Yearly Archives: 2019

How to Create Holiday Recipe Art with Zebra Pen

By Emily Colledge of @sugar_coated_canvas

Hello! It’s Emily of @sugar_coated_canvas and I’m here today to share how to create—or more specifically, illustrate—the perfect meal for the holiday season using recipe art. These recipe art cards are perfect to have on display during your next holiday get-together. I was so excited when Zebra Pen asked me to team up with them to create this blog post. I love combining food and art. Let’s get started!

Appetizer Recipe Art

The holidays are such a great time to bring family together. For the appetizer dish recipe art, I decided to go with a cranberry and brie pull-apart bread. To me, nothing screams holiday season like cranberries and cheese. It is a quick, elegant appetizer that’s sure to please any crowd—and with the cranberries in the recipe, it has so much fun color.

I wanted to add depth and make the colors really stand out, so I used Zebra Sarasa Fineliners to crosshatch some of the shadows. I love how these pens feel when they glide along the paper. They even worked beautifully on my rough watercolor paper! I am also amazed at the variety of colors offered. I was always able to find the color and shade I had in mind. I am not the only one obsessed with these pens. My husband tries to steal them and take them to work.

Main Dish Recipe Art

For an illustrated recipe of the main course, the first thing I thought of was to go for a ham or turkey recipe—after all, this is one of my family’s very favorite recipes. I’m always excited to serve it. To create this recipe, I started off by lightly sketching out the ingredients and adding the instructions. Then, I used the Zebra Zensations Technical Pen to make all of it pop off the page and grab your attention. The pen has a rich, dark pigment and conveniently has many different sized tips. I used the 0.3 size for the instructions and the 0.5 size for the title.

Dessert Recipe Art

Finally, for dessert, what is more classic than sugar cookies? This recipe makes a good amount of dough that doesn’t spread out too much when baked. I had so much fun designing my own cookies on this fun recipe. Once again, in this recipe I used both the amazing Sarasa Fineliners and my trusted Zensations Technical Pen. I use the Zensations line on almost every project I work on. With the extra little details, like highlights on the sprinkles, I used the Sarasa Clip Gel Retractable Pen. They glide on the paper and can create the tiny details I couldn’t with a paintbrush.

I really tried to enhance my recipe illustrations with these pens. I used crosshatching with both the Sarasa Fineliners and Zensations Technical Pen—and it gave my shadows more depth. I loved the style it brought to my work. I couldn’t have created these fun recipes without all of these pens, but especially the versatile Sarasa Fineliners —they are a must have!

Happy creating, and happy holidays! For more art inspiration, check out Zebra’s tutorial on How to Draw a Fennec Fox with Zebra Pen Metallic Brush Pens.

6 Ways to De-stress After Work

It’s natural for work to leave you a little stressed at times. But if you’re leaving your day job and still feeling overwhelmed once you get home, you might want to consider stepping back and prioritizing a little R&R. There are tons of activities that have been proven to reduce stress and help relax your mind. Here is a list of our favorite ways to de-stress after a long day at work.

Walk it Out

Something as simple as taking a 10-minute walk outside can help reduce stress and reset your mind so you are able to live in the moment and relax. But any type of physical activity can help manage stress, so don’t limit it to a simple walk. Go to the gym, run, ride a bike, or play fetch with your dog. All of these will have a relaxing effect and allow you to de-stress and breathe easier.

Shut Down to Power Up

Turn your screens off. All of them. Take a half hour and turn off your phone, TV, tablet, computer or any other devices you have. Your brain needs a break from the constant intake of information and your eyes need rest from all the blue light, as well. Use this half hour to do some breathing exercises, meditate or simply take a nap. Your mind will be clearer and feel more relaxed than if you spent that time checking emails or mindlessly scrolling.

Write It All Down

Once you are home from work, take a few minutes and write about your day. Journaling can allow you to put the stresses of the day on paper—and leave them there. Choose Different with a pen that will give you a satisfying writing experience like the F-701 ALL Metal Ballpoint Retractable Pen. It has a fine point ink and is elegantly designed for any Instagram photo opportunities you have in store. If ink isn’t quite your style, try the DelGuard Mechanical Pencil. It features a comfort grip and unbreakable lead. What more could you want?

Get Lost in a Book

Diving into a book can be a great way to de-stress. Reading allows the mind to focus elsewhere, instead of on the issues that are stressing you out. After spending some time reading, you’ll feel more peaceful and be able to let the stress of the day melt away.

Head to the Kitchen

Cooking is a great stress reliever. Not only is it a physical outlet for stress, but as a result, you’ll be rewarded with delicious food. Take the time to create homemade meals or snacks (instead of throwing together a bowl of cereal). Eating something healthy can help you feel more relaxed instead of the feeling of falling into a food coma.

Pump Up the Jams

This tip is a no-brainer. In fact, you might even do it without realizing the benefits of it. While classical or slow tempo music is proven to be some of the most relaxing genres, any type of music that makes you happy can have a positive effect. We recommend crafting a playlist of your favorite music so it’s readily available for your commute or whenever you need a little pump-up session.

De-stressing is a very important part of having work-life balance. Using these tips, or any combination of them, can help you compartmentalize a stressful day from the rest of your life.

Personalize Your Thanksgiving Table with These DIY Place Cards

By Mai of @mai.notebook

Hello! It’s Mai from @mai.notebook and I’m here today to share with you four easy ways to make a place card for your Thanksgiving dinner table. Creating place cards doesn’t always have to be elaborate. I will walk you through some very easy-to-follow examples that will be sure to help you spruce up any table setting. Let’s get started!

Burlap Place Card Design

For this first place card, I used one of my favorite Zebra brush pens—the Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pen in red. These pens come in beautiful colors, making them a create choice for this project. I chose a textured paper that reminded me of fall to go along with it. One way you can add a little extra design is by using ribbons or string. In this case, I chose a structured burlap ribbon.

Wine Cork Holder Place Card Design

For this next place card, I wanted to go very simple and elegant. I used the Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Retractable Pen in shiny gold and regular cardstock paper. The Sarasa Clip Gel pens write so smoothly and come in so many fun colors. For the place card holder, I repurposed an old cork from a bottle of wine. I simply shaved the bottom of it with a cutter to stop it from rolling, and then made a slit down the middle to hold the name card.

Pinecone Holder Place Card Design

In this next example, I used the Zebra Metallic Brush Pens in Metallic Silver. To highlight the metallic aspect of the brush pen, I opted to use black paper. When I use black paper, I always think of using the Metallic Brush Pens. They’re so juicy, which a quality you want in a brush pen.

Of course, you may use whatever kind of paper you have on hand. Have some fun and experiment to find what kind of paper you like best! I advocate repurposing things, so for this place card I collected pinecones from around my house. They sure do give you that fall feeling, don’t they?

Gift Tag Place Card Design

For this last example, I decided to be a little more involved. I thought it would be a cute idea to add a “gift tag” to a pumpkin that your guest can take home. You can of course use a ready-made tag, or you can make one yourself. I used cardstock to make this one. First, I cut it down to make a 3×2 inch rectangle. Then, I cut the sides to add some shape and interest. You can really get creative and do whatever shape you like!

To create the lettering, I used both the Zebra Zensations Brush Pen and the Zebra Zensations Technical Pen with an extra fine 0.5mm tip. One of the things I love about the Zensations Brush Pens, aside from how well they write, is that they come in so many different brush tip sizes. It’s great because you can choose the best size for your project. The Zensations Technical Pen has rich black color and is smudge-free.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Happy creating, and happy Thanksgiving! For more hand-lettering inspiration, check out @the.lettering.fern’s hand lettering tutorial with Zebra Metallic Brush Pens.

7 Ways to be More Productive at Work

Being productive is an important part of any job, no matter what career you are in. But we all know, going to work every day and striving to be consistently productive is no easy feat. Between long meetings, chatty co-workers, and never-ending email chains, some days just seem to slip away and when it is over, you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything. Use these tips to get more out of your workday and head home without your to-do list hanging over your head.

Focus on One Task at a Time

Multitasking may seem like a smart way to accomplish multiple things at once, but it actually has the opposite effect. Research has shown that our brains are not nearly as good at handling several tasks at a time as we like to think we are. In fact, some researchers suggest that multitasking can reduce productivity by 40%. When you focus and commit to one task instead, it allows your mind to be clear and not be clouded by other thoughts, allowing you to work more efficiently. Take one task at a time, cross it off your to-do list, and start feeling more accomplished.

Be Strategic

While we can’t create more hours in the day, we can be strategic about how we use the hours we’re given. Think about how and why you are not getting as much work done as you’d like. Is it because you didn’t get enough sleep? Are you distracted by social media temptations? Or do you sit next to a chatty coworker? Spend some time identifying the causes and then be strategic about finding the solutions that address those issues.

Be Alert

There will always be large tasks that take more brain power and energy then others. Prioritize the time of day that you are most alert for these types of tasks. For some people, their peak time of day is first thing in the morning after a big cup of coffee. For others, it might be during the afternoon (after that 2^ndcup). Find the perfect time of day for you and tackle your biggest tasks then. That way, you can get through the small stuff when your energy tank hits empty.

Snacks on snacks on snacks

It can be hard to get your work accomplished when your stomach is grumbling. Keep snacks close by for those moments when you need to curb your hunger. If you can, make sure they are healthier snack options. Snacks filled with sugar and empty calories can often make you feel like you’re going to crash and have an adverse effect on your productivity. Reach instead for a healthy snack that will have you feeling energized and fuel you through the rest of your stressful day.

Use the Right Tools

You’ve heard the phrase “dress for success” before, but while it’s a good motto for professional work attire, it’s also a good sticking point to consider your work tools. Equipping yourself with tools you’re excited to use, like the sleek and smooth Sarasa Grand, can not only get you motivated to work, but can actually increase your productivity. For a less permanent option, try out the DelGuard Mechanical Pencil, which features an unbreakable lead tip and textured grip. Or, check out other options from the STEEL collection to help you Choose Different and power through your day.

Put a Stop to Interruptions

Interruptions are everywhere, but one of the biggest sources of distractions come from your cell phone. Emails, text messages, and social media notifications can throw a wrench in your flow. Even if it is for a couple hours while at work, take some time and silence your phone. With the lack of interruptions, it will be easier to focus and cross items off of your to-do list faster.

Declutter that Desk

Too many things on your desk can be distracting or just make you feel downright anxious and uneasy. Take a few minutes and find a place for all the random clutter and papers that are scattered about. A clean, well-organized desk will make it easier to find things you need quickly and keep your mind sharp and focused on what you are working on.

Don’t let yourself go home at the end of the day feeling like you accomplished nothing. Start implementing these tips to put a stop to distractions and refocus on your priorities.

5 Simple Strategies for Taking Better Notes at Work

Effective notetaking is often the unsung hero of the workplace. It can help you capture ideas, learn new concepts, organize your thoughts, share information, and much more—but in order for your notes to be effective, you first have to learn the right notetaking strategies. We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a one-on-one with your boss or in a large company meeting, these simple strategies will help you take better notes at work—and get more out of them.

Ditch the Laptop

Your brain reacts differently to passive versus active actions during notetaking. Recent research has proven that since writing by hand is an active action, it is often more effective then typing for notetaking. Plus, when you are having one-on-one meetings with clients or your boss, it is nice to not have a laptop “wall” between the two of you. Laptops can also be a distraction in larger meetings, due to email pop-up alerts and social media notifications. Using a notebook eliminates these distractions and keeps you open and engaged.

Use the Right Notetaking Tools

As research has proven, handwriting is better for retaining what you write, but first you need the right tools. Using a lined or dotted/gridded notebook (like for bullet journaling) will help keep your notes organized and make writing easier. Then, choose different and make a statement with the right pen. The STEEL F-701 Ballpoint Pen is all-metal and has a heavy-duty feel you’ll notice right away. Plus, it’s refillable so you’ll never have to worry about replacing your entire pen. For other professional but still stylish options that features gel ink, check out the Sarasa Grand.

Focus on the Right Things

Your notes should not be a straight transcript of an entire meeting. Afterall, we all know how meetings can tend to meander onto tangents before getting to the meat and potatoes. Make sure you take down the main bullet points and any additional comments or questions you may have. The key is to focus on capturing the basic facts, issues that need to be resolved, decisions that have been made, and action plans including who is responsible for completing these tasks.

Less is More

When it comes to notes, taking less is actually more. Take down keywords, skip unneeded words, or write down partial sentences. While this sounds strange, you will actually be able to capture more notes than trying to write down every single word that is said. Once you are finished with the meeting, write up a full summary while the information is still fresh in your mind. This gives you the opportunity to fill in all the blanks, so when you look back you have everything you need from the meeting.

Keep it Bold

While taking notes, make sure to highlight or bold the most important information. This allows you to more easily locate the important takeaways when skimming your notes later. If you are handwriting your notes, make sure to bring a highlighter with you to your meeting. If typing, use the highlighter, italicize, underline, and bold options to make your notes more effective.

No matter what profession you’re in, taking notes is part of the job. These tips and tricks will help you be more productive and effective no matter what career you’re in.

The Best Zebra Pen Illustration Tools

By Jerome of kulorbandit

It’s that time of year again when we put down our pencils and pick up our favorite ink pens in anticipation of Inktober®. My name is Jerome (aka kulorbandit), an artist based in Phoenix, AZ, and today I’ll be showing you which Zebra Pen tools I like to use for the Inktober® challenge and for illustrating in general, and how I like to use them. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Sketching Your Design

For starters, I used the STEEL F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen from the STEEL series for all my initial sketching. With its fine point tip, gnarled grip, and easy glide, this pen gives me all the control I need. From general sketching, crosshatching, to shading, this is the workhorse of the group. The tip in conjunction with the ink allows me to build up nice gradations with the layering of lines. This is great for an artist like me whose work is primarily portraiture, and where shading is imperative.

Step 2: “Blocking In” With Color

Once I completed my base sketch, I moved immediately into “blocking in.” This is where the Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pens came in handy. For this drawing, I referenced a young lady who has been heavily body painted in multiple colors. With a range of 15 hues of Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pens, achieving multiple colors isn’t a problem. The durable, firm points allowed me to get in and around tight corners while keeping a consistent ink flow. It’s perfect for fills, or for changing line weights on the fly.

Step 3: Adding in Fine Details

Now to add some initial details. For this, I used Sarasa Fineliners. The fine tip on these pens is excellent for small details that can really make a difference with the overall finished composition. They dry quickly and are water-resistant, making them great for layering. I use them constantly for mixing and building up skin tones in my portrait work. Since the color spectrum in both the Mildliner Doubled Ended Brush Pen and Sarasa Fineliner sets are complimentary, transitioning from one type of pen to the next is seamless. In this drawing, I used the Sarasa Fineliner directly atop of the Mildliner Brush Pen to create unique lines that give the figure and shapes more flow.

Step 4: Adding Depth and Shading

Now it’s time to start adding more depth. I went back to my “workhorse tool,” the STEEL F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen, and used it to start shading. To get even deeper, bolder black lines I used the Zensations Technical Pens. Available in varying points, the quick drying, smudge-free, rich black ink is fantastic. I use the combination of these pens alongside my trusty F-701 all of the time when I’m trying to achieve depth and detail.

Step 5: Achieving the Final Portrait Details with Zensations Brush Pens

For the final portrait details, I used the STEEL F-701 Retractable Ballpoint Pen and Zensations Technical Pens sparingly. Not wanting to overpower my drawing, I saved the heavier black line work until the very end. This allows me to be more deliberate about where I want to add volume to the figure. I used the Zensations Brush Pens specifically for this, covering everything from hair to gestural strokes. Easily to control, the thin to broad tapered strokes you can create is awesome, making these pens indispensable!

Step 6: The Final Artwork

All in all, I’m very pleased with the outcome of the final image. The tools used in this example are quite versatile. I’m sure with a little bit more experimentation, I or any of you, could really create some unique artwork for this year’s Inktober® Challenge!

During October, Zebra Pen will be hosting its own contest in partnership with Inktober®, called the Zensations Challenge. To enter, participants must create a daily ink drawing and tag it using the Inktober® hashtags, #inktober and #inktober2019, in addition to the hashtag #ZensationsChallenge. Zebra will be awarding two random winners in the U.S. with a prize pack of Zebra Pen product, retailed at $250.

To learn more about the Zensations Challenge contest, visit zebrapen.com/ZensationsChallenge/

Thanks for following along with me, and happy creating!

Cheers,
Kulorbandit

3 Ways to Use A Bullet Journal to Stay Active

By Shannon Hakala of @wellellabujo

Hey there, it’s Shannon from wellella.com. Did you know that bullet journaling can help you get excited about exercising? It’s true! Read on to see how I’m sticking to my fitness goals using my BUJO.

Fitness Goals Bullet Journal Spread

First, I started by writing down some reasons for why I want to exercise. Having them written down makes it easy for me to remember why it’s important—to me—to stay active on a regular basis.

I also decided to create some exercise goals for extra motivation. When thinking of fitness goals, it helps to choose goals that are S.M.A.R.T., also known as specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. To make this page even more fun, I added some reward ideas I can give myself if I stick to my exercise plans.

I used my trusty Zebra M-301 Mechanical Pencil to plan out these BUJO layouts before adding ink and markers. It’s been my go-to mechanical pencil since long before I started bullet journaling! The steel construction gives it a solid feel which makes it a pleasure to use, whether for writing or sketching.

For normal writing in my bullet journal, I used my black Z-Grip Ballpoint Retractable Pen. The thick barrel width and the grip make it a comfortable pen to use for any kind of journaling.

Activity Tracker BUJO Spread

Next, I created a page to keep track of how I’m exercising for the month of September. The activity tracker I made tracks the total minutes of exercise, as well as what kinds of activities I’m doing each day.

I decided to use my favorite highlighters, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter & Creative Tool, to make this tracker more colorful and fun. The broad chisel-tip creates thick lines of even color perfectly in this tracker.

Fitness YouTube Channel Bullet Journal Design

I love following YouTube exercise videos at home, so I created another BUJO page of my favorite fitness channels for quick reference. I categorized them into groups according to the type of activities I can do from each channel, using the same colors for each group as I did in my activity tracker page.

By thinking about my why, creating S.M.A.R.T. goals, and using a tracker to hold myself accountable, I feel mentally ready to hit the gym!

I hope you’ll try some of these ideas in your bullet journal if you’ve been wanting to get more active, too. Remember—without a plan, a goal is just a wish! For more bullet journaling inspiration, check out Mandy’s back-to-school bullet journal ideas for students.

7 Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Work Bag

From traffic congestion on your commute, meetings that run over schedule, last minute (and stressful) deadlines—sometimes it just feels like the workday is conquering you. Those days can get worse by your cellphone dying or coffee spilling on your shirt. Despite how small these things are, they can cause a busy day to become a stressful day. We’ve all been there, which is why we came up with a list of work bag essentials that will help keep your workdays moving smoothly.

Hand Sanitizer

Germs—they’re basically everywhere. During the workday, you may not always have access to a sink to wash your hands. Keep hand sanitizer in your work bag to keep you and your hands germ-free. While it’s not an end-all, be-all replacement for washing your hands, it’s great to have when you’re trying to fend off the cold circulating around the office.

Pens to Make A Statement

No matter what type of environment you work in, you can never have enough pens. Keeping a few extra in your bag will save you in a pinch if it runs out of ink, you misplace it, or a coworker borrows it and doesn’t give it back right away. The Sarasa Grand Retractable Pen is one you’ll definitely want to keep backups of tucked away. With its sleek design, quick-drying gel, and 6 fashion colors, you’ll be better off not letting coworkers borrow this one. The STEEL F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen is another solid choice if you’re looking to make a statement. All-metal from clip to tip, this pen does not sacrifice on style or performance.

Phone Charger

Need we say more? We all know there’s nothing worse than being at 12 percent by noon. Keeping a portable phone charger on-hand will literally save your phone’s life—and yours. Make sure your phone isn’t ready to clock out before you are.

Mints

Coffee is a must for early morning meetings—or early mornings in general. But even though we all love this caffeinated wonder, coffee breath leaves something to be desired. For this reason, mints are a work bag essential. They’ll save you from awkward, stinky breath encounters with coworkers—and your boss.

Aspirin

Headaches happen even to the best of us. Keeping a bottle of OTC aspirin in your bag will ensure that you’ll get through it (relatively) pain-free and let you get back to what you need to do.

Travel-size Tissues

Between seasonal allergies, the common cold, and even accidental spills or messes, there’s always a good reason to keep tissues on-hand. Keep a travel-sized pack in your bag, regardless of the time of year, for the moments your nose decides to throw a wrench into your day.

Stain Removal Pen

Coffee spills and lunch-time stains are evitable from time to time. While you could always keep a sweater or extra shirt in your bag, a smaller and easier solution is a stain removal pen. In just a few minutes, the stain is gone and no one will know you had a clumsy moment.

Every workday isn’t going to be perfect, but some situations have quick fixes or are avoidable with the right tool. Be sure to have these handy items in your work bag for when days don’t go quite as planned so you’re prepared for anything that comes your way.

3 Back-to-School Bullet Journal Ideas for Students

By Mandy Mair of @productivedoodling

Hey everyone! It’s Mandy here, better known as @productivedoodling! I have been bullet journaling for a little over two and a half years. Every year when the new school year rolls around, I use my bullet journal to plan and stay organized.

Continue reading →

6 Essential Tools for Starting a New Job

Is there anything more exciting, yet nerve-racking, than starting a new job? Beginning a new position exposes you to new people, tools, and exciting challenges. But being new can also be a little daunting. One way to relieve the new job jitters is to know you are walking into your first day fully prepared for whatever’s ahead. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to start off your first day on the job right.

Personal Identification

Unless you completed all your paperwork prior to starting the position, you’ll need to meet with HR on your first day to set up payroll, benefits enrollment, and fill out other company-specific paperwork. Some of this will require a form of personal identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or social security card. Bringing one or multiple forms of ID on your first day will not only show your preparedness, but also let you concentrate on your new duties and responsibilities earlier.

Notebook

On the first day of a new job, it’s best not to rely just on your memory. Bringing a notebook will ensure that you have a place to store critical information such as office procedures, login credentials, security codes, and even your colleague’s names. Choose a notebook or notepad that is easily portable, so you’re able to take—and retrieve—notes while you’re on the go.

A Reliable Pen

A notebook doesn’t do any good without a proper writing instrument in hand. You need stylish pens that are reliable and smudge-free. For a pen that makes a statement, choose the Sarasa Grand gel pen. Its sleek design and quick drying ink is perfect for taking notes on a busy first day on the job. For other great professional but stylish options, turn to the STEEL line. Both of these are also great interview pens.

Briefcase/Bag

You’ll want to make a good first impression when you first walk into the door. Carrying a briefcase or purse not only looks professional, but also frees yourself from carrying belongings in your arms, so you’ll be ready for a handshake without any awkward stumbles. A briefcase or bag also provides a safe and organized place to put important papers or items you’re given throughout your day.

Lunch Bag

The first day is critical for meeting your coworkers and starting to build a working relationship. While it can be tempting to leave your workplace for lunch to take a deep breath and digest everything, bringing your lunch allows you to connect with your coworkers and show you are interested in being part of the workplace culture. Bring your lunch in an insulated lunch bag that will keep everything fresh and look stylish. It will also save you money in the long run!

Confidence

The most important tool you need to bring with you is confidence and a positive attitude. Remember to be true to yourself—after all, it’s how you landed the job in the first place! Show up on your first day with the confidence to learn and grow, and a positive attitude that’ll show everyone you are the real deal.

There is a lot of new job advice out there, but what you bring with you is just as important as what you do. Whether you are preparing for your first job or you are a seasoned pro, these items are vital for a successful first day on the job. You’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way. Learn more about how you can Choose Different.