Crayola crayons are a classic and iconic drawing tool loved by children and adults alike. With 120 different crayon colors available today, Crayola offers a wide spectrum for creative coloring. However, the original Crayola crayon set started with just 8 basic colors when it was first introduced in 1903. Over the ensuing decades, more specialty colors were added to bring the total count to 64 by 1958. In 1992, the Crayola product line underwent a major overhaul and expansion, and 12 new crayons were introduced to bring the total count to 72. These 12 new colors became known as the Crayola Standard 12 and included some bright, vivid options that became instant favorites among young artists.
The 12 New Crayola Colors in 1992
Here are the 12 new Crayola crayon colors that were added in 1992:
| Crayon Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Cerulean | #0D7FA5 |
| Dandelion | #FED855 |
| Jungle Green | #29AB87 |
| Teal Blue | #00555C |
| Violet Red | #C84186 |
| Apricot | #FDD5B1 |
| Thistle | #EAD1DC |
| Wild Watermelon | #FC6C85 |
| Fuchsia | #C154C1 |
| Cerise | #DA3287 |
| Mulberry | #C8509B |
| Teal Green | #318CE7 |
With fun, punchy names like Wild Watermelon, Thistle, and Cerulean, these new crayons introduced some exciting colors into the Crayola lineup. The 1992 expansion also focused on adding more blues to the spectrum, including the very bright Teal Green and deeper Teal Blue. Other new additions were neutrals and pastels like Apricot and Cerise.
Background on the Crayola Standard 12
Prior to 1992, the Crayola crayon palette had contained mostly basic hues in the 16 to 32 count boxes targeted at young children. While the large 64 count box from 1958 had introduced some bolder colors, even that iconic set was still missing many vibrant, pigmented shades.
With the rise of adult coloring books and more mature creative uses for crayons in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Crayola decided to overhaul its product line to appeal to older artists and crafters. They worked with color professionals to develop the new 12 color assortment that would deliver intense, appealing hues across the color spectrum.
In coming up with color names, Crayola aimed for fun, descriptive titles that also showcased the new crayon colors’ personalities. Names like Wild Watermelon evoked a juicy fruit, while Dandelion captured the cheerful golden glow of the flower. Jungle Green brought to mind lush tropical plants.
The 12 new crayons were first introduced in the new 96 count Crayola box alongside updated versions of retired colors. This big box of crayons became wildly popular, and the Standard 12 colors were also incorporated into the new 64 count Crayola box which replaced the classic version.
Reviewing the 12 Crayola Standard Colors
Here’s an overview of each of the new Crayola Standard 12 colors added in 1992:
Cerulean – A vibrant sky blue, cerulean takes its name from the blue pigment derived from the mineral Cerulean. This crayon is perfect for coloring sunny skies.
Dandelion – The yellow-orange hue of cheerful dandelion flowers is captured in this crayon. It has a warm, golden glow.
Jungle Green – Deep and cool-toned, Jungle Green is the rich green of tropical rainforest leaves and vegetation.
Teal Blue – A blue-green blend, this is a medium-dark teal reminiscent of peacock feathers or the ocean.
Violet Red – With a pinkish-purple, raspberry hue, Violet Red is a vivid crimson shade.
Apricot – A soft pastel orange, Apricot mimics the fruit and beautifully colors in sunsets or skin tones.
Thistle – A pale purple tone inspired by the thistle flower, this crayon goes on light for blending.
Wild Watermelon – The juicy reddish-pink of ripe watermelon flesh comes through in this bright pink crayon.
Fuchsia – Vibrant pinkish-purple, Fuchsia creates hot pink coloring for crafts.
Cerise – A cherry red color with cool undertones, Cerise adds bold color without being quite as bright as Wild Watermelon.
Mulberry – A rich, reddish-purple, Mulberry mirrors the dark color of mulberry fruit.
Teal Green – The most vibrant teal of the set, Teal Green is a mix of bold green and bright blue for tropical images.
Using the Crayola Standard 12 Colors
The 12 new Crayola colors added in 1992 provide a great expanded palette for coloring projects or artistic uses. Here are some tips on getting the most out of these bold, pigmented crayons:
– Layer the darker teals or violets lightly at first, then increase pressure for rich color payoff.
– Blend Apricot, Dandelion, or Thistle over other hues to tone down the brightness.
– Outline in Wild Watermelon or Cerise then color in with Mulberry or Fuchsia.
– Use Cerulean and Teal Green for scenic landscapes with water or greenery.
– Play with color mixing by layering Cerise over Teal Blue for a new shade.
– Incorporate neutrals like Apricot in skin tones or backgrounds for softer effects.
– Use Wild Watermelon to add pops of color to a springtime scene.
– Color sunlight and torch flames with Dandelion for warmth and glow.
With their exciting new colors, kids and artists could create more varied, vivid artwork. The Crayola Standard 12 expansion encouraged creative experimentation and new techniques for taking coloring to the next level.
Legacy of the Standard 12 Crayola Set
Since their introduction in 1992, the 12 new Crayola crayon colors have become staples in every large Crayola assortment. The vibrant, pigmented Standard 12 provide essential shades for any big crayon box.
These colors also hold nostalgia for many adults, reminding them of beloved projects and artworks created during childhood. The memorable color names are ingrained in the minds of kids who grew up using these crayons for school art assignments.
While some of the Standard 12 colors like Dandelion and Wild Watermelon are clearly geared for kids, other shades have sophisticated appeal for adult coloring books and fine art uses. Cerulean and Teal Green would enhance landscapes, while Mulberry or Violet Red add richness to floral images.
The Crayola Standard 12 colors of 1992 also influenced the continued expansion of the crayon lineup. Later editions took inspiration from the boldness of the initial 12, adding new crayon colors in similarly dynamic shades. Now the 120 crayon box contains many deep violets, bold teals, and vibrant pinks and oranges.
So while the original Crayola crayon box featured sehr basic colors, the Standard 12 upgrade ushered in a more pigmented, creative approach. Artists and children alike can let their imaginations run wild thanks to classic colors like Cerulean, Wild Watermelon, Fuchsia, and Jungle Green. The Crayola Standard 12 set remains an important milestone in Crayola crayon history.
Conclusion
In 1992, Crayola introduced a Standard set of 12 new crayon colors to bring their iconic boxes up to date. With bold, intense hues like Cerulean, Teal Green, and Wild Watermelon, this assortment delivered exciting new shades for artists and kids. The Crayola Standard 12 colors provided expanded creative possibilities with their rich pigments and fun names. Now considered classics, these 12 crayons are Crayola favorites that inspire colorful artwork and nostalgia for many. The next time you use a Jungle Green or Cerise crayon, remember the important legacy of the Crayola Standard 12 set.
