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Sharpie (marker)

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Sharpie Twin Tip Marker
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Sharpie Twin Tip Marker

In the United States, Sharpie is a line of permanent markers manufactured by the Sanford company. It is prized for its ability to write a clear, well-defined, non-smudging, durable line on glossy surfaces. While Sharpie is a brand name, its widespread use has resulted in the use of "sharpie" as a term describing any permanent marker that works on glossy surfaces.

Contents

History

The original Sharpie marker was first introduced in 1964 and has since expanded into a wide product line. Today, Sharpies are sold in seven varieties, according to the shape and size of their tip(s), ranging from "Ultra Fine" to "Super Bold". They also come in 34 ink colors, along with a single variety in metallic silver. Metallic gold and copper versions were introduced as well, but these have been discontinued due to problems with the ink formula. In 2004, Sanford released a new line of Sharpies that have a button-activated contracting tip rather than a cap, called the Sharpie RT. Sharpie Paint markers were also introduced. In 2005, the company's popular Accent highlighter brand was repositioned under the Sharpie brand name. A new version of Sharpie, called Sharpie Mini, was launched; the markers are half the size of a normal Sharpie and feature a clip to attach the Sharpie to a keychain or lanyard.

Each Sharpie has a printed seal from the Art & Creative Materials Institute certifying the marker is non-toxic.

Uses

Sharpie's versatility has led to its use in many applications such as

Marketing

In recent years, Sanford has distanced its company name from the Sharpie brand, eliminating it from the markers themselves and developing a website completely separate from Sanford's main site. In the United Kingdom, Sharpies are sold under Sanford's Papermate brand name.

Sharpie is the official marker of the Walt Disney World Resort.

NASCAR Marketing

Sanford's Sharpie line sponsors two NASCAR races along with Nextel Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray. Prior to 2006, they sponsored Kurt Busch, who was the 2004 series champion. Sharpie also sponsors the popular night-time race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The Terrell Owens \"Sharpie\" incident

In October 2002 the Sharpie marker made news in the United States when, after scoring a touchdown for the San Francisco 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks, American football player Terrell Owens produced a pen he had stored in his sock, autographed the ball with which he had just scored, and passed it to his financial advisor, who was sitting in the audience.

Many, including team officials, expressed dismay at the apparent arrogance of the move and the implication that Owens' attention was directed toward commercial exploitation of his athletic successes. Team officials did not, however, discipline him for the incident.

In interviews, he called the pen a "Sharpie" by name. Many speculated that Owens hoped to win an endorsement deal from Sanford. Bob Daenen, brand manager for the Sharpie line, originally said company officials were not interested. However, a year later, Sharpie enlisted Owens for a promotion entitled "Sharpie Metallic AUTOgraphs for Education," involving small donations of cash and school supplies to Bay Area schools.

Sharpie varieties

A black fine point Sharpie
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A black fine point Sharpie

Sharpie colors

Four Sharpie colors
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Four Sharpie colors

Only the fine and ultra fine point markers feature every color. Metallic colors are available only in fine point.

External links

 

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