Knowing how much I like to draw with markers, my 5 year-old son gave me a present for Mother’s Day: a set of STUDIO dual-tip markers. It was a win-win gift: he could afford it and it makes me happy. He bought them at our local Dollarama.
This gift showed me that finding a decent set of markers for your artistic endeavors doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re on the hunt for affordable drawing tools, you might be tempted by theses STUDIO dual-tip markers available at dollar stores (such as Dollarama in Canada).
These markers are notable for their dual functionality, offering both a brush tip and a fine tip, which makes them versatile for various drawing techniques.
If you’re curious about how these markers perform, from their ability to express fine lines to their durability over time, and whether they bleed through paper, keep reading!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- STUDIO dual-tip markers offer versatility with a brush and fine tip.
- Affordable pricing poses the question of quality versus cost.
- Marker performance reviewed in terms of durability and bleed-through.
What Are STUDIO Dual-Tip Markers?
STUDIO dual-tip markers are a versatile tool designed for those who enjoy art and crafting.
Each marker is equipped with two distinct tips. On one end, there’s a fine tip perfect for adding intricate details and sharp lines to your work. The opposite end features a brush tip, ideal for coloring larger areas smoothly and efficiently.
You can find these markers at Dollarama in Canada, which is similar to Dollar Tree stores in the U.S., making them conveniently available. In Canada, they are priced at a budget-friendly $4.50 CAD ($3.30 USD).
Note that these markers are permanent and not meant to be washable, so they might not be suitable for very young artists. They’re great for hobbyists and crafters who need reliability without breaking the bank.
Here’s the summary:
- Type: Dual-Tip Markers
- Tips: Extra Fine and Brush
- Price: $4.50 CAD ($3.30 USD)
- Availability: Dollarama in Canada (US equivalent: Dollar Tree)
- Use Case: Ideal for detailed work and coloring large areas
- User Guidance: Not recommended for small children due to their permanent nature
What I Think About These Markers
You’re likely curious about Dollar Store’s Studio Dual-Tip Brush Markers, especially in terms of quality and value.
For this review, I drew a snowmen family from my snowman drawing ideas. Note that for outlining, I did not use the black STUDIUO marker because mine had dried off. But for the rest of the drawing, I used these markers.
Let’s take a closer look at what I liked and what I disliked.
What I Liked
- Affordability: You’ll appreciate how these markers don’t break the bank. They’re quite the bargain, especially if you’re experimenting with art supplies or need a set for casual use.
- Vibrant Colors: The brightness of the colors is quite good.
- Clever Case Design: The case is smartly designed so that you are forced to put the markers in a certain way. This makes it easy to quickly identify where’s each tip—brush or fine—without the guesswork.
- Versatile Brush Tip: Whether you’re covering a large area or focusing on finer details, the brush tip is versatile enough to handle both, giving you a wide stroke and the ability to color smaller details effectively.
What I Did Not Like
- Dry Fine Tips: If you often use the fine tip for detailed work like outlining, you might be disappointed to find it drying out rather fast. In my case, I experienced it with the black and red markers.
- Stiff Wide Tips: For those of you who enjoy the flexibility of a brush tip for smooth, varies strokes, the stiffness of the wider tip could be a challenge.
- Quick Drying Ink: You might notice that these markers dry faster than others, which can limit your ability to blend colors extensively. This might not be a deal breaker for everyone (like me), but it’s something you’ll want to keep in mind, especially if you want to create subtler shading or feathering effects.
Durability and Longevity
When considering Studio Dual-Tip Brush Markers from dollar stores, you’ll want to take extra care with the caps. Ensuring the caps are securely fastened after each use is crucial; this helps prevent the markers from drying out prematurely.
Despite my best efforts, I noticed that even with minimal use, certain colors may begin to lose their vibrance quickly. In my case, it was the black and red markers.
To extend the life of your markers, try the following tips:
- Cap Tightly: Always re-cap markers immediately after use.
- Store Properly: Keep your markers stored horizontally to maintain even ink flow.
- Avoid Sunlight: Store them away from direct sunlight to protect the ink.
Remember, while these markers may not boast the resilience of higher-priced competitors, with a gentle touch and proper care, you can help to prolong their usability.
Keep in mind that frequent and heavy use may lead to markers drying out faster, so consider your application and, perhaps, reserve them for projects where longevity isn’t paramount.
Do The Markers Bleed?
When working with Studio Dual-Tip Brush Markers, the experience can differ depending on the paper you’re using.
On standard printing paper (on the photo above), expect some bleeding, as is common with many marker types.
If you’re sketching or jotting down notes, the ink may seep through to the other side. To avoid such scenarios, it’s a good strategy to have a spare sheet underneath to protect the next page or surface.
On the other hand, when you’re using more robust papers like those found in an Ohuhu Mixed Media Pad, you’ll be pleased to discover that these markers perform quite well.
Unlike alcohol markers, bleeding is non-existent with these. It means that you can use both sides of the paper sheet that saving on buying extra drawing paper!
Conclusion
STUDIO dual-tip markers offer a budget-friendly option for artists and crafters.
The dual tip design provides versatility for both detailed work and coloring large areas. While they might not be the most durable markers on the market, their affordability makes them a good choice for beginners, casual use, or experimenting with art supplies.
Keep in mind that some fine tips may dry out quickly, and the brush tips might not be as flexible as those in higher-end markers.
Additionally, the ink dries fast, limiting extensive blending. However, with proper care and using them on thicker paper, you can achieve great results and extend their lifespan.
Overall, for the price, STUDIO dual-tip markers are a worthwhile buy, especially for those who appreciate affordability and versatility.
