IN PURSUIT OF WISDOM & BEAUTY
Hey there! Obvious State is a creative studio and print shop run by husband/wife team Evan and Nichole Robertson.
Our work is inspired by beautiful language that has stood the test of time, witty insights that strike a chord, poetry that stretches the imagination, and philosophy that prompts us to think deeply.
We typically share new art on Tuesdays on timeless literary themes like truth, beauty, wisdom, human folly, freedom, society, and other fun little amuse-bouches. Lately we’ve been finding that some of the best that has been thought and said, amazingly, is more relevant than ever. And we’re not just talking about Shakespeare’s prohibition of small beer.
AESTHETICS & QUALITY
Aesthetic value and premium, quality materials are our primary commitments. From our original art to our elegant fine art paper that’s milled sustainably in upstate New York, beauty and craftsmanship drive every decision we make.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & TRANSPARENCY
We do our best to consider the environmental impact of our goods and supply chain. Therefore, we only work with partners who share our concern for the environment, and use sustainable methods and premium materials. All of our goods are made in the USA.
ART PRINTS
Since 2011, all of our art prints are made with standard-setting Mohawk Superfine paper which is sustainably milled in Cohoes, New York. Mohawk sources pulp from sustainable forests, uses recycled fiber, conserves water, and harnesses wind power for their electrical energy. The result is a lush, elegant, fine art paper that’s unmatched in its beauty and sustainability.
NOTEBOOKS
Our pocket notebooks are printed and constructed in Portland, Oregon using vegetable-based inks and 100% recycled paper (a portion of which is from recycled books). Our partner plants a tree for every order in partnership with The National Forest Foundation.
BOOKS & PAPER GOODS
All of our books, paper goods and collateral cards are printed in Van Nuys, CA on uncoated, FSC certified, sustainable paper made with 10% recycled content. Our print partner uses soy and vegetable-based inks which have lower levels of volatile organic compounds than petroleum inks.
ABOUT US
Evan Robertson was born in New York City and grew up in Montclair, NJ. He received a B.A. in Theater from Yale in 1996 and graduated from The Juilliard Drama Fine Art Program (Group 29) in 2000.
He spent many years in New York City as a multidisciplinary artist and actor, performing at The Public Theater, The Aquila, and The Pearl Theatre, where he won the Joe A. Calloway award for his performance as Claudio in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
In 2011, his illustration work took center stage when he used snippets of underlined passages from his favorite books as inspiration for visual interpretations. His bold, graphic work paired with provocative text quickly garnered the attention of the press, including the Los Angeles Times who dubbed it “witty and elegant.”
What began as a fun personal project quickly grew into a flourishing international art business with over 100,000 pieces sold in over 50 countries. His work has been displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as smaller galleries, boutiques and shop across the world. In addition to his own work, his client work includes original artwork for Disney, Penguin Random House, Double Day, The University of Manchester, Gibbs Smith, Andrews McMeel, True West London, Juniper Books, Bear Ceuse, Amala Beauty and more.
Nichole Robertson is the Cofounder of Obvious State and the author of five books: Paris in Color, Paris in Love, The Paris Journal, New York in Color and Literary Paris.
She also has 20 years experience as freelance Copywriter and Creative Director. She works with advertising agencies, brands and magazines including Tribal DDB, MRY, Aveeno, Reebok, Kiehls, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Bumble and Bumble, Esprit, Real Simple and Amala Beauty. From 2006-2008, she wrote Bravo TV’s beauty and fashion column.
Nichole handles the copywriting, creative direction and digital marketing for Obvious State.