The Colorists 2020 Giveaway Event

Presented by Staedtler and Marjorie Sarnat
Jan 1 – Jan 20, 2020

It’s a new year and a new you, and now’s the time to take your artistic skills to the next level. What better than to put new artist materials to use in your artwork, courtesy of Staedtler. Through its generosity, I am able to offer U.S. residents the chance to win one of three amazing prizes:*

“2020 GRAND PRIZE”

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• triplus fineliners – A fibre-tip pen set of 20 fineliners makes superfine lines to let you get down to the details

• Double-ended watercolor brush pens – This 36 pen set consists of double-ended brush pens that are ideal for variable strokes and shading 

• Watercolour graphite pencils – The 3 pencil weights and brush included in this set are ideal for watercolor drawing and sketching, as well as graying down areas of color in your artwork

  #MySTAEDTLER #DesignJourney #triplusfineliner

“2020 2nd PRIZE”

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• Super Soft Coloured Pencils – With this set of 24 you’re able to achieve high coverage and bright colors on both white and black paper

• Coloured Pencils – The soft lead in this set of 24 lets you achieve a wide range of dry techniques in bright colors and are also easy to blend

• Watercolour graphite pencils – The 3 pencil weights and brush included in this set are ideal for watercolor drawing and sketching, as well as graying down areas of color in your artwork

  #MySTAEDTLER #DesignJourney

“2020 3rd PRIZE”

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• Super Soft Coloured Pencils – With this set of 12 you’re able to achieve high coverage and bright colors on both white and black paper

• Mars® Lumograph Premium Quality Pencils – A set of 6 break-resistant, super-bonded lead pencils for writing, drawing and sketching. (I swear by them!)

  #MySTAEDTLER #DesignJourney

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CONTEST IS CLOSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

The Colorists 2020 Giveaway Event

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Wishing You the Happiest New Year!

Staedtler products are a welcome part of my arsenal of tools for creating artwork. I am pleased to start the new year with you to introduce you to their quality and versatility.

The image above is from my new coloring book, “Best Dressed Pets,” due to come out January 15, 2020! This Hawaiian Cat is enjoying a day in the sun. I completed the artwork using Staedtler colored pencils for shading and fineliners for detail.

My wish is for all of you and yours to have a healthy and prosperous new year. May 2020 be filled with joy, hope, and happiness.

With love and gratitude,

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To learn more about Staedtler’s products visit:
www.staedtler.us

Follow Staedtler on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/staedtler.northamerica
www.instagram.com/staedtlernorthamerica
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*GIVEAWAY RULES

Participants and winner(s) must be U.S. residents. No purchase necessary to enter. Contest begins on January 1, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. and ends on January 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Limit of one entry per person. Winner(s) will be selected at random from all eligible entries received. Winner(s) will be notified via email and must acknowledge by replying January 22 or prize will be rewarded to another eligible participant. Void where prohibited.

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[Disclosure: I received the Staedtler products mentioned in this article for myself at no charge in exchange for offering this giveaway. How easy was that?]

Dreamy Unicorn Complimentary Coloring Page

I have a fresh coloring page for you that you won't find in any published book! Click below to start the download.

I recently offered this illustration to my Facebook group (you really should join if you haven't already), and members have created beautiful artwork from this page. The gorgeous example shown is by Nicole Ziobro. Each week we have a "color-along", and for this illustration I offered tips for coloring it. I hope this sparks some ideas for your Dreamy Unicorn.

Choose your own “dreamy” color palette to color the Unicorn artwork using any technique(s) you want. Think about what evokes fantasy or dreamlike colors to you. We often think of pale blues, violets, and other pastels to create a dreamy atmosphere. Disney used dark blue for the skies in his fairytales. Colors in rainbow sequence (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) in backgrounds or on flowers add a dreamy accent. Rainbow colors can be pale versions (pink, peach, yellow, mint, light blue, lavender). Unnatural colors, such as blue daffodils or yellow skies give a dreamy feeling. Use whatever colors feel dreamy to you. Use any art materials — colored pencils, markers, gel pens, paint, glitter pens, and more.

Many Coloring Book Projects Lined Up

I haven't made a blog post in a while, only because I've been super-busy with more coloring book projects that I hope you'll enjoy. I just delivered the finished line art for Fanciful Sea Life, which will be published in February, next year. Now I'm putting the finishing touches on the four color illustrations that will appear in the book. Right behind that are three more coloring books to be announced.

"Tropical Fish" will appear in Fanciful Sea Life in February 2018.

Featured Artists

I'm honored that the October 2017 issue of “Pen World” magazine features me and Johanna Basford as coloring book artists who find Staedtler products to be essential tools in our work.

I love color and texture and layering detail in my artwork. Since reviewing Staedtler pens last year, I’ve used them exclusively for a variety of techniques because they’re so versatile. You can read about how I use triplus fineliners and pigment liners in my artwork, and how Johanna depends on Staedtler products in the story, "Triple Threat."

I'll have more to share with you very soon. In the meantime, thank you for your support of my artwork.

Color your days in positive ways!

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Announcing the Winner(s) and Initial Survey Impressions

Congratulations to Colleen Kayser! She participated in the "Extended License" Survey in Marjorie's last blog post and won the Staedtler triplus fineliner pen set!

Although It wasn’t originally announced as part of the Giveaway, we awarded a second prize and third prize, too. A copy of Marjorie Sarnat’s Owls goes to Susan Butler, and Marjorie Sarnat’s Dazzling Dogs goes to Kathy Ferrone. Congratulations and thanks to all for entering.

Preliminary Survey Observations

I’m collating the survey results on behalf of Marjorie. She received hundreds of responses and so many very thoughtful comments from people all over the world. Thank you to all who participated and took the time to write. It’s not possible to respond to each comment, but Marjorie and I have read and treasure them all.

We don’t have a tabulation yet. In the meantime, here are some representative comments about the survey questions only. There were countless kind words about how much Marjorie’s art means to you, and how her art is a deeply important part of so many people’s daily lives. It’s truly humbling, so a big thank you to all of you. 

Noteworthy Comments [edited for space and clarity]

“It takes a lot of time to draw and produce a coloring book. Selling your book in stores and to others (on line) is one thing but no one but you should profit from it.”

“I think it'd be a nice idea for you to publish such a coloring book. Some of the people who complete these pages are very "crafty" in thinking of different ways to use them and they'd probably really appreciate being able to legally use your artwork for different projects they can sell. Good way to boost the economy you know?”

“I love coloring I've literally done it my entire life (I'm 44 now). But the idea of selling what I've colored seems unfair to the artist who created the picture I colored as well as to myself. ”

“I color pictures that "speak to me" simply for fun and creative expression. When I was a child I went through coloring books Crayolas and Venus Paradise color by number kits like mad in the winter. Creating something for sale would suck the joy right out for me. :-) ”

“…It would be extremely easy for people to omit crediting the original creator intentionally or unintentionally. I'm an extremely strong believer in an artist writer creator of anything actually receiving the proper artistic and monetary credit for their work. ”

“I think this is a wonderful idea… if I found a design I really loved and coloured it well I'd like to be able to have that option... I'd like to do some fundraising for Prostate Cancer Research…”

“I think it will be an amazing thing as I have had a couple people that loved my colouring of my roosters and a few others and wanted to buy them and said I couldn't sell them but I just ended up sending them as a suprise to them instead but if I could be that we can either sell or give as gifts I would def being more gift than selling.”

Last But Not Least

I included this comment because it’s exactly how I respond when I get my hands on a new coloring book by Marjorie:

“My favorite part of a brand new Marjorie Sarnat coloring book is starting from page one and looking at each of her art works one at a time. The humor in her artwork is so funny! I love it. It lifts my spirits.”

Marjorie will make a decision whether or not to develop a book with an extended license in the future. In the meantime, we are working on three new coloring books, one that will be available soon, and two that will be available in 2017. More information to come in the very near future.

Thanks again for participating and supporting Marjorie's artwork!

All the best, Marty

You've Just Completed a Beautiful Coloring Page. Now What?

Do you recognize the styling of the cat adorned with patterns and surrounded by swirls and flowers? I produced this original creative cat illustration exclusively for Staedtler to advertise their triplus fineliner pens. It appears in an ad in the Fall 2016 issue of “The Coloring Studio” magazine.  This quarterly pub is filled with pages of artwork to color drawn by various artists and offers “simple ways to use your colored pages.” The projects you create with the artwork, such as journal covers, greeting cards, wall art, etc, are for personal use only. Being restricted from using coloring book artwork for commercial purposes is pretty much a standard practice, and, of course, I fully support protecting artists’s copyrights.  

Is there a way to legally sell your colored pages?

Yes, if you obtain an explicit grant of license by an artist or owner of the copyright. I’ve been developing an idea for a coloring book, and you can help me decide whether or not to go ahead with it by completing the survey at the end of this blog post. Essentially, it asks if you would, as a colorist or crafter, want me to publish a coloring book that gives you an “extended license,” so that you can offer your completed projects for sale if you choose to do so. 

Using triplus fineliners

I enjoy my relationship with Staedtler. They offer me a place to share my fancy felines and other animal art. In exchange for receiving the pens, I wrote an honest review in a previous blog post here. After continuing to use the fineliners, they have become my favorite fine-tipped pens.

Giveaway: Enter to Win a Set of 20 Staedtler triplus fineliner Pens

Submit the Survey below by October 10 to be entered to win a set of 20 Staedtler triplus fineliners with a really cool denim carrying pouch, courtesy of Staedtler!

This set of 20 triplus fineliners comes with a unique denim carrying pouch.

Survey for an “Extended License” Coloring Book
[SURVEY IS CLOSED]

Colorists! Your input can help me create a future coloring book. For taking the time to answer this short survey, you’ll be entered to win the Staedtler Giveaway — a set of triplus fineliner pens in a cool denim carrying pouch. Deadline is October 10. See rules below.

Thank you as always for supporting my artwork. It's colorists like you that inspire me to create new books!

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Giveaway Contest Rules: Eligible only for residents of the U.S.A. or Canada. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PDT, October 10, 2016. Winners will be drawn at random from Survey entries on October 11, 2016, and notified by email promptly thereafter. If winner(s) don’t respond by October 14, 2016 prizes will be awarded to alternate persons at my discretion. 

[You can read my privacy policy here]

Product Review and Giveaway: Staedtler 48 Colored Pencils Set

[Disclosure: I received the Staedtler 48 Colored Pencils Set mentioned in this article at no charge in exchange for writing a product review.]

I found Staedtler Colored Pencils to be a superb value. Here’s a basic set of colored pencils in a beautiful array of colors. These pencils are durable enough to last through many art projects and offer another big plus: the triangular barrels are so comfortable to grip I felt no pressure on my fingers.

The sets are in a lower price range similar to student level sets, yet they perform to the expectations of pricier artist quality sets. The 48 color set sells for between $9.68 and $16.98 online (Product No. 1270 C48A6). The pencils come in a flat cardboard box with two plastic grooved trays that hold 24 pencils each.

Great Performance and Versatility

TRIANGULAR SHAPED BARRELS PROVIDE AN EASY GRIP AND LIMIT PENCILS FROM ROLLING AWAY.

1. Wood barrels with 02.9 mm color core
2. Ergonomic triangular shaped barrels feel great in the hand. They’re easy to grip, your fingers won't cramp, and the pencils don’t roll away
3. The colors have consistently rich pigmentation, unlike many student sets that have faint or uneven pigmentation
4. The brilliant colors are soft and blendable. They color smoothly, layer nicely, and burnish well
5. The pencils are easy to sharpen. There is no lead “fall out,” chipping, or flaking. The leads hold a sharp tip and are durable enough to use for fine lines and details
6. The colors are vivid and clear and provide good coverage on a variety of surfaces, including smooth, medium, and rough toothed papers
7. Because they layer well, the range of colors can be broadened through visual mixes

BECAUSE THEY LAYER WELL, THE RANGE OF COLORS CAN BE BROADENED THROUGH VISUAL MIXES

Colors

The 48 color set includes a full range of light to dark primaries and secondary colors: reds, yellows, blues, oranges, greens, and purples. There are also some pastel hues and several warm and cool neutrals.

I found that occasionally the color of a barrel does not match the color of its lead. In a few cases the color of a lead is so much like the color of another lead in the set that it’s difficult to see the difference — even though the barrel colors differ. The barrels have no color names or numbers on them. I wrapped tape around the barrels and wrote names on the tape to help me identify colors. This is a small "drawback" though.

The Staedtler 48 Colored Pencils set proves to be fine value for the price. I would recommend this set to any beginning or experienced artist.

A Staedtler Giveaway and More [CONTEST IS CLOSED]

Staedtler has kindly offered to give a 48 Colored Pencils Set to one lucky winner! To enter, simply sign up on the "For Color Lovers" email list. If you are already on the list there's nothing more you need to do — you are entered automatically!

To sweeten the Giveaway, I’ve created 3 levels of prizes. In addition to the colored pencils set, the first place winner will also receive a Textile Designs Coloring Book, and a Creative Cats Sticker Book. Second and third place winners each will receive a Textile Designs Coloring Book and Creative Cats Sticker Book, too. Please see Giveaway Contest Rules below. Thanks for participating and good luck.!

COMPLETED ILLUSTRATION FROM MY NEWEST COLORING BOOK, THE ART OF MARJORIE SARNAT: ELEGANT ELEPHANTS ADULT COLORING BOOK, TO BE PUBLISHED JULY 2016. SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST TO BE THE FIRST TO LEARN ABOUT ITS RELEASE DATE. © MARJORIE SARNAT.

Giveaway Contest Rules: Eligible only for residents of the U.S.A. or Canada. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PDT, July 17, 2016. Winners will be drawn at random from my email list on July 18, 2016, and notified by email promptly thereafter. If winner(s) don’t respond by July 24 prizes will be awarded to alternate persons at my discretion. [CONTEST IS CLOSED]

Staedtler triplus Fineliner Pens Are Superior Performers and a Pleasure to Use

Products Reviewed

• 20 Colors Set
• 6 Neon Colors Set
• 6 Pastel Colors Set
• 6 Earth Tone Colors Set

[CONTEST IS CLOSED!]
Staedtler has generously offered the 20 Colors Set and Neon Colors Set to one lucky winner.

[Disclosure: I received the Staedtler Fineliner Pens mentioned in this article at no charge in exchange for writing a product review.]

Staedtler triplus Fineliner Pens come in a sturdy clear plastic case that flips back to become an easel. The easel sets up and down easily, and does not tip over when you reach for a pen.

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I found Fineliner Pens to be a superior quality product and a reliable pleasure to use. They're surprisingly versatile, too.

Well Designed with the Artist in Mind

1. Ergonomic triangular barrels feel great in the hand
2. Superfine tip gets into intricate areas without bleeding
3. The caps match the colors
4. The pens glide smoothly and release color in an even flow
5. Water-based inks give opaque coverage, yet you can create watercolor effects by applying a moist brush over colored areas
6. Colors can be layered over each other. I especially liked using light gray for shading over bright colors
7. The fine tips are great to use for cross hatching, stippling, and other textures
8. Fill larger areas by placing lines next to each other
9. They resist bleeding through paper.
10. They layer well over and under most colored pencil types.
11. They have enough ink to last longer than many other pens of this type
12. The pen caps snap closed and won't fall off.
13. Dry Safe: The pens can be left uncapped for days without drying up
14. Easel storage case is easy to use

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Colors 

Staedtler triplus Fineliners don’t indicate color names on the pens or packaging, so the names I use below are my own.

• The 20 Pen Set includes a complete range of colors: primary, secondary, and tertiary colors along with two earth tones, two grays, and black. The brighter colors in the set are vivid and intense and the dark colors are distinctive
• The Neon colors are vibrant and slightly pale, which is great because they're not overwhelming as are many other brands. The colors are blue, hot pink, pale orange, yellow, green, and red-orange. My only issue is that the blue cap is a different blue from the aqua color the pen actually is
• The Earth Tone colors are deep and rich. The colors are dark red, dark mauve, purple, dark green, brown, and dark gray
• The Pastel colors are pink, lavender, peach, lime, gray, and blue. The colors are soft and mellow enough to be sophisticated without losing the fresh, sweet look of a pastel palette
• The colors are different in each set, so if you buy the entire array you will not be duplicating colors.

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After experimenting with Staedtler triplus Fineliners I found them versatile and satisfying, and now they are part of my repertoire for coloring my work. These are my go-to pens for fine detail. 

The 20 pen set is listed on Amazon and Dick Blick for approximately US$27.00. They are priced right and well worth the money because of their superior performance and how long they last.

Learn more at Staedtler's website.