TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Name Jennifer Kerr.
Job General manager.
Where Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Why is it important? Sharpies are a thin permanent marker with a fine point. We always have a lot around during the festival because artists use them to sign CDs, posters, T-shirts and even body parts. We also use Sharpies a lot in the office because they stick to whatever surface they go on. You don't want a poster signed for a sponsor to then get smudged. We use them for planning, too. About three years ago, our team sat down with a roll of butcher's paper and a bunch of Sharpies and planned what needed to be done for that year's event. We still do that, as we find planning [is better done by] getting away from the computer.
What do your colleagues think? People use them across our industry. In fact, I was introduced to Sharpies by the sound engineers when I worked at the Opera House. Now, I'm fiercely protective of my Sharpies — they tend to disappear.
Unusual moment? We had a
hip-hop brass band here a few years ago, and all my Sharpies disappeared because the signing was a mosh pit.
How much does it cost? About $4.50 and they come in different sizes. There's even an '80s glam pack I'm eyeing at the moment. It includes jelly pink — that's for the real enthusiast. But in festival terms, it's hardcore black all the way.
SUE WHITE
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Sharpie permanent markers are a staple at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Artists use fine‑point Sharpies to sign CDs, posters, T‑shirts and even body parts, while staff use them for planning and day‑to‑day office tasks because they stick well to many surfaces and resist smudging.
Festival organisers favour Sharpies because the fine permanent point writes clearly on materials like butcher’s paper and posters. The team still sits down with a roll of butcher’s paper and Sharpies to plan events — they find hands‑on planning away from the computer more effective.
Sharpies stick to a wide range of surfaces and dry permanently, which helps prevent signatures from smudging on sponsor posters or merchandise — an important consideration when sponsors’ items are being signed at events.
Yes. According to the festival general manager, people across the industry use Sharpies. She was introduced to them by sound engineers while working at the Opera House, and many colleagues rely on them for both back‑stage and front‑of‑house tasks.
Yes — Sharpies have a habit of disappearing at events. The piece notes staff are protective of their pens, and in one unusual moment a hip‑hop brass band signing turned into a mosh pit and all the Sharpies vanished.
The article notes Sharpies cost about $4.50 each and are available in different sizes, making them an inexpensive but essential item for festival supply lists.
Sharpies come in a variety of colours and sizes. While there are novelty packs such as an '80s glam pack with jelly pink for enthusiasts, the festival tends to favour ‘hardcore’ black Sharpies for signatures and practical use.
Beyond artist signings, Sharpies are used in the festival office for labeling, planning on butcher’s paper and other tasks where a permanent, fine‑point marker is needed. Their reliability on multiple surfaces makes them a go‑to office supply.
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