Ok so this is what happened using the Pelikan Plaka. It was my first time out using this stuff. First off its far cheaper an alternative than using markers. 5$ a jar and I managed to render this whole piece with a little daub of the stuff. It applies differently than marker but the principle is the same. You have to know where you’re going to lay down your shading and be confident knowing to pick up some of what you lay down by drying your brush first or with a paper towel because it can dry quick. So you have to get it while its wet. Markers on the other hand let you blend anytime you want. Which is why I think marker is a great gateway to learning to use gouache and watercolor. The principles are very similar when building up the values/toned. But marker allows you to make more mistakes.
