really makes your image POP! Remember there is no right or wrong product to color with, so pick your favorite and get to coloring!
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