Shuttle Art Acrylic Markers — A Review After One Month of Use
I’ve received many questions about the acrylic markers I’ve been using lately, so I thought I’d share my experience after working with them consistently for over a month.
The markers I’ve been testing are Shuttle Art Automatic Ink Control Acrylic Paint Markers.
Before I begin, a small note:
I received these pens as part of a collaboration. However, this post is not sponsored, and sharing this review is entirely my own choice — simply because many of you have asked.
First impressions vs. now
When I first started using these markers, I have to admit they felt a bit unfamiliar.
I’ve worked with Posca markers for a long time, so switching to a brush tip and an automatic ink flow took some getting used to. The feeling is quite different — softer, more fluid, and slightly less controlled at first.
But after spending more time with them, something shifted.
Once I relaxed into the movement of the brush tip and trusted the ink flow, I started to really enjoy both.
What I love about them
The first thing that stood out to me was the color range.
There are so many beautiful, soft shades — and I found myself reaching for colors I wouldn’t normally use. It opened up a slightly different palette in my sketchbook, which felt refreshing.
I also really like:
how the pen sits in the hand
the softness of the brush tip against the paper
the smooth, continuous ink flow
There’s something very gentle about drawing with them.
A few limitations
After some use, I noticed that the brush tip can start to fray slightly, which makes it harder to get very fine lines.
That said, this is often the nature of brush tips in general — especially when used frequently.
If your work relies on very crisp, thin details, this is something to keep in mind.
Compared to Posca
This is probably the most common question I get.
For me, Posca markers are still unmatched when it comes to opacity and pigment strength. The color coverage is immediate and solid.
Shuttle Art markers, on the other hand, are a bit more transparent.
You may need to build up color in layers to achieve full coverage — but this works well as long as you let each layer dry in between.
Because of this, I see them less as a replacement and more as a complement.
At the moment, I enjoy using both together:
Posca for bold, opaque shapes
Shuttle Art for softer, more fluid elements
Who I would recommend them for
I think these markers are a great option if:
you’re just starting out and want a more budget-friendly alternative
you’re curious about brush tips and a more painterly feel
you enjoy working with layered color
They offer a lot of value, especially considering the wide range of colors.
How they’ve influenced my process
Using these markers has made my drawing feel slightly more fluid and intuitive.
The brush tip encourages a softer, more organic movement compared to the firmer Posca nibs. It’s a small shift, but it changes the rhythm of how I build shapes on the page.
And that’s something I always find interesting — how different tools subtly guide the way we create.
The markers come in a practical storage box, along with color swatch cards where you can fill in all the shades.
It’s a small detail, but one that makes the process feel a little more organized — and a little more enjoyable.
If you’re curious about trying them, I’ve linked the materials I use for my sketchbook practice here ››
(affiliate links)