Crayons are usually the first coloring tool we ever touch. Most of us met them in school, snapped a few in half by accident, and never really thought about them again. Somewhere along the way, crayons got labeled as “just for kids.”
But here’s the truth. Crayons are underrated.
They’re simple, forgiving, and surprisingly powerful when you slow down and really use them. If you’ve ever felt stuck with fancy tools or overwhelmed by techniques, crayons are a great place to come back to basics and just enjoy coloring again.
In the video below, you’ll see how crayons can be used in ways that go beyond quick scribbles. Watch along, then come back and try it yourself.
Why Crayons Are Worth Using
Crayons don’t demand perfection. They don’t bleed through paper. They don’t dry out. And they don’t require special paper or setup.
That’s what makes them so approachable. You can sit down, open a box, and start coloring immediately.
They’re especially great for:
- Relaxed, low-pressure coloring
- Bold, solid color areas
- Simple blending and shading
- Coloring with kids or beginners
And honestly, there’s something comforting about that familiar waxy feel.
Start Simple and Let the Color Build
One of the biggest mistakes people make with crayons is pressing too hard right away. When you ease into it and use lighter pressure, you’ll notice the color layers more smoothly.
Think of it like sketching with color. Start light. Go over the area again. Let the color slowly deepen instead of trying to get full coverage in one pass.
This makes your coloring look smoother and gives you more control.
Use Pressure to Your Advantage
Crayons respond really well to pressure changes.
Light pressure creates soft, airy color.
More pressure creates bold, saturated areas.
You can use this to add simple shading without switching tools. Press a little harder near edges or corners, then lighten your hand as you move outward. It’s an easy way to add depth, even if you’ve never shaded before.
Blending With Crayons Is Easier Than You Think
Crayons blend best when the colors are similar or next to each other on the color wheel. Layer one color lightly, then add another on top and gently work them together.
You can also blend by:
- Coloring in small circular motions
- Going back over an area with a lighter color
- Using a white or light crayon to soften transitions
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Crayon blending has a natural, textured look that’s part of the charm.
Embrace the Texture
Crayons leave texture behind. That’s not a flaw. That’s the style.
Instead of trying to smooth everything out, lean into it. Texture adds warmth and character to your coloring pages. It’s especially nice for backgrounds, skies, and playful designs.
Crayons Are About Enjoyment, Not Perfection
Crayons invite you to slow down and color for the joy of it. There’s no pressure to make something “look professional.” The goal is to relax, experiment, and reconnect with the simple pleasure of coloring.
If you haven’t used crayons in a while, give them another chance. You might be surprised by how satisfying they are.
Watch the video, grab a box of crayons, and just start coloring. That’s really all there is to it.
