Oi... it's been long... 久しぶり。。。

I recently purchased Dr. Martin Radiant Concentrated Color Ink after reading what CLAMP used in their art works. They mainly use that and Copic (type of bright colored markers that blend really well). Well, as professionals use it, they are darn expensive (well, perhaps not since oil paint costs similar amount) $4 each per bottle. I mistakenly bought 17 Dr. Martin Pigment ink (which gives cheap acrylic like colors and didn't bring out transparency of human skin) so I replaced it with (ahem) 23 bottles of Radiant Concentrated Color Ink and 6 bottles of Ecoline Color Ink (7000 yen over than before). But, it was worth it. They give nice distinct colors compared to water colored paints (all these years, I thought those artists used water based colors and wondered how on earth they brought forth distinct colors). On the other hand, Copic markers are quite easy to use (I managed to make one of those anime eyes without too much brain and hair colors) but they require much more money than color ink. This is the question of looking for usefulness or price. If I have money, I will go for Copic pens. If I have the skill, I will go for cheaper Dr. Martin Color Inks. Since I went for both without skill, ahem... trying to practice late at night after work, hoping to get something out of it. Since I was used to oil based paintings, it feels like going back to elementary school...