2 items no autograph collector should leave home without

Is that a Sharpie in your pocket?

Watch this brief video to find out which two items I always have on my person to ensure I’m prepared to graph in any situation.

What is your strategy to always be autograph-ready?

Matt Raymond

is the founder of Autograph University. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and two sons. Connect with him on Twitter at @mattraymond.

13 Responses

  1. Laura says:

    I would also include a lighter colored marker as well. Yesterday I was at an OHL hockey game, and it was poster night. I didn’t know what the posters would look like so I also brought a gold marker with me. I was very happy I decided to bring along a gold marker because the poster ending up being black, so most people that had black or blue sharpies were a little bummed. I just keep a blue sharpie and a gold marker in my camera bag. They have both come in handy. It’s one of my biggest autograph worries to see some one and not have anything for them to sign or sign with. It’s always best to be prepared I say.

  2. richard says:

    Matt, is autographcard.com the only place where you can get those blank cards to get autos? Email me thx for where you get them.

  3. Vanessa says:

    I just started going to things like concerts etc, I recently went to a Gretchen Wilson concert and was able to get an autograph with her lead guitarist that just happened to be hanging out by the bar, I was totally unprepared, I had no sharpie or anything so this video is a great idea and I will be looking into it. I was able to get my tickets signed since he had a sharpie on him!

    I need some advice as well, I will be going to see Justin Timberlake in concert on Nov.29th at the MGM Grand Hotel, what is the best way for me to get his autograph and possibly a photo with him as well? I plan on getting there at least 2 to 3 hours before the doors open to take our seats. Also if I am able to snag an autograph what type of marker or pen should I use to get my cd signed?

    Thanks for everything in advance, this website is so helpful already!

    • Matt Raymond says:

      Hey Vanessa, thanks for the feedback!

      Which MGM Grand for Timberlake? Going to be tough because he’ll probably stay there and be escorted by security everywhere he goes.

      If the CD booklet has a light background go with a blue or black Sharpie, if it’s dark, get a silver Sharpie or Infinity.

      • Vanessa says:

        Is there more then one MGM Grand in Las Vegas? I know he’s going to be tough but I am a major timerlake fan, that’s why when I accidentally stumbled onto your website I thought how perfect somebody that can give me advice! I am staying at the Trump Hotel so for all I know he might be staying there as well, but is there any advice as to where you think I could get a picture with him or his autograph? Would sharpie work on the cd itself?? The background is dark on the cd. What about if I find out where the bus’s might be or something?

        • Matt Raymond says:

          There are many MGM Grands in the country, it wasn’t clear this was Vegas – thanks for clarifying. Let’s take the easy question first, a silver Sharpie or Infinity (preferable) would work on your dark CD.

          I suspect he won’t be on a tour bus, especially in Vegas. They’ll likely drive him to a private entrance at the hotel he’s staying at. There is a possibility he’s staying at the Trump, tough to tell. I think your best bet is getting him outside the context of the show. What I mean is, when he’s out to dinner or at a club. He will be VIP all the way but your odds may be better. Take a look at his tour schedule to see when he might be coming in and how long he’ll stay. If there isn’t a show the night before (or after) he could come in early and stick around a bit longer. Also, keep an eye on Twitter for people reporting sightings (try search terms like “saw Timberlake”). Good luck and let me know how it goes.

  4. Lilian says:

    Finding this post has anrwseed my prayers

  5. Bob says:

    Instead of the autograph cards from theautographcard.com, I would recommend the Rackrs.com autograph cards because they are non-gloss and very high quality.

  1. October 25, 2011

    […] be prepared In a previous post I showed you the two things you should carry to never miss a graphing opportunity. But preparation goes far beyond ensuring you’re always packing pen and paper—especially if you […]

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