Kids love markers for their bright, bold color. They can also streak, bleed through and dry out. A few tips help kids get great results.
Avoid streaks
- Color in one direction or in small overlapping circles.
- Keep moving. Stopping in one spot leaves a dark blob.
- Color while the ink is wet. Overlapping wet strokes blend better than dry ones.
Avoid bleed-through
- Put scrap paper behind the page.
- Don’t go over the same spot again and again.
- Use thicker paper if possible.
Big areas and small details
- Broad tips for big areas like robot bodies in Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots
- Fine tips for eyes, mouths and small details in Trace Then Color: Silly Faces
- Light colors first, dark colors last
Layering markers
Let the first color dry, then add a darker marker on one side for simple shading. See easy shading.
Combine with other tools
Markers for bold areas plus colored pencils for details is a winning combo. See mixed media coloring.
Bold pages for markers
Halloween pages with orange pumpkins and green monsters, like those in Trace Then Color: Cartoon Halloween Characters, look great with markers. Bold outlines help keep marker color inside.
Marker care
- Caps on with a click
- Store tip-down or flat
- Revive dry washable markers by dipping the tip in a little water for a few seconds
See caring for coloring supplies and the washable markers guide.
Wash hands after markers, and keep wipes nearby for little faces.
Questions parents ask
Why does my child’s marker coloring look streaky?
Usually from stopping and starting. Small circles and steady motion help.
Are markers okay for toddlers?
Washable, broad-tip markers with close supervision, from around age 2 or 3.
Do markers bleed through coloring books?
Some do. Put a sheet of paper behind the page.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
