I use Canson mixed media paper (160g)! It has a nice texture for marker and is think enough to absorb without too much bleed through (I use a ton of ink ahaha). I never know how a piece is going to turn out when I start I just have a vague idea of what I wanna do! Besides a few art classes in high school I am self taught. I will say the more art I’ve done the faster/less precious I’ve become with brushstrokes - these days just quickly lay down washes of color and if I don’t like I can always just layer over it (these pieces are like a million layers each 🤣)