The 10 Best Drawing Crayons
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in August of 2019. Whether you’re searching for a fun medium for your children to express themselves or are a serious artist or student who requires professional-grade supplies, you’ll find drawing crayons to suit your needs right here. We’ve included budget-friendly and high-end options offering bold colors and creamy consistencies that can be applied over a range of surfaces, with many that can be used wet or dry. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II
2. Mungyo Gallery Soft
3. Sennelier Assorted
Editor's Notes
August 27, 2019:
Not unlike colored pencils, crayons are often thought of as the domain of children, beginners, or those who aren't serious about art. However, crayons can be crafted from oiled chalk, charcoal, clay, or wax, and many are water-soluble, which affords them quite a bit of versatility since they can achieve multiple techniques if you're creatively inclined. To speak to this, we loaded this list with artist-worthy sets, high-quality ones with reasonable price tags, and options great for children to nurse their burgeoning talents.
Those who are particular about their supplies will find top of the line quality in the Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II, Sennelier Assorted, Conte a Paris, Ranger Tim Holtz Distress, and Prismacolor Premier Firm. Be aware that with the latter, there have been a handful reports that certain red shades have a hard time tracking on surfaces without water, which can be a deterrent to those who prefer dry use.
For students or beginners who aren't willing to shell out on a professional set but still require something reliable to hone their skills, the Mungyo Gallery Soft offer excellent quality for a budget price, while the Faber-Castell Gelatos are favorites among crafters and artists alike.
Children can take things to the next level with the Faber-Castell Blendable and U.S. Art Supply Super, however, the U.S. Art Supply Super can get a little messy when left in the hands of younger tots without supervision. Thankfully, they are washable for this exact reason. And before you write off the Crayola Ultimate Collection, know that in the hands of a highly skilled artist, Crayola crayons have been known to create truly impressive works of art. For kids, they're cheap, nontoxic, and easy to clean up.
Many of our selections are offered in sets of varying amounts, so you can choose something comprehensive or small, depending on your current collection. We also favored options that come in carrying cases, not only for storage but for easy transportation in a backpack or messenger bag.
4. Ranger Tim Holtz Distress
5. Prismacolor Premier Firm
6. Conté à Paris
7. Faber-Castell Gelatos
8. U.S. Art Supply Super
9. Faber-Castell Blendable
10. Crayola Ultimate Collection
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.