Tips for Coloring Dark Skin With Copics

Rubbernecker Blog RN-dark-2a-1024x1024-1

Coloring dark skin with copics takes a little more time and patience than lighter variations, typically there are more layers of ink, they are heavier by nature with not as much alcohol solution in the mix. So it takes a little more practice and a lot more mistakes to get images where you would like them to go.

You know me I am always up for a good challenge! So when Rubbernecker asked if some of the design team members would help showcase the new images featuring women and men of color I said sure I’ll give it a go!

Rubbernecker Blog RN-dark-2c-1024x1024  Main Stamp Image:
  • Base the skin in an Earth tone E11
  • Use a mid-tone and shadow to add shape and depth to the face E13 and E15
  • Blend the colors together going in reverse, E13 and E11
  • Add small touches of a blue violet into the deepest shadow areas BV23
  • Fill the lips with E04 and small touches of E09 for shape
  • Color the head wrap and top in a series of reds R81, R83, R85
  • Add squiggled lines over the hair area of the image with darker colors E47, E49, C9 * note you could leave the hair alone the stamp actually stamps the hair black, I always feel like it needs a little more texture and richness. It is very subtle but effective.
  • Fill the pupil of the eye with a warm Earth tone, E35
  • Use a layer of E50 to fill the background and then go over the entire area with W1, this helped match the background to the patterned papers I have chosen
 
Here are the steps to create the card:
  • Trim a light piece of patterned paper to 4.25 x 5.5 and attach it to a card base
  • Use a scalloped rectangle die to cut a large rectangle from a blog patterned paper and stamp the lower corner with the “Live On Your Terms” sentiment stamp
  • Using the nesting circle dies cut two circles from coordinating patterned papers, attach these together and then use foam tape to pop them up on the card base
  • trim the image using an oval from the nesting die set and use foam tape to pop it up in the center of the circles
Rubbernecker Blog RN-dark-2b-1024x1024

I hope this tutorial helped you get some good information on coloring dark skin with copics – be sure to share your success stories with us!

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