Paletteful Packs February Box Review: Art Supply Test & Tips

Unboxing Paletteful Packs’ February Art Supplies

Opening subscription art boxes feels like a creative Christmas morning. The February Paletteful Packs box promised excitement with Karin Brushmarker Pros, Sakura Microns, and premium Canson Bristol paper. After testing every item, I’ll share what delivered—and what disappointed. As an illustrator with years of marker experience, I approached this unboxing ready to compare these tools against industry staples like Copic markers.

Key Supplies Breakdown

Karin Brushmarker Pros (7 colors): Lilac, Sapphire Blue, Apple, Cool Grey 2, Indigo Blue, Turquoise, Canary.
Sakura Pigma Microns: 05 liner + Brush tip.
Paper: 25-sheet Canson XL Smooth Bristol pad.

The Brushmarker Pros intrigued me most. Their unique "mixable" feature claims you can blend colors by touching marker tips for 10-30 seconds. But as I’d learn, innovation doesn’t always mean practicality for illustrators.

Testing Brushmarker Pros: Strengths and Frustrations

Paint-Based Ink Challenges

Unlike alcohol-based markers, Brushmarker Pros contain a paint-like ink that behaves unpredictably. During swatching, the ink beaded on the Bristol paper, creating dark, uneven patches. Worse, it stayed wet for minutes, leading to smudging when my wrist accidentally touched a purple section. Pro tip: Always work top-to-bottom and let each layer dry fully.

The gradient blending feature—while clever—felt gimmicky. Connecting Indigo Blue and Canary created a temporary green transition, but reactivating colors disrupted workflow. For smooth gradients, I recommend wet-blending: Apply both colors side-by-side and mix quickly with the brush tip before the paint dries.

Color Limitations

Five of the seven colors (Lilac, Sapphire Blue, Indigo Blue, Turquoise, Cool Grey) shared nearly identical saturation levels. This made layering feel muddy, as seen in the hair section of my test illustration. Only Apple and Canary provided contrast. For diverse illustrations, Paletteful Packs should include at least one warm red or orange in such sets.

Bristol Paper: The Unexpected Star

While the markers underwhelmed, the Canson XL Smooth Bristol paper impressed. Its thick, non-textured surface prevented bleed-through entirely—even with heavy Brushmarker Pro application. When I tested Crayola Signature blendable markers (which typically warp thinner paper), the pigment stayed vibrant and controlled. This is a game-changer for marker-heavy artists.

Illustrator Workflow Adjustments

Swatch First: Test colors on a corner of your Bristol sheet. Paint-based markers change opacity as they dry.
Small Sections: Work in 2-inch areas to maintain wet-blending control.
Cap Tracking: Since colors are labeled only on caps, use a labeled cup to avoid mix-ups mid-work.

Beyond the Box: Hybrid Marker Insights

Who Should Use Brushmarker Pros?

These aren’t beginner-friendly. Their learning curve suits calligraphers seeking brush flexibility or mixed-media artists layering wet textures. For illustrators, I recommend sticking with alcohol-based markers (like Ohuhu or Copics) for predictable blends.

Industry Shift Alert

Karin’s paint-marker hybrid reflects a growing trend. Similar to Chameleon Pens, brands are prioritizing "color interaction" features. Yet after testing, I predict a backlash unless brands improve paper compatibility and color diversity.

Actionable Takeaways

Do This Now

Test paper compatibility with a hidden corner swatch.
Time your layers: Set a 3-minute timer between colors.
Repurpose underwhelming supplies: Use dense colors like Indigo Blue for outlines only.

Recommended Upgrades

For beginners: Try Tombow Dual Brush Pens—forgiving, water-based, budget-friendly.
For pros: Upgrade to Copic Sketch markers. Their refillable ink and featherless blends justify the cost.

Final Verdict

The Brushmarker Pros’ innovation gets overshadowed by impractical execution. While the Bristol paper and Microns are keepers, I’d trade the markers for one versatile red or skin-tone alcohol marker.

"These markers demand more patience than precision—ideal for experimental calligraphy, frustrating for detailed illustration."

Question for you: When trying new art supplies, what’s your biggest hurdle—color unpredictability, drying time, or blend control? Share your stories below!