What Makes Crayola Crayons Better?


There are so many different brands to choose from when it comes to crayons. True artists may look at the texture and durability when purchasing new writing utensils, but something as simple as Crayola might return enchanting results. Why do you ask? Well, we are here to do the needed research and tell you. 

Crayola crayons are better because they are safer, bold in color, and can be used past stubs without breaking because of the secret formula of durability. The greatest characteristic of Crayola crayons is that they last longer and are incredible investments with low costs. Yes, the prices may be a bit higher than your more generic kind, but the type of quality is worth the small increase.

What Crayola Is and Why We Love Them?

Crayola was created by Binney & Smith in 1903 because they saw a need for safe and affordable coloring utensils in schools. The first box of Crayola crayons was sold as an eight-pack with colors; black, brown, blue, red, violet, orange, yellow, and green. This first box of colorful creations is still here today with the same original colors, just with a more modernized look. 

Crayola crayons are the epitome of many adults’ childhoods. I know that many of us were always excited to get a brand-new pack of Crayola crayons. The crayons would often show up as a fun activity in restaurants for kid menus. Because of the fun activity and durability, Crayola became the go-to for any affordable-looking consumer. I know that many of us could not wait to get a kid’s menu to color with Crayola crayons. Sometimes, though, different brands of crayons would be supplied. I know some of you still ask for the menu and crayons just to feel the nostalgia again! I think we all have a story about Crayola and the impact it had on our childhood and adult life.

 Think back to a memory you have had with crayons and I am sure it will be Crayola supplying those great memories.

Crayola crayons presently have a wide variety of colors, utensils, and packages for all of your coloring needs. What once started as a small box of eight crayons, now can be bought as a 240-box-set. The popularity of Crayola is that they are so affordable, a lot more affordable than pricier brands, and a lot more accessible too. There is no need to stop by a high-end craft store because you can get Crayola crayons at your local grocery store! This makes it easier for those last-minute art projects that need some extra flare. 

Crayola Crayons Are The Blueprint

There are so many different ways to create your masterpiece with Crayola crayons. What makes them different from the average, off-brand Crayon, or expensive writing utensil? Let’s find out.  The brand we associate crayons with is Crayola. Why is that? The first box of 64 Crayola crayons came with a built-in sharpener in 1958.  That’s enough to lock in any artiste consumer. Most of us can say that the first colored with Crayola crayons, along with the germinations before them.

Before 1903, crayons were just a simple piece of colored clay or toxic chalk. Because it looked so nice once applied to paper, Binney and Smith wanted to create a safe answer to kids’ artistic growth in creativity. 

Alice Binney, a retired schoolteacher, came up with Crayola as the famous brand name. The meaning behind the name consists of the French word “craie,” which means “chalk,” and “ola” which can be interpreted as “oily,” according to the Smithsonian Magazine. 

Crayola Is Safer

A lot of why Crayola is the better choice in crayons is because of the simple formula that gives the utensil the beautiful pigments, without causing harm to children who may ingest it, like many curiously do because of the smell and waxy texture. 

The pigments of the crayon are produced from natural resources, which consist of slate yields grey-; metals, various earth yield yellows, and browns that are grounded, sieved, refined, and heated. The color that is concluded is that not all crayons are created the same! Let’s get into why Crayola is considered superior in terms of the function of the crayon. A picture of her experiment can be found above.  

As you can see, the durability of Crayola seemed to exceptionally pass the swatch test. The pigmentation of Crayola, compared to the other brands, is bright and blends seamlessly. In terms of fluidity, Crayola also passes the swatch test. Brands like Cra-Z-Art tended to clump and shed crayon shavings onto the paper, while Crayola allowed for a cleaner application. 

Crayola is the number one brand for a legitimate reason; they never miss. The colors are so bold for being crayons, they can be used to the very last stub without breaking, and they last incredibly long because of the secret formula of durability. If these crayons have been in business since the early 1900s and they still don’t falter, it is obvious Crayola is the better pick.

Now that we have clearly stated why Crayola is the best choice, not that we are biased or anything, let’s move on to some popular comparisons.  It is interesting to find that a lot of nicer brands are expensive and that is why Crayola crayons were created in the first place. Schools could not afford to have an abundance of quality crafting materials, so Crayola crayons were created for teachers to have the opportunity to support their students’ creativity, without breaking the bank. Our teachers have to purchase their supplies, and Crayola is relatively inexpensive. helps. We owe a lot of our openness in creativity to the openness in Crayola and its ability to advocate for visual arts within their large platform. 

Learn why crayons are better than markers HERE.

Crayon Comparisons

First let’s start with the star of the show: Crayola! Crayola is number one on our list because this whole piece is about why they are better! Duh! Because of their bright pigmentation, nostalgic smell, affordability, and menial mess, these gems make the perfect buy for a solid coloring night!

Another option is Cra-Z-art’s box of 24 different crayons. The reviews for these are subpar for something that primarily can be found in a Dollar Store, according to Art with Ms. Y. Each crayon is reported to have cool color names.

Imperial and Playskool brands tend to have the lowest durability, which equals a low score in our book. Imperial is reported to have incredibly faint and dull color pigmentation when applied to paper. The colors are so dull and have a zero noteworthy factor. The colors blend and are often mistaken for other colors! An artist’s nightmare, right? Is the color pink supposed to look like orange? Nope!

Playskool falls short with their overly waxy and messy crayons that tend to leave shaves when coloring. When using this crayon, it can be described as “cheap” and “grainy.” Along with these almost failures, there is Bazic, which is truly basic. These crayons are reported to be so feeble that they can break with minimal pressure. There goes durability and reliability! 

Crayola Fun Facts To Know

  • In 1900, the company began working with slate school pencils in Easton, Pa. 
  • In 1948, according to the official Crayola website, a workshop for teachers was created. This workshop worked to encourage teachers to learn more about the many uses and ways to use the enormous array of Crayola products. Wow! It is important to support our teachers!
  • In 1984, Crayola worked to become a part of Hallmark Cards, Inc. of Kansas City, MO. Continuing, Crayola created the “Crayola Dream-Makers Program,” which is a commitment to bring awareness to the arts to all courses and subjects. Because of Crayola’s outreach to creating a better education for children and their creativity, Crayola owns the world’s largest collection of children’s artwork, according to the Crayola website. 
  • In 1992, Crayola debuted “Color Your World,” which displayed an assortment of skin-tone-based colors for multicultural children who needed to be represented more accurately. 
  • In the 2000s, Crayola came out with “The Crayola Color Census,” where the first online poll of fans’ favorite colors was officially laughed at. Many had fun voting and seeing the results of the blue win first place. Blue is a beautiful color!

That is it, folks! We know now why Crayola is the best for the obvious reasons. We also know this because of their commitment to the activism they do to better society and the art of coloring. Well, we don’t know because they will never tell us the true formula of the masterpieces that are their crayons. Now, enjoy a cute and inspiring quote about life AND crayons. It’s the small things. 

“Life is about using the WHOLE box of crayons”

-RuPaul

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I still considered “good at coloring” if I still prefer to use the other brands?

Yes, it is perfectly okay! Do not feel bad about liking something else than what is the most “popular” to be liked. There is no judging here! Only some experimenting and our own opinions of the best crayons out there. Keep on keepin’ on!

How can educators benefit from investing in crafting and coloring?

Well, something that we just came across was the 40 % off coupon at Michaels for teachers! Get started on some awesome savings because we love all the hard work you do for your students.

Maximize the benefits of coloring with my free adult coloring eBook and by signing up for my email newsletter HERE!

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Shawn C

Hi! I’m Shawn and I Love Coloring and Art and the people in it! I created this website as a resource to help those who are considering getting into adult coloring. My website is your one-stop destination for all the inspired instruction and resources you need to start and grow your adult coloring hobby. From geometric to floral to zen doodles and from time to time even mandala’s when I am in the mood. I have researched and gathered the information to help you in your goal of starting your adult coloring hobby.

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