Last Updated on June 3, 2026 by Dee
Last updated: June 2026 — added a new brand recommendation, three fresh drawing ideas, and a bundled starter pack of free templates.
Acrylic markers are the easiest “yes” I give my students. They behave like paint without the brush-water-palette dance, and they layer beautifully on cardstock, wood, fabric — basically anything that’ll sit still long enough. I’ve spent years drawing with them, and I keep coming back to the same handful of ideas that genuinely work: loose florals, dotted mandalas, little constellations, leafy wreaths, small landscapes you can finish in one sitting.
This post pulls together 20+ of those ideas, and since I last updated it I’ve added something new — I’ve partnered with Arrtx for the year, and they sent over their 60-color Direct Liquid Ink set for me to test (you’ll see them mentioned a little further down). I’ve also pulled together a small Acrylic Marker Starter Pack to go with the post — a swatch sheet, the crystal bubble flower template, a simple mandala, and a constellation outline, all bundled into one PDF you can print at home.
Grab the pack below, then scroll through the ideas — there’s a template or tutorial for almost every one.
Table of Contents
Two Acrylic Marker Brands I’d Recommend in 2026
I get asked which acrylic markers I actually reach for, and the honest answer is — it’s two brands now, not one. My long-time favorite is still Ohuhu Nahuku (you’ll find my full notes on those just below this section). But over the last few months I’ve been testing a second set, and they’ve earned a permanent spot on my desk.
Arrtx 60-Color Direct Liquid Ink Acrylic Markers
Arrtx kindly sent me their 60-color set to test — opinions are mine, and I genuinely use them. Here’s what’s stood out after a few weeks of real drawing:
- Zero pumping. Direct liquid ink means you uncap and draw. No tapping the nib on scrap paper, no priming, no waiting.
- Soft, flexible nib. It flexes for thin lines or wider strokes without the squeaky feel some markers have on cardstock.
- Opaque on dark paper. I tested them on black cardstock and the colors sit on top properly — no chalky drag, no double-passing.
- 60 vibrant colors. The range covers warm + cool florals, earthy greens, soft pastels and a proper black, so you can actually finish a piece without mixing brands.
- No clogging. Even after a long session, they cap-and-go without that frustrating dried-tip moment.
If you want to try them, the affiliate link is Arrtx 60-Color Acrylic Markers on Amazon, and wherever you shop — Amazon US, Amazon CA, AliExpress, or arrtx.com — there’s a Arrtx multi-region link that’ll send you to the right store.
If bookmarks are where you want to start, I just published a companion post: 40+ Easy Acrylic Marker Bookmark Designs (Free Printable Templates) — the Arrtx set was the one I used to draw most of them.
Why I Love Ohuhu Acrylic Markers ❤️
These Ohuhu Nahuku Direct Ink Acrylic Markers are one of my go-to tools lately. They glide on so smoothly, have rich pigmentation, and layer like a dream. The direct ink system means they don’t dry out mid-drawing and the colour payoff is chef’s kiss.
They’re perfect for everything from layering on canvas to adding bold outlines in your sketchbook. You can even use them on wood, plastic, glass, and rocks! I especially love combining them with my easy flower doodles and kawaii drawings.
I’m partnering with Ohuhu for this post, and I’m genuinely excited to share their new acrylic marker set with you!
How to Use Acrylic Markers ✍🏻 🎨
If you’re new to acrylic paint pens, don’t stress—they’re super easy and low-mess. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Shake well before using to mix the pigment
- Press the nib on scrap paper to activate the ink
- Use smooth paper or primed canvas for best results
- Layer colours after they dry for bold, non-muddy results
- Add outlines or highlights with white or metallic shades
💡 Pro tip: These markers are also amazing for outlining over watercolor backgrounds or mixed media collage!
Acrylic Marker Tutorial: Step-by-Step Butterfly 🦋
Yesterday I filmed a fun butterfly using the Ohuhu acrylic markers. It’s bold, bright, and only took about 15 minutes!
What I used:
- Ohuhu Nahuku Acrylic Markers
- Mixed media paper
- Black fineliner for initial sketch
- White gel pen for highlights
Steps:
- Lightly sketch a butterfly with pencil
- Fill the wings with your base colours (I used teal, magenta, and lemon yellow)
- Add shadows and details with a darker shade
- Outline with a black marker or pen
- Dot in white gel pen highlights for dimension
It’s such a satisfying process, and the markers layer up beautifully without streaks!
Pin This For Future Creative Inspo!
Acrylic Marker Drawing Ideas 🎨
Butterflies
Butterflies are a fantastic subject because you can experiment with symmetry, vibrant colours, and delicate detailing. Try layering contrasting colours to make the wings pop and add highlights for dimension.
Download the Free Acrylic Marker Templates & Ideas HERE 👇🏻!
Every freebie and tutorial on Artsydee is made with love (and plenty of coffee!) ☕ If you’d like to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee here → ko-fi.com/artsydee
Crystals & Gemstones
Crystals give you the chance to explore hard edges, reflections, and geometric shading. Use cool tones like purples and blues, then add white highlights for that glassy, magical look.
Abstract Blob Creatures
These are perfect for letting your imagination run wild! Start with loose blob shapes, then add eyes, limbs, and silly expressions. Kids love this one too.
Summer Fruit
Think lemons, watermelons, and juicy cherries. These are bold, bright, and instantly cheerful. The smooth surface of acrylic markers makes fruity colours shine.
Bubbles With Reflections
This is a fun way to practice soft shading and layering. Use pastel colours and blend softly around the edges to make the bubbles look translucent. You can even explore drawing on black paper for a more striking effect – acrylic paint pens are awesome for this!
Cactus and Succulents
Great for combining structure and texture, cacti are perfect for practicing spiky details and natural greens. Add pink flowers for a pop of colour.
Red Mushrooms
Create whimsical fungi with colourful caps and speckled dots. Use acrylic markers to layer rich hues and get that fantasy look.
Patterned Leaves
Use your markers to draw out large leaf shapes, then fill them with intricate patterns or Zentangle-style linework. These make gorgeous journal elements.
Constellations and Moons
A dreamy night sky with stars and planets can be incredibly relaxing to draw. Use black or navy backgrounds and bright white markers to create contrast and sparkle.
Cute Cartoon Animals
From sleepy cats to cheeky foxes, cartoon animals are endlessly fun to create. Use bold outlines and keep your shapes simple.
Swirly Florals and Whimsical Botanicals
Let your florals get wild and dreamy with loops, dots, and fantasy foliage. Perfect for page borders or journal spreads.
Geometric Mandalas
Mandalas give you a structured way to relax with repetitive shapes and patterns. Acrylic markers let you colour in each section smoothly and precisely.
Want more inspo? Check out my free summer coloring pages and stained glass templates.
🎨 Want more free printables? Browse my Free Printables Library — over 400 free templates, coloring pages, drawing guides, and creative resources all in one place!
Love These Templates? Get Even More Exclusive Creative Goodies on My Patreon! 🎨
If you’re enjoying these free printables, why not join my Artsydee Patreon community? As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive Procreate tutorials, watercolor lessons, and tons of printables like this one, which are delivered to you monthly (and sometimes even twice a month!). Plus, you’ll get sneak peeks at upcoming projects and have a say in what content I create next. ✨
Join today and unlock premium resources to take your creativity to the next level!
Acrylic Marker Bookmark Designs
Bookmarks are the perfect first project for acrylic markers — they’re small, low-pressure, and you finish one in about ten minutes. I use heavy cardstock (220gsm or higher), draw a simple botanical or geometric pattern down the length, then add tiny dot accents with a white marker for sparkle. Pinks and sage greens on cream paper are my go-to combo. If you want a full set of templates to trace, I’ve put together 40+ easy acrylic marker bookmark designs in a separate post — the templates print at home and the markers do the rest.
Wood Slice Ornaments
Wood slices are having a quiet moment online, and acrylic markers are made for them. Sand the slice lightly, draw a small motif — a mushroom house, a single mushroom with a polka-dot cap, a sprig of lavender, or a tiny moon-phase row — and let each layer dry before adding the next. Warm browns, deep forest greens and a touch of rust read beautifully on raw wood. They’re lovely as Christmas ornaments but honestly they look just as good hanging year-round on a bookshelf.
Mini Cottagecore Landscapes
These are my favorite “one cup of tea” project. Sketch a low horizon line about a third up the page, then build rolling hills in three soft greens, layered front to back. Add a tiny mushroom house tucked into the middle hill, a curl of smoke from the chimney, and a few pale clouds drawn with the side of the nib. Sage, dusty pink, cream and a soft buttery yellow give you that storybook cottagecore feel without overworking it. Great on bookmark-sized strips too if you want to keep things small.
Final Thoughts 💭
Acrylic markers are a playful and powerful medium that’s perfect for all levels of creativity. Whether you’re filling your sketchbook, decorating journal pages, or making gifts, these ideas and tutorials are the perfect place to start.
I’d love to see what you create! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest @artsydee and don’t forget to subscribe or join my Patreon for more templates, tutorials and art inspo.
Happy drawing!
x Dee
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ohuhu Acrylic Markers
What are ohuhu acrylic markers and why are they useful?
Acrylic markers are seriously underrated when it comes to fun, vibrant, and bold art making. Whether you’re a total beginner or an art journal junkie, acrylic paint pens give you so much creative freedom. Today I’m sharing some of my favourite acrylic markers drawing ideas , a beginner-friendly tutorial , and a couple of free printables (swatch sheets + drawing template) to get you started! I’ve put together TWO free printable packs for you — grab the free 5
Can you explain why i love ohuhu acrylic markers ❤️?
This is covered in detail in the post above, with step-by-step guidance and free printable resources to help you get started with
Do I need to be good at drawing to try ohuhu acrylic markers?
Not at all! The
How do I download the free ohuhu acrylic markers printables?
Just pop your email address into the box above and the free printables will be sent directly to your inbox!
Love these gives me great ideas as well. Thanks ☺️