About

Sharpie is the world's best-known permanent marker brand, with origins dating back to 1857 when the Sanford Manufacturing Company was founded in Worcester, Massachusetts. The first Sharpie fine-point permanent marker was introduced in 1964 as the original pen-style permanent marker, and it quickly became the industry standard. Today, Sharpie offers an extensive product line that includes permanent markers, creative markers, highlighters, pens, and specialty writing instruments in hundreds of colors and tip styles. The brand is owned by Newell Brands, a global consumer goods company, and is manufactured alongside sister brands like Paper Mate and EXPO. Sharpie markers are used by millions of people daily for everything from labeling and organizing to professional illustration and artistic expression. The brand has developed a particularly strong cultural presence, becoming a tool of choice for autographs, custom sneaker art, and DIY craft projects. Sharpie S-Gel pens represent the brand's expansion into everyday writing instruments, combining bold ink performance with smooth gel pen technology. The brand maintains an active creative community through social media and partnerships with artists and designers. Known for its bold, distinctive ink that writes on virtually any surface including metal, glass, plastic, and fabric, Sharpie has become synonymous with permanent marking and has transcended its origins as an office supply to become a cultural icon.

Office Supply Brands

Sharpie is the world's best-selling permanent marker brand, offering markers, highlighters, pens, and creative writing instruments used for labeling, art, and everyday writing.

Brand Details

Industry Writing Instruments
Founded 1964
Headquarters Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Parent Company Newell Brands
4.0
1 reviews
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
4.0/5

Sharpie has achieved something rare in consumer products: the brand name has become virtually synonymous with its product category. When someone needs a permanent marker, they ask for a Sharpie, regardless of what brand they actually use. That level of cultural penetration reflects genuinely excellent product design -- the original fine-point marker delivers consistent, bold lines on virtually any surface, and the ink formula remains best-in-class for permanence and vibrancy. The expansion into creative markers and gel pens has been moderately successful, though the S-Gel line faces stiff competition from established pen brands. As an art supply, Sharpie markers serve well for illustration and design work but lack the precision and color range of dedicated artist markers from brands like Copic or Prismacolor. Where Sharpie truly excels is accessibility -- affordable pricing, ubiquitous availability, and a product that simply works every time. The brand's cultural footprint in autograph culture, sneaker customization, and DIY projects extends its value well beyond the office supply aisle.

Feb 18, 2026
Sharpie Screenshot

Price: Budget

Added: Feb 16, 2026

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