B.I.B - KEEP IT MOVING

Thank you for supporting the Dark Arts by following my work and projects through STUDIOBIB.COM and the B.I.BLOG over the past years.

STUDIOBIB.COM will be replaced by ALLISTERLEE.CA and BLACKISBEAUTIFUL.CA in the new year.

ALLISTER LEE is my new portfolio site.

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL is my new visual database of black markers from Artline to Zebra, gradually showing the wide variety of “black-quisitions” I have collected over the past decade.

EQUAL DIST is where you will find a selection of my original artwork, product, and printed matter available for purchase.

Created exclusively for EQUAL DIST in commemoration of the new B.I.B site are 16 individual illustrated frames that were used to create the “B.I.B RUNNING MAN” animation featured on the main page.

These hand-drawn, numbered and signed original illustrations are available to purchase now for $100 each, or $1200 for a complete set of 16, at EQUAL DIST.

Also available now through EQUAL DIST. is the DESK JAZZ linocut print set, a collaboration between myself and Tom Messenger, for the price of $25.

Please continue to keep in touch by dropping me a line at allister@allisterlee.ca

BLACK CAT IS THE BEST

A trio of black marker strays from SF/PDX trip.

SCHOLASTIC BLACK

Copped from Utrechts art store. Came in a pack of assorted colors. Really basic silhouette, similar to Crayola. White barrel with black rings on bottom, with the color name printed on the side. Conical nib. Not the greatest marker. Makes thin lines, kinda goes on sketchy. I remember Scholastic from back in grade school. They gave us these order forms and we were supposed to order books and they would get delivered later in the month. My friends always got Garfield Treasury’s and Ramona the Pest and I think Gordon Korman. I think i got a Garfield bookmark made from plastic and yarn once.

DECOCOLOR WOOD PAINT MARKER

From Michael’s. Made by Marvy Uchida. I think the Gardencraft, the Wood Paint and normal paint markers are all the same marker, just with different labels. Average quality paint marker. 

EASYWIPE DRY ERASE MARKER

At first look, this thing is nothing special. Then I started to really look at it. It has these nice blue waves on it, with this halftone-like baby blue motif overtop that looks like falling snow or rain. The dark blue then segues into these hypnotic concentric circles in a pale blue. Wordmark and speedline in metallic silver. 5-faceted chisel tip. Nice alcohol smell. What a relaxing marker.

BINGO

A slew of new pickups and stash stuff from always-on-the-lookout DIET HTK from July SF trip. 

BINGO MARKER 

I’m never really on the lookout for Bingo Markers. This is the first one i’m adding to the marker collection.  I see them more often than not at dollar shops, but I guess I never really considered them to be “true” black markers. In fitting with the criteria, this thing does make a black mark, and I guess it says it is a marker right there on the label.

So i guess from now on Bingo markers are getting accepted into the archives…but squeeze shoe polish bottles still are not. 

Bingo markers are good drippy fun. The nib on this thing is pretty much a cotton ball. Watery ink that makes good lines with character until the nib gets messed up. Good on paper, outdoors not so much.

ARTSKILLS PERMANENT

What a wacky marker silhouette. Artskills is predominantly a dollar store brand that makes these jumbo markers for kids. About a 3mm chisel tip on this marker. Most of this marker is hollow barrel for sure. Nice “comic” style PERMANENT label on the side, grey and black triangle motif resembles a backgammon board. Classy. Bit of kick in the smell of this thing. Nothing too fierce, just a bit of something for the kids to sit back and relax to.

BROAD TIP 9MM ( DAISO )

Daiso dissapointment this SF trip. The downtown one didn’t really have the goods. DIET HTK snagged this one from some other location. Medium weight plastic bends in a bit when barrel squeezed. Simple screened white-on-black labeling. 9MM broad tip. Makes good clean marks. Efficient, well designed product.

WINDOW MARKER

This little troublemaker, courtesy of DIET again. Cap flips open to reveal circular sponge tip about the size of a quarter. Ink comes out super fast of this thing, leaving a big drippy mess. These the sort of markers that tend to bust open in your bag and dirtying up all your stuff. Gonna sticker seal the lid shut on this thing and double bag it. Got my eye on you, Window Marker.

GARDENCRAFT TERRA COTTA MARKER JUMBO

Got this at the San Rafael Michael’s. From the folks at Marvy Uchida, this jumbo marker is labeled and branded to appeal to gardeners that like to paint things onto their terracotta pots. The label example shows a killer whale and a pair of cherries. Good product. Nice sturdy tip, good ink flow, solid construction. 

JUMBO MARKER

Dollar store find. I got one that is pretty much identical, except this one has the line 

UNSUITABLE FOR USE BY YOUNG CHILDREN 

omitted from the label.

Chisel tip, flimsyish tip. Works well but I can see the nib wearing out rather quickly with use. Which can be a nice quality. Good dark ink. Faint smell. Nice marker.

HAPPY MEAL

This is a mixed bag of mini markers which I got from a couple different sources.

The last 3 came via marker trades with JUSTSOMEMARKERS, the first and third came from an ebay score, and the second one came from the homey Skam that runs Homebase in Toronto.

EL MARKO (MODERN VERSION)

This is a modern version of the El Marko, which for the longest time was my Holy Grail marker. I had found a similar version to this one at Scrap SF in 2010. I really don’t like the update for obvious reasons. It’s a neutered down version of the OG El Marko, with none of the personality intact. This one came without a cap, but i’m pretty sure I can track down a spare. Nice little compact size. Chisel tip. 

MONTANA 4MM SHORT

This is a nice little compact jobber that I spied on Skam’s desk, and later procured for myself. Kinda looks like a Chapstick, with a cap on it. All black, with silver labelling. 4mm chiseltip. Label says its “nonrefiffable”. Somebody at the design studio musta been inhaling some of them neighboring factory fumes to let that typo happen. Makes really nice tight black lines, no bleed. It is pretty well worn in right now and is making nice fades.  Nice airy high from the fumes. Made in Germany.

SANFORD’S IMPACT

This is an older little model. Has the old Sanfords logo/wordmark. Looks like a shrunken down version of their Expo dry erase marker series. Same cap shape, same tapered down body silhouette, same plastic construction. Nice cap detail - the word “PERMANENT” is featured on raised letters, in a metallic finish. Chisel tip. Bit of a wonky nib shape from use on this one, so the line quality is skewed. Nice mellow marker odor.

SNOWMAN 400

This is a dope marker. I’ve always liked the Snowman, ever since I got the jumbo version, and always wondered if there were different variations in the marketplace. Metal body with a pushed in base, that I think provides greater structural support. I’ve seen this feature on a few metal markers, and compared to flat bottom markers, they just seem stronger and more durable. Really nice wordmark, reminiscent of the edding logo, now that I compare it to this recent batch of trades. Made in Japan. English/German/French translations. Solid chisel tip. Makes crispy thick black lines with no bleed. Really good performance. Says “neutral smelling” on the label. *SNIFF*. Mmm. I guess this is pretty neutral. Well put together marker designwise and functionwise. Great addition to the collection.

EDDING 500 

Dope metal marker, compact size. Has all the familiar brandmarks of edding. Chisel tip. DOA but i’m sure in it’s prime, this one worked its magicks. Edding markers are consistently great performers. Understated classic.

EDDING 500 (PLASTIC)

This is the modern plastic version. Boo. Big UPC label printed on side. DOA. I’m sure it’s a great marker, I just prefer metal construction.

FIXED GEAR REVOLUTION 4

China’s premier annual cycling event is just around the corner. Great to work with Beijing FG again to develop the graphic collateral and product for Fixed Gear Revolution 4. 

For more information, program and registration check out the Beijing Fixed website.

DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK GOOSE GOOSE

This is a selection of medium metal barrel markers from the marker trades with M from justsomemarkers.com. Great assortment of the edding 3000 series from different years,  featuring different label details and characteristics….plus a couple strays.

EDDING 3000

This entire series range are a classic silhouette and construction. Prominent edding side brand colors, wordmark, and italic san serif body font. Body text in English, German, French and Spanish translations. The UPC code is printed directly on the barrel. Side profile diagram indicates its a pointed bullet tip. Low odor. This thing came DOA, dried up, but i’m sure when it was new, it worked a charm, like all edding products do.

EDDING 3000 GERMAN

They’re all “German” but I called this one German…because this marker features German and English label exclusively. Really nice bold type. All type is contained in box fill or box outline, making for a nice balanced design. Seems like an earlier model. The “i” in edding is straight across, not slanted, I looked at some other models, old and new, and can’t figure out at what point the “i” changed to slanted look. Nice pointed bullet tip. Really nice screw off top, so the marker can be refilled. Great feature. Another DOA arrival. Great specimen of an early edding 3000.

EDDING 3000

I guess in a timeline, this one came after the “German” one, but before anything else with a UPC code on it. Contains all the familiar brand details in an edding; wordmark, red/blue colors on white barrel. German/English/French/Spanish translation on side in similar italic sans serif font. Pointed bullet tip. Another DOA arrival.

EDDING 3000 (BOLD)

This seems to be the most modern edding 3000 model from this bunch. Big bold wordmark and logo on side label. The end has a tapered lip, in exposed metal, which is a feature not seen in all the previous models. This allows for the cap to fit on the back. A nice small design change that should be implemented moving forward for the brand.Nice odor, not too strong, but enough of a kick. Makes nice even lines in a deep black tone. Great marker. Classic.

EDDING 3300

The 3300 series have the same body specs as the 3000, but feature a chisel tip. Relatively modern. UPC code on label, German/English/French/Spanish translations on side. Features all the familiar brand marks. Another clean functional marker design from edding.

CORONA 43000

This is a nice little German made marker. Similar silhouette as the edding. Metal barrel, white coating. Bold black and red colors. Bullet tip 2-4mm. Screw off cap on this one, so you can refill. Nice feature I wasn’t expecting to see on this. Makes nice clean lines with minimal bleed. Low odor, provides nice pleasant buzz. 

SAKURA 140 PEN TOUCH M

Dope metal barrel Sakura. Matte silver finish. Bold red wordmark and logo contrasted by clear black labelling. Chisel tip. Made in Japan. Ribbed cap.  I have another in my collection with similar silhouette and markings. This is a good companion piece. Quite a distinct odor. Its got a subtle oaky kick masked in with the dizzy-stink. Don’t see much Sakura around anymore. Nice pick-up.

SUPERBROAD

A while back I came upon a really great website JUSTSOMEMARKERS that contains beautifully shot images of markers and intellectual dissemination of marker history.

The entries look at a diverse range of markers that fall within the vintage-to-rare spectrum, as well as companion pieces that show different marker applications and usage, and some in-depth stories behind some marker brand design aesthetics.

Really great to see other collectors and their approach to highlighting their finds, and reading about what aspects of these items they find the most interesting.

Traded emails with the guy that runs the site and recently we traded some pieces from our collection. 

Preparing a nice little interview with him that i’ll post up on here sooner than later, but for now, onto showing and reviewing the great trades !

Big thanks M for all the dope additions to my collection.

EDDING 800

Its in a wrapper so I don’t wanna disturb it. Nice solid construction. Familiar edding brand characteristics; wordmark/color markings/multi-lingual labelling. Edding is kinda like the Sanford of Germany;a strong, heritage brand that produces high quality markers with high visibility in the marketplace. All of their products work well from what I have tested, so without opening the package, I know to expect good things.

EDDING 800

Boo. Plastic construction. Sticker label. UPC code on side. This is a modern version of the 800 and it is a big step in the wrong direction. Jumbo markers, from heritage companies should ALWAYS be made from metal. This is dried out, but has different qualities even in this state, compared to the other edding dried out markers. Chisel tip is seized, all stiffened up. The less said the better on this one. Boo hiss !

EDDING 800 SUPERBROAD

Beautiful marker. Nice older style. Logo box on these are square, and the lower case “i” in edding is still straight across. Newer versions have that curved logo box feature and a slanted “i” dot. Nice solid construction. Bold, clear, design lines and layout. Another different cap design on this one. Wonder what the reason for the design evolution on these marker marker caps are ? All the shapes on all these markers from this grouping all have different shapes and features. Anyways. Wow. What a surprise when taking off the cap. Pristine chisel tip. Not a dimension in chisel tips i’m use to seeing. Makes streaky lines; its semi-dried out. Still has some nice kick to its stench. A great vintage edding to have added to the collection.

This is a newer version. Got that extra notched lip on base so that the cap clicks on the bottom. Different shaped cap to previous model. This thing feels really light in comparison to the one reviewed above. 5-18mm chisel tip. Chisel tip is still squared-off rigid. Tip is also smaller than the previous one. Makes nice sharp lines. Deep black color. Still get touched from the odor, but not as wonk-inducing as the previous. Other than the “cap attaches to bottom” feature, this marker is a big dis-improvement on the 850 model. Just doesn’t have the same physicality.

Look at this big fucker of a marker. Super solid. Familiar edding wordmark and brand colors. German/English/French/Spanish translations. Nice nonoganal (nine sided) cap design. Nice “e” on the top of the cap. Nice sparkling worked-in chisel tip is soft and rounded. Slightly DOA. Still has a strong odor that could knock you for a loop though. “for heavy duty marking jobs”. Indeed. Got a nice weight to it. Feels nice in hand when held in a stabbing/marking motion.

DESK JAZZ - STRAIGHT NO CHASER

Images from the DESK JAZZ show of work from Tom Messenger and myself that opened last thursday at Compound Gallery in Portland.

Show runs until July 28th, roll through if you’re in the area.

All artworks, prints and posters, including the Studio BIB 500 Marker Poster available to purchase at the gallery and ONLINE.

For availability and other inquiries please contact Molly Georgetta.

molly@compoundgallery.com

COMPOUND GALLERY

107 NW 5TH 

PORTLAND OREGON

97209

DESK JAZZ

I’ve known Tom Messenger for about a decade and we’ve tried to come together to do little DIY print projects together, but i’ve always wanted to do more substantial projects with him. 

We’re both studio hermits and while looking through the variety of work we both produce, we noticed a point of intersection in the images that focus on the tools of our trade.

Tom does amazing linocut and illustration work featuring arrangements of functional items that are found in and around creative working spaces.

I have an affinity for collecting and documenting black markers.

So here we are presenting our first show together, blowing graphic riffs in simple black and white.  

Stay hep to the movement, we’re just getting warmed up.

DESK JAZZ

JULY 5 - 28

COMPOUND GALLERY

107 NW 5th AVENUE

PORTLAND OREGON

EL MARKO RIDES AGAIN !

Another mixed bag of markers, most of which came from an ebay lot I popped on last month. Lot of nice classics in the mix.

EL MARKO WATERCOLOR

Wow. The El Marko was my Holy Grail for the longest time until I got one from the homey DIET HTK earlier in the year. This is the watercolor version - same silhouette as the other el Marko, but a white body. Nice multi-faceted chiseltip. Really nice indigo hued ink, similar to Crayola - makes crisp, sharp lines. Just as excited to have this one in the collection. El Marko rides again !

CARTERS MARKS-A-LOT

This is a classic. Tri-color foil sticker label on black plastic body. Has the old skool CARTERS logo/wordmark on it, before MARKS-A-LOT became the property of AVERY. Chisel tip. Smells like italian salad dressing. Gem.

FABER CASTELL 3000

This is a low-key, no frills marker. All black plastic construction with simple 2-line metallic gold imprinted logo and labeling. Lightweight. Chisel-tip is all mashed in and soft so give off tar-scratch lines. Mellow odor. 

AEROMARKER 900 

A simple, long black sleek marker with stylish gold metallic wordmark and minimal labeling on side. Chisel tip. Makes good clean marks with no bleed. A fancy marker to be used while wearing white gloves and a monacle. Fancy. Nice acidic bite in the odor. 

EDDING No.2

This is a unique tapered silhouette from edding. Plastic construction, Grey body, bold blue wordmark. The “e” is scratched off. Huge deviation from all the previous edding designs. Gone is the familiar red/blue/white colorway, logo and wordmarks. Bullet tip. Makes super precise lines that cut and curve without bleed or loss of control. An understated, utilitarian marker that performs extremely well.

ARTLINE POSTER MARKER

Surprised that I didn’t have this one yet. Water-based tempera marker. Circle tip. Juiced up right now, works like gangbusters. 6mm tip. Pretty solid construction for a plastic body. Eccentric White/Red/Yellow/Blue color scheme on black base. Artline always makes dope products, this beauty included.

MERANGUE PERMANENT

Here’s some random marker from the dollar store. Has the weird metallic grey plastic body color prevalent in dollar store markers. Chisel tip. Makes nice clean deep black lines. Good quality marker. Better than average for a dollar store find, on par quality with some name brand markers.