Markers That Stamp Their Way Into My Heart (But Not My Art)

So, these markers I snagged from a local flea market claimed they had “never been used.” 

And you know what? They weren’t lying. 

I never in my life heard of this brand marker before, but they were in perfect condition and looking brand new. 

The word ‘gruesa’ indicates for me that this maybe is some secret Spanish brand. Which was totally unfindable on internet or it was hiding for me.

I was surprised by the rich and vibrant saturated pigment which was very liquid. They practically jump off the page. If only that level of intensity carried over into performance. 

As I was using them, it became clear that while the colors are rich, the blending, let’s just say, is terrible and leave stripes all over the place. 

Trying the doodle sticks on my decade-old drawing which all those years was waiting to be colored in and I almost immediately regretting it because now it looks like a drunken toddler tried to channel Picasso, but also kind of proud because at least someone finally gave it some attention and finished the doodles I once made. 

It doesn’t come as a surprise that my trusty Copic and Winston Newton markers, which I also used on this drawing, blended like a dream. 

Now, I’m not one to completely discard a marker set based on one bad performance. So I had a moment of brilliance: what if I used these markers for something else? 

Enter my new favorite use: marker stamp art. 

I painted with the markers on some foam and stamped it all over my journal. 

I could not be happier with the result; these markers may be disastrous for coloring, but when it comes to creating funky, textured stamps, they’re the Beyoncé of art supplies.

So, to sum up: If you’re into precision and smooth blending, steer clear of these markers. 

But if you’re looking for an affordable way to add some weird and wonderful texture to your art journal? Grab ’em, paint the foam and start stamping your heart out. 

Mundo Diver may not be the ink wands set you want for a smooth drawing, but I liked the stamping function, which for the opportunity I brought to life myself, very much. So that’s what I’m using it for from now on.