- Click HERE to sign up for Copic's email list, to be notified about Certification Classes in your area, new products, and special offers from Copic.
- What are Copic Certification classes? Scroll down to read all about what they cover.
- Standard & Intermediate Certification class information and applications can be found HERE.
- Copic Frequently Asked Questions about product can be found on my blog, HERE (or click Copic FAQ above).
- Links to my Copic Tutorials and Downloadable Color Chart can now be found on my Copic FAQ page.
Copic Papercrafting Certification Overview
The Copic Certification Program is designed for papercrafters, scrapbookers, rubber stampers, store owners, store employees and store designers. Our one-day intensive programs will teach diverse applications for Copic products with the intent of people sharing them with their classes, stores, workshops, or furthering their personal talent.
Once you are a Copic Certified Designer you will be listed through our Copic Certified Instructor Search. This allows people interested in having a workshop or class on Copic techniques to contact you directly.
The Copic Papercrafting Standard Certification Class encompasses education of the most important aspects of Copic’s product lines. It includes hands-on education of product knowledge, blending techniques, answers to common problems, how to test and select your inks and papers. This is useful information, whether you want to sell, teach, or just enjoy using our products. You will receive a 68 page manual, popular Copic products, pre-printed images to color, and a portfolio to put all of your completed work in. You will also have an opportunity to use all of our products hands-on, as we cover their function and differences between each one.
» STANDARD CERTIFICATION CLASS STRUCTURE
STANDARD CERTIFICATION CLASSES:
(Updated May 6, 2013. Class availability is Open unless otherwise noted)
-- MAY --
24: Hanover, MD taught by Lori Craig (only 4 spots left)
31: Salt Lake City, UT taught by Marianne Walker
31: Columbus, OH taught by Cindy Lawrence
-- JUNE --
28: Chicago, IL taught by Debbie Olson
Classes open 60 days from the date of the class. ALL CLASSES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
More dates coming soon! Scroll down for more in-depth class details.
The Copic Papercrafting Intermediate Certification Class was developed for people who want to know more of the artistic aspects of working with Copic products. You can apply for this class if you have taken the Standard Copic Certification class. In this class, you will cover shading, shadows and color. You will learn composition and design in paper crafting, coloring trees, working with reds, skin tones and coloring hair. Most importantly, you will learn to improve your own designs! If you want to take your coloring to the next level, this class is for YOU!!
» INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATION CLASS STRUCTURE
* Download Intermediate Class Marker Color List HERE.
INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATION CLASSES:
(Updated May 6, 2013)
Open to anyone who has taken the Standard Certification and who wants to learn how to color and design more like an artist. New! You may take the Standard and Intermediate classes back-to-back two consecutive days where they are offered together!
-- MAY --
25: Hanover, MD taught by Lori Craig (FULL)
-- JUNE --
01: Salt Lake City, UT taught by Marianne Walker (only 2 spots left)
01: Columbus, OH taught by Cindy Lawrence
29: Chicago, IL taught by Debbie Olson (only 4 spots left)
Classes open 60 days from the date of the class. ALL CLASSES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
More dates coming soon! Scroll down for more in-depth class details.
Join our Regional Instructors for TWO consecutive, fun filled days of coloring, creating and getting inky! Expand your coloring skills, experiment with unique surfaces, learn new inking techniques and advance your airbrushing aptitude in this totally hands-on workshop.
We will be including the following four classes during this two-day event:
- Coloring Ethnic Skin Tones and Various Hair Styles
- Oodles of Doodles and Backgrounds
- Airbrushing Made Easy
- So Many Surfaces
Now doesn't that sound like fun? Be sure to check out the details and register HERE. COPIC Standard Certification is a prerequisite for attending the new COPIC Color and Ink Workshop. Classes will be offered *about* once a month at select locations throughout 2013 (dates to be announced later):
Anaheim, CA: Jan 10-11, 2013
Instructors - Colleen Schaan, Sherrie Siemens, Debbie Olson, Cindy Lawrence
Orlando, FL: Feb 22-23
Instructors - Colleen Schaan & Sherrie Siemens
Boston, MA: May 3-4: Open for enrollment, click HERE
Instructors - Debbie Olson & Cindy Lawrence
Calgary, AB Canada: May 24-25: Open for enrollment, click HERE.
Instructors - Sherrie Siemens & Debbie Olson
Toronto, ON Canada: June 7-8: Open for enrollment, click HERE.
Instructors - Sherrie Siemens & Colleen Schaan
Chicago, IL:
Instructors -
Indianapolis, IN:
Instructors -
Portland, OR:
Instructors -
Dallas, TX:
Instructors -
So if you see one offered at a location somewhere near you, jump on it! Scroll down for more in-depth class details. Here's a quick video describing the class:
COPIC MARKER DESIGN TEAM & REGIONAL CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTORS:
Debbie Olson
Sharon Harnist
Sherrie Siemens
Cindy Lawrence
Michele Boyer
Colleen Schaan
Debbie Olson
Lori Craig
Marianne Walker
Sherrie Siemens
Cindy Lawrence
Copic Certified Designer Program Overview
Who Can Become Certified
Classes are OPEN first to:
- Store Owners/Employees in the Papercrafting or Fine Art Industry
- Teachers who are affiliated with a store
- Designers registered with CHA or members of Design Team(s)
- Sales Reps for Copic or associated Distributors
- Media, Press
Three weeks before the event, REMAINING SEATS will be opened to:
- Home Party Representatives (such as Stampin’ Up! or CTMH)
- Craft enthusiasts
How to Become Copic Certified
The Copic Certification training program will be offered in select locations across the country. These sessions are limited to approx. 25 attendees per session and applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please follow the steps below to maximize your potential of getting into a certification session.
1. Get on the mailing list for a specific venue. Note: getting onto the mailing list does NOT guarantee a place in class, it only adds you to our mailing list.
Please e-mail Nancy Zenke at nancy@copicmarker.com if you have any specific questions.
2. About 2 months before an event, applications and information will be e-mailed to everyone who has signed up for our mailing list. Complete your application and return it as quickly as possible. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis once registration opens. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED EARLY.
3. Once the class fills registration will close. If the class does not fill 3 weeks before the event it will be opened up to the public.
4. Once your application has been received you will get a confirmation e-mail with instructions on how to pay for the event. Payment will be done using PayPal.
Standard Certification Information
Class Goals, Outline, & Supplies
People who take this class will be listed on the Copic website as instructors who have completed training. It is still up to you to practice on your own and take the skills you learn and apply them to your own work.
This is a technique-based class. You will NOT make finished samples. Rather, we suggest that you make a sample book with techniques and color combos that you like during the class, or take the small images you work on during class and turn them into projects later.
A typical class:
- 9 am to 10:30 Papers, inks, and product overview (Basic Overview)
- 10 min break
- 10:40 to 12:30 pm Coloring, 4 blending methods, and the colorless blender
- 1 hr lunch break – Lunch is NOT provided
- 1:30 to 2:45 Blender effects, altered media, ink effects,
- 3pm to 4 Airbrushing, Q & A, signing of certificates
Supplies:
Your class fee includes an information packet with a lot of useful literature and guides. There will also be a paper sampler in your packet. Most of the fliers and information sheets are downloadable off the Copic website, and you can request copies of specific fliers for your future events by sending an e-mail to nancy@copicmarker.com
Also included is a product packet. This is a sampler for you to use for teaching or demo purposes. We will be using Sketch markers during the class. If you choose to bring your own markers make sure they are marked so they do not get mixed in with our classroom sets.
All other supplies are provided, however you may wish to bring the following:
- Your own stamps or stamped-off images
- Your own papers or inks to try (we provide our favorites, please test your own)
- Embellishments to alter or airbrush (die-cuts, metal, silk flowers, etc)
What if I have already taken a Certification Class and I want to take it again?
There are usually a few spaces for people like you in each class. The way this works is:
1. There will be a small fee. This helps us cover catering and room rental, etc.
2. You don’t get a new packet unless you want to pay full price. Likewise, no new certificate.
3. Please complete your application at the same time I open registration to everyone and write on your application that you are a REPEAT.
4. When you come, please help the people around you. Especially with the four main blending techniques. Those slow down the class the most and having someone else at the table who can help is greatly appreciated.
5. Please bring your own markers and have them labeled. It takes us a while to check the classroom marker sets after each class and refill them, which we factor into the class cost.
6. If you can’t make it to the whole class, then please enter/exit at the breaks so you’re not disrupting other students.
After you are Certified – What you can do:
Once you are Copic Certified you get a Certificate and a Copic Certified logo for your blog, upon request. Now you need to practice, practice, practice since attending the class does NOT guarantee proficiency. Other things you get from the class:
- Listed on the Copic online Instructor list. This is located on the Copic website under Instructors. You can expect it to be updated within 2-3 weeks after each certification class. If your name or other details are incorrect or missing, please send us an e-mail.
- Offer in-store demos. Ask your local stamp store if they would like you to do a demo or make-n-take. You need to provide all your own product supplies and make-n-take parts, though we are happy to offer literature and support materials. Please allow 2-3 weeks shipping if you request literature.
- Teach a papercrafting class. Take the techniques you learn and turn them into a workshop. You can print off any posts from the ilikemarkers blog as instructional material, though you need to credit where the information came from. Again, if you need literature, just let us know with advance warning and we’ll be happy to help.
If you are teaching a class and you will need markers please remember: Copic markers are in very high-demand and you will want to place your order at least 60 days (preferably 90 days if the colors are very specific) before your workshop especially if you order direct through Copic. Don’t set up a class before you have product arranged, this will just make people unhappy. Ditto for stores trying to set up a Copic Club. Please have product before you hype an event.
- Peace of mind. You’ll know that you heard information about Copics straight from our official representatives. If you ever have a question or problem just bug one of us and we either find the answer or take it straight to the manufacturer in Japan.
- Blog. Go ahead and share anything you learned in the class on your blog. Just cite where you learned the technique from if it is unusual or if others might have questions. If you have a blog and are certified and need the logo, send Marianne an e-mail with the city you were certified in and she will be happy to send that to you.
- Get asked by other people to teach. Occasionally we have a need for a demo or workshop across the country. We may contact you or another store might contact you. For this reason, be sure that your blog shows good, high-quality use of Copic products so that if someone comes looking for your services they’ll know what kinds of things you make.
- Use the status to get on design teams. I know that it means a lot to some design teams if one of their candidates is Copic Certified, however, you still need to prove though high-quality work that you know what you learned and to get them to pick you.
What you can’t do:
- Get Frustrated. If you’re certified, you still need to practice. It won’t magically work the first time. Those of you who have taken the class know what we mean. Some of the blending techniques are tricky and you might not have mastered them during the class. Just keep practicing and you will improve. This is why you can re-take the class. We know you won’t get it all the first time.
- Certify others. Sorry, to be able to certify others is a long, involved process and we are NOT looking for new instructors at this time. You can teach local classes but not official Copic Certification Classes.
Intermediate Certification Information
• Class size is limited, so apply early.
• Class runs from 9am to 4pm with a 1 hr. lunch break, then 6 to 8pm for the project. You MUST be available to attend the whole day or you will not be listed as having completed the training. People who cannot attend the evening event will not be accepted into the class.
• Fee: $199, due within 3 days of accepted application. NO EXCEPTIONS! Demand is very high and you will be bumped if you do not pay within the 3 days. Same cancellation policy as with regular certification (see the details section where regular applications are posted).
Application Process:
• As soon as you get the application fill it out COMPLETELY and submit it.
• No applications are accepted early.
• You cannot save a space for a friend, they must be accepted on the same basis as everyone else.
• This application is harder to fill out than a standard application, so fill it out and return it right away.
• To apply, you must prove a mastery of basic topics covered in a regular certification, as the instructors will NOT be reviewing any topics covered in a regular class.
• Coloring will be required in the application.
• The application will be a downloadable PDF. This will need to be electronically returned to us as a jpeg. The best method is to print it out, complete the application and follow the directions, then scan it or take a clean, easy to see photo of the relevant sections for us to review. We MUST decline applications that are not returned properly, since demand is so high for this session.
• DO NOT SEND ANY ADDITIONAL CARD EXAMPLES! This will not change your chances of getting into the class. The examples you provide in the application will be exactly the same as everyone else, and they prove to us that you have practiced coloring and are ready for the next level.
• Applications will be reviewed as soon as we get them, and you will be notified upon acceptance.
Don't feel bad if you are not accepted. Space is very limited. We are keeping applications neutral and will not accept people simply because they are a "craft-lebrity" or "a big name in crafting". We need to assure that everyone attending the class is dedicated to coloring already and driven to learning techniques that will take their work to a new level. The instructor has a lot to cover in a short time, and people who aren't confident in their techniques could slow down the whole class.
2013 Color & Ink Workshop
We will be including the following 4 classes during this two day event:
- Coloring Ethnic Skin Tones and Various Hair Styles
Expand your people skills with this intensive coloring class. Learn how base color affects tone in skin and hair, practice various blending styles for skin, experiment with a variety of ethnic skin tones, and learn the inking approach for different hairstyles. (*Note: This class builds on the coloring people skills introduced in the Intermediate Certification class, although it is not a pre-requisite. Basic blending knowledge and skills are required.)
- Oodles of Doodles and Backgrounds
Learn how to combine multiliners, markers, inks and paint in this technique-rich session. Each technique is used to create unique backgrounds that can be made into cards, scrapbook pages, home décor or a variety of other artistic projects. Learn simple doodling techniques, polish, blow and float inks onto surfaces, mix acrylic paints and alcohol inks to create interesting resists, and create stunning backgrounds as inks are painted and dripped on metal sheets.
- Airbrushing Made Easy
Forget your fear of airbrushing with this amazing hands-on session! Learn all about the Copic airbrush system, study the similarities and differences from traditional airbrushing, and practice basic strokes and spray patterns to master control. Learn about various masking materials and the appropriate use of each type, play with stencils and masks to create fully-colored scenes, create beautiful backgrounds, and learn to layer to add depth and dimension to your artwork.
- So Many Surfaces
Step aside paper... we’re getting eclectic! In this project-rich class, experiment with inks and markers on a variety of surfaces. Learn what to expect and how best to apply inks to each surface. Color and blend on fabric, apply ink to tiles, make metal marvelous, set-up a scene on Yupo, and paint on plastic film.
- Evening Round-Table Discussion/Critique Session (Optional)
Students can attend an optional evening discussion/critique session. Meet with instructors in an informal session and learn tips and tricks for critiquing coloring and artwork honestly and constructively. Students are welcome to bring in one piece of work to be peer and self-critiqued during the session.
PREREQUISITE: Standard Certification
CLASS TIMES
Classes will run from 9am to 6pm each day (lunch and dinner not included.)
COST
Cost for the Copic 2013 Color & Ink Workshop is $299 per attendee. The fee includes 2 days of instruction, written materials and handouts, student product pack, and use of class supply kits. Meals and lodging are not included. Payment is due upon notification of acceptance into the workshop. If it is not paid within three days, your place may be given to another applicant.
There is a $20 additional fee for the optional evening critique/discussion session. This can be paid with registration.
REFUNDS
• Up until three weeks prior to the workshop, you will receive a 100% refund.
• Three weeks prior to scheduled workshop, you may be refunded 75% of the cost of the workshop.
• Two weeks prior to the workshop you may be refunded 50% of the cost of the workshop.
• No refunds will be given one week or less before the workshop. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Class Supplies List
Please read this page carefully, as some of the supplies are provided, some you will be given, and some you will need to bring. As our instructors are flying into each location, they will not have spare supplies.
Class Marker List
These markers are included in our class kits, if you would prefer not to share with 2-3 others, please feel free to bring your own:
E000/E00/E01/E04/E09/E11/E13/E15/ E17/E21/E23/E27/E29/E34/E37/E42/ E43/E44/E47/E49/E50/E53/E55/E57/E59/E93/E99 Y21
YR00/YR24 B41 C5/C7/C9 BV00/BV02
Student Product Pack
Each student will receive the following product:
E71/E74/E77 Sketch marker
5x7 Sketch Book
Aquabrush
Student Class Supplies
Please bring the following supplies to the workshop:
2-3 tumbled tiles (4 x 4) Found at home supply store.
1-2 practice tiles (any size)
Variety of paintbrushes including:
• round size 0 or 2 • flat size 12 or 16 • flat size 20 or 24
Teflon craft sheet
Work shirt or apron
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As you can see, Certification is geared for people who plan on going out and sharing what they have learned with others via store, classes, or online through their blog. We want everyone to be able to have access to high-quality Copic classes, even if they can’t attend a certification themselves.
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Interested in Fine Art Instruction? Here are the Regional Instructors for Fine Art:
Bianca Mandity – Central Midwest
Colleen Schaan – South/East Coast
Debbie Olson – WI, MI, MN
Jackson Root – CA, NV, AZ
Ryan Weber – Southern Midwest
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COPIC products are not intended for children ages 12 and under. COPIC Markers Distributed in the US and Canada by Imagination International, Inc. PO Box 928, Eugene, OR 97440. All content Copyright © 2009 Copic Marker unless otherwise noted. Copic is a registered trademark of Too Marker Corporation, Japan.
