How are you storing your stamp pads, markers and blends? The ink pads should always be stored flat and right side up. The markers and blends on their sides. So don’t stick those markers and blends in a cup holder. The ink works better when it is distributed evenly.
This is not true for Memento Black, Stazon-On and Versamark pads – any pads where the lid comes off. They should all be stored upside down to keep the ink at the surface of the pad.
Hope this helps!