Ohuhu 120 Brush Markers & Pad Review: Honest Artist Insights

Testing Ohuhu's New 120 Marker Set and Sketchbook

As an artist who regularly tests art supplies, I understand the frustration of buying markers that bleed through paper or colors that don't match expectations. After analyzing Ohuhu's newly released 120 brush marker set ($99.99) and companion marker pad ($16.95), I'll share crucial insights that could save you money. Having used multiple Ohuhu sets over the years, I conducted side-by-side tests with my usual Illo sketchbook and cardstock to evaluate performance objectively.

Marker Value and Physical Features

The 120-piece set includes a colorless blender and costs less than $1 per marker. The barrel design features:

Brush nib on one end (flexible for variable strokes)
Chisel nib on the opposite end (broad coverage)
Color names/codes on each cap for identification

The case divides into four sections, but color grouping is inconsistent straight from the box. After reorganizing them by hue family, I discovered:

Significant gray/pastel expansion (especially in greens/blues)
7 skin tone overlaps with previous sets
Problematic color inconsistencies like YR9 (Yellow Ochre) renamed to Y9 with altered pigment

Paper Performance Comparison Tests

Testing the 120gsm Ohuhu pad against my 122gsm Illo sketchbook revealed critical differences:

Bleeding and Color Rendering

Ohuhu pad: Minimal bleeding but noticeable shadowing. Colors appear darker and more saturated.
Illo sketchbook: Colors render lighter initially, with slight splotchiness that blends when dry. No bleeding through pages.
Cardstock: Darkest color output but prone to splotches

Usability and Design

The Ohuhu pad's square format (8.3" x 8.3") has 78 perforated sheets. Key drawbacks:

Doesn't lay flat due to thick binding
Awkward drawing angles cause wrist strain
Impractical size for portability (like carrying a textbook)

Color Analysis and Practical Application

While swatching all 120 markers, I noted:

Only 35% new unique colors compared to smaller sets
Best additions: Pastel greens/blues (e.g., BG3, G43)
Redundant shades in mid-tone ranges

When drawing my character "Wheelz," I used just three colors (Pastel Pink, Potato Brown, Barium Yellow), proving:

Layering creates versatility without needing every hue
Limited palettes boost creativity
Nib fragility surfaced during detail work (brush tips deformed quickly)

Final Recommendations and Alternatives

Based on hands-on testing:

Skip the 120-set if you own Ohuhu's brush markers - color expansion isn't substantial enough
Choose the marker pad only if you'll remove sheets - the binding makes whole-book use frustrating
Better starter options: Ohuhu's 48 brush marker set ($25) or chisel/bullet nib sets

Budget-conscious artists should prioritize paper quality over marker quantity. As I experienced during testing, a $10 cardstock outperformed both sketchbooks for color vibrancy. Invest in marker-specific paper separately rather than bulky pads.

Actionable Takeaways

Swatch markers on your actual paper - color rendering varies dramatically
Start with 48 markers max - expand only after identifying workflow gaps
Use skin-safe barriers when testing (the included protection sheet works well)
Rotate nibs at early wear signs to prolong marker life
Layer light colors first for optimal blending

The Ohuhu markers deliver solid value at their price point, but the 120-set mainly benefits artists needing specific grays/pastels. What's your biggest marker frustration? Share your experiences below!