The Sharpie Squad’s own Tali Buchler, creative genius behind Growing Up Creative, adds her own twist to the powerhouse of all publications- the collection of text containing every piece of information one could want/need to know.  Clearly though, Tali has found something that the editors have left out and she intends to correct them… 

A new reason to open an encyclopedia…

Used objects and discarded items (or what some may call -trash), always spark my imagination. Transforming an object – giving it a new life and purpose is something I like to do. In the past, I have used discarded magazines in designing a temporary space for a fashion show in an installation called – Read. 

My new “thing” is collecting encyclopedia books that people have been throwing away.  I started folding the books and turning them into sculptural objects.  I’m not sure where this will end, still a work in progress…

In my blogs I have started a series of tutorials called “Eco kids craft” where I use design ideas and craft techniques to encourage recycling creativity and creating with “whatever you have”.

Recently, I had my family over (my brother calls it/ us “the tribe”); a total of 8 kids – enough to start a preschool!  It was so hot that day, we couldn’t go outside. After a while, I started hearing the “I am bored” song coming from all different directions… Quick thinking made me pull out some of the many encyclopedia books I have been accumulating, one per child, and our big box of Sharpie Markers.

My instructions where very clear: DO AS YOU LIKE!

Before I knew it and without any planning, something magnificent happened:  the kids were absorbed, looking through the pages of an encyclopedia, reading and admiring the black and white images.

I gave them the OK to cut and draw as much as they wanted. So they did. And so did I.

We used all kinds of Sharpie Markers! Sometimes we drew together, and sometimes each one on his own.  My favorite thing to do was using the Fine Point Sharpie Marker to layer different colors in across hatch pattern.  These Sharpie markers were perfect for that because of their translucent yet brilliant quality.

To do this at home, you will need:

• An old encyclopedia (you can find it at your parents house or at a second hand store)
• Sharpie Markers
• Scissors
• Glue stick

How to:

1. Flip through the pages
2. Find an image you like
3. Start to color the image
4. Work in layers, it helps create depth and richness to the drawing (try and think like an impressionist)
5. Add details to transform the image into something new. Even add notes!

Ready, set, go!!!

It’s time for another guest blogger! 

*Chelsea Fun Fact: She can’t resist a good rap song found on YouTube, particularly ones that mention Sharpie.

Lost in Creation: Sharpie Artist, Corey Barksdale

The Atlanta artist, Corey Barksdale, pours his emotions into every stroke–taking his audience with him on a powerfully, passionate story on canvas.

Barksdale’s artistic passion derives from a family of artists. His mother and grandmother both exposed him to color and form at an early age and it was destined he, too, would join the family ranks.

The Nashville-bred, Atlanta-native graduated from the Atlanta College of Art in 2004 where abstract expressionists and mainstream artists like Jasper Johns, Clifford Still, and William deKooning influenced his creations. Barksdale also developed an admiration for the African American heritage and this theme can be seen throughout much of his work, depicting the love and strength within the community.

This experimental artist started using Sharpie markers in an efficient attempt to speed up the beginning stages of his pieces, but he quickly “uncapped” the unlimited possibilities of Sharpie markers as they effortlessly added definition to his acrylic paintings. His bold pieces have been showcased all over Georgia and he’s even done live performance art at Park Tavern and Atlanta’s Dogwood Festival (just to name a few). Imagine having art being created before you at your next event—he’ll do it!

After coming across his YouTube videos and colorful artwork, I jumped at the chance to interview Barksdale about using Sharpie Permanent Markers as an art medium and the passion behind his creations!

Read on for the complete interview with an imaginative, southern artist and his felt tip friend!

How did you get started as an artist?

As a child I drew non-stop. My mother would bring home hundreds of sheets of paper from her job and she use to ask my sister and I to fill up the pages with drawings and stories. So at a young age I developed a determination and passion for the creative process and artistic expression. I use to draw countless drawings, especially when school was out for the summer. 

Tell us a little about your genre. How would you describe your style? What makes your work stand out from the rest?

I incorporate a collage or assemblage effect in many of my art creations. Utilizing pasted images of city buildings, and abstract shapes are important elements in my art. The majority of my paintings have an apparent medium of acrylic paint and Sharpie markers, which are usually applied in bold colorful painterly strokes onto the canvas. Many people are attracted to the texture created by these mediums.

 Sharpie does not enocurage the use of Sharpie marker on skin.

What is one of your favorite exhibitions or events you have been involved in? What made this particular one stand out to you? Was it the specific pieces you showcased, the reactions received from attendees, or something else?

The Art Papers Art Auction is one of Atlanta’s signature visual art events that I have been fortunate to participate in. The event features many of the southeastern United States’ cutting-edge, established and emerging, fine artists.

What goes through your mind when you see people looking at your art? Is there a certain reaction you want to elicit?

I would like viewers of my artwork to experience what ever emotion or feeling I had at the time of producing the work of art. The facial expressions and gestures of characters in my paintings usually tell a story and let the viewer understand my emotion during the creative process. Usually I want to elicit a feeling of powerfulness positivity and endless possibilities

How did you come to use Sharpie markers in your work? Do you prefer using a certain type of Sharpie marker?

Approximately ten years ago I was trying to think of a way to speed up my art process. That’s where Sharpie markers came in. In stead of developing my sketch and first layer with paint I used Sharpie markers to create the basic outline and general form of whatever piece I created. As I continued to use Sharpie over a period of years I found out that the possibilities of the markers are limitless. Besides using the markers for the general form I also discovered that they could be used to define and refine my painting in the final stages of the process. I was able to incorporate the markers with acrylic paint effortlessly.

What about Sharpie markers made you incorporate them as a medium in your art process? Is it the variety of tip sizes, colors, other? Please describe how you use Sharpie as an art tool.

I enjoy the ease of using the markers. They go onto the canvas or wood surface with no problem. Once applied to the surface the markers give an opaque mark that is solid and bold, not watered-down or weak. The medium also resists fading over a period of time.

What other mediums, if any, do you wish to create with in the future? Do you have any comical experiences while trying a new medium?

Other mediums that I create with are acrylic paint, charcoal, and encaustic paint. Various forms of art and various mediums suit my style of art considering I like the challenge of mastering new mediums annually.

Tell us, what excites you about creating art?

Creating art is the ultimate form of expression available. Having the ability to create a picture of beauty where there was previously nothing at all gives me the ultimate satisfaction. When creating art all of my worries and anxieties are nonexistent. The hustle, bustle, and drama of city life become a distant thought. Creating can take you to a place that you previously thought impossible.

Take a look at all the ways Corey Barksdale Uncaps What’s Inside: www.coreybarksdale.com

Don’t forget to enter to win free textbooks for you and two friends online at Sharpie’s Facebook Fan Page – Click on the “Sweepstakes Tab” to enter!

Hop on over to the official Sharpie Blog for more info on Sharpie’s Right to Highlight Sweepstakes!

Thursday (8/19) & Friday 8(20)

• CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE – CENTRAL CAMPUS
• CERRITOS COLLEGE
• UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY
• UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
• WAKE TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

Thursday (8/26) & Friday (8/27)

• AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
• BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
• CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-NORTHRIDGE
• CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
• COLLEGE OF DuPAGE
• CUNY BERNARD M BARUCH COLLEGE
• DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE
• DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE  – ANKENY
• FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
• GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
• GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• INDIANA-PURDUE UNIVERSITY-FORT WAYNE
• IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE INDIANAPOLIS CAMPUS
• IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAFAYETTE CAMPUS
• IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTH BEND CAMPUS
• IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE TERRE HAUTE CAMPUS
• JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
• MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE – CENTER CAMPUS
• MARSHALL UNIVERSITY
• MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• MIAMI DADE COLLEGE – KENDALL CAMPUS
• MIAMI UNIVERSITY-OXFORD
• NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
• NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
• PALOMAR COLLEGE
• PHOENIX COLLEGE
• PURDUE UNIVERSITY
• RIO HONDO COLLEGE
• SADDLEBACK COLLEGE
• SAINT CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
• SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE
• SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
• SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY-CARBONDALE
• ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
• TALLAHASSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• THOMAS NELSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
• UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHAMPAIGN
• UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
• UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
• UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT LINCOLN
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
• UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
• UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
• UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
• UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA
• UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
• UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EL PASO
• UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SAN ANTONIO
• VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

Thursday (9/2) & Friday (9/3)

• BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY – SACRAMENTO
• CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY AT DOMINGUEZ HILLS
• CENTRAL NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
• ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-NORTH CAMPUS
• FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE – SOUTH CAMPUS
• GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
• GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
• GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• HUDSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• JACKSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
• KENT STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS
• LONE STAR COLLEGE – NORTH HARRIS
• MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
• OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
• ORANGE COAST COLLEGE
• QUEENS COLLEGE (CUNY)
• REGIS UNIVERSITY
• RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN
• ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY – QUEENS CAMPUS
• SUFFOLK COUNTY CC – AMMERMAN CAMPUS
• SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
• TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE TRINITY RIVER CAMPUS
• THE CITY COLLEGE OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
• UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO – NORTH CAMPUS
• UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS – PAN AMERICAN
• WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN SAINT LOUIS
• WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

Thursday (9/9) & Friday (9/10)

• BOSTON COLLEGE
• CINCINNATI STATE TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
• MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST
• UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-BOSTON
• UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – LA CROSSE

Thursday (9/23) & Friday (9/24)  

• CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY EAST BAY HAYWARD CAMPUS
• STANFORD UNIVERSITY
• UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Here’s a look at some of my fav pictures from the event but be sure to check out all the rest on ManOneWorld and on Man One’s Flickr page!

Gotta love a good graffiti artist –  Way to Uncap What’s Inside Man One!

Maybe teachers frown upon it in class and most likely your boss thinks that you’re not listening in meetings when she sees the corner of your note pad filled with aliens, flowers and race cars, but here at Sharpie we encourage this form of creativity!    We’ve created a community on Sharpie.Uncapped.com entirely devoted to doodling!

You can submit your doodle to SharpieUncapped and Sunni Brown, our resident doodle expert, could select yours as to be the  Doodle-of-the-Day!  Every day Sunni will pick a doodle to be analyzed –  Ever wonder what your doodles say about you?  This is your chance to find out. Submit your doodle to SharpieUncapped.com today!

]]> http://blog.sharpie.com/2010/08/submit-your-doodle-to-sharpieuncapped/feed/ 0 http://blog.sharpie.com/2010/08/doodle-on-with-sunni-brown-sharpies-new-resident-doodle-expert/ http://blog.sharpie.com/2010/08/doodle-on-with-sunni-brown-sharpies-new-resident-doodle-expert/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:36:39 +0000 Susan http://blog.sharpie.com/?p=4708

big-mouth boss

How often have you sat in a meeting or lecture and suddenly your pen heads off into all sorts of unchartered territory?  Next thing you know your paper is covered with squiggles  and cubes, bubble letters and zzzzzzzzzzs — maybe even a stick figure rendering of your boss with his big ears and even bigger mouth : ) 

"She's not called SUNNI for nothing. She truly shines!" `Dan Roam, The Back of the Napkin

We didn’t either – until we met Sunni Brown, doodling expert and the inspiration behind the doodle revolution, ”a growing effort to debunk the myth that doodling is a distraction. ” 

Sunni is author of “Gamestorming:  A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers and Changemakers“ and her soon-to-be-released book, “The Doodle Revolution.”  Sharpie brought her on board as our resident doodle expert after some research showed that Sharpie Pens, unlike any other pens out there, inspired people to doodle.   Now Sunni is front and center on our website, sharpieuncapped.com, talking up doodles and inviting Sharpie fans to submit their doodles to our gallery.   (Click here to read Sunni’s post about her new gig as Sharpie doodle spokesperson).   Even more interesting, Sunni will select a Doodle-A-Day and offer up her expert analysis.

Sunni is, well, pretty sunny when it comes to her enthusiasm about doodling.  Have a look at her video, then head to sharpieuncapped.com and donate your doodle today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqgacrYd2m8

UPDATED 8/19/10

Available in stores September 2010.

We updated the image above and removed the reference to permanency in comparison to Sharpie markers.  To clarify, the liquid graphite in the Sharpie Liquid Pencil initially erases completely from paper, but over time it becomes “permanent” in the sense that it can no longer be completely erased.  But unlike a Sharpie permanent marker, you will always be able to erase it to some degree.

Here's Caitlin!

Sharpie’s Atlanta Interns are taking over the Sharpie Blog today!  Caitlin Peterson (@cbarrettp) and Chelsea Gattung (@cgatt777) are two smart, sassy and quick-witted young ladies who have been working hard for us all summer long.  We thought it would be fun to put their blogging skills to the test and give them a chance to take over the Sharpie blog.  

Today, Caitlin has put together an amazing interview featuring an Atlanta-based artist with a knack for Sharpie Paint Markers, which I’m sure will knock your socks off!  So there you have it, now, take it away Caitlin…  

Ready to “Get hit with a Sharpie?”

…Because that’s exactly what Atlanta artist Mark Boomershine does to every painting, adding his own flare and style to iconic images eliciting a new smile, laugh or thoughtful pause to every piece.   

 Using Oil-Based Sharpie Paint Markers to add that little something extra to every piece, whether with revealing words or finishing highlights; he creates a look that sets his stuff apart from the rest.    

Boomershine has always harbored a passion for art, carving his own path to fuel his creativity and fashion the stories that are told through his art.  After completing his studies in art and business at the University of Alabama (as a Georgia Bulldawg I’ll try not to hold it against him) he explored a variety of different avenues, including life as a salesman, entrepreneur and inventor, before recently deciding to “Uncap” his craft full-time.  

 His unique style mixes text and imagery using a simplistic, color-block portraiture technique that is made powerful by the words spoken by and about the subject. Staying true to his roots, he honors his inspirations while redefining the original, creating his incredible and individualistic pop art.   

Bandit

Tonto

His cool southern charm and collaborative style has warranted some rightful attention and placed him within the pages of The Atlanta Magazine and The Atlanta Journal – Constitution.  His piece, “The Real Man Behind the Mask,” a portrayal of the Native American hero, Tonto, from The Lone Ranger television series, resides alongside the art of greats like Andy Warhol and Steve Penley in the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.  There the unique works hang in the Contemporary collection in the American West Gallery.  

 Boomershine has said that his work isn’t complete without a little Sharpie love… and we’re OK with that! So if you’re ready to “get hit” read on and check out the complete interview with one of the coolest artists coming out of the Southern city.  

How did you get started as an artist?  

I have always been into art. In fact my art probably caused my not-so-stellar grades in every schooling before college. I was drawing or painting for hours upstairs when I should have been studying History or Math! I excelled in Advanced Placement art in high school, and I parlayed that into a minor in Studio Art at the University of Alabama (I majored in Business Management – how about that for left brain/right brain education). I later became my own art and marketing department as an entrepreneur and inventor because I was too cheap to hire anyone else. I have made art an integral part of my life. I have come to a place in my life where I can now make my art my single focus and my full time occupation. I call it throwing caution to the wind and going for the “Art Gusto”! 

My style

Tell us a little about your genre. How would you describe your style? What makes your work stand out from the rest?  

I fall into the Pop genre. My style is very bold use of color, design and composition with a fun play on words or strong use of text to make my art more dimensional. I feel my smart use of words makes my art have a layer that causes the viewer to stop and read things, which in turn means the viewer is spending more time interacting with the piece itself. I try and make my art relational.  

What is one of your favorite exhibitions or events you have been involved in? Why? I recently worked with BMW and a local BMW dealership to promote the latest 5 Series model. The cool part was that I was given a vintage 1986 325 BMW to paint as a rolling canvas. I painted the car in my garage, which I converted into a car-painting studio. For the show we turned the dealership showroom into a great looking gallery of 9 pieces of my art, one hand painted car, and some beautiful and shiny new BMW’s. Who would have thought a contemporary styled BMW dealership could turn into a hot looking art gallery?  (watch video below to see Mark working on the car in action) 

Art Car

 What goes through your mind when you see people looking at your art? Is there a certain reaction you want to elicit? What do you want people take from your art? I have to admit it is a little weird. You are exposing yourself. Your talents, your thoughts, and not to mention your hours of work that went into the piece. However, I relish the viewing of my pieces. I am in the spotlight for that moment in time and I like it. If I can elicit a smile, a chuckle, or even an outright laugh I am happy with that kind of reaction. Of course a swoon of amazement and unabashed praise is always welcome as well! Ha! I want people to take away the feeling that they have seen something original when they see my art. I want to take familiar people, objects, places, or animals and combine them with a twist in the form of text that makes the piece original in itself.  

 Being from, and living in Atlanta, how has the city inspired you? Does Atlanta art have a style all its own? What else serves as your inspiration? First of all, I love being from Atlanta. It is a perfect combination of Southern nostalgia and charm with a contemporary urban twist. I feel the city has inspired me by its wit and charm. I think a lot of my fun play on words may come from that subtle humor that a true Southerner can put into just a word or two. As far as my look, I think it lends itself to the more urban side of Atlanta. I have also traveled the world extensively and I feel I try and bring in some aspects of the classic European masters with the cutting edge pop artist of recent times.  

Wonder Woman

 Why did you want to incorporate Sharpie markers into your art process? Sharpie has always been by “go to” tool. As a youngster I would use them for model airplanes, and homemade toys. As an entrepreneur inventor I would use them to mark up samples of prototype models. So when I became a full time artist I naturally went to Sharpie products as a tool I wanted to use in my art. The colors available, specifically in the paint marker area, are perfect for my needs. I use every size tip available. From the broad chisel to the extra fine tip – I use them all! I could not do the monotonous lettering of some of my pieces with out the Sharpie Paint Marker. They allow for ultimate control of the medium and I trust the adhesion to the media. I specifically use the Sharpie Paint Marker in my lettering of text. I start by a light guide layer that is printed on the canvas. As the painting progresses I then go over the light guide with the paint marker. Sometimes I spend nearly 5 hours on the lettering on say a 36”x36” piece. Monotonous, but oh so effective. A few months ago I picked up a light blue fine tipped Sharpie Paint Marker and went crazy highlighting some elements of the painting. I absolutely loved the look! I now consider my paintings unfinished until I hit them with my Sharpie. Then my painting REALLY comes alive and I consider the piece ready for display.  

McQueen

Martini Curve

 Why do you feel the Oil Based Sharpie Paint Markers work best for the highlighting work that you do within your art? How do they enhance your work & where do you find them most useful? There is no product on the market that gives as good of paint coverage with one swipe nor the color selection as Sharpie’s Paint Marker. Once the paint is flowing through the tip the color applies in such a fluid and controlled manner they are a joy to work with. The color also stays very vibrant. Even when applied on top of other paints. Sharpies make my works come to life in the manner in which I use the pens to add highlights to areas of paintings in the form of accent lines. As mentioned above I also use the Sharpie Paint Marker with the extra fine point to do my meticulous lettering on the background of my paintings.  

Sharpie’s tagline is “Uncap What’s Inside!”  Does this apply to your work and if so, how? For sure! I mean c’mon…I turned an old BMW into a rolling canvas with the help of Sharpie! 

http://markboomershine.com

This year, Sharpie is one of London Fashion Weekend’s official sponsors and we’re giving one lucky winner and a friend a fashion-filled weekend to remember!

Sharpie will be treating the lucky winner to two Gold tickets to London Fashion Weekend on Sunday 26^th September, which includes an exclusive catwalk ticket and a goodie bag packed with all your style essentials.  The winner will also spend one night, including breakfast, at the oh-so swanky Guoman’s The Cumberland hotel on Park Lane. To top it off , this winning fashionista will receive more Sharpie swag than they’ll know what to do with!

By filling out and submitting a questionnaire, the chosen GRAND prize winner of this fashion fabulosity will win to two Gold tickets to London Fashion Weekend on Sunday September 26th.  In addition, the prize includes an exclusive fashion week pass, a fabulous goody bag packed with all your style essentials, one night’s accommodation with breakfast at the swanky Guoman Hotel The Cumberland, and  £100 to spend on the latest trends plus bunch of Sharpie goodies to design DIY fashion masterpieces!

What an amazing opportunity!  I hope we can bring this to the states!

Gotta love the personal touch!

oo La La!

Check out London Fashion Weekend on Facebook!

Meet Derek Benson, the creative genius behind Lunch Bag Art:

I take my Sharpies with me to work. During lunch, I draw on my kids' lunch bags for the next day. My friend Chuck and I were at lunch here, and he wanted to do one for his son.

Batman supervises morning drawing. My daughter loves the Sharpie paint pens; she's working on a unicorn.

This is a water balloon. It was devastating.

Marvin the Martian, in all his power and majesty.

Hi!

I’m Derek Benson, and I have a blog called Lunch Bag Art.  I started it because I draw on my kid’s lunch bags, and felt like it might be a good idea to start taking pictures. 

Let’s talk about the paint pens… they’re perfect in all ways!   If you want to make a striking image,

•  Make a silhouette in black (like Marvin here) 

• Then, take the paint markers to it…

• White works great as an outline. 

• Then you can smear the color over the black.  Just use a fingertip; the color holds up and the colors are excellently opaque. 

• Take a smaller pen to add a little detail and you’re good.

I can do one of these in under twenty minutes -  

Which is good if you’re on a lunch break!

Brophy

Dolls

Dragon

Faye

Gadget

Narwhal

Robo

Sephiroth

Zorak