The brief? A simple yet compelling one: develop and design a new range of art materials for Tate, to be sold both online and in their gift shops.

The creative idea was to inspire artistic creation in all its forms, across all sorts of abilities, with a range of equipment and items including pencil cases, colouring and sketching pencils, acrylic paints, tote bags, T-shirts and art materials cases. Everything we created would incorporate original graphic marks that evoke the making process.

Rather than reproducing artworks from the Tate's collection, we focused on the experience of mark making, introducing a series of artistic gestures, created using a wide range of techniques. The character of these marks and brushstrokes reflects the paper stock and suggested content. For example, a book with watercolour paper shows broad brushstrokes, while a pocket sketchpad may show charcoal or pen marks. The different paper grades and weights within the sketchbooks were also carefully selected to respond differently to different mediums. We found that suggesting what’s possible resonates much more with artists and makers than a blank or fully finished artwork. Evocative shapes, lines and colour combinations all created designs that are appealing and playful but also inspiring and suggestive of the incredible things that could be brought to life with the materials. A simple way to speak to both beginners and serious artists alike.

Finished in a range of bold, contrasting colours, the result is a collection that would appeal to anyone who writes, sketches, paints and creates artwork of any kind. Materials made for the makers among us.

The Tate collection launched at the beginning of 2019 and is available to buy in store and online.