Learning to draw realistically can be frustrating. Many aspiring artists struggle with proportions and perspective, spending years trying to perfect their technique. For centuries, artists used a tool called the camera lucida to help with this challenge, but the original design was clunky and outdated.
Les Cookson, a returning Shark Tank entrepreneur, saw an opportunity to modernize this classic tool. After his previous pitch for the Carsick Bib in Season 2 didn’t go well, he came back with LUCIDArt – a sleek, user-friendly version of the camera lucida called the LUCY drawing tool. This innovative device helps artists trace images accurately while developing their skills.
When Les entered the Shark Tank in Season 13, he asked for $300,000 for 10% of his company. He impressed the sharks with $10 million in lifetime sales, including $3.7 million in 2021 alone. After most sharks passed for being uninterested in the niche product, Daymond John saw potential. They eventually struck a deal for $300,000 for 15% equity.
LucidArt Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Les was looking for an investment of $300k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, he valued his company at $3 million. Les successfully secured a deal with Daymond John for an investment of $300k for 15% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $2 million. After the show was aired, LUCIDArt saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of LUCIDArt is around $8 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Daymond John
$300,000 for 20% equity $300,000 for 17.5% equity
$300,000 for 12% equity$300,000 for 15% equity
Yes
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Les Cookson Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Les Cookson wasn’t new to entrepreneurship when he pitched LUCIDArt. His first Shark Tank appearance in Season 2 with the Carsick Bib ended badly when the sharks laughed at his product. But Les didn’t give up.
The idea for LUCY came when Les, an artist himself, struggled to draw accurate portraits. He discovered the camera lucida, a 19th-century optical device that projects images onto paper for tracing. While helpful, the original design was difficult to use. Les spent years developing a modern version that was affordable, portable, and effective.
His LUCY tool uses mirrors and optics to superimpose an image onto paper, allowing artists to trace what they see. This helps beginners learn proportions while letting professionals work faster. Les launched three models: the LUCY Mini, Flex, and Pro, priced from $99 to $299.
By the time Les entered the Tank, LUCIDArt had already achieved $10 million in sales. He demonstrated how Kevin O’Leary could instantly draw a perfect shark sketch using the device. Les explained he needed investment to reduce customer acquisition costs and expand marketing.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The sharks had mixed reactions to LUCIDArt. Mark Cuban was the first to bow out, saying he just wasn’t excited about the product. Robert Herjavec followed, feeling it was too niche.
Lori Greiner thought the sales numbers were impressive, but believed Les didn’t need a shark’s help. Kevin O’Leary, despite enjoying using the product, also passed because he didn’t want to invest in such a specialized market.
Only Daymond John remained interested. He offered $300,000 for 20% equity, which Les countered at 12%. After some negotiation, they settled on $300,000 for 15% – higher than Les’s original ask, but with a shark who understood marketing.
Product Availability
LUCIDArt is a company that sells three types of products designed for drawing and illustration.
1. LUCY Mini: This is the smallest and most affordable option, priced at $99. It’s perfect for beginners who are just starting to explore their drawing skills.
2. LUCY Flex: At $199, this product has an adjustable stand and comes with a carrying case, making it a bit more versatile for those who want more than just a basic setup.
3. LUCY Pro: This is the top-tier model priced at $299. It’s designed for professionals and features better optics for higher quality work.
You can buy these products on Amazon or directly from the LUCIDArt website (lucidart.com). Additionally, LUCIDArt provides online drawing courses to help customers enhance their drawing abilities.
What Happened To The LucidArt After Shark Tank?
Since appearing on Shark Tank, LUCIDArt has achieved several significant milestones that demonstrate its growth and success. The company has sold a lot more products, reaching tens of thousands of new customers since the show aired.
Their products have been featured in movies and shows produced by major studios like Disney and Paramount, showcasing their appeal and versatility. They’ve introduced new tools, such as one that helps people enlarge photos, expanding their product line.
LUCIDArt maintains a high rating on Amazon with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating that customers are generally very satisfied with their products. The company has started supplying its products to schools and museums, broadening its reach to educational and cultural institutions.
As of today, LUCIDArt continues to do well, with consistent sales. While there isn’t new information about Daymond John’s involvement with the company, it seems that his partnership has contributed positively to the business’s growth.
Les Cookson’s Shark Tank journey shows the power of perseverance. After failing with his first pitch, he returned with an innovative product that solves real problems for artists. While some sharks dismissed LUCIDArt as too niche, Daymond John recognized its potential.
The $300,000 deal for 15% equity proved worthwhile, as LUCIDArt continues thriving today. With strong sales, Hollywood appearances, and educational adoption, this modern camera lucida has earned its place in artists’ toolkits worldwide. Les’s story reminds us that sometimes the second try is the charm.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
