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Markers, Crayons, or Colored Pencils? Here’s the Real Deal.
Ever stood frozen in the art supply aisle, overwhelmed by a rainbow of markers, crayons, and colored pencils? Yep — we’ve been there too. Whether you’re a parent shopping for your kiddo, a hobbyist looking to unwind with a coloring book, or a total newbie just dipping your toe in, choosing the right coloring tool can feel like a big deal.
Don’t stress — we’re breaking it all down, no jargon, no fluff. Just a straight-up look at what each tool does best, what to watch out for, and who they’re perfect for.
Markers: Bold and Vibrant
What’s to Love:
Markers are the life of the party — loud, bold, and totally attention-grabbing. If you love rich color and smooth coverage, these are your people.
- Color payoff: Boom! Big, bold color in one swoop.
- Smoothness: No scratchy patches or weird texture.
- Speed: Great for filling large spaces fast and efficiently.
Markers really shine on thick, high-quality paper that can handle the ink. Alcohol-based ones (like Copic or Prismacolor) are chef’s kiss for blending and layering. Water-based markers are gentler (and safer) for kids — but still super fun.
🔍 Recommended Products:
- Copic Sketch Markers – Set of 12
- Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers – Set of 100
- Ohuhu Dual Brush Markers – 60 Colors
💡 Pro Tip: These Copic markers are a splurge, but wow—they blend like a dream!
The Downsides:
Markers are awesome… but they can be a little high-maintenance.
- Bleeding: Thin paper? Hello, accidental back-page art.
- Streaks: Some can leave lines if your strokes overlap.
- No take-backs: Once the ink’s down, it’s staying there.
Also, they can dry out if you forget to cap them (oops), and the fancy ones can be a bit spendy…
Who They’re For:
If you love bold, graphic looks — or just want color now — markers are your jam. Great for adult coloring books with thick pages, vibrant-loving kids, or anyone who doesn’t shy away from color that pops.
Crayons: Classic and Kid-Friendly
What’s to Love:
Crayons are old-school cool. They’re simple, sturdy, and full of charm. Opening a fresh box? Instant childhood nostalgia.
- Easy peasy: No setup. No cleanup. Just color.
- Kid-safe: Non-toxic, durable, and basically toddler-proof.
- Budget win: Affordable and widely available.
And they’re not all the same old red-blue-green anymore! Think glitter crayons, neon, twistables, erasables — crayons have seriously leveled up.
Recommended Products:
- Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Crayons – 64 Count
- Crayola Twistables Crayons – No Sharpening Required
- Crayola Glitter Crayons – 24 Count
✨ Love a little sparkle? These glitter crayons add just the right amount of magic to your pages!
The Downsides:
They’ve got heart, but they’re not the most precise tool in the box.
- Waxy texture: Can feel lumpy or uneven on detailed designs.
- Precision? Not so much: Fat tips = not great for tiny spaces.
- Color clumps: Layer too much and it gets a little messy.
Crayons can snap if pressed too hard and they don’t love glossy or slick paper surfaces.
Who They’re For:
Perfect for kiddos (obviously), classrooms, quick coloring bursts, or anyone who loves carefree creative play. And yes, there are luxe versions out there for grown-up crayon fans too.
Colored Pencils: Detailed and Versatile
What’s to Love:
Colored pencils are the thoughtful introverts of the coloring crew — chill, subtle, and full of depth.
- Control freaks rejoice: From soft shades to bold layers — you’re in charge.
- Blending magic: With a little practice, hello gradients!
- Detail work: Ideal for intricate designs and fine lines.
You’ve got wax-based and oil-based options. Oil-based = smoother, less smudge. And if you’re feeling artsy, watercolor pencils let you add water for a paint-like effect.
Recommended Products:
- Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – 72 Count
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils – Set of 36
- Arteza Professional Colored Pencils – Set of 48
🎯 Looking for rich color and smooth blending? These Prismacolors are a favorite among adult colorists.
The Downsides:
They’re not without a few quirks.
- Takes time: Building color = patience required.
- Breakable tips: Press too hard? Snap.
- Always sharpening: Keep that sharpener handy.
Also, blending takes a little learning curve — but it’s totally worth it when you see the results.
Who They’re For:
Colored pencils are the go-to for teens, adults, and anyone who wants to really settle in and get in the zone. Great for shading, layering, and creating beautifully detailed coloring pages.
So…Which One is Best?
Here’s the thing: there’s no “best.” It totally depends on your mood, your page, and your personal vibe.
- Feeling bold and speedy? Markers are your ride-or-die.
- Want something easy and playful? Grab those crayons.
- In the mood to slow down and dive deep? Colored pencils, all the way.
And hey — why not mix things up? Use markers for bold outlines, crayons for background texture, and colored pencils for those tiny details. A lot of colorists and artists create their own custom kits based on their favorite combos.
If you’re just starting out, try them all. See what feels best in your hand and sparks your creativity. There’s no wrong answer — coloring is supposed to be fun, not stressful!
At the end of the day, the best coloring tool is the one that keeps you coming back for more. So go with your gut, pick your favorite, and let the coloring adventure begin.
🛍️ Shop Our Coloring Favorites
Here are some of my go-to coloring tools — perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and coloring pros alike!
- 🖍️ Crayons – Twistables, Glitter Crayons, Washable Sets
- ✏️ Colored Pencils – Prismacolor, Polychromos, Arteza Pencils
- 🎨 Markers – Ohuhu, Copic Sketch, Super Tips for Kids
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