CALLING ALL ARTISTS:
Ever had a sketch board? (Also known as an art board, portable art pad, or White Slab on the street) Ever wondered what it would be like if you could put your own artwork right on it? Regardless of whether the idea has ever crossed your mind, some obvious complications probably dissuaded you from ever attempting it. First, it would take some serious time to paint it yourself, and there would be little room for error. Then there's the smear factor of the final piece, and the fact the paint would ruin the smoothness of the board, making it difficult to use for drawing once it's been painted. The solution to all of these issues has arrived.
BACKSTORY:
Currently I'm working at a national Graphics company (Clients like Division 1 colleges, American Eagle, Home Depo, Lowes, Owens Corning - The Pink Panther inventors-, Rubbermaid, etc.) and have been granted access to their ridiculously amazing technology and ability to print on nearly anything flat. Seriously, the stuff they can print on, scan, and use baffles the mind. Glass? No problem. Wood? Yep. Metal? Check. Plastic? Double Check. Cork board? Indeed. Laminate, vinyl, and paper? Since before you were born. Rock, stone, and shingles? Believe it or not, it's true. The catch is that I have to prove there is an interest in the product I want printed, thus making it available to the masses. (I.E., you and me at a low cost, not just for corporations.) That's where you come in.
THE DEAL:
Recently they've perfected the art of printing full color images on the front, back, or both sides, full bleed or positioned however desired, on portable sketch boards. (Ones like in the image above with the handle cut out of a side and a clamp to hold your art). The ink lays flat, keeping the surface clean and smooth, and the boards can be coated with any number of finishes, one even allowing it to be used like a Dry Erase board if needed.
The idea of having my art on a board that I could still sketch on, use like normal, or just have on display seemed cool. But having the ablity to print a bunch and take them to Cons, put my portfolio on one side and a splash on the other, or whatever else I wanted on it (even a giant picture of my face to scare small children) to use for general promotional purposes seemed like the perfect next step in marketing myself. It's like a business card, but usable, durable, and way too big for the recipient to lose in a drawer.
Now imagine this, you're at a comic con and you win a sketch board with some original pencil art by your favorite artist, signed by him and the writer of your favorite book. How cool would it be to have some pro work on your board to inspire you as you drew? (or shame you if the piece you're doing really stunk) Or if nothing else, just to have it on display around the house?
If this all sounds pretty good to you, then I need your help.
WHERE YOU COME IN:
All I need right now is a proof that artists would be interested in such a product. Written emails of interest would be great, so please send them, and pass this info and my email (bretthibbler@gmail.com) on to anyone you know who may be interested. There's also a thread on Deviant Art to drum up some interest, so check the boards for that discussion. The green light is there and a similar website portal for direct user ordering and design has been created and will be ready for use, but only if there's a market for the product.
Also, in case you're curious about pricing, it's looking to be low. Like nearly as low as getting a blank one. This company is huge, so they can do things very inexpensively because they have their own shipping company in house and already have the stock of boards for other clients, so they have the bulk rates already. But, again, our access all depends on interest levels.
Thanks in advance for your assistance, and feel free to ask any questions you have. I'll do my best to get back to you.
Brett
www.1lastshot.com
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