When it comes to art supplies, there are a few names that come to mind – RoseArt and Crayola, for example. But which one is better?
At first glance, it may seem like Crayola is the clear winner. Their products often receive better praise, but they are also more expensive.
In this blog post on RoseArt vs Crayola, we will compare and contrast the two brand’s key products: markers, crayons, colored pencils, and watercolor sets. Keep reading to learn all about Crayola vs RoseArt. Then, reach your own verdict.
Let’s start with some brief bullet points.
| RoseArt | Crayola | |
|
Markers |
– Slightly more muted | – Colors are not muted |
| – Vibrant colors – Smooth applications – Not scratchy – Not likely to bleed |
||
| Crayons | – Softer – Waxier – Tend to leave clumps – Tend to break or snap – Include bits of other colors |
– Harder – Not as waxy – Smooth applications – Does not break easily – Consistent color |
| – Get the job done – Easy to use – Available in a large color range |
||
| Colored Pencils | – Creamier texture – Easier to blend |
– Not as buttery in texture – Blending is more difficult |
| Watercolor Sets | – Durable brush – Thin, pointed brush tip – Darker colors – Thicker consistency |
– Flimsy brush – Flared brush tip – Lighter colors – Thinner consistency |
Now, let’s delve deeper into the details.
Table of Contents
What Is RoseArt?
RoseArt is a brand founded in 1923 by Isidor Rosen. It offers affordable markers, crayons, colored pencils, and watercolor sets. It switched owners twice, once in 2005 to Mega Bloks, and the second time to Mattel in 2014. In 2021, it was repurchased by Rosen.
You can buy the brand’s items at specialty stores and retailers.
What Is Crayola?
Crayola is a famous brand founded in 1885. Its original name was Binney & Smith. Crayola also sells markers, crayons, colored pencils, and watercolor sets.
With its innovative culture, however, Crayola is always introducing new products. Modeling clay and chalk are among its offerings. Currently, it is owned by Hallmark Cards. In contrast to RoseArt, Crayola benefits from a good brand reputation.
Related:
Crayola vs RoseArt: Markers
Appearance-wise, these are pretty similar. They have a colored cap, white body, and matching colored label.
When you swatch them, you will notice that they are both vibrant and smooth to glide. The two perform at around the same level, except RoseArt markers are a bit more muted. Neither of them are scratchy though. They will not bleed through paper if you use them properly.
Crayola vs RoseArt: Crayons
At a glance, RoseArt crayons vs Crayola are pretty much the same. They are short, thin, and simply labeled with a paper wrapper. They start to show differences when you put them down on paper though.
The crayons from RoseArt are softer and waxier. As a result, they leave behind more clumps than Crayola crayons and give your artwork an unwanted texture.
They are also annoyingly sticky when you try to scrape them off with your fingernails. Clumping is particularly a pain in the neck when you are layering colors.
Because of their softer nature, RoseArt crayons also have the tendency to break. If you press them too hard or accidentally knock them onto the floor, they will snap. This does not happen as easily with Crayola crayons. For little ones who have not yet learned to handle crayons, this can be a serious nuisance.
In addition, RoseArt crayons tend to have bits and pieces of other colors in them. Although they are not super noticeable, they can ruin your piece. If you spot them, it will certainly irk you that they are not removable.
Besides these drawbacks, however, RoseArt crayons are decent. They are easy to use and can get the job done. Plus, they come in a fairly large color range.
Crayola vs RoseArt: Colored Pencils
The winner in this aspect is RoseArt. The brand’s colored pencils produce vibrant results, and they are easier to blend with thanks to their slightly creamier texture.
As such, you are less likely to encounter patchiness and streaky strokes when using RoseArt colored pencils. It will be a more enjoyable experience than coloring with Crayola colored pencils.
Crayola vs RoseArt: Watercolor
RoseArt watercolor, despite bearing a “cheap” reputation, comes with an actual artist-quality watercolor brush. The bristles are thin and pointed, so you can easily use them to make intricate details.
On the other hand, Crayola’s brush flares and tends to fall off. The Crayola watercolor brush was also more flimsy than the one from RoseArt.
As for the actual watercolor, the two brands are neck-to-neck. Their tints are vibrant, and they are well broken down by water. However, RoseArt watercolor shades are a bit darker and thicker in consistency.
Cost
Crayola products used to be more expensive than RoseArt products. However, because RoseArt products are now much more difficult to find, their prices have hiked up.
For example, here are the two brand’s price tags I found at the time of writing:
- Crayola Washable Super Tips Marker (Count of 100): $15.97
- RoseArt Washable Super Tips Marker (Count of 100): $22.99
- RoseArt Classic Broadline Markers (Count of 10): $21.81
- Crayola Broadline Markers (Count of 10): $2.54
Pros and Cons
| RoseArt | Crayola | |
| Pros | Gets the job done without breaking the bank | Has better brand reputation
Performs slightly better all-around Easy to find both offline and online |
| Cons | Rather difficult to find | More expensive |
How to Use
Choose Crayola crayons for smooth and long-lasting colors. If you have RoseArt instead, apply more pressure while drawing so that the color from the wax gets on paper more easily. Don’t go overboard though, or the crayon will snap.
As for the pencils and watercolors, one can’t go wrong with either. Despite both brands having some minor flaws, buyers don’t need to be top artists to use them.
Should You Get RoseArt or Crayola?
Get RoseArt if:
- You are on a budget or do not want to spend a lot.
- You just want something that works.
- You do not mind scouring for your purchases.
Get Crayola if:
- You do not mind spending a bit more.
- You want top-of-the-line quality.
- You do not want to go through the hassle of searching far and low for your purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who owns RoseArt?
At present, LaRose Industries LLC owns RoseArt. The brand was originally founded in 1923 by a Rosen family member and bought in 2005 by Mega Bloks, then later by Mattel. Recently, LaRose Industries acquired it, welcoming the brand back to the family.
Are RoseArt markers washable?
RoseArt’s Super Tip line includes washable markers. They come in different sets: 10, 30, 50, and 100. The brand also has a Classic, Bold, and Bright line of washable markers.
Are Rose Art crayons non toxic?
Yes. RoseArt crayons are non-toxic. The brand ensures that all its crayons are safe for use. They do not contain any carcinogens.
Are Rose Art crayons bad?
They are not as bad as their reputation suggests. RoseArt crayons offer good performance for their price. They might leave clumps and break more easily than other competitors, but they are not the worst crayon brands.
So, you are not bound to bad crayon drawing just because you use them.
What are some Crayola crayon ingredients?
Crayola is mostly made of wax and color pigments. The wax is paraffin wax, and it is melted and put into molds with other ingredients. Crayola’s special effect crayons will include a few modifications.
Are Crayola crayons the best?
Today, Crayola is one the most popular crayon brands on the market. Cheap crayon brands trail behind its brand reputation and innovative nature.
Crayola crayons are loved for their ease of use and accessibility. Plus, they come in a lot of different options, allowing users to exercise their creativity.
Is there a Crayola store?
Crayola has themed retail stores. The brand has six of them across the US. But you can also easily buy Crayola products online as well.
Conclusion
So, RoseArt vs Crayola, which do you think is better? Now that you have gone through our guide and looked at each brand’s markers, crayons, colored pencils, and watercolor sets, you can decide whether you want the less-popular-but-works brand or the loved-by-many-but-expensive brand.
Share your winner with us in the comments down below!
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
