Start with three related colors
A light, middle, and dark version of one hue is enough to practice a base, shadow, and edge. Markers often look different on paper than on the cap, so make a swatch card and label it before you start the page.
Practice on a forgiving region
Choose a large shape rather than a face or tiny pattern. Put a protective sheet under the page, keep the nib moving, and overlap strokes while the ink is wet. Stop when the region is even; repeated passes can make the paper too saturated.
Add detail after the base dries
Let large fills settle before adding darker edges or a fine pen outline. If the ink spreads farther than expected, switch to thicker marker paper and leave more space around the black line. Our broader guide to alcohol-marker technique covers the next step.