You’ve seen him featured on the Sharpie blog several times for his amazing lunch bag art and for his involvement as a Sharpie Squad member!
Most recently though, Derek Benson has been recognized by the San Diego UpTown news for his incredible work! Check out the article below:
"Derek Benson draws a new image on his three children’s lunch bags every day"
Mission Hills resident Derek Benson has been chosen as one of 20 members of the 2010 Sharpie Squad.
The squad’s artists and bloggers are a group of passionate Sharpie marker users who serve as vocal brand ambassadors, sharing their enthusiasm, creativity and unbridled passion for Sharpie products.
A Namco Games employee by day, Benson creates art for video games. But away from gaming he is known for his lunch bag art, consisting of intricate drawings of cartoons and super heroes, which he showcases on his blog, lunchbagart.tumblr.com.
Benson has been using Sharpie markers all his life, he said. The father of three children ages 9, 5 and 3, Benson began drawing art on their lunch bags every day as they went to school, eventually adding 370 entries to lunchbagart.com.
“I do this mostly as a hobby for my kids,” Benson said. “They really have the final say in what goes up on the blog, I definitely take constructive criticism from them.
“Only draw what you are passionate about” -Derek Benson
"Lunchbagart.com contains more than 370 pictures of Benson’s artwork, which earned him a spot on the Sharpie Squad."
“I like to draw things that are weird and what I feel is cool. Right now, if you check out my blog, you’ll see I’m drawing things from this cool comic line called Dreamland Chronicles.”
Benson is formally trained as an artist but insists that daily practice is a better teacher.
“Only draw what you are passionate about,” he said he advises prospective young artists. His art is displayed on the walls of his son’s preschool and has been published on the front page of the San Diego Union-Tribune and on the cover of “Parents” magazine.
“It’s an honor to have been chosen to be on the Sharpie Squad, but actually I was very proactive about it and I actually contacted them myself to see if I could become part of the squad,” he said.
As a Sharpie Squad member, Benson will be tweeting, blogging and sharing his out-of-the-box creations and ideas on what is possible with a Sharpie marker throughout 2010.
In return, Sharpie will provide Benson new product news and shipments, virtual meetings with the Sharpie brand team, and publicity through blog posts, Twitter and Facebook.
To meet the rest of the Sharpie Squad and to check out their latest endeavors, go to sharpieuncapped.com.
***
Congrats Derek!
You can find this article at San Diego Uptown News’ website. Be sure to check out more of Derek’s lunch bag art at LunchBagArt.com.
I am so excited to report that one of our stellar 2010 Sharpie Squad members, Erica Domesek and the design, DIY & style expert behind P.S.- I Made This… is currently featured on ReadyMade.com with a DIY to die for post entitled, “Create Summer Stripes in a Sharpie Snap” Here, she demonstrates how easy it is to re-purpose empty cartons with Sharpie Twin-Tip markers to make a bold-expression in any room!
“I was inspired by pottery genius Jonathan Adler and fashion designer Paul Smith’s famous colorful and vivid stripes”
-Erica Domesek, PS-I Made This…
What you'll need...
"Re-use milk or cream cardboard containers you have at home. After emptying, clean the inside and let dry. Use a sharp pair of scissors and cut off the top of the container."
"Wrap container with white masking or paper tape. Trim any excess tape and cardboard to even out the top."
To make your designer-inspired stripes, pick a color palate from Sharpie Twin Tip markers. I suggest using 3-4 colors that work well together. Start at the bottom using the thicker marker tip to make the heavier lines. Use a ruler to help keep your lines super straight."
"Get creative and vary the stripe designs."
"When clustered together, DIY-striped Sharpie vases in different size heights in like color palates will help spruce up any nook in your home and enhance any summer fete!"
Be sure to go to ReadyMade.com to see Erica’s DIY project in all it’s glory!
Break out your daisy dukes, grab a cowboy hat and saddle up – Sharpie’s headed to Nashville!
Sharpie is teaming up with an all-star country line-up this Tuesday, June 22nd for “NASHVILLE RISING: A Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery” at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena! Spearheaded by country sensations Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, all proceeds from this star-studded concert will benefit The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which is working to address flood relief and recovery in Middle Tennessee.
Performances by: Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Montgomery Gentry, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, Blake Shelton, Michael W. Smith, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, ZZ Top
Sharpie goin’ country
During rehearsals, a massive Sharpie Autograph Wall will be set up backstage for all the performers, special guests and celebs to sign. On the day of the event, the Sharpie Autograph Wall will be opened up to the public so that they can check out their fav. country stars’ signatures and even sign themselves!
NASHVILLE RISING Sharpie Autograph Wall
For every autograph signed on the wall, Newell Rubbermaid and Sharpie, Paper Mate & EXPO brands will donate $1, up $10,000 to the cause. We will also be donating a year’s supply of school supplies to Kingston, a local Nashville school, to help in their rebuilding efforts caused by the flood.
Want to help out but can’t make it to NASHVILLE RISING?
Not a problem! Text RISING to 501501 to donate $10 to flood relief at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Click HERE for details.
I’ll follow up with and update & pics from the event so stay tuned for more! In the mean time, check out www.nashvillerising.org for more info, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, how to donate to the flood relief, check out the celebs & learn about all of the event’s sponsors.
Feels good to help someone out, doesn’t it!
Do you ever find yourself wondering what kind of permanent marker Russell Brand prefers to sign autographs with? Maybe even pose with from time to time? Trust me, this is a completely normal question and perhaps even one that takes priority over other important questions on your mind, such as, “What’s for dinner?” “Is that essay test tomorrow?” or ”Was it my turn to pick Billy up from practice?”
Lucky for you, I’ve got plenty of time to peruse the magazine stands and make your life a bit easier…
The current issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, (featuring Jay-Z on the front cover) shows Get Him to the Greek star, Russell Brand posing with a black Fine Point Sharpie marker in hand, along with an autographed copy of his very own cover issue!
*sigh* And now you may return to your other inquiries.
Have you UNCAPPED today?
Chicago Blackhawks WIN Stanley Cup Finals
CONGRATULATIONS Chicago Blackhawks!!
The Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night to win the Stanley Cup Finals in Game 6, the first championship for Chicago since 1961. Patrick Kane sneaked the puck past Michael Leighton lifting the Hawks into a 4-3 overtime win! What an awesome victory for such an stellar team! Way to Go Hawks!!!
We recently asked fans of Sharpie to send in random acts of self-expression to @SharpieSusan on Twitter for the chance to win a Sharpie prize back! Well, you’ve tweeted your “Random Acts” and after an overwhelming response of creativity, awkward gestures, hilarity, art, talent, flexibility and then some, I am happy to announce the winners of Sharpie’s “Random Act of Self-Expression” contest. This was such a fun contest for us to judge as we watched the self-expression pour in, so thank you for participating and sharing a little piece of yourselves with us! Now enough jibber-jabber, let’s get to what you came for….
The winners of the “Random Acts of Self-Expression” contest:
@articleAimee
@Auroraza
@Batty_Kari
@blondieKahailz
@ChrisISpencer
@CourtneyERose
@cre8tivwoman
@drenessness
@Eliseisawesome
@EpicRave
@ErikRicard
@GemmaBeads
@jerrydoes
@joespinstriping
@kevthemetz
@lalamegan
@MaryIrene
@NewMarketFair
@ohno_itsalice
@shes_blank
@Smashly
Congrats to the winners!
If you are listed above to claim your Sharpie prize pack please email me at Whitney.Kelly@Sanford.com with your name and shipping address and your prize will be sent out in no time!
On Tuesday, Conan O’Brien tweeted about a cool opportunity he had to uncap some self-expression at Radio City Music Hall in NYC! Check out how Conan used his Sharpie Twin Tip:
“I got to sign the Radio City signature book next to the Glee cast. Now I can forge all their signatures on checks.”
-@ConanOBrien (June 1, 2010)
Calling all Sharpie Fans on Twitter!
If you have a Twitter account you’re in luck!
Beginning Wednesday, May 26th through Tuesday, June 1st create a random act of self-expression, take a picture of it and send it to @SharpieSusan on Twitter for a chance to win a Sharpie Prize Pack! We will award the top 21 pictures entered with Sharpie Prize Packs loaded with Sharpie products! The winning pictures will be based on creativity and originality, so be sure to enter only your BEST acts of self-expression!
What is a Random Act of Self-Expression? It’s everything and anything that you find to be the best portrayal of personality! Of course we love our products, but self-expression is not necessarily always done with a Sharpie marker… it’s found everywhere and in practically every thing! Whether that be in a note you wrote on your mirror, a funny facial expression or how you positioned a manikin in a window, maybe it’s the bumper sticker on your car or your funky hairstyle, there is personality and expression everywhere - Now it’s up to you to show it off! Send in pictures of your best random act of self-expression to @SharpieSusan for your chance to win some Sharpie swag. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 1st.
Why are we asking for your Random Acts of Self-Expression? The newest Sharpie TV ad encourages people to boldly showcase their individuality, express their creativity and boast their true colors on everything and in all forms. From skateboards and stadium posters to motorcycle helmets and billboards, we at Sharpie are encouraging you to show off your best self in every situation and on every canvas. Watch the TV ad to get a better idea of self-expression:
A Few Examples of Random Acts of Self-Expression: Here’s a look at some examples we’ve pulled together to get your wheels spinning. Remember to have fun with this, create random acts of self-expression and show us who you are.
Not on Twitter? Click HERE to Join!
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.
THE FOLLOWING PROMOTION IS open ONLY to individuals 18 YEARS OF age OR OLDER who are legal residents of THE 50 UNITED STATES OR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (“D.C.”) AND WHO FOLLOW “SHARPIESUSAN” ON TWITTER (@SHARPIESUSAN). you must have internet access and a valid email address at time of entry and through completion of this Promotion (including prize awarding period). YOU MUST ENTER THIS PROMOTION FROM A LOCATION WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. VOID OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES/D.C. AND WHEREVER PROHIBITED. THIS PROMOTION WILL BE CONSTRUED AND EVALUATED ACCORDING TO U.S. LAW.
1. PROMOTION PERIOD: The Sharpie® Random Acts of Self Expression Promotion (the “Promotion”) beings at 12:00:01 a.m. Central Time (“CT”) on May 26, 2010 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. CT on June 1, 2010 (the “Promotion Period”).
2. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who as of the date of entry are 18 years of age or older, and who at the time of entry and through the completion of the Promotion (a) are a follower of sharpiesusan on Twitter (@sharpiesusan), (b) have internet access and (c) have an email address (which must remain the same throughout the Promotion). Employees of Newell Rubbermaid Office Products, its affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, suppliers, distributors and advertising, promotional and judging agencies, and such employees’ immediate family members (defined as parents, spouses, children and siblings, whether biological, adoptive, step or in-law) and/or those living in the same household of each (whether related or not) are not eligible to participate or win. Entrants who are not the age of majority in the state of residence must have permission from their parent or legal guardian (who must agree to all terms set forth in these official rules) prior to entry.
3. HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, “Tweet” a link to a picture showing your random act of self expression and include “@sharpiesusan” in your message.
You may enter as often as you like, but each picture you enter must be different. Limit one prize per person, email address and Twitter account. Entries become the property of Newell Rubbermaid Office Products (“Sponsor”) and will not be acknowledged or returned. Proof of submission is not proof of receipt by Sponsor. Entries made through any robotic, automatic, mechanical, programmed or similar method are ineligible and will be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any individual and all entries using such method. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a person submitting an entry, such entry will be deemed made by the authorized account holder of the Twitter account associated with the entry. Any entries not in conformance with these Official Rules or with the policies posted in connection with http://blog.sharpie.com (the “Sharpie Blog”) will be disqualified. In the event the judges are unable to access the link to the picture, the entry will be disqualified.
4. REQUIREMENTS FOR PICTURES: The picture you “Tweet” (the “picture”) must show a random act of self expression that you created. Picture, and anything contained in the picture, must be entrant’s own original creation, executed solely by entrant, and may not have won any other award or have been entered in any other competition. Pictures may not have been published previously. Modifying, enhancing, or altering a third party’s work does not qualify as entrant’s original creation. Entry must be in keeping with Sponsor’s image or desired image, and may not contain obscene, lewd, unlawful or inappropriate images or text (as determined in Sponsor’s sole discretion). Entries may not contain any nudity, acts of violence or acts that incite violence, or acts that appear to cause harm, all as determined in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Entries may not defame or invade the publicity or privacy rights of any person, living or dead, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or proprietary rights, including but not limited to intellectual property rights. If any people appear in your picture, they must be the legal age of majority in their state of residence, and you must have their permission to appear in the picture and to submit the picture in connection with this Promotion (including all uses which may be made of the picture once submitted in this Promotion). Any picture which in the judges opinion appears to include a minor may be automatically disqualified. Any picture that includes elements not owned by entrant (such as, but not limited to, company names, trademarks, third party art or other copyrighted elements) may be disqualified, at the sole discretion of the judges.
5. JUDGING: All eligible entries will be judged by members of Sponsor’s social media team based on the following criteria (each given equal weight): creativity and originality. In the event of a tie, the tie will be broken based on the higher rank in the creativity category. The top twenty-one (21) scoring entries will be deemed Winners.
6. GRANT OF RIGHTS: By submitting a picture in this Promotion, entrant grants Sponsor the right to use, publish, adapt, assign, sell, license, edit, dispose of and/or modify such picture in any way, in commerce or not, and in any and all media worldwide, without limitation or compensation to the entrant or any other party. Entrant may be required to sign a release to that effect upon request by Sponsor. Sponsor may post some or all of the picture entries at http://blog.sharpie.com (the “Sharpie Blog”) or on any other websites operated by Sponsor, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
7. PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES: Each of the twenty-one (21) verified Winners will receive an assortment of Sharpie® products with an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of $25. Total ARV for all prizes is $625.00.
8. PRIZE NOTIFICATION/WINNER VERIFICATION: The potential winners will be notified by direct message to their Twitter account, and must reply to Sponsor in the manner indicated within three (3) days with their full name and mailing address to which their prize can be mailed. Failure to respond as indicated within three (3) days of notice or attempted notice will result if disqualification and an alternate potential winner will be selected and notified.
Prizes are non-transferable except as provided herein or at the discretion of the Sponsor. No prize substitutions or cash redemptions, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if for any reason an advertised prize cannot be awarded as intended in these rules; and potential winners agree to such substitution as a condition of entry in this Promotion. Limit one prize per household. Winners are responsible for payment of any income taxes on prizes under applicable federal, state and local laws.
If any prize notification or prize is returned as undeliverable, or if winner fails to provide the response requested with the prescribed time period as set forth in notification email, the corresponding prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner, time permitting. All prizes properly claimed will be awarded. Unclaimed prizes may not be awarded. Sponsor’s decisions are final in all matters relating to this Promotion.
9. MISCELLANEOUS: Winners and all entrants, as a condition of entry into the Promotion, agree to defend, indemnify, release and hold harmless Sponsor, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees, agents, assigns, and all others associated with the development and execution of the Promotion (collectively the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages, claims, losses, actions, or damages to persons or property, whether actual, incidental or consequential, which may be sustained in connection with (a) submitting a picture/entry or otherwise participating in any aspect of the Promotion, (b) the receipt, possession, ownership or use/mis-use of prize awarded, (c) or any typographical or other error in these Official Rules or the announcement of offering of the prizes. By entering and/or accepting a prize, each entrant and/or winner consents to the use of his/her name, likeness, picture, quotes, contents of his/her posting(s), and/or identity by Sponsor for advertising and publicity purposes in commerce and in any and all media worldwide without limitation, with no additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. Released Parties are not responsible for and are hereby released from liability with respect to: (i) electronic transmissions/entries that are lost, late, stolen, incomplete, illegible, damaged, garbled, destroyed, misdirected, or not received by the Sponsor or its agents for any reason, (ii) any problems or technical malfunctions, errors, omissions, interruptions, deletions, defects, delays in operation or transmission, communication failures or human error that may occur in the transmission, receipt or processing of entries, or for destruction of or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries, (iii) failed or unavailable hardware, network, software or telephone, cable or satellite transmissions, damage to entrants’ or any person’s computer and/or its contents, or causes beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control that jeopardize the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Promotion or (iv) any entries submitted in a manner that is not expressly allowed under these Official Rules. All incomplete or non-conforming entries will be disqualified. Released Parties are further not responsible for and are hereby released from liability with respect to incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by Internet users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion or by any technical or human error which may occur in the transmission, receipt or processing of the entries. For any reason, including if for any reason this Promotion is not capable of running as planned, or if this Promotion or any web site or technology associated therewith (or any portion thereof) becomes corrupted or does not allow the proper playing of the Promotion and processing of entries per these Official Rules, or if infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, actions by entrants, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes, in Sponsor’s sole opinion, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Promotion, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual implicated in such action, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this Promotion. In the event this Promotion is cancelled, Sponsor reserves the right (but not the obligation) to conduct a random drawing to award the prizes from among all eligible, non-suspect, entries received prior to the time of the action or event warranting such cancellation.
10. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS, AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH PERSON AND SEEK DAMAGES FROM HIM/HER TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
11. WINNERS LIST: For the names of the winners of any prizes over $25, please send a request that includes the name of this Promotion to Whitney.Kelly@Sanford.com
12. PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF USE: Please see Sponsor’s privacy policy posted on the Sharpie Blog regarding Sponsor’s use of personal information collected in connection with this Promotion. Please see Sponsor’s Terms of Use posted on the Sharpie Blog for information concerning reporting unauthorized use of intellectual property in connection with this Promotion.
13. SPONSOR: Newell Rubbermaid Office Products, 2707 Butterfield Rd., Oak Brook, IL 60523.
You’ve seen the new Sharpie Commercial, but have you seen the new Sharpie print ads?
With a Sharpie Twin Tip Marker you get the best of both worlds when the bold stroke of the Fine Point marker joins forces with the crisp line of the Ultra-Fine Point marker. These double duty markers make it easy for you to express yourself on any surface, whether it be on a lunch bag, fishbowl, school folder or picture frame! Sharpie Twin Tip Markers make it easy to turn the ordinary into extraordinary, making those everyday items in your life one-of-a-kind works of art that are completely your own.
Look for these colorful ads in your favorite magazines including People, O The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Essence, Us Weekly & more!
There’d be no purpose… No passion…
No putting it out there for everyone to see.
Sharpie aims to inspire people to boldly showcase their individuality, express their creativity and boast their true colors on everything and in all forms. From skateboards and stadium posters to motorcycle helmets and billboards, we at Sharpie encourage you to show off your best self in every situation and on every canvas.
Sharpie offers countless platforms to reveal your true thoughts, feelings and interests but we all know that self-expression is not only limited to what you can draw, design, write etc… Every day little pieces of self-expression surround us- From the type of cell phones we choose, to the way we style our hair. From the way you walk down the street, to the way you sign your name. Self-expression is in the color of our shoes, it’s in the you say ”HELLO,” it’s even in that collection of old hotel key cards you keep in your wallet. Everything has a piece of personality in it whether we recognize it or not. Without these forms of self-expression though, who would we be? What would the world be like? Would there be reason behind our actions & thoughts?
The newest Sharpie advertisement screams self-expression and shows how lackluster the world would be without it. Watch the new Sharpie commercial and get inspired to express yourself:
