Sharpie(R) Signs Artists, Bloggers to 2010 Sharpie Squad

OAK BROOK, Ill., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharpie® has chosen 20 of its most passionate fans to join its 2010 Sharpie® Squad, an exclusive group of artists and bloggers who serve as vocal brand ambassadors, sharing their enthusiasm, creativity and unbridled passion for all things Sharpie.

Sharpie markers, once considered a utilitarian labeling tool, has evolved into an instrument of creative self-expression.  In the process, a new generation of Sharpie fans – artists, moms, teens and more– has surfaced. These legions of loyal users not only profess their "Sharpie love" via social media channels, but push the boundaries of what can be created with a Sharpie marker.

In 2010, Sharpie Squad members will be tweeting, blogging and sharing their out-of-the-box – and sometimes out of this world – ideas on what is possible with a Sharpie marker. In return, Sharpie will keep them up-to-date with new product news and shipments, virtual meetings with the Sharpie brand team, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the Sharpie brand's Chicago-area headquarters – and all while shining Sharpie's social media light on each of the Squad members with in-depth blog posts, Tweets, Facebook postings and more.

A Gathering of Creative Gurus

In its second year, the Sharpie® Squad aims to inspire Americans to "uncap what's inside" by showcasing the inventive and inspiring ideas of some of Sharpie's most passionate fans – from frugal yet trendy home decor and fashion finds to eye-popping art created on unique surfaces including Styrofoam coffee cups, brown paper lunch bags – even a BMW car.

"Our Sharpie Squad members have shown us endless creative possibilities with our products," said Susan Wassel, social media manager for Sharpie. "We're excited to add new artists and bloggers to our team and know they will help us inspire more people to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary with Sharpie."

Meet the 2010 Sharpie Squad

The Sharpie Squad members are comprised of influential bloggers and artists including:

Uncap What's Inside

To catch up on the Squad's latest creative Sharpie endeavors and meet the members, visit www.sharpieuncapped.com, where Sharpie fans and everyday artists around the globe come to uncap their imagination.  Sharpie's online creative hub offers an interactive community where people can seek and share ideas, inspirations and tips using Sharpie markers. Visitors are encouraged to submit images and videos of their Sharpie creations then share them with friends. Each month, Sharpie will select the most inspiring creations to be featured in the showcase section of the Sharpie Uncapped gallery.  The site also includes a feature called Web Ink where visitors can virtually interact with Sharpie products to create their own Sharpie art.

Sharpie's other social media sites include the Sharpie blog (http://blog.sharpie.com), Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Sharpie), YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/SharpieUS) and Twitter handle www.twitter.com/sharpiesusan.

ABOUT SHARPIE®

For 46 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent marker associated with the autograph experience.  Newell Rubbermaid Office Products, maker of Sharpie® markers, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization and technology products, including such well-known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, DYMO® Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Visit www.sharpie.com for more information.

SOURCE Sharpie