The Sketchbook Project is a traveling library of original sketchbooks, bringing the work of thousands of creative professionals to art aficionados and enthusiasts in 15 cities around the world.  The 2012 World Tour, brought to you by Brooklyn-based Art House Co-Op and Prismacolor, invites art lovers to peruse these unique works from talented artists while experiencing Prismacolor’s new Brush Tip Markers!

Want to know more?

Of course you do! Not only are we showing off the impressive collection of sketchbooks from around the world and giving away our brand new Brush|Fine Markers, but we are also giving you a chance to connect with other artists at all the tour stops with Tour Mail!

2012 Sketchbooks ready to be perused!

Tour Mail is an ongoing interactive art project that lives and travels with the Sketchbook Project. Create a piece of art for a stranger using our hundreds of Prismacolor® markers and send it to any destination on the World Tour. It’s our very own interactive postal service! At each tour stop, participants will have the opportunity to create a piece of Tour Mail and receive one in return.

Everyone who creates Tour Mail at along the tour will take home a special token.  Forward a little creativity — and receive a surprise in return!

We’ll  be on-hand with free giveaways, and we’ll also have testing samples of our new Prismacolor® Brush|Fine Art Markers. Our Brush|Fine Art Markers are double-ended, and are perfect for making varied lines in just one stroke.

After our very successful send-off this past Thursday night in Brooklyn, NYC (check out all the pictures, here) the Sketchbook Project crew has packed up their Prismacolors and the more than 7 THOUSAND original sketchbooks and have hit the road! Please join this phenomenal community of artists, designers and inspired creative people when the Sketchbook Project makes its stop in a city near you.

If you can’t make out to see us in person, be sure to follow all the action here on the blog,  Facebook, Twitter and the Sketchbook Project Blog!

Hope to see you soon!

Two tips, 152 brilliant colors and unlimited possibilities lie ahead of you with these new markers from Prismacolor, just click here to find out more.

We added an extra dash of artistic freedom to our already brilliant line of art markers with the brand new brush tip, ideal for creating thick, thin, or varied lines with a single stroke; the only limit is your imagination! It is truly the ultimate tool for fashion, design, and hobby applications; and just like the Chisel|Fine markers these bad boys feature a small fine tip on the other, perfect for detail work and come in the 152 magnificent colors that you have grown to love!

We also added a new anti-roll cap to help you keep your markers right where you want ‘em, even on slanted work tables.  Finally, so you can see exactly what you’re working with the label colors are color matched to ink colors for quick and easy identification.

Same trusted ink, same brilliant colors, brand new way to feel the rush of uninhibited art!

Have you tried these bad boys out yet?! Tell us what you think and leave a comment!

More than 200 students showcased work and the team was amazed by the passion and talent these young artists continue to exhibit- check out some of the student work and hear more about ASM and the event, here.

“After School Matters…it really does!” – Maggie Daley

After School Matters is a Chicago based non-profit organization that was founded in 1981 by the late Maggie Daley, wife of former Chicago mayor, Richard Daley. After School Matters is an organization that provides Chicago public high school students high quality, after school opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while also gaining critical skills for work, college, and beyond.  The program’s roots are in Visual Arts, and they even have a gallery in downtown Chicago called Gallery 37 where student artwork is showcased and sold to raise money for the after school programs. After learning about the local program last year, Prismacolor got involved and donated much needed art supplies to the students to ensure that they were learning with only the best products!

Tribute to Maggie Daley

After School Matters held their annual Citywide Showcase at the Chicago Theater, Wednesday, March 28 where over 200 students had the opportunity to showcase their skills.  Student artwork was on display, dance and singing groups performed, and the culinary arts students provided dessert.  It was an incredible show, and the Prismacolor team was proud to be there to support the amazingly talented students!

It was an amazing event filled arts of all forms and we were so honored to be a part of it! We would love t hear how your community is encouraging the arts so please, comment and share!

Diana Garrett, our trusty Fine Art Specialist, shot a video with the help of Blick to help explain the art of sharpening colored pencils without damaging your favorite Prismacolors!

NOTE:  Prismacolor Pencils are now available in 150 colors!

What other questions would you like answered? We want to know!

ImageThink is the ultimate visual tool and takes what is being said and records it, in real time, with pictures. Hello!

Are you taking notes?

ImageThink is a graphic facilitation service, or in layman’s terms,  visual note takers that turn any meeting into an amazing auditory and visual learning experience that blows Powerpoint out of the water. PLUS  I spotted some of these “visual recorders”  using PRISMACOLORS and sister brand, Sharpie (they even gave a little Sharpie nod in their logo!) !

But rather than me explain this amazing service, why don’t I let them show you!? ( Be sure to click on the images to expand them!)

As you can see they take the best of both worlds and combine them into an easy and simple way to understand the material that is being presented. I was literally giddy as I walked into any lecture that had an ImageThink(er) at work- and for the lectures I missed,  I could catch up on all the Interactive goodness just by stopping by the Oglivy Notes display (Ogilvy was the company responsible bringing these visual rockstars to SXSWi)!

The real-life Frank Abagnale told his story with the help of Image Think!

You can check out the entire collection of Ogilvy Notes all created by ImageThink, here!

So what do you think? Are you as amazed and intrigued as I was?

Recently, with the help of Reebok, the Guinness World record for largest 3D Painting was set by  artist, Joe Hill, to create this behemoth of a painting in London’s Canary Wharf.

Take a leap with us to hear more about his awe-inspiring feat of athletic artistry.

Reebok CrossFit teamed up with London-based street artists ‘3D Joe and Max‘ to create a spectacular, jaw-dropping outdoor workout illusion! Check out the before and after images and an interview with the artist below.

the grid!

Finished Product! WATCH OUT!

For more information on the project and even MORE pictures check out the artist’s website!

What do you think of this GINORMOUS piece of greatness?

Swoon along with me as  Lauren shares how she finds inspiration and why she chose Nashville as her fashion haven.

Designer extraordinaire, Lauren Leonard

Prismacolor Artist Interview with Designer Lauren Leonard

What is inspiration to you? What is Art? As I go through more seasons,  the less literal and focused my inspiration becomes. I find inspiration in so many different places it is hard to peg.  Color will always be my number one source of inspiration. Not just the colors themselves but also the ideas they evoke. I see a color and suddenly I see a specific time period, a texture, a mood, and a song among other things. My collections always start with color.

How did you start working as an artist? Literally from the time I could hold a drawing utensil I was working as an artist. Probably before I even knew what art was. Classmates would pay me a dollar to draw them something of their choice. I soon realized commissioned work really wasn’t my thing and that I would rather create based on what I feel passionately about. I guess that is what all artists want. Although it is difficult to think of myself as an artist, it is a world I felt plugged into very early on.

How do you get the creative juices flowing? With creativity you definitely have your on and off days. When I am feeling on, I try to push all of the business things aside and focus on design that day– though that’s not always realistic. I work with two very different parts of the brain on a daily basis. I may spend my morning calculating fabric yardages or writing specs, and my afternoon sketching. It is challenging to shift from two very different mindsets so regularly but that is fashion. Fashion is really art married with function.  When I need to get in creative mode, I put the iphone away, turn away from the computer, put on some great music and just start drawing.

What’s your favorite “effect” you create in your work? OR Best art tip you ever got? The best effect is definitely when someone wears something they never pictured themselves in and learn to see themselves in a new way.  They love what they see but are surprised by it. That is always fun!

Nashville, Lauren's humble abode and inspiration capitol.

Who/ what inspires you to create? My customers, and the garments themselves.

Can you tell us about your “process” for creating a new collection? It starts with color, the colors begin to tell a story and I follow that story and find inspiration from it. With effort it begins to evolve into a cohesive group.

What’s your favorite part of this job/ creative process? I have thousands of ideas and then I edit them down to something that makes sense for our retailers and our customers.  I love the puzzle of grouping something together that is pragmatic versatile and ultimately functional and sellable. This is where the left-brain comes in and tries to make sense of it all.  There is such a sense of achievement once I reach this finish line. BUT I am never happier than when I am in the throes of an all day designing session, free of direction. Those days are the best!

So many people move to NYC to pursue design, why did you choose Nashville as your fashion mecca? I grew up in Tuscaloosa, lived in Manhattan, Atlanta and now Nashville. All of these cities hold a special place in my heart. Nashville is the most welcoming city imaginable and there is a very rich art scene. The arts community has to be the most embracing around. The transition here was seamless and wonderful.

SNEAK Peek at Leona's Fall 2012 Collection!

If you could have one super power what would it be and why? I think I would love to see the future, but then again our futures are what we make them right? That’s what I have built my life on. I guess that must be one of the more impossible super powers.

What Prismacolor products do you use and do you have any tricks for that particular medium? I use the colored pencils and markers. I almost always layer them together for my fashion illustrations. The shading and layering capabilities with Prismacolor markers is incredible. I have been using them non- stop since my first fashion illustration class 8 years ago. Shout out to Dr. Koontz! I always think about her while I am illustrating.

What does it feel like to have people wearing your work all over the country? A complete dream that I don’t think I will ever come to grips with.  I just feel beyond blessed.

Coco Chanel

Do you ever show your work to others before its finished? Are you ever self-conscious about your work? My sketchbook is like a diary. Every design thought comes out on paper as I am thinking it without any filter. Sometimes it is terrible, but sometimes it is great. I never use pencils because I don’t believe in being able to erase “mistakes”. I love seeing the mistakes and the ideas they may conjure up.  At the same time, I rarely like for anyone to see my sketchbooks, because it all feels very personal in those beginning stages of the process.

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who and why? Coco Chanel. No one has ever fascinated me more on a professional level.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers/artists? Never take for granted any opportunities to learn and grow. Take advantage of your surroundings, and immediately immerse yourself in the area that interests you in any way you can.

Favorite Prismcolor product: My markers, obviously.

Finish this sentence: “ I am…” ready  to go draw after all of this art talk!

Yes, PLEASE!! Sketches come to life for February!

Be sure to stop by Lauren’s website to see all the amazing clothes, (and maybe treat yourself to a new outfit!) and stop by her blog for more Leona to love!

We have shown you marker tutorials and majestic marker work but what about an artist that doesn’t draw with these creative tools but rather lets them make thier own point?

Curious? Well then you better keep reading!

It took almost 40 days and nights, a complete set of 156 Prismacolor markers and more than 40 lbs of paper for artist, Daniel Eatock, to finish this “art meets science”  print.

For more information and to see the day by day photos check out the artist’s website!

Much to our delight, Ester agreed to take a moment out of her impressive and busy schedule to talk with us a bit about what inspires her and tricks on perfecting her amazing technique! Check out the complete interview now!

Artist and inventor, Ester Roi

Ester Roi: Prismacolor Artist Interview

What is inspiration to you?
I’m inspired when I’m fearless, when I put on my child-like glasses and look at the world as if I’d never seen it before. In that state of mind I find inspiration everywhere.

How do you get the creative juices flowing?
I love to spend time at the ocean and at the river and watch how water transforms everything it touches. At home
I have a fish tank in my backyard that I use to experiment with natural objects immersed in water. Nature, time alone, and time to play are my favorite ingredients that stir up my imagination.

Another way to get my creative juices flowing is to take a five minute break on my studio swing every few hours. Not only do I get re-energized but my concentration level increases. The motion of swinging is very relaxing and soothing and fosters creativity and right brain thinking.

What inspires you to create?
In the last several years I have been painting flowers and rocks and their interaction with water. I study them above water, below, and in-between, and observe how their visual characteristics change and relate to each other. I relish the contrast between a solid rock above the surface and its restless reflection below; the realistic depiction of a floating daisy versus its abstract, refracted counterpart. I marvel at how a flower can take on a new identity when floating below the surface and I strive to capture its ever-changing shape.

What’s your favorite “effect” you create in your work? Or best art tip you ever got?
One of my favorite effects is to create the illusion of transparency, especially with flowers. When I’m drawing transparencies I don’t think about the subject, I just render the color and value changes. Perhaps that is one of the best art tips I ever got, how important it is to learn to “see” without letting your mind cloud your vision.

What inspired you to create the Icarus board?
In early 2006 my interest was focused on a technique called “colored pencil painting” which aims to achieve the same level of color saturation and density that is characteristic of acrylic or oil. While searching for ways to facilitate blending and burnishing my wax-based colored pencils, I decided to experiment with heat. I put a metal pan on the stove, turned it upside down, placed a piece of paper on top and began drawing. I soon discovered how remarkable the effect of heat was on my colored pencils and crayons and decided to build a home-made “heated drawing board” from scratch. With my husband’s help, and my fellow artists’ encouragement, I was eventually able to produce a professional quality artist tool.

What Prismacolor products do you use and do you have any tricks for that particular medium?
I use Premier Verithin for the initial line drawing. Their points hold extremely well even on the warm zone of the Icarus board so that I can draw the finest details. Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils are the workhorse of my art, I couldn’t do without them. I love how I can easily blend them and burnish them on the warm zone. I especially like their extensive color selection – 150 now!  Prismacolor Art Stix are great for covering large areas and very malleable with heat.

One of the most popular applications of the Icarus board is the “speckling technique.” It is an amazing shortcut for textures that are characterized by small speckles of colors, like a starry sky or a sanded beach.

Here are the main steps:
-  layer the background color needed for the project (e.g., blue for a sky)
-  grate a colored pencil or an art stix on a sandpaper block and let the speckles fall onto the paper
-  move the artwork to the warm zone of the Icarus board and cover the artwork with a sheet of tracing paper
-  press down with a brayer until all speckles are melted and embedded into the background

Do you ever show your work to others before it is finished? Are you ever self-conscious about your work?
I usually show my work at different stages if it was originally planned as a step-by-step or as a blog post demonstration. There’s a difference between art that I create for teaching and art that I create for my own self-expression; I’ve learned to be protective toward the last one and show it only when it’s finished.

What does it feel like to have your work on packaging all over the country? It’s a real honor to have my artwork displayed on the latest and largest set of Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils!

I hope that my colored pencil painting, The Three Graces, known in Greek mythology as Charm, Beauty, and Creativity, will inspire and encourage artists everywhere to strive to achieve their best with this incredibly versatile medium.

You know the answer is “right now!” so, don’t delay; check off a resolution and check it out!

Check out more videos and tips on Prismacolor’s YouTube Channel!