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featured artist

Joe Lacey

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Stay Hydrated

Discover Crayola All Grown Up

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.”

— Bob Dylan

Which Creative Moment are you most proud of?

It has to be the Crayola Coloring Songbook: Lyrics by Lennon & McCartney. It was a very happy time. As a lifelong Beatles fan, I had always dreamed of doing something like this.

When I think about my personal projects, it would be collaborating on books with my wife. That influenced me to begin writing and illustrating my own science-fiction stories.

Who was your creative inspiration or mentor?

My high school art teacher probably had the most impact on me.

I was set to enroll in college as a computer programmer. He came to my house the next day and convinced my mother that I should be given the chance to pursue art as a career. He changed my life.

I’m also inspired by old films and music. In my mind, there isn’t much difference between visual art, music, or film. There’s big, there’s small. There’s loud, there’s soft. . . all the same things involved in making an illustration.

What challenges have you faced as an artist?

The biggest challenge is working on something I really believe in but it’s just not coming out the way I planned. Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop and move on to something else.


Did you ever think about stopping?

Often, I’ll look back on these projects and think, “That wasn’t so bad. Why did I stop?” That’s when I might bring it back and try again.


What kept you going?

Being able to start over, whether it’s the same piece of art or something new, keeps things moving forward.

How does your creativity impact those around you?

I would hope that it makes them feel good. I know it makes me feel good when people tell me how much they liked what I created.

What made you the most excited for this Crayola Project?

It was something different from other Crayola projects I had worked on. It was a bit more of a drafting style, which I enjoy. But I didn’t want the pictures to be just technical renderings. I wanted to create settings and moods that capture why we enjoy our favorite beverages. It was fun to see it all come together. 

Tips & Tricks

Follow these tips and tricks for a relaxing creative experience.

  • Absolutely! We've put together these quick tips to help get you started with Crayola Alcohol-Based Markers:

    • Test colors on scrap paper or on the included swatch card(s) before applying to your artwork.

    • For the best blending experience, choose two or three markers within the same color family that share similar intensity and tonal value. Start with the darker color, then laydown the lighter color next to it. Use the lighter color’s brush end to blend and soften where the two colors meet. 

    • Practice layering and blending techniques on simple shapes before tackling detailed art. 

    • Uncoated paper works best.

    Visit www.crayola.com/AllGrownUp to explore the full collection.

     

  • Yes! Blending is one of the biggest advantages of alcohol-based markers. There are several ways:

    Choose two or three markers within the same color family that share similar intensity and tonal value. Start with the darker color, then laydown the lighter color next to it. Use the lighter color’s brush end to blend and soften where the two colors meet. 

    Alternatively, use a colorless blender marker: Helps soften edges and create smooth transitions. Use where two colors meet to blend together (included in the Crayola 40ct, 60ct, and 120ct sets). It can also be used to lighten darker areas or add highlights, operating similarly to how an eraser works. 

    Layer similar shades: Start with light tones and gradually add darker ones. Allow ink to dry before adding the next layer. 

    Work while wet: Blending is easiest when ink is fresh on the page.

    Visit www.crayola.com/AllGrownUp to explore the full collection.

  • Popular themes for adult coloring books often focus on relaxation, creativity, or detailed artwork. Many adults enjoy designs that feel calming or immersive, with themes that encourage mindfulness and creative expression. 

    Common adult coloring themes include nature and florals, intricate patterns and mandalas, inspirational or uplifting designs, and cozy, comforting scenes. Soft, relaxing styles like Cute Cozy Coloring Pages have become especially popular for unwinding and stress relief. 

    You can explore a wide variety of styles and themes designed specifically for adults by browsing adult coloring pages and art tools from Crayola. 

    Crayola All Grown Up celebrates creativity for adults with art tools and inspiration designed to make creative time feel relaxing, expressive, and fun. 

     

  • There’s no wrong choice when it comes to coloring; it’s all about creativity and experimenting with different combinations of tools, paper types, and coloring themes. 

    If a specific tool is recommended for use on a Crayola Adult Coloring Book for best results, you will find details on the coloring book cover.  

    All Grown Up Coloring Books have paper types that have been optimized for specific tools, taking the guesswork out. When specific tools are referenced, it doesn’t mean other tools won’t produce colorful, display-worthy results, too. Coloring is a creative experiment waiting for you to try! 

    Crayola All Grown Up celebrates creativity for adults with art tools and inspiration designed to make creative time feel relaxing, expressive, and fun. 

  • Absolutely! Alcohol-based Markers work best on paper, but are versatile tools for many creative projects, including:

    • Illustrations and comic art: Ideal for smooth shading and vibrant colors.

    • Card making and scrapbooking: Adds professional-quality color to handmade crafts.

    • Calligraphy and lettering: Great for bold, colorful designs.

    • Mixed media art: Works well with pencils, pens, and even watercolors for layered effects.

    • DIY projects: Customize items like gift tags, planner pages, home décor and decorative accents.

    Just be sure to protect your work surface, and test on inconspicuous areas first to ensure you are satisfied with the outcome on the material. Crayola Alcohol-based Markers contain colorants that may stain and are permanent on most surfaces. 

    Visit www.crayola.com/AllGrownUp to explore the full collection.

  • Adult coloring pages often reflect themes from everyday life or hobbies and range from simple, open line art to more detailed illustrations with intricate patterns and smaller spaces to color. Adult pages are frequently created to support relaxation, mindfulness, and creative expression, whereas kids pages emphasize fun, learning, and motor skill development. 

    You can explore a wide range of adult coloring pages designed specifically for more detailed and creative coloring on Crayola.com. 

    Crayola All Grown Up celebrates creativity for adults with art tools and inspiration designed to make creative time feel relaxing, expressive, and fun. 

Experience Crayola All Grown Up

Coloring Books

A special collection of coloring books created with nostalgia and relaxation in mind.

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Alcohol Markers

Built to provide adults with the flexibility and creativity desired by new and advanced users.

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All Grown Up

Everything All Grown Up, matched alcohol marker and book sets, acrylic markers, and resources to help foster adult creativity.

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