# Marker Artistry Artist Immy Melin is the Sharpie King By Armida Ascano | Published 2010-08-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpie-king References: [blog.sharpie](http://blog.sharpie.com/2008/11/meet-the-sharpie-king/) & [artisticjeanius](http://www.artisticjeanius.com/#/artists) Chicago artist Immy Melvin has been producing work for over 30 years now. He describes his work as unique due to its complexity, use of geography. Oh, and it's great use of [Sharpie markers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bic-gelocity-gel-pens). Dubbed the [Sharpie King](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpie-sgel-pen) in 2008, Melvin uses nothing but old fashioned Sharpies to produce his work. Claiming that the office staple has vibrant color and long-lasting ink, Melvin's devotion to the brand is what has earned him the title of Sharpie King. The Sharpie King also uses standard sized printing paper as his canvas, making his work the ultimate tribute to [classroom doodling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unleash-your-genius). Melvin's art is displayed in Chicago's Artistic Jeanius. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Marker Artistry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new types of markers with advanced features and capabilities for artists. - **Geography-inspired Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating technology that allows artists to easily incorporate geographic elements into their artwork. - **Office Staple Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing new ways for artists to create unique and stunning artwork using everyday office supplies. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art Supplies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing innovative materials and tools specifically tailored for marker-based artistry. - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing software or apps that assist artists in enhancing their geographic-inspired artwork. - **Office Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating office supplies that are specifically designed for artistic purposes and encourage creativity and self-expression. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheeky Pen Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpie-sgel-pen.md) - [Playful Creativity-Focused Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-world-is-your-canvas.md) - [Creative Play Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpie-studio.md) - [Metallic Ink Marker Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krink-1.md) - [Graffiti-Inspired Marker Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffitiinspired-marker-set.md) - [Artistic Monochromatic Wine Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krink-x-barossa-ink-limited-edition-shiraz.md) - [Co-Branded Paint Markers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-marker.md) - [Playful Doodle-Emblazoned Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-cox.md) - [Progressive Rewritable Tattoos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-ink.md)