A LOT OF MARKS-A-LOT
The bounty of marker pick-ups courtesy of DIET - HTK continues…
AVERY LOGO
The Avery logo was designed by Saul Bass in 1975.
This guy was an amazing designer. I think it’s really cool how aspects of design/graphic design are found within the different specimens of my marker collection. Understated details and factoids and interesting histories contained in each and every specimen, some more than others.
Read up on Avery company history here and peep their website over here.
AVERY MARKS A LOT - LONG
This is a newer version of the Marks-A-Lot marker, in a long version. Sleek black barrel, great die cut sticker label. The newer versions have an updated font and wordmark that is slanted, with red “marker lines” backdrop behind the “A” in MARKS-A-LOT. Made in Mexico. One of the overlooked characteristics of the Marks-A-Lot series is their signature marker caps. 15 triangles join a top octagon shape to a smaller bottom octagon opening to form something “jewel” like. I totally described that awkward. But that is kind of how I see it. It’s just a really cool marker lid, mini-feat of design excellence. Anyways, chisel tip nib. Mashed in a bit from use. Makes smooth black ink lines. Smells a bit like croutons and italian salad dressing. Made in Mexico.
DENNISON MARKS-A-LOT - LONG
Avery and Dennison merged in 1990 to create the current version of AVERY MARKS-A-LOT. So this marker was produced before 1990 by Dennison Stationery Products Co. Framingham, MA. Exact same specs as the long-version MARKS-A-LOT, just different label details. I really like how this die-cut label sticker has been kept as a design feature, just changed and adapted throughout the years. This label features a BLUE/SILVER/RED colorway, strong block font MARKS-A-LOT wordmark, and great copy. “MARKS MOST ANYTHING”. “CAUTION EYE IRRITANT”. I’m holding this thing by my open eye, and yeah, it’s kind of irritating. This marker also smells like croutons and italian salad dressing.
CARTERS MARKS-A-LOT - LONG
Dennison acquired Carters Ink Company in 1975. Carters made a whole range of amazing, well designed, quality product throughout their existence, and I’d love to find more examples of their work for my collection. This marker has the CARTERS logo, but also contains copy referring to the DENNISON CARTERS DIVISION, so at this time, Dennison still hadn’t completely phased out CARTER from the marker appearance, perhaps to preserve the name brand association to the consumer. Seems to have the same sticker label shape, but affixed so the tip faces right, instead of left. Has the same wordmark as the DENNISONS version above. This thing came DOA. Dried out so I can’t tell anything about scent or ink quality.
CARTERS MARKS-A-LOT - SHORT
Great classic marker. This has the Carters logo and trademarks alone, so this marker specimen can be dated before 1975. Great metallic die cut labeling. Made in USA. Nib is a bit soft, but this thing still works great. Super smooth lines, dark ink coverage. Packs a whole lotta stank after all these years. This one is an understated gem.
AVERY MARKS-A-LOT WASHABLE - SHORT
So to return full circle, this is an Avery Marks-A-Lot. Same silhouette as the Carters. Same metallic die cut label. They upped the metallic look of the strong blue background, and changed the font and wordmark appearance. The black doesn’t pop off the background as well as the white. That’s an art direction mis-step. Sticker label is slightly peeling. Which is strange since that Carters one from pre-1975 is still affixed great. And then someone decided to put a white cap on this thing. I guess they wanted to differentiate this product from others in it’s line-up. They shoulda made the entire thing white. Dark indigo tint to the ink quality. Runs smooth on untreated paper, bubbles up a bit on slightly gloss stock.
