The Crayola logo, representing the iconic U.S.-based arts and crafts brand, has undergone numerous transformations since the company was founded in 1885. Over the decades, the logo has mirrored Crayola’s innovative spirit and commitment to creativity, evolving from intricate and decorative designs to a bold and cheerful symbol of artistic expression.

Early Beginnings: 1903 – 1925

The initial Crayola logo, introduced in 1903, was an ornate and decorative design. The intricate details almost obscured the name, with the "C" blending into the frame, often leading to misinterpretations of the name as “Rayola.” Despite this, the logo remains a nostalgic secondary design used by the brand.

In 1925, the logo was modernized with a brighter orange background and deeper green lettering for enhanced contrast.

A Simpler Design: 1935 – 1948

The 1935 redesign introduced a streamlined, rectangular badge. The yellow uppercase lettering in a bold serif font appeared on a green background, simplifying the brand’s visual identity. In 1948, the lettering evolved into a futuristic narrow sans-serif typeface, further modernizing the design while maintaining the signature yellow and green palette.

Mid-Century Modern: 1956 – 1984

The 1956 redesign introduced purple lettering on a smooth orange background, adding vibrancy. Two years later, a minimalist black-and-white logo with sans-serif type replaced the colorful designs, marking a departure from decorative elements. This style remained in use until the mid-1980s, reflecting a no-nonsense approach during that era.

Embracing Creativity: 1967 – 2006

In 1967, Crayola shifted toward a bright green-and-yellow palette, complemented by a cheerful rainbow arc below the lettering. This design symbolized the creative possibilities of the brand’s products. By 1984, the logo adopted a clean Futura Bold typeface in black and white, making it versatile for various uses.

The 1997 redesign returned to vibrant colors, with dark green gradient lettering and a prominent rainbow underline. This cheerful and artistic design better reflected Crayola’s core mission.

A Modern Classic: 2002 – Today

The 2002 logo update refined the previous design with an elegant sans-serif typeface (Cronos Bold) and a more professional tone. The green lettering and dark yellow background maintained brand recognition but adopted a more serious feel.

In 2006, Crayola reintroduced a playful and optimistic logo. The lighter, brighter green and yellow palette, along with a smiling face in the background, brought back a cheerful vibe. A rainbow motif symbolized the endless creative possibilities of Crayola products, reaffirming the brand’s mission to inspire creativity.

Font and Colors

Over time, Crayola transitioned from serif to sans-serif fonts, with the current Cronos Bold typeface offering a plump and friendly appearance. The logo’s yellow and green hues have remained consistent, often accompanied by rainbow accents to highlight creativity and joy.

The Crayola logo is a dynamic representation of the brand’s legacy, blending a rich history with a vibrant and forward-looking design.