SparkMark Studio

08/07/2026

Mistakes happen. They just do. Being rushed. Not thinking things through. Complacency.

Sometimes a mistake could yield a better result.

A year or so ago at a show, I was asked to engrave this Cobratec knife that a customer purchased from SureShot Tactical and Against the Grain Armory.

He wanted a simple engrave: the phrase "SITUATIONAL AWARENESS" on one side of the blade. He chose the font, and then I went to scale it down to size since the font was difficult to read when choosing it.

I didn't pay close enough attention, and dragged the resize box too far. This resulted in the text being mirrored both horizontally and vertically. Tough to see on my screen with the glare, but obvious once the engrave was done.

I had to buy another knife for the customer, and this one became mine. I paid my stupid tax.

Today I got that knife out to use it to test some settings and it occurred to me...the messed up engraving is actually perfect.

It's easy to maintain situational awareness when everything is in good order...when things get backwards and upside down...like the knife in the mirror here...THAT'S when the need for situational awareness is clear.
..if I'd have only thought of that at the time, I might not have had to buy this knife 🤣🤣🤣

08/07/2026

Lots of orders the past couple weeks, but a couple of personal projects took priority.

About a week and a half ago, Dharma, a 2 1/2 year old black shepherd therapy dog at Minnesota Mental Health Services in Mankato, died very unexpectedly. Her loss impacted a lot of people - including me - as I was the last person to play with her (aside from her family) the day she died.

I felt compelled to do something in Dharma's memory, which I knew would be helpful to me. I decided on designing and engraving a slate memorial plaque, and presented it earlier this week. My hope is that it helps someone...owner, client, whoever - but it definitely helped me.

On a brighter note, a mentor of mine, and an absolute legend in Minnesota law enforcement (just ask him) retired this week. I wanted to present him with a memorable gift. I opted to go with a 4 glass decenter set in a wooden box, personalized with his badge from the agency he is retiring from, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

I chose this gift, not necessarily because he (or I) are big drinkers, but one of my fondest recent memories was of he and I and another member of the criminal justice system getting together at his home one weekend afternoon, to enjoy time with each other and give space to "celebrate" the end of a very long, very difficult investigation and successful prosecution of a suspect who sexually assaulted and murdered a 2 year old boy.

I presented it to him tonight at his retirement gathering. It was incredible to see so many of the people he has worked with over the years, from agencies all over the state, come together to celebrate a truly good and decent public servant. I've been out of that role for almost three years now, but saw so many people I admire from my own career; some retired, some still working. People that were amazing investigators in their own right, chiefs of police, sheriffs, attorneys...all having dedicated themselves to protecting their communities, but gathered to show their immense respect and gratitude for Mike, and to wish him the best in a well deserved retirement.

So, I send my thanks and good wishes to both Mike and Dharma, for they help they've given me during the time that I have known them. It's good to celebrate endings, whether happy or sad. But it also is a great reminder to celebrate the now in our lives...who is here now, helping us on the journey? So I also thank those people who are here now helping me on my journey...my wife, my family, my friends and colleagues.

Because life is more about the journey than the destination.

08/05/2026

We took the night off to enjoy a beautiful Minnesota summer night, and listen to some awesome oldies.....er....music from the 1900s...er...just music! 😆

07/28/2026

Let's Talk Tumblers.

One question I get fairly often is: "Do you sell Yetis?"

The short answer is... no.

It's not because I think Yeti makes a bad product. They don't. They've built an outstanding brand and they make a quality tumbler.

The reason I don't stock Yetis is because I'd rather offer my customers more choices...and Yetis just flat out cost too much.

There are only a relatively small number of manufacturers producing high-quality stainless steel tumblers in the world. In fact, it's not uncommon for different brands—including some well-known brands and some unbranded products—to be manufactured in the same factories or by the same manufacturing groups.

That doesn't mean every tumbler is identical. Different companies specify different powder coatings, lids, quality-control standards, warranties, and finishing requirements.

But it does mean that a tumbler doesn't have to have a famous logo to be a quality product.

By focusing on quality unbranded tumblers, I can offer something Yeti can't:

More colors
More finishes
More sizes
More styles
And a MUCH better price.

Now, if you have your heart is set on a Yeti, I'll happily engrave one you bring me. But if you're open to options, I think you'll be surprised by what's available today...you may end up with a much more unique tumbler, at half the cost.

Lately I've been seeing some really interesting new options hit the market:
• Ceramic-lined interiors for people who don't like the metallic taste stainless steel can sometimes have.
• Metallic and mirror finishes in copper, black, gold, and iridescent that engrave beautifully.
• Ombre powder-coated tumblers with smooth color transitions.

For me, the fun part isn't putting a logo on the same tumbler everyone else has.
It's finding something a little different that fits the customer and engraves beautifully.

07/26/2026

Let's Talk Tumblers.

One question I get fairly often is: "Do you sell Yetis?"

The short answer is... no.

It's not because I think Yeti makes a bad product. They don't. They've built an outstanding brand and they make a quality tumbler.

The reason I don't stock Yetis is because I'd rather offer my customers more choices...and Yetis just flat out cost too much.

There are only a relatively small number of manufacturers producing high-quality stainless steel tumblers in the world. In fact, it's not uncommon for different brands—including some well-known brands and some unbranded products—to be manufactured in the same factories or by the same manufacturing groups.

That doesn't mean every tumbler is identical. Different companies specify different powder coatings, lids, quality-control standards, warranties, and finishing requirements.

But it does mean that a tumbler doesn't have to have a famous logo to be a quality product.

By focusing on quality unbranded tumblers, I can offer something Yeti can't:

More colors
More finishes
More sizes
More styles
And a MUCH better price.

Now, if you have your heart is set on a Yeti, I'll happily engrave one you bring me. But if you're open to options, I think you'll be surprised by what's available today...you may end up with a much more unique tumbler, at half the cost.

Lately I've been seeing some really interesting new options hit the market:
• Ceramic-lined interiors for people who don't like the metallic taste stainless steel can sometimes have.
• Metallic and mirror finishes in copper, black, gold, and iridescent that engrave beautifully.
• Ombre powder-coated tumblers with smooth color transitions.

For me, the fun part isn't putting a logo on the same tumbler everyone else has.
It's finding something a little different that fits the customer and engraves beautifully.

07/26/2026

Today's post is entitled, "I didn't know you could do that."

One of the things I hear from time to time is: "I didn't know you could do that."

When I started SparkMark Studio, it was just me and a laser.
Then came a 3D printer.
Then another 3D printer.
Then another laser.
Then a replacement for the first laser...🤣
And somehow the equipment just keeps multiplying...much to the chagrin of my family.

So it's completely understandable that most people think all I do is laser engraving and 3D printing.

The reality is a little different.

I've always enjoyed graphic design and spend a lot of time working in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. While I use those programs to create artwork for engraving projects, they're also the same professional tools used to design brochures, signs, business cards, magazines, and countless other printed products.

That opened the door to another side of the business.

I have developed partnerships with several carefully selected commercial wholesale print partners—the same companies many local print shops use behind the scenes. They manufacture printed products for businesses like mine rather than selling directly to the public. That gives me access to a wide variety of products and print processes - often at prices that are surprisingly competitive - without having to own hundreds of thousands of dollars in printing equipment.

Some recent projects include:
Campaign signs for Chad Honetschlager for Sheriff
Recipe magnets and notepads for Thom Wilkins: RE/MAX Dynamic Agents
Rack cards for Pathfinder Partners

Most people have heard of companies like Vistaprint or UPrinting, and they absolutely have their place. But they're designed for the general public. Wholesale printers operate differently.

A recent customer had previously ordered rack cards from one of those online companies. When it came time to reorder, they asked if I could help. After comparing several of my wholesale suppliers, I was able to get them thicker, higher-quality rack cards for less money—and they received twice as many.

Will I always beat the online companies? No. Sometimes they're the better option, and I'll tell you if that's the case. My goal isn't to sell you something you don't need—it's to help you get the best value for your project.

The other thing that I offer is that this business is built around a bespoke approach—every project starts with your needs, and I determine the best production method rather than trying to fit every job into the same process, or only offering "customization" limited to what I choose to make available to you on a website drop-down. It's more work, but it's far more personalized, and for me, that's worth the extra work.

Whether you already have finished artwork or just an idea scribbled on a napkin, I can help with the design (whether I do it myself or consult with a professional, like Blue Sun Designs), coordinate the printing, and make sure the finished product is something you're proud to hand out.

So before placing your next print order online, send me a message. You might be surprised by what SparkMark Studio can do.

07/20/2026

Hey everyone...it's me.

Been very busy with family and work and business, but things are settling down...a little. So I wanted to see how all my faves are doing! 😎

I got a case of these decanter sets in, and did they disappear FAST!!!

I have another case of the four glass set and a case of two glass set coming in. A little late for Father's Day...but never too early to think about Christmas!! 🎅🎄🎁

I was also honored to be approached by The Brothers In Law to see if I'd be willing to make a donation to their upcoming golf tournament. I couldn't say "yes of course" fast enough! What an incredible organization to focus on the wellbeing of police officers - in tangible ways. Too often the good people who protect our communities ignore their own pain, because they think they have to be strong...and showing pain is a weakness - believe me, it's very common - but not true. And that kind of stuff can manifest itself in terrible ways. Overcoming the stigma, letting our protectors know that it's OK to not be OK, but that there is help and there is support and there is community - no one is alone. Anyway, they say those things far better than I ever could, but what an incredible organization.

So, when I tried to decide what to donate, I wanted something premium, that I hope will draw a large donation on the silent auction. I'll be donating one of these blank four glass sets, and will personalize the whole set for the winner for free! I'm also going to try to get my creative juices flowing and see if I can come up with a unique one-of-a-kind piece as well. I hope you will please consider donating to The Brothers in Law as well.

Can't wait to show you all what the winner goes with!

07/12/2026

👀😯😍🙃

They’re back—and apparently these tumblers have become the campaign’s hottest item!

Thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting for a restock. Every purchase helps fund the real costs of running a strong, community-focused campaign—from signs and printed materials to parade supplies, events, outreach, and helping us connect with voters throughout Nicollet County.

When you purchase campaign merchandise, you’re doing more than getting a great tumbler. You’re helping us continue building a campaign centered on openness, accountability, community partnerships, and the belief that the Sheriff’s Office belongs to the people it serves.

Quantities are limited, so grab yours while they’re available at honetschlagerforsheriff.com.

Thank you for your continued support—and for helping us keep this campaign moving forward.

YOUR VOICE. YOUR OFFICE

07/05/2026

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