How the Pentel Inking Center Was Born
How the Pentel Inking Center Was Born The Pentel Inking Center wasnât created in a boardroom â it was born in the heart of artist alley at a Comicon. During one of our first engagements with illustrators, we noticed something fascinating: nearly every artist referred to their favorite pens simply as their inking tools. That […]
Inside the Iwata Gallery: A Stunning Showcase of Airbrush Art in Portland
This spring, Iwata Airbrush opened the Iwata Airbrush Gallery at its headquarters in Portland,
Oregon.
Sailor Pen by Itoya
Since 2012
East Coast & Mid-West
In the 2010s, Sampro introduced the Sailor pen to the US market, growing into a top-selling fine-pen brand. In 2014, we developed a collab program with key dealers for special editions.
Sakura
Since 1986
Northeast USA
Our relationship with Sakura began with the founding of Sakura of America in the 1980s. In the beginning, Sampro introduced products such as Pima Micron, Gelly Roll, and Koi watercolors in the US marketplace. Today, Sakura is a world-class brand in America and around the world.
Queen City Paper
Since 1970
USA & Canada
Our original supplier was known initially as âHurlock Brothersâ from Philadelphia. This supplier has a special place in our hearts, dating back to the early days of our company with Bob Hammer selling boards. Over the years, Queen City Paper has evolved into a reliable OEM manufacturer of quality cardboards for presentation, 3D and architectural models, illustration, and matboards. With the shifts in distribution and market needs today, Sampro is leading a new branding strategy.
Pentel
Since 2007
South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida
A legendary Japanese brand of pens and pencils, Sampro, began working with Pentel when the Pentel Arts division was formed. Sampro assisted with the initial definition of the âinkingâ product category, including Pocket Brush and Aquash Brush, which later developed into the conceptualization of Pentel’s most successful retail merchandising display in history, the âInking Center.â
OOK
Since 2008
USA & Canada
OOK is the leading brand of hardware, including the most comprehensive line of picture hanging solutions, as well as wire for 3-D modeling and jewelry making. The OOK brand stands for innovation and top quality.
M.A.B.E.F.
Since 2025
USA & Canada
MABEF is the world’s leading producer of artist easels today. With US distribution in turmoil, MABEF identified Sampro as a key US partner to develop direct-to-dealer selling programs and MAP policies that allow retailers to serve the market profitably.
KRINK
Since 2018
USA & Canada
KRINK is the original graffiti marker, conceived and created by Craig Costello, a world-famous urban art painter. KRINK extends to a full range of markers and sprayers for creative thinkers who want to express themselves BIG.
Kolo
Since 2025
USA & Canada
Top Drawer Shops developed this new brand of writing instruments. Top Drawer, closely affiliated with the renowned Tokyo retailer, Ito-ya, is known for selling unique luxury products. Our first launch is a sport pen called Tino. Already extremely popular at Top Drawer stores, Sampro is excited to introduce this new brand to our writing instrument retailers!