Inside ScrawlrBox #50: Artist Feature & Purple Copic Crafting
content: The Ultimate ScrawlrBox Unboxing Experience
Opening my October 2019 ScrawlrBox felt surreal - not just because of the vibrant purple theme, but because I was the featured artist. This milestone 50th box celebrates our artistic community’s support. After analyzing every tool and creating the included artwork, I’ll share why this collaboration excels for illustrators seeking professional-grade materials. You’ll see how alcohol markers transform sketches and why specialized paper matters.
Behind the Collaboration
ScrawlrBox approached me for their historic 50th edition after seeing community demand. The surprise? A custom Copic marker bundle curated for my style. Unlike typical boxes where artists select supplies, they brilliantly matched tools to my workflow. This demonstrates how understanding an artist’s niche elevates subscription boxes beyond random assortments.
content: Unboxing the Premium Tools
Signature Copic Marker Bundle
The box’s stars are Copic Ciao markers in Mauve Shadow and Blueberry. These alcohol-based beauties feature:
- Brush nib for precision shading
- Chisel tip for broad strokes
- Compact size (more affordable than Sketch series)
Though they lack color names on the barrel, their blendability rivals professional sets. During my artwork process, Mauve Shadow created delicate hair gradients while Blueberry added dramatic accents to clothing.
Supporting Artisan Tools
Beyond Copics, the box included:
- Copic Multiliner SP in Wine (0.3mm): Smudge-proof for inking before coloring
- Derwent Paint Pen (White, 0.5mm): Opacity perfect for glittery highlights
- Lyra Kneaded Eraser: High-quality dust-free correction
- Canson "The Wall" Paper: Revolutionary bleed-proof surface for markers
The paper shocked me during testing—zero bleed-through even with heavy Copic layering. Industry studies confirm such specialized paper reduces ink consumption by 30% compared to standard sheets.
content: Creating the Featured Artwork
Step-by-Step Illustration Process
- Thumbnail Sketching: Digital mockups established color placement before traditional sketching
- Lightbox Transfer: Phone + picture frame created DIY lightbox for clean line art
- Marker Layering:
- Glitter pen first on accessories
- Mauve Shadow for hair shadows
- Blueberry for focal points
- Detail Enhancement: White paint pen added reflective light on glasses
Pro Tip: Kneaded erasers absorb graphite without shredding—essential when redrawing lines on premium paper.
Overcoming Creative Challenges
Mid-illustration, a power outage threatened progress! This emphasized preparing backup tools like battery-powered lights. The artwork also evolved digitally post-scanning; I refined eye details and adjusted colors for print accuracy. This hybrid approach preserves hand-drawn texture while ensuring reproducibility—a tactic galleries like Saatchi Art recommend.
content: Key Takeaways for Artists
Purple-Themed Toolkit Breakdown
| Tool | Best For | Artist Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Copic Mauve Shadow | Subtle gradients | Layer lightly for skin/hair |
| Blueberry Marker | Bold accents | Use chisel side for backgrounds |
| Wine Multiliner | Ink drawings | Pair with alcohol markers |
| Glitter Pen | Textural pop | Apply after markers dry |
Actionable Professional Advice
- Test New Paper First: Swatch markers on edges to check bleeding
- Layer Strategically: Build light colors before darks to prevent muddiness
- Embrace Hybrid Workflows: Scan traditional art for digital refinement
- Maintain Tools: Store kneaded erasers in containers to prevent drying
- Create Anywhere: DIY lightboxes enable tracing without expensive gear
content: Why This Box Excels
ScrawlrBox #50 sets a new standard by combining exclusivity with practicality. The limited-edition enamel pin commemorates their 50-box journey, while artist-curated tools solve real creative needs. Unlike generic art kits, every supply served a purpose in my illustration—especially the Canson paper that handled relentless marker layers.
For emerging illustrators, this box demonstrates how specialized tools elevate artistry. The Copics’ blendability enabled sophisticated shadows impossible with budget markers, and the bleed-proof paper saved hours of fixing mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Creating the featured artwork reaffirmed that authenticity resonates most. I drew my signature style—poofy hair, pinafores, glitter—instead of experimenting. Your artistic voice deserves celebration. When you receive new tools, create what brings joy, not what’s trendy.
Which tool from this unboxing would transform your workflow? Share your artistic goals below!
