Copic Ciao Cadmium Red: Far From Being The Red-Headed Stepchild In The Copic Family

With 180 colors to choose from, the Ciao series of dual sided markers are a great tool for artists. The selection of various red and off-orange colors is impressive but there are a couple that are not essential color since they are so close to others. The Cadmium Red is a nice pick if you do a lot of flowers; I got it for some flash that I was working on and needed a pale pasty red that could also get blended with orange. It isn't a color that I use often but I don't regret getting it because when I need this specific color I don't have to worry about blending it or trying to get something 'close' to it.

What Shade Is The Copic Cadmium Red [R27]? It can go any number of ways; there is a mute to it so it definitely isn't as strong as a primary red but it doesn't have enough of an orange glow to it to make you think 'pumpkin' when you see it. It is a softer red that can be used with a lot of other colors in the red and pink families but because it is softer and lighter, when you use it with other colors it doesn't monopolize the scene. If you have used companies markers and loved the cadmium red, this one is a little lighter than most others. Not so much so that it doesn't deserve the name but if you are getting it thinking that it is going to be a perfect match you might be a little disappointed. So far I have not been able to find a "brick red" in the Copic Ciao line; there are a couple in the Sketch series that come close but I haven't found one that is a dead on balls accurate match. Yes, you can overlap and blend colors but if you have ever looked at a red brick wall you know that there are a lot of different colors that go in to it but from a distance it all looks like one single color.

In addition to this color, there are a couple of other 'cadmium' markers in the Ciao series. They include Cadmium Yellow [Y15] and Cadmium Orange [YR07]. While it is highly unlikely that a third party seller is going to send you the wrong marker, mix ups do happen so make sure you check your order when you receive it in case they mix up one of the cadmium named pieces.

One of the biggest perks to the Ciao is that it is refillable; if you aren't a complete beast when using these that means that you can extend the life of them. Re-tipping is also something that can be done to markers that are in like-new condition but you are going to want to make sure that the barrel has no cracks and the caps still click back in to place with a strong hold. This does give then an environmentally friendly slant but I really stress that you need to make sure that the barrel and caps are still in great shape before you refill them or re-tip them. I like the no roll barrel design; even if you are working on a drafting table they aren't going to slide around. Yes, they might slide off the table if it is on an extreme slant but chances are anything that isn't taped down or secured with poster putty is going to meet the same exact fate.

While the Ciao is expensive at four to six dollars a piece, it is something that can last for years if you take care of it. Recap the ends properly [that means don't slam the caps into place by banging them on your desk or table], use a marker carrier when you are taking them with you and keep them out of reach of kids. The ink is non-toxic but it is permanent and that means you get to clean up a nice mess if they decide to get artistic on a wall or table. These are a nice investment for those in to scrapbooking because of the ink and the color choices but all types of artists are going to love the dual sided aspect of it and the varying lines that can be made with them.


^V^ ©Freak369 - 2012 ^V^


Copic Ciao Colors: Phthalo Blue, Chrome Orange, Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Robin's Egg Blue, Lipstick Natural, Cool Shadow, Horizon Green, Honey, Sugared Almond, Moss, Forest Green, Salmon Red, Ice Blue, Blue Violet, Jade Green, Mallow, Pale Lavender, Emerald Green, Frost Blue, Baby Skin Pink, Verdigris, Fruit Pink, Raw Silk, Flesh, Nile Green, Violet, Prussian Blue, Milky White, Process Blue, Light Orange, Dark Pink

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