Why You’ll Love Ohuhu Alcohol Markers – A Review By A Newbie User
Interested in trying out Ohuhu alcohol markers? This is my first time trying them out and below you can read my feedback – from one beginner to another. Discover why Ohuhu 320-color alcohol marker set might just be the ultimate thing for your next piece of art, illustration, doodles, and even art journal pages.
Recently the Ohuhu company sent me a marker set to review. I was amazed when I got an enormous box of 320 colors, 3 marker shelves, and a sketchbook specifically made for coloring with markers.
Imagine unlocking a treasure box of hues, perfect for unleashing your artistic side. Below, you can read all about the colors, how they work, how they blend, the importance of swatching, the practicality of the shelves for storage, etc.
Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through that link, I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Ohuhu Honolulu markers 320 set – colors
I have a set of 320 colors but these markers come in many different sets so you don’t have to get all of the at once.
In this 320 set, there is a variety of color ranges:
- Yellow
- Orange
- Red
- Yellow-red
- Violet
- Red-violet
- Blue
- Blue-green
- Green
- Brown
- Gray – pale, dark, blue gray, green gray, red gray, etc.
- Black
- Four neon colors
- And a colorless blender – a tool for blending colors (in my experience, this blender quickly starts to lighten the areas I was trying to blend)
All the color names are clearly stated on the caps with a number reference and the color name. For example, you can find Y010 Primrose which is a variety of bright yellow. The color names are very creative and choosing them makes everything more fun. For example Chocolate Pink or Pastel Peach – how cute is that?
However, be careful not to choose the colors by names. It’s better to use the number/letter references and the swatches at the same time.
If you want to make a monochrome image, these markers are perfect because you get so many varieties of the same color. So, you can choose darker for the shadows, lighter for the midtones and the brightest for highlights.
Where to buy Ohuhu Honolulu alcohol markers?
You can get them on Amazon or on their official website.
Ohuhu Honolulu set – brush and chisel tips
These Ohuhu markers have two different tips: brush and chisel. How practical is that? You can use the brush tip for smaller surfaces and when you want a very soft blend. The brush is soft and lets out enough ink without clogging or stopping the flow. It’s ideal for blending, shading and even calligraphy.
The chisel is broader and can be used for larger surfaces – for quick coverage. However, I’m not a fan since the chisel shows the lines, especially if you color slowly. You can, of course, use the chisel in a quick manner and blend it as well. But I find that too hard and stiff.
Everyone is different and you’ll definitely find your way and what works for you. Whichever tip you use, I believe you’ll have fun and the markers perform either way, just in a different way.
Another fun fact is that the tips are reversible. So, when the tip is overused and underperforms, you can just pull it out and switch it. How amazing is that?
Ergonomics and design
On each cap there is the name of the color and the number/letter reference. However, it would also be useful if this info is on the marker itself, not only the caps. But the names on the caps come in handy when you store your markers in their original bag or on their shelves. You can easily find the markers by reading the label.
These alcohol markers fit well in your hand and it’s easy to use them. The cap is also easy to take off and put back on, which is useful when you’re coloring. Also, the caps have a little bulge which prevents them from rolling off flat surfaces. So, no more searching for the caps under your desk.
One thing I noticed after hours of playing with them is that the brush and chisel tips are labeled in a yet another way. The chisel cap bottom is white while the brush one is grey. Smart and cute!
Ohuhu markers accessoires
So, when you get this big set, you’ll get a high quality bag containing all the markers. The bag has compartments so you can organize the markers more easily in groups. It also has two straps for carrying it: in hand or on your shoulder.
Even when you order the smaller sets, they come in bags, so no worrying about storage.
Also, in the bag, you’ll get a small booklet containing all the info on the markers, what colors there are, how to change the tip, and other useful info. And it is written in three different languages.
Another great thing I found in the bag was the protective transparent sheet you can use under thin paper so the marker ink doesn’t bleed on your page/paper beneath. This is an awesome idea and another plus for practicality.
Swatch cards
The swatch cards are another practical awesomeness Ohuhu offers with the set. There are 4 cards in this big set, so you can swatch all the 320 colors. You don’t need to make your own swatch cards and this saves a lot of your time so you can focus on actually drawing and coloring.
However, since there are so many colors, swatching takes a lot of time. It took me about 2 hours to do that. But it’s definitely worth it. Swatching Ohuhu markers like this is actually kind of meditative. So, don’t skip this step.
In general, swatching is great because you can use the markers more easily and quickly.
Another plus is that the colors on the caps and the actual ink color aren’t the same, in 99% of the cases. By swatching the colors, you don’t have to try them out every time you start coloring. Just one look at the swatch card, and you’re good to go.
At moments, when I swatched the markers, it seemed to me that some colors are the same. However, on a closer look, I noticed a slight difference between those similar colors. Too many color options can trick you, but no color is 100% the same in the set. But, they are very, very similar.
Marker shelves
The bag is great to hold the markers, but if you get the shelves, too – the real magic begins. They’re perfectly made for marker storage and you can easily organize them and put them on your desk, shelf, or even on the floor. They look amazing and are very practical to use.
I organized mine according to the swatch cards and now I have no problems finding the correct marker and returning it to its place. This way, you can color without worrying where some colors are or displacing them after you’re finished.
Blendability and layering of Ohuhu markers
Blending is always the hardest part, no matter the medium. Same goes for alcohol markers. If you’re a beginner, you’ll go through a longer process of trial and error until you figure out how to blend these babies.
I’ve tried coloring whimsical faces and my first 3 attempts were just plain failures. But that’s not the markers’ fault. When you get into it and figure some things out, you’ll see amazing things you can do with them and the blending becomes pure magic.
Ohuhu alcohol markers blend wonderfully. At the beginning, while they’re still wet, you may think they don’t really blend that well because you might see some coloring streaks. However, when they dry, you see that they blend nicely.
On the other hand, if you go over one place too many times, you may damage the paper and the layers beneath and the colors become grainy and the blendability isn’t perfect anymore. Just be careful not to overdo it.
As far as layering is concerned, you should layer with these markers. That’s where the magic happens. They’re transparent so layering is what makes your image truly shine.
In the photo below, you can see three examples of blending with three different colors in each exammple. Some colors are very similar and maybe you can’t tell (in the first rectangle, for example) which is darker and which lighter color. But there is a slight difference.
For the examples above, I used 3 colors that sit next to each other on the swatch cards. This is often a good rule of thumb for choosing colors, but use your good judgement.
When drawing faces, I’ve tried layering first with darks/shadows and then blend with lighter colors. This was always the failure for me. But again, it’s not the markers’ fault. This way is obviously not for me.
When I tried layering and blending by first using the lightest color and slowly getting to darker areas and shadows, I finally saw the possibilities.
You need to work out which way works for you and these markers will not let you down.
Quality of ink
I’m no expert on ink but to me it seems this ink is magical. It flows so nicely onto the paper and it reminds me of watercolor. You don’t need to apply hard pressure, especially with the brush tip. With the chisel, of course, you need more pressure.
If you choose the right colors for blending, the ink will blend amazingly, especially when it’s still wet. And the colors will seem darker, but when the ink is dry, it becomes a bit lighter. Just have that in mind before you decide whether you like the image or not. Let it dry. And it dries fast, so don’t worry about smudging.
One important thing is to use alcohol markers on marker paper. This is huge. If you use it on copy paper, you won’t be able to blend them nicely. The same goes for watercolor paper. That’s because these types of paper absorb ink faster so blending isn’t possible.
That’s why marker paper or sketchbook is an amazing solution. The paper needs to be thick but smooth.
Ohuhu marker sketchbook
Here’s where Ohuhu sketchbook shines. Its paper is perfect for using markers: it’s smooth and very thick.
It will, however, bleed especially if you blend heavily in one place. But the paper won’t tear. All alcohol markers do this – they bleed. But that’s fine if the paper you’re working on looks amazing. And with Ohuhu markers and sketchbooks it does. So, don’t worry about the back of the paper.
This sketchbook is spiral-bound, acid-free, and heavyweight (200gsm) which makes it great for alcohol markers. Also, after you’re finished coloring, you can take out the page easily because they’re pre-cut, so you can easily frame your art or gift it.
And last, but not least, the super thing Ohuhu thought of is providing a clear page you can put underneath your page when working. It prevents the marker bleed on the page below. This keeps your pages from having weird color spots and keeps the notebook clean.
Ohuhu alcohol markers price
Ohuhu markers come in various sets and the price depends on that. Let me compare the prices with the other popular brand – Copic.
Ohuhu Honolulu alcohol markers set of 320 colors cost $245 while Copic Sketch sets of 72 cost $300 or more. There’s a big price difference. I haven’t tried Copic markers, but if I had to choose between these two, as a beginner, I’d definitely get Ohuhu ones. The price would determine my choice 100%. Not to mention the difference between 320 and 72 colors.
Let’s break this down even more. The set I’m reviewing, with 320 colors, costs $245. If you divide that by 320, you get $0.75 per marker. That’s just: Wow. And having this large set will last you a long time.
Also, Ohuhu markers come in interesting and affordable sets according to purpose. Let’s say you only want the skin tones. You can get 36 skin tones for $33. Or Ohuhu Honolulu set of 92 pastel colors at $62.49. Moreover, the 24 basic colors set costs $24.99.
I’m sure Copic markers are also amazing products, but for beginners, who just want to have fun and learn to paint with markers, Ohuhu is the way to go.
Ohuhu alcohol markers for coloring whimsy faces
I tried these markers on my whimsical faces and I must say they turn out lovely. I had some challenges with blending but after three fails, I finally found a process that works for me and the markers turned to magic.
The blendability of these markers looks amazing in coloring faces because they work great for shading, creating midtones and highlights.
What are the cons of Ohuhu alcohol markers?
For me, the cons are minimal and they don’t interfere with the coloring process.
For example, I’d like to see the names of colors on the marker itself, as well as on the caps. This is just a practicality thing, and not a must.
Another thing is the colorless blender. When I tried to use it, it started lightening the color beneath. I need to try it out more, with different colors. So far, this is what it did for me and I wasn’t a fan.
Conclusion – Are Ohuhu alcohol markers for you?
In a nutshell, Ohuhu Alcohol Markers are a game-changer for any starting or advanced artist. Not only are they budget-friendly, making art accessible to all, but their extensive color range is a true delight. Great choice for beginners, these markers boast a flowy and delicious ink that makes your creations pop.
However, if you’re a beginner and don’t have the time or the desire to go through a learning process, maybe try another medium. Learning to color with alcohol markers takes time, so have that in mind.
The blendability adds an extra layer of magic, turning every stroke into art and joy. Oh, and did I mention how downright fun they are to use? Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or looking to level up your skills, Ohuhu markers will fulfill your expectations.
I couldn’t find anything negative about these markers, except for the fact that using them is a learning curve, but that’s the nature of alcohol markers. I’m extremely happy that I get to play with all the 320 colors.
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