Timothy Goodman - Sharpie Art Workshop

Yes, Sharpie markers are the number-one selling permanent marker in the world, but what makes Sharpie so special to me personally is that it crosses over into so many genres, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and beliefs. Sharpie markers are amazingly versatile and completely free of controversy. Athletes use them to sign autographs; kids use them to draw pictures; artists use them in their work; some people might use them to touch up a scratch on their piano; my mom uses them to write a grocery list; and I use them to draw on anything I can get my hands on.

An old teacher of mine always said, If you want to change your look, then change your tool. Five years ago, I made a decision to get my hand in my work more. It all started when I had the opportunity to do a mural for the Ace Hotel in New York City. I locked myself in this hotel room for three days with a Sharpie paint marker and I never looked back. That project has since changed the trajectory of my entire career. I went from being a more traditional graphic designer working in branding to working for myself creating a variety of murals and installations for clients all over the world.

This book will explore effects, techniques, mediums, and ideas about how to use Sharpie markers in your life. From making handmade gifts to creating murals to repurposing old objects to simply doodling in your notebook, we can bring a tremendous amount of creativity and joy to ourselves and those in our life. Furthermore, this book will be a catalog of inspiration from successful artists and illustrators who use Sharpie markers all over the world. Some have been teachers of mine; others are peers of mine; and some Im honored to call friends.

I want to give new ideas and inspiration to the young artist, aspiration to the nonartist whos looking to be creative and express themselves, and I want to bring context to why and how we can use Sharpie. As clich as it is, I strongly believe that when you have a Sharpie the world is your canvas. I want to encourage everyone to engage and participate in the world of Sharpie markers.

Installation for Airbnbs offices in San Francisco, where I cut, painted, and drew on 115 pieces of plywood

Installation for Ford Europe, where I illustrated stories from Focus owners in London and Paris

Illustration design for Citgo gas station credit cards

Magazine covers for Time and New York

Mural of Tupac lyrics at a trade-show for FlexFit headwear in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Materials, Tools & Techniques

WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LOOK? THEN CHANGE YOUR TOOL.

Want to make a mark? Sure! Want to draw a pattern on a piece of paper? Of course! Want to draw all over that old object in your house? Why not! Want to make a gift for someone? Definitely! Want to draw on your sneakers? Even better! Want to draw on your wall? Be my guest! Want to bring new meaning to old things? Youre in the right place!

Like anything in life, the more you practice and work at something, the better your instincts become. However, how do you know whats the right Sharpie for you to use? Would you know the right kind of knife to use if youve never cut a piece of meat? Would you know the right blade to use to carve a piece of wood? This section will explore an assortment of materials and objects that you can use, as well as the ins and outs of each kind of Sharpie marker. No matter which kind you use or how you use it, everything is begging for your imagination to run wild.

Hopefully I can open your eyes and expand your horizons on all the ways you can use Sharpie in your life. Remember, as Andy Warhol said, Art is whatever you can get away with. So lets get away with some stuff!

Sharpie Pen: Use it for taking notes, journaling, writing letters, making cards, and more. It wont bleed.

Sharpie Ultra-Fine Point: Features a precise, narrowed tip for extreme control.

Sharpie Fine Point: The industry standardthe Big Cheese, Mr. Popular.

Sharpie Twin Tip: Functionality is increased with both fine and ultra-fine tips in one marker.

Sharpie Fabric: Developed for optimal performance on most fabric surfaces, it uses fabric ink with a brush tip.

Sharpie Super Point: The bolder the better! A super-large ink supply extends the products life.

Sharpie Paint Bold Point: Use on virtually any surface: metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic, stone, and more.

Sharpie Paint Medium Point: A thinner version, used on virtually any surface: metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic, stone, and more.