#specifically with hard pastels on tan-colored paper

[6uny]

[dausy]

(I filmed all these and put them on my tiktok @dausypoo btw)

So I wanted to do like a Christmas Gift guide for people looking for art related christmas gifts because at this point I'm such an art supply snob that I can talk about this all day long.

So I dun did a WATERCOLOR ONE first and provided links to stuff that I own and recommend and think would make a good christmas gift for people like me who like art supplies (*breathes*). This is not price specific.

First The Shinhan watercolor set. I'm a sucker for all things Pastel flavored if you haven't read any of my stuff before. Shinhan ofcourse does have other sets and larger and smaller set. This is one that I personally own and I love it and I use these colors all the time. It is one of my primary, most used sets a longside the art philosophy pastel set. Shinhan products are always impressing me. They have other supplies that I would love to try. They have a weird gouache/watercolor hybrid paint that I'd like to try. I'd love to own their markers if I could justify the cost. They have a new gouache set out that Im semi keen to own. I've purchased 2 of the gouache colors but weirdly..enough..I think they're ugly tubes and I do..judge..art supplies..on their covers. These watercolors however are ridiculously cute. The colors themselves are beautiful as well. The pastel ones in particular are pretty opaque..which..given that they're pastel and pastel colors tend to have white in them I'm not suprised. But I lay them on tinted watercolor and mix media paper with little issue.

Highly recommend. I'm sure the not pastel colors are beautiful as well. This set is about $70ish..dollars USD..which is..quite expensive..$ for beauty and all.

Link to amazon below

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This is probably my most used and abused set. I love everything about it. I own the regular pastel set also but for the sake of space I just linked this one but I recommend both sets.

This one in particular..again because its pastel and has to have white in it the colors are pretty opaque for watercolor. That means they can add some really cool effects with layering that I really love. Plus they give that vintagey vibe..hence the name. The charcoal black in this set in particular is the ABSOLUTE PERFECT matte black. I use it to paint all of my animals eyes and lips. I feel like I use it so frequently but ofcourse those small areas it lasts forever

this is findable in big chain stores like hobbylobby but its usually sold out. About 30$USD in store/online.

Link below.

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Oh blessed holbein. I'm a number 1 holbein fan. I trust anything holbein. I love their packaging and I love their products. To me they look like candy and I want to collect all of them. The cool red box is very Christmassy too if I may say.

I actually personally own a pastel 12 piece set a specialty anime set. Both those sets though I believe I purchased from amazon japan itself and aliexpress. Looking at prices though.....omg..I didn't pay that much in price. The anime-y sets are pushing 80$ on aliexpress..I think I paid 25$ for the pastels and 40 for the anime one. Whoa. They're also really hard to find now. The anime ones are great for collectors but because of price I'm recommending the standard set instead which give a good load of intro colors. Holbein ofcourse does offer monster large sets and various tube sizes.

you can also ofcourse just buy open stock. I have a few 15ml tubes I purchased open stock. Namely white. You can never go wrong with TITANIUM White. It looks beautiful on colored watercolor papers.

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My bb. The hahnemuhle tinted watercolor book. I love the tan one best but theres a grey one as well as demonstrated in my most recent sketchbook tour. My only regret is that they don't have like an 8x11 or 8x8 sized journal because these are tiny.

st louis art supply does sell large lose leaf paper which I own but I like bound journals. I dont like keeping up with tons of individual paper.

I love this paper though and I love the tone it gives to ones paintings. The tan especially if you love that vintagey vibe (with the vintage watercolors above)

very inexpensive too

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Last!

so these japanese watercolors below are from Choosing Keeping in London. I did indeed pay for overseas shipping BUT LOOK HOW CUTE THEY ARE.

I got the spring one but theres 4 seasons and various mini sets sold by the same shop. A single season though is pretty pricey at around 76£.

japanese watercolors in general are pretty interesting in general. Real weird and filmy texture but the box sets are so cute I think it makes for a fun gift. If I were to visit England one day I'd hit this shop up.

So thats it for right now. I do own more watercolors but these are the ones I think make for a fun gift with cute packaging and all.

Next I'll do my favorite topic of gouaches in a different entry.

[drawpaintcolor]

7 Best Sketchbooks for Markers

In this article, we will be talking about the best sketchbooks for markers. So if you are looking for a great sketchpad for your drawings, you’ve come to the right place. Read along!

Just like other media, markers need special paper so that you can make the best use out of them. Markers dispense ink that your normal, regular paper can’t handle. When you use thin paper when drawing with a marker, you’ll notice how it bleeds on the other side and sometimes stain the next page.

Wet mediums like markers are demanding and fixing mistakes can be a bit harder. That’s why having the right type of paper to draw on is important to make sure that you don’t ruin your drawings.

Marker IssuesBleeding

The biggest issue about markers for artists is that the marker ink bleeds through the paper very easily. The alcohol-based marker ink is very thin making it dry up faster and it makes the marker lines blur and spread over the contours of a paper.

You’d think that using a thicker paper will solve this issue but the thing with thicker paper is it uses up more ink making your marker finish up faster. For this same reason is why papers for watercolor and acrylic are not ideal for markers.

Most artists have simply lived with the bleeding by only using one side of the paper sheets all the time then just putting something beneath it so that they won’t stain the next page.

Ink Feathering

This term is used when the ink leaks outside the area you’ve drawn the marker to. This can happen when too much ink is applied or if the paper is too textured. Ink feathering shouldn’t be a problem when you use smooth, high-quality paper.

What to Look for in Sketchbooks for MarkersPaper Texture and Finish

Most markers bleed through papers easily and this is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing your sketchbooks. If you want to highlight details, crisp lines, and sharp edges of your art, consider getting smooth papers. They are ideal for alcohol-based markers that can refine these features.

If you want your artwork to have that dramatic brush effects while keeping the vibrance of your colors, choose rough surface papers. Also, this type of paper is mostly bleed-resistant so you can use the other side of the paper.

Avoid highly absorbent paper. Those papers made for acrylic, gouache, and watercolor paints are not suitable for markers because those papers are manufactured to be absorbent.

Paperweight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of your sketchbook paper are other things to consider. Since you will be working with markers that dispense ink, you will need a paper that does not bleed through or smear. Therefore the high-quality heavyweight paper is the most ideal option.

Brands use GSM (grams per square meter) to determine the weight of paper. Your sketchbook will need to have at least 135 gsm for optimum paperweight and thickness.

Paper Quality and Color

Another factor to look out for is the paper quality and color. Check the label of the sketchbook and make sure it is acid-free. Acid-free papers prevent discoloration and fading. It preserves the color of your art over time.

Sketchbooks also come in various paper colors. The most commonly used are white, off-white, and ivory, but there are also sketchbooks that come in darker colors of tan, beige, and gray.

Sketchbook Size

This factor will depend on your personal preference. Are you the type to bring along your sketchbooks when you go out? Do you like heading out to draw landscapes and sceneries? If so, you will want a sketchbook that will easily fit into your bag. There are many different sizes of sketchbooks you can choose from and its portability highly depends on your activities and preferences.

Sketchbook Binding and Cover

A sketchbook’s cover and binding will determine its durability and longevity. Sketchbooks with spiral binding will allow you to flip the pages easily and lay them flat on the surface for easy sketching. This is the perforated type and you’ll want this option if you want to tear the sheets easily.

If you prefer to have your pages without perforations, the glue-bound sketchbooks will be your best pick. The downside for this type is that the binding is not very durable, however, you will be able to tear your sheets neatly.

As for the cover, if you want enhanced durability, go for hardbound sketchbooks.

Price

Lastly, you might also want to consider the prices of the available sketchbooks on the market. If you’ve not yet sure about your preferences, it’s better to try the cheaper sketchbook. Test it out and figure out what you like and don’t like about it before spending more on a more expensive sketchbook.

Best Sketchbook for Markers

Canson XL Series Marker Paper Pad

Canson is one of the most reputable and trusted companies for their quality papers for different mediums and that’s why this product is number one on our list. Right off the bat, you’ll immediately know which medium this pad is for and it is specifically designed for solvent-based and Copic markers.

This sketchpad provides you the ideal drawing surface to show off your rough sketches and artistic masterpieces. Aside from markers, this sketchbook is also great for ballpoint pens and pencils.

Its paper has the right weight that’s neither too light nor too thick and holds inks very well. The paper is smooth and is ideal for detailed strokes and crisp lines. The paper is slightly translucent and can be used as tracing paper to create straight lines and detailed sketch plans. What’s even greater is that even though it is transparent, the markers don’t bleed through the paper.

This sketchpad is glue-bound and the sheets are easy to remove.

Pros:

has 100 sheets

bleed and smudge-proof

smooth paper surface

Cons:

cover is flimsy

Buy on Amazon

Copic Markers SKBK9X12 Sketch Book

If you are looking for a specific sketchbook that will cater perfectly to your Copic markers, look no further because the same company also makes sketchbooks. And this pad is a hefty one. Not only is it bleed-proof, but its papers are also smooth and white that will let you work easily on your sketches.

This sketchbook has fifty 9×12 pages that will give you more than enough space to work on.

Pros:

Spiral-bound that lays perfectly flat

Very ideal for Copic Markers

The portable size that can fit easily in a backpack

Paper is smooth providing excellent blending

The cover is thick and durable

Cons:

there is some bleeding when blending some of the copic markers

Buy on Amazon

Crescent Creative Products 12-00011 Rendr Hardbound Sketchbook

This is one of the best sketchbooks for markers and is made with a special patented technology called the Rendr no-show tech that makes it not only bleed-proof but also makes sure that what you made in front is not visible on the other side. With this feature, you can use both sides of your paper without worrying that you’ll ruin the other side. Great, right?

This sketchbook is also hardbound and has a compact size of 8×11 inches which is very handy for you to take anywhere you go.

Pros:

Hardbound so it’s very durable

Compact and portable

Can be used with other media

Bleed-proof, smudge-proof, and has no show-thru tech

has 48 pages

the paper is smooth and thick (180 GSM)

Cons:

Does not lay flat

Expensive than other options

Buy on Amazon

Bee Paper Company Bleedproof Marker Pad

This brand, although not very popular yet, is known for its quality and affordability. This sketchpad is bleed-proof and acid-free, and the papers are smooth and thick allowing beautiful blending and layering. The paper is stark white which makes your drawings and illustrations pop out with color.

The sketchbook is 8.5×11 inches in dimension and you can choose between having 30 or 50 sheets. It is suitable for ballpoint pens, inks, and alcohol-based markers. The sketchbook’s binding is meant for easy sheet removal, too.

With its acid-free white paper and bleed-free design, this Bee Paper Company book is one of the best sketchbooks for markers.

Pros:

you can choose between 30- or 50-sheets

has a classic size that will allow you enough space for drawing and sketching

this sketchbook comes in different sizes

affordable than other brands

Cons:

some bleeding is noticed when using Copic markers

the binding is not very durable

Buy on Amazon

Strathmore 566-8 500 Series Hardbound Mixed Media Art Journal

Strathmore is a reputable brand that has been providing high-quality paper products for decades. This hardbound mixed media art journal has crisp white sheets that are 8.5×11 inches in dimension. This sketchbook is great not only for markers but also for other mixed media.

This journal has 32 sheets of thick white paper that is highly bleed-proof so you can use both sides of the paper.

Pros:

Hardbound and compact

Paper is pure cotton fiber, acid-free, and lignin-free

Cons:

might have bleeding when you layer on too many colors

Buy on Amazon

U.S. Art Supply Spiral Bound Sketchbook

This sketchbook is spiral-bound and is exquisite for your marker drawings. Its design makes it easy to flip and lay flat every time you sketch or draw.

The paper of this sketchbook is smooth and can hold markers without smudging and ink feathering. It is acid-free, which prevents the paper from discoloration and becoming brittle over time. It’s not only suitable for markers, but it’s also great for pens, pencils, charcoals, pastels, and more.

This sketchbook has durable hard cardboard back so you can draw with ease even when you don’t have a flat surface.

The size is portable as well, as it’s only 5.5×8.5 inches in dimension. You might think it’s too small but it’s really designed to be pocket-sized that will allow artists to take it with them wherever they go.

Pros:

Compact and portable

smooth and acid-free papers

has 100 pages

has sturdy cardboard back for support

Cons:

Pricey for its size

Buy on Amazon

Leda Art Supply Perfect Premium A5 SketchBook for Markers

This sketchbook is perfect to take with you when traveling. Its compact size is highly portable and it has a flexible waterproof cover. The sketchbook lays flat and it has an expandable pocket inside to keep extra papers, and it also has an elastic band to keep it closed.

This sketchbook is 8.25×5.55 inches in size and has 160 pages of 130GSM cream-colored paper. Papers in this sketchbook are smooth and perfect for markers without ink feathering on the pages.

Pros:

Compact and portable

has thick pages

can be used for mixed media

has a smooth writing surface

the cover provides great all-weather protection

Cons:

Copic markers may bleed through the paper

Buy on Amazon

FAQsWhat is a sketchbook for markers?

Just like the name suggests, it is a type of notebook made specifically for markers. The paper for this sketchbook provides a great workable surface for markers that will display your drawings, illustrations, sketches beautifully.

This type of sketchbook is ideal for markers. The paper’s characteristics such as weight, texture, finish, color, and thickness are made to cater to markers.

Why do you need sketchbooks for markers?

Markers dispense ink and regular thin papers can’t handle them. When you use a marker and draw on a regular piece of paper, it would result in bleeding, smearing, ink pooling, and feathering. This will make your artwork messy and unpleasant to the eyes.

If you are serious about making art with markers as your medium, it is highly recommended that you find the best sketchbooks for markers. With these sketchbooks, you won’t have to worry about bleeding and ruined artwork.

What are the most trusted marker sketchbook brands?

Some trusted sketchbook brands include Canson, Strathmore, Bee Paper Company, US Art Supply, and Leda Art.

How to use the sketchbook?

You use these sketchbooks just like how you use any regular sketchbooks. There are no rules or guidelines. You have all the freedom to use them as you want.

Where to buy it?

These sketchbooks are available on your local arts and crafts stores and they are also available on various shops online like Amazon and eBay.

We have linked the products mentioned above and these are affiliate links, which means when you buy through the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission to help us keep running this website.

So there you have it, we’ve gathered the best sketchbooks for markers to help you make your purchasing decision easier and more convenient. We’ve highlighted each sketchbook’s pros and cons so as to let you know what to expect when you do get them.

Overall, the choice will be entirely yours and will depend on your preferences and the techniques that you use.

Lastly, we hope this post has been helpful to you. As always, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your art journey!

For more articles like this, make sure to visit our blog!

[mysticsparklewings]

Tombow Recycled Colored Pencil Review

Look! I finally got some more colored pencils to try out!   This time we're looking at the Tombow Recycled Colored Pencils. Tombow is probably best known for their water-based dual brush pens, which I have a few of, but these and their other line, the Irojiten colored pencils (which are a bit fancier and noticeably more expensive than these), are more intriguing to me. These pencils specifically are called "recycled" pencils because if you look closely at the pencils in person, each one has a couple of zigzag lines dotted along the barrel/wood casing. These are "finger joints" where partial pieces of wood have been joined together to make a piece the proper length for making colored pencils, whereas most normal colored pencils just use whole pieces of wood and, apparently, thus generate a lot of wood-waste. But what really caught my attention about the recycled colored pencils, and why I ended up getting them before getting the Irojitens even though the packaging and idea behind those are ridiculously attractive to me, is because the word on the internet is that the core of these pencils used the exact same formula as the Irojitens. This is important because the 24 set of Recycled Pencils goes for about $14 on Amazon, and anywhere from $13-$30 depending on where else you look. But any of the three sets of 30 Irojiten pencils can go anywhere from $25-$50 depending on where you look, and while there are only 24 Recycled pencil colors, there are 90 Irojiten colors (the full set going for about $80-$100, again depending on where you look), so you'll end up paying a lot more to get the full set of those. What that means then, if they are indeed the same core--I couldn't find confirmation on Tombow's website or the Amazon listing, so it could very well just be a very strong rumor--that these are a cheaper way to try out the formula for the Irojiten pencils to see if you even want to invest in them. Hoping this was one of the times the internet is right, that's what I did. I'll get my big complaints out of the way first: I wish there were more colors, the pencils are a bit of the harder side (but not to the point they're painful to work with), and the white and metallics fell a little short for me. But, even so, I think the pencils are pretty nice for their price point. So let's take a bit of a deep dive and I'll address those things as they come up. The first thing I noticed once I actually had the pencils in my hand is that they're designed similarly to the Caran D'ache Luminance and Faber Castell PITT Pastel pencils, both of which are considered high/artist quality pencils and their price points reflect that very strongly. (Translation: Those pencils are hecka expensive). Most of the pencil is the naked wood casing, but the very ends, about 1/4 of an inch, are dipped in what's supposed to be the color of the pencil. The pencils, as well as the hinged tin they come in, have a lot of either Japanese or Vietnamese printed on them. (I've heard multiple times that Tombow is a Japanese company but these pencils both on the packaging and on the pencils themselves say there were made in Vietnam, and as uncultured American swine my untrained eyes can't tell the difference between the two written languages) This makes figuring out which color you have a wee bit tricky, but the color names are printed inside the lid of the tin and each pencil is numbered and they're laid out in the correct order, so if you can remember which color is which number, you should be okay. This problem could also be eased by some washi tape either on the tin with the number or one the pencils with the names (or both), but I got used to the numbers/placement to figure out which ones I wanted pretty quickly. This would be a much bigger problem if this was a larger set, though. Speaking of which, about those colors... For a 24 set, I do feel like you get a pretty good range; There's a white, black, pink, peachy/light skin tone color, even a gray and two metallics: silver and gold. Comparing this color range to both the Prismacolor 24 set and the Crayola Artist/Blend & Shade 24 set, I do wish they'd swapped one of the yellowish colors for a light turquoise/blue-green color like the other two sets have, and if I'm really splitting hairs then swapping the metallics for another lighter skin tone/peachy/tan color and/or light purple/lavender would've been really nice. But this set has a nice gray, which neither of the other sets do, and otherwise is pretty well-rounded for a small set, in my humble opinion. There is one thing that bugs me about this color selection though; there's one pencil, 16 Ultramarine, that from the paint on the pencil looks like the typical darker warm blue color you'd expect Ultramarine to be, but when you swatch it out, the color is noticeably lighter. So, in reality, it's about the same darkness/value as the regular 15 Blue. This is disappointing because that means unless you use black there's not a good darker blue in the set to shade with. The irony is that another color, 23 Magenta, is a lot more saturated/vibrant on the pencil than it is swatched. This is less disappointing because the slightly darker, more muted hot pink color is arguably more useful that the brighter, more fuchsia-ish color would've been. Otherwise, the colors on the pencils match the swatches fairly well. But I think the disparity is largely because there's no white base layer between the wood of the pencil and the color dips, and so the colors on the pencils are all slightly tainted by the color of the wood. Even with a layer of white pencil, with these or any other pencils, my tan and gray papers always affect the final colors, so it does matter. Anyway. As for performance, for the price point--which I'm garnering as the $13-$14 range because that's what I paid, even though it can be higher--they do really well. They're not as soft as Prismacolor, but from my pre-purchase research, I had already expected that for both these and the Irojitens. And I mean, if we're being realistic as this point there's only like two pencil brands I will ever expect to be as soft as good ol' Prismacolor--the Caran D'ache Luminance and the Holbein pencils from Japan--but those are ludicrously expensive and so it will probably be quite a while before I can see how true that impression holds. Unless the pencils are so hard/unpigmented that it hurts my hand to use them when coloring for long amounts of time (20 minutes or more sessions), I typically don't count that super harshly against the pencils. But I digress. It is a little queer though because these pencils--it's like they're somewhat soft at the same time that they're noticeably rigid, which reminded me somewhat of the Faber Castell Polychromos, which are an oil-based pencil. I couldn't find a definitive answer--on the Tombow website or the Amazon listing--on if these pencils or the Irojitens are supposed to be oil or wax-based (though I could have missed it somewhere), but this combined with the more creamy feel on the paper makes me think they're actually a strong wax/oil hybrid. When they go down on the paper, the amount of friction and general feel is nearly identical to wax-based pencils (creamy feel as opposed to oil pencils having a silky/gliding feel), but the more rigid nature and the fact that these prefer to be layered up slowly rather than trying to go right for a heavy pressure layer to get the best color pay-off is definitely more in the family of oil-based pencils. And they don't have as much a of a "waxy" sheen when you move them in the light, again like oil-based pencils. I'd almost say they are oil-based, but there's just enough feel of a wax-based pencil, and the way they look on the paper, I don't feel comfortable sticking them squarely in that category. As for layering and blending, my research had also pre-cautioned me that these do better to layer them up slowly instead of trying to burnish them in right away. And that does indeed seem to be the case, just like with the aforementioned Polychromos. You can get decent color pay-off from going in heavy straight away, but it's easier on the hand and I would say looks and feels better to use layers instead. They do blend better than I expected from the way they felt; it's not super-duper smooth like Prismacolor or like I've had with Schpirerr Farben sometimes, but it is pretty smooth and as you can see here is very workable. It helps that they do appear to have the layering power you'd expect from other oil or oil-hybrid pencils, meaning while the first couple of layers look a little rough and concerning, once you've built them up they smooth out and you can keep going to build them up for noticeably longer than your typical wax-based pencil. All this in mind and backing up a little bit, the white was disappointing to me because it's not that strong/pigmented on its own. It's not the worst I've ever seen, but unless you put the white down first and pre-plan where you're going to want that strong white highlight and avoid going over it with other colors, it's not very good for adding strong white color back into a drawing over other color layers. But it is pretty good for blending, which I find tends to be the give and take on white-colored pencils: if they can't stand strongly on their own they usually work better as blenders. You'll also notice that despite my earlier comment on not having a proper darker blue/Ultramarine color, I was able to fake it pretty well here by layering up purples, blues, and a bit of black. And overall I'd say they do mix pretty well to make new colors, so the smaller set size is a little less of a problem than I initially expected. I also have to mention that in testing they have some of the best erasing I've ever seen for colored pencils that aren't specifically marketed as being erasable. Naturally, they don't erase 100% completely just like no colored pencil does, but it did really surprise me. Also, my white gel pens were a little fussy over top of these pencils. Not as bad as some other pencils I've tried, but they responded very similarly to how my other wax-based pencils do. But obviously, I was able to get them to work without too much headache. Overall, I give the pencils a 3.5 out of 5, which is pretty good as far as my standards for colored pencils go. I did take into account that I'm not crazy about the hinged lid on the tin them come in, but that's not a huge dealbreaker as it doesn't make the tin annoying or outright unusual to me, unlike other packaging issues have in the past. Also, of course, I took into account the other issues I mentioned, along with even my beloved Prismacolors only get a 4.5 out of 5 for minor issues and there always being room for improvement, even for favorites or "the best." Like I said earlier, the pencils really did surprise me for the price that I paid. That said, this does make me want to get the Irojitens to compare and see the proof in the pudding as to whether they really are the same core or not, as well as if they are to just have many more colors at my disposal to pick from, as in the end, I think that really was my biggest problem with these; 24 is just not a huge range of color to pick from. And, like I said at the very beginning, the packaging gimmick for the Irojitens constantly calls my name, but I'll save talking about that for the day that I actually have them in my hands, whenever that ends up being. I'd say if you want an experience that manages to hit somewhere between Polychromos/oil-based colored pencils and Prismacolor/wax-based colored pencils, that are still pretty nice quality and won't totally break the bank, these are very much worth a try. And now if you'll excuse me, I have some other supplies and some backlogged art on my to-do list that demand my attention. ____ Artwork © me, MysticSparkleWings ____ Where to find me & my artwork: My Website | Commission Info + Prices | Ko-Fi | dA Print Shop | RedBubble |   Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram

[hottytoddynews]

Audrey Kuhlman strolls the creaky, wooden floors of Hinton & Hinton, navigating the skinny hallways piled high with bright shirts, patterned suit jackets, dark jeans and light khakis.

This spring, Kuhlman ditched her textbooks for a full-time job on the Square, opting to sell designer brands rather than write papers.

“I thrive a lot better not being in school… and working,” said Kuhlman, whose parents owned a chain of Minnesota retail stores in Kuhlman’s hometown of Minneapolis. 

Walking through Hinton & Hinton is like walking through a labyrinth of different seasons, styles and brands. But after helping customer after customer, Kuhlman knows where everything is, and she is more than happy to show the next customer where to find exactly what they’re looking for. 

“I love the interaction I get with people,” she said.

With her goals set high, the Ole Miss student is pursuing a major in liberal studies with emphases in art, anthropology and journalism. Still, Kuhlman finds happiness in what she said she was born to do: retail. 

Her parents, Scott and Susan Kuhlman, designed, manufactured, sold and managed over 70 retail stores called “Kuhlman” in cities all over the United States, from Birmingham, Alabama, to Washington, to Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up traveling with her family while learning the ins-and-outs of retail.

“We’d set up all the stores, help paint, decorate and unbox everything,” Kuhlman said. “We helped them do things that we didn’t think was work. We thought they were games.”

She still maintains a morning routine like most students, waking up early at 8 a.m. to take her dogs out. Kuhlman skips breakfast and instead sips on coffee while her boyfriend drops her off in her small, silver Mazda hatchback outside the boutique.

Kuhlman’s Thursday consists of commanding the old-school, brass register behind the long, vintage, wooden counter.

Shadowing over Kuhlman is a large wooden bookcase adorned with American flasks, Ole Miss baseball caps, shaving supplies, wallets, koozies, coasters and belts. Blonde with warm green eyes, Kuhlman greets customers with a contagious smile as they enter through the double wooden doors.

“On busy days, we have zones to make sure everything is covered. It’s a big store with lots of little rooms, and you can lose people easily,” Kuhlman said.

In a busy store known for having something for everyone, whether it be game day attire, formal wear or casual wear, Kulhman enjoys making the many customers happy by keeping up with trends. 

“The first thing you have to do is get to know your merchandise,” Kuhlman said. “You can’t sell anything unless you know what you’re selling.”

For example, Kuhlman said one must know dark green waxed Barbour jackets run a bit big, Comfort Colors tend to be the softest and most durable T-shirts, and there is a difference in style between a Southern Tide pastel button-up or a rugged Patagonia flannel.

“You need to be able to look at somebody, and they tell you vaguely what they want, and you know exactly what they need,” Kuhlman said.

Kuhlman believes after knowing the product, the next thing one needs to know is his or her fellow co-workers and their different personalities.

“If I have a strong ability to sell a pair of jeans and this person can sell a shirt, we need to work together to make an outfit,” Kuhlman said.

However, Kuhlman emphasizes the importance of balancing the line between helping a customer versus pushing too hard.

“Be brave. It’s hard. The first customer that you get that walks into the store you have to greet them,” Kuhlman said.

After welcoming people to the store, Kuhlman makes sure she is available to answer customers’ questions or give them the space they need.

Mark Shoemake, Kuhlman’s manager, has worked at the boutique since 1999 when it was a father-son shop employing five part-time college students.

A hulking figure in a red gingham shirt and steel khakis, one could easily mistake Shoemake for a left guard rather than a retail manager. Shoemake slides through the store quickly offering customers a friendly “hello” or his veteran service.

“You don’t have enough space on that phone,” Shoemake jokes when asked about what he has learned in the industry over the past 18 years.

“Some people can get along with people better than others, that’s kind of their gift,” he said. “If you can work well with others, show kindness and show that you care, specifically to your customer, and especially in a boutique-type as this, that makes all the difference.”

Garner Hickman, a sales associate with wispy white hair and black framed glasses, offered up his own sage old wisdom. 

“The customer is always right,” Hickman said. 

Shoemake argued that some people just cannot be satisfied.

While retail may seem easy, Shoemake, Hickman and Kuhlman know all too well that it’s demanding– both physically and mentally. Kuhlman said that unpacking boxes, checking inventory and taking care of the store, combined with the reality that a day may go by without a sale, makes retail a tough business.

“You have to stick with your customer, they are your number one priority,” she said. “If they walk away with nothing in their hand or if they walk away with 10 bags in their hand, it is your priority to make them feel comfortable and know you care about them.”

Even if customers stop by to look at the selections of power red or powder blue Peter Millar gameday polos, colorfully patterned drug rugs or high-priced tan leather Lucchese boots, the customer may only walk away with a 30-dollar keychain, complaining about the price the entire time in the store. Which makes the point, according to Kuhlman, that not all customers can be pegged so easily. 

“A woman in her 60s, who looked like she just rolled out of bed walked in over Christmas break and started peddling around the store. We really didn’t know what she was doing,” Kuhlman said, “but she ended up buying three gift cards for a $1,000 a piece for her son-in-laws.”

Every customer and every sale is different. Kuhlman once began a huge sale by simply selling a Rebel alumnus in his 50s a pair of jeans.

“I told him, ‘Well, we’ve got a pair of jeans, let’s find a shirt to go with that. Now, let’s dress it up with a blazer and a pocket square,’” Kuhlman said.

She continued to add dress shirts varying from super fun and flashy to more tamed while working in different suit jackets ranging from blazers for work to light blue jackets for game day.

At only 21, Kuhlman is already a seasoned veteran, having mastered the tips and tricks of the retail industry, ensuring customers experience Oxford while at Hinton & Hinton and leave happy at the same time.

She said, “It’s kind of a game. It’s a fun one, though.”

By John Touloupis, an intern for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at jtouloup@go.olemiss.edu.

For questions or comments, email hottytoddynews@gmail.com.

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