Prepare the color palette that you want to use. This can be adjusted throughout the drawing, but having a plan allows for more depth of color and shadowing techniques.
Start with the lightest marker, whether that is flesh tone, eggshell or pale sky blue. This is important to allow for layering. Lighter Copic colors can be used over darker colors to blend. A color wheel can be helpful.
To create shadow, use two shades of the same color, a lighter and darker brown, for example. Layer along any edges or anywhere on the image to create depth. Pick a direction from where you want light to be casting to make a uniform shadow on the figure.
Stippling the Copic marker by using small, broken-up strokes will give the effect of texture or highlight on a figure. The strokes should allow for lighter color or white to split up darker-colored strokes. This is good for pattern or texture on fabric and highlights in hair, among other details.
Pens are valuable to create shapes and outlines to be filled in by Copic markers. Stamping is also a popular way to use the markers if your drawing skills are in the learning stages. A few multiliner pen sizes and a permanent marker will create many effects.
Draw a thick line along the bottom of an arm or on the corners of a building image to create depth or emphasis. Combine a thicker line with shadow effects from the Copic marker for added definition to an area.
Add breaks in the line to add interest to an outline. The eye is drawn to the variance in the picture. The breaks also create a casual and more authentic image.
Lettering allows you to practice with different shading and line techniques. Block letters or more elaborate fonts can incorporate a plethora of colors and styles; think graffiti artists.
Start with the lightest color to create the letter, and then layer darker colors on top for depth. This is where a blender is especially helpful. Pull and smear the colors beyond the basic edges of the letters for a different effect.
Use the multiliner pens and a permanent marker to create outlines to the letters. Use a thicker line with the permanent marker on the corners of the letter. Break up the line with spaces and dots. A second thin line outside of the first outline adds more prominence.
Draw diagonal lines across the letters with the thinnest pen for a dynamic look. Do this sparingly with all the lines going in the same angle on each letter.
Take the white-colored pencil to add diagonal white lines across the letter to make highlights. Highlights can be added to the edges and corners of the outline as well.