When you hear the phrase “Crayon Era,” it might evoke different images — from the historic rise of modern wax crayons to the vibrant legacy of crayon portraits, or even today’s creative communities celebrating self-expression in all its forms. Two names stand out in this colorful story: Crayola and CrayonEra. While they are not the same business nor partners, both honor the spirit of creativity — each in its own unique way.
The Birth of the Modern Crayon: A Shared Heritage
The late 19th century marked a pivotal moment in art and education. With the rise of kindergarten programs, the demand for safe, non-toxic coloring tools grew rapidly. Early pioneers like the Franklin Manufacturing Company in Rochester, New York, introduced wax crayons packaged in practical tuck boxes and offered in sets of eight or sixteen colors.
Amid this innovation, Binney & Smith launched Crayola crayons in 1903 — a groundbreaking product. Their affordable, non-poisonous wax crayons quickly became a beloved staple, inspiring millions of children to explore their creativity.
Crayola is now a global icon, synonymous with childhood, education, and imaginative play. With over a century of influence, Crayola continues to evolve to inspire new generations.
Crayon Portraits: The Artistic Side of the Crayon Era
At the same time, a Victorian-era trend captured hearts: crayon portraits. These large, hand-retouched photographic portraits combined the detail of photography with the warmth of pastel and crayon artistry.
More affordable than painted portraits, crayon portraits became treasured family heirlooms — beautiful reminders of identity and memory. Today, these vintage artworks are rediscovered and celebrated for their unique charm.
Introducing CrayonEra: Unique, Safer, and Washable Creativity
From this rich historical foundation rises CrayonEra, a Haitian-owned brand that honors the crayon’s legacy while setting itself apart through a focus on non-toxic and washable art supplies. This commitment to safety and ease of use makes CrayonEra crayons uniquely suited for children and families who value both creativity and peace of mind.
Unlike Crayola’s vast global reach and broad product line, CrayonEra is rooted deeply in cultural storytelling, inclusivity, and creative empowerment — especially within underrepresented communities. The brand offers vibrant, safe, and washable products, alongside educational resources and experiences designed to help children and adults alike explore identity and expression through art.
Two Brands, One Colorful Mission
| Aspect | Crayola | CrayonEra |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1903 (Binney & Smith) | 2024 (Wilgemps & Degeline) |
| Core Identity | Pioneer of safe, affordable crayons and educational art tools worldwide | Haitian-owned brand focused on non-toxic, washable, and culturally empowering creativity |
| Historical Roots | Modern crayon innovation & mass education | Inspired by historical crayon era and cultural storytelling |
| Primary Audience | Children, educators, families globally | Kids, parents, educators, and cultural communities |
| Focus | Product innovation, mass creativity | Safety, inclusivity, cultural empowerment, washable creativity |
| Product Range | Crayons, markers, art supplies, educational tools | Non-toxic crayons, washable art supplies, learning resources, cultural projects |
Why Celebrate Both?
Crayola and CrayonEra honor different but complementary chapters of creativity. Crayola’s century-long legacy made coloring accessible and beloved worldwide. CrayonEra builds on that foundation with a fresh, culturally vibrant, and safer approach — prioritizing washability and non-toxic materials while inspiring new generations to tell their stories through color.
Both brands share a passion for nurturing creativity but do so with distinct voices and visions. Whether you grew up with Crayola in your backpack or you’re discovering CrayonEra as a new creative space, the real winner is the colorful world of imagination we all share.
Join the Creative Journey
Crayons are more than tools — they are bridges between past and future, culture and expression, child and artist. Whether you pick up a box of Crayola or dive into the safe, washable, and culturally rich world of CrayonEra, you’re stepping into a tradition of creativity that continues to shape lives.
Color boldly. Dream freely. Celebrate creativity — your way.
