Comparing Art Crayons: Neocolor II, Scribble Sticks, Distress Crayons, Gelatos | Art Journal

[@Pila426]

Super video. Was surprised at how much the Distress crayons clumped/didn't dissolve in several of your tests. The Neocolor 2 crayons are gorgeous, as are the Gelatos. I'm surprised at how the Dina Wakley Scribble Sticks appeared to have far less pigment than the others--maybe because they do not contain wax, so the pigment doesn't come out as vibrantly. Definitely liked the Scribble Sticks better when you used them with water.

[@mavisdavisify]

I was very impressed with neocolor in your comparisons. Neocolor and scribble sticks are new products to me. I’m just learning about techniques and products. I’ve never done mixed media before. I’m a potter that can’t pot because of physical limitations. I think media/paper crafts have saved my sanity. Thanks for the info.

[@robindonnelly]

I have three out of four of those products and although I choose Neocolors over the others, I rarely use any of them at all. Just not my favorite things to work with. I get tired of being duped into buying the same thing just packaged in a slightly different way. Thanks for the video! Very thorough.

[@sinitell6858]

Wow. For me, the scribble sticks were insanely sub-par in every comparison except for the coloring on a wet stamp (and then stamping) and the direct to crayon with a water brush. In every other one they just didn't have enough pigment. Just my opinion. Thanks so much for doing this! This was very informative. =)

[@justinetafolla8060]

I couldn't agree more! it's funny because I actually came here because I was interested in the scribble sticks and now I need those neos 😂😍

[@stanky6261973]

Sinitell So true with the scribble sticks.

[@tdoran]

Completely agree. I won't be buying them. :) Thanks for doing this, Amber!

[@beadywoman]

Agreed! I was also interested in the scribble sticks. Two minutes in, and I’m wanting to get on Amazon for the neos. Very Helpful and informative video! Thanks!!

[@anjbutler6498]

So glad I didn't bother with the scribble sicks, weak pigmentation or what?

[@maryjanew20]

Thanks for such a thorough comparison! I think I like the Neocolors the best.

[@lisac2989]

Same here ❤️

[@elizabethschoolofmusic6312]

Neocolor 2 and Gelatos and Distress are all worth buying. Thanks for testing these products.

[@gloriaeike4973]

I have all of them and my "go to" crayon is Neocolor II Thanks for the comparison.

[@cmcmlb]

This was a great demonstration. I’ve been wanting the scribble sticks. But I was more sold on the gelatos and neocolors after this. And I realized that I don’t like black gesso. 😒 Can’t tell you how much your videos really inspire me. Thank you.

[@chrystalklem4613]

I have Scribble Sticks and gelatos. At first I didnt like the scribble sticks until I learned to layer them, now they are one of my favorite things. I so want the Neo colors just wish they werent so expensive. I never thought to gesso my paper before using these though! Thanks for the review, it was very helpful.

[@marinayou2001]

I've been wanting to invest in a good set of Art Crayons and you did a AMAZING job showing the comparisons. Defiantly will be ordering the Neocolor II. To me those seem the best in keeping the color when mixed and the most vibrant!

[@karenrwalker]

This side-by-side-by-side-by-side comparison is amazing and super helpful. Thank you for creating this video; now I have a MUCH better idea of which brand does what. And, BONUS, I picked up a couple new techniques. You rock!

[@toniscott1029]

Thanks for doing this. I have Distress Crayons and I like them ok. I think Scribble Sticks are more suitable if you want a more sheer watercolor look. I like the vibrancy of the Neocolors

[@amymclaughlin1201]

Very nice and helpful. The smooth test has a face in the Distress. Did anyone else see it? The Neocolor II's are amazing, no wonder they're so expensive. I didn't like the scribble sticks except for the stamping. But that was so vivid!! Still can't decide. I've got some Distress crayons that I got for a really great price. So I'll use than up, but not for every technique. Oddly enough, one thing I really like about the Neocolor and the Scribble is that there isn't any plastic to throw away when they're used up, just some paper. This 4-way test showed me so much more than the 2-way tests I've seen before, very effective.

[@annettelose7174]

This was very insightful and valuable in deciding which to purchase depending on what effect you want/like. They are all different, but the overall performer was the Neocolor, I will be investing in a set. Thank you so much for a great video.

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

Not only a thorough and expert comparison but a great reference guide to techniques. A++++

[@kathyparrish1442]

I agree that the Gessoed paper works a lot better. Knowing my love of saturation, it's nice to see such a clear comparison between each of them. I really like the Neocolor II and Gelatos (which is what I have). Thanks!

[@iamdawt]

What a great comparison, thank you! Seeing the Neocolors compared to the others, it's no wonder I love them so much. Next in line are the Gelatos. I think they give a nice, solid coverage. Mixing them all with Gesso was brilliant and they all seemed to perform great. Of course I do like the Distress Crayons, there's a specific method my daughter and I use for those and there's nothing like them. My least favorite are the Scribble Sticks. The colors seem too faded most of the time to make much of a difference, but even those have their place. Thanks so much for this, great job!

[@anniemorris5855]

Thank you Lovely Lady of the Sticks! I only have a handful of the Gelatos as they cost a bomb in Australia... However, I scored the 84 box of Neos for only $25... unbelievable. I did stress to the nice lady that I felt guilty, but she was just happy to destash and that they were going to a good home.😀 Since you showed us how to use these sorts of products with Gesso a few videos ago, I have been obsessed. I have even done some pages in my Dina Wakely journal... love the softness of that effect. I can see I may have to make some samples for my Mixed Media Sample Journal, although I may swap out the Gelatos for My Oxides, as I often use these techniques with them. Thank you so much for continuing to inspire and share.

[@kelly-janes]

Great comparison video! I didn't really even have the Neocolors on my wish list until now! Thank you for taking the time to show the differences between them all!

[@erinkbeb]

Thank you so much for the thorough comparison! You gave me new techniques to try with the products that I already own and you just saved me money since I no longer feel the need to buy the other water-soluble crayons that I don't have. I'm curious though - with all the techniques & comparisons that you showed, I did not understand your last comment about Scribble Sticks giving a painterly look. I'll have to review your other videos to see if you demo this Scribble Stick quality because in this video they seemed very low pigment & lack luster.

[@lisawarner7991]

I don’t have any of these products-yet! This was so very helpful! Thank you for doing this! I may need to watch this a few times!

[@sophietennyson4103]

this is the best comparison video I have seen... thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this.....I love my neocolors, they just melt like butter and they work well for stamping too (just dip the end of the crayon in a bit of water and color your stamp...especially good for leaves, flowers, and shapes)...I like my gelatos a lot too and I really think I'm done with Distress crayons (though I do love Distress inks)

[@art_journal_junky8041]

Thanks for the great comparison! Gesso makes a big difference but I find that with normal gesso it just moves around too much. However, textured gesso is a game changer… the colors are more intense and they don’t move around as much. This is in the context of distress crayons, gelatos and neocolor II but may also be applicable to scribble sticks.

[@sparkingclarity5023]

What a great idea! It was so fun to watch how the various mediums showed their color!! Thanks so much!!

[@wfm5121954]

I wish I had all of these products. This looks like so much fun.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

Thank you! I have and LOVE my Prima WS Oil Pastels, and a few Gelatos. Looking for what set is next, it keeps going back to the Neo ll for me. Good demo!

[@juliesteed3441]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I've got the right supplies for what I like to do AND you gave me ideas for ways to use them that I've never thought of. Thank you!

[@FeMcBride]

Thank you so much for doing this! It definitely solidifies my wanting the neocolors. If I can find the scribble sticks on sale I'll pick those up too. I already have most of the gelatos. And I think I can take the distress off my list. I really don't like the little. ..boogers...of color they seem to be prone to. Either way this was SO HELPFUL! 😘😘 thank you thank you thank you!

[@JanuaryLisa]

FeMcBride - “Boogers of color” 😂😂😂

[@JanuaryLisa]

Also, remember they are Neocolor 2. Apparently there’s a plain Neocolor that doesn’t work the same at all. 💚

[@tinamarie227]

Really? I did not know that... I need to research that

[@tdoran]

@@JanuaryLisa Yeah, I bought those first and couldn't understand what the fuss was about LOL

[@JanuaryLisa]

Trish Doran - RIGHT?! 🤣

[@bonniebutts1505]

Looks like Neocolor II WINS!

[@Lisa_G3]

Awesome to see all the variations!

[@beachlifecoastalart470]

I have never heard of any of these products before! I have a feeling they will be among my next splurges!

[@AmberKCreative]

Ooooh have fun!

[@elizabethschoolofmusic6312]

I use Gelatos all the time and just love them.

[@Phyllis-nk5ji]

It's the Neocolor ll for all around use, for me. This was a great test. The only one of these I don't have is the Gellato and I'll leave it that way for a while. Neocolor may be pricey, but would last the longest and not dry up or change drastically in the heat. Now, on to the next study. Neocolor ll and Posca pens. Thanks Amber.

[@KendraLock]

Have binge watched at least 30 of your videos in the past day! Thank you for providing such incredible content. Will purchase via your affiliate links. Personally I love the neo color sticks. Headed there now. Thank you for such a thorough video.

[@NitrosMom074]

Half way through this video and I’m saying to myself....oh, crap, I need me some neo color....thanks a lot. 😂

[@carolpearce7755]

LOL Me too!!!!

[@lisac2989]

Lol I said the same thing! Everyday I want something new! Lol

[@lisac2989]

Me too 😃

[@2525Sddm]

I call all of these "watercolor" no matter what they are called, they are y absolute favorite medium. I have at 1 or 2 of almost every brand LOL. I guess the best one depends on how I am using them so the "best" changes. I love the neo's but they break, I have some trouble with my hands so smaller pieces can be bothersome. Your tests were very thorough and informative. Thank you.

[@tdoran]

You might like the crayola watersoluble crayons - much fatter and fun to work with. :)

[@traceybartlam5940]

Great video. I love that you also showcased how versatile all of these products are and gave us all a reminder of what can be done with them, whatever the brand 👍

[@MaryAnnePerl]

Thank you for the review. You helped me to make a decision on buying scribble sticks.

[@HeidiLilley]

awesome comparitives... I am so glad I have my neocolors and gelatos. I do not feel any need to get the others, but would not argue if someone handed me the scribble sticks LOL.. thanks.

[@killhannaah]

Thank you for this video. I know it's old, bur I have been using my Gelatos, but now I know that I will be using gesso from now on!!

[@stanky6261973]

Thank you for your concise demonstration. I now need to buy the neocolor crayons, I love them!!

[@jomartin7582]

Thanks. Answered lots of my questions about these products. I decided neocolour and scribble sticks were my favourite too.

[@simplymarisa8]

Neocolors are always my go to and I still am not a huge fan of the scribble sticks😬I recently bought the Jane Davenport ones and they are ok to me. Love your comparison vids!!

[@IrishFlutePlayer]

Thank you for showing! This was so useful! Still getting used to all the different products and never realized they were all similar products!

[@suejerrell1615]

Thank you for a very extremely extensive comparison. I didn't think there were so many ways to use them even.

[@victoriascully4420]

I have all of these so I really appreciated this little experiment. 🤗

[@donnajohnson5092]

I love the results with the neo colors I think I might have to get some

[@annevickers3307]

Thank you. This was perfect. I have been needing this video. It answered all my questions, really well done. 🍓

[@mimistrzelewicz9246]

This was so interesting!!! Thank you for posting!! I love the part of adding the Gesso after the mediums were on the paper - so pretty!!! I have the Neocolor ii and a few gelatos- i love them both. I was so “into” watching this video that I went to refill my ice water at the fridge, carried my iPad with me so I could continue watching and ending overfilling my cup - water all over the floor. LOL That’s when you can applaud yourself for making an interesting video! Thank you!!

[@Quirkycrystalcrafting]

Thanks for the comparison. The neocolors are my favorite that I’ve been wanting to get for some time. I’d also like to get the gelatos after watching this video because they are also so versatile. They never interested me before so thanks you again.

[@helenfairclough5204]

This was very interesting. I love the Neocolors in your demo but as I have already invested in Distress crayons and Scribble Sticks I can’t justify buying more supplies at the moment. Thanks for the video.

[@jackiekeegan1678]

Thanks for sharing this comparison video. I currently have Gelatos and had already ruled out Distress Crayons. Based on this video I think I prefer the Neo Colours, so as I add to my collection I think I will start to buy Neo Colours. Thanks again for sharing your tests.

[@laurietann8716]

Thanks for the video, good job. I do love my neo II colors and my gelatos.

[@melissalong7387]

Great comparison video! I also really enjoyed seeing the different techniques you used while testing...I think I am going use them to start some technique tags 😁

[@katherinesimonds622]

Ty! After 2 yrs I am finally able to decide. Neocolors it is!

[@AmberKCreative]

You'll love them!

[@michellefay2435]

My neocolor arrived today I'm now excited to use them 💕

[@MicheleEngel]

Perfect timing for me to watch this. I already have the N, D, and G, but was starting to wonder if I should invest in the S--especially if I can use a coupon for it. You just saved me some money! I suspected the Neocolor IIs would come out on top. They're the first ones I bought--on the advice of my art teacher and before the others were on the market. I should have just stuck with them to begin with--I rare use them (and will start using them up on journal pages). I love some of the products that come from Ranger and Faber Castell and some of the other big players, but I also know they like to do their own variations of products that come from other reputable companies (like Caran d'ache) and sell them to their art stamping, scrapbooking, card making, and mixed media markets (as opposed to the "fine art" markets). That's okay, but it's very helpful to see videos like this that compare the similar products. Thank you for the great demo!!

[@paularoehl-johnson9991]

Thank you for sharing. I like all of them, they all seem to have good qualities for different techniques. I wasn't sure about the scribble sticks, they seemed so pale. Then when used with certain techniques, are very pretty they have a "water color" effect.

[@artcraftjournals]

Thank you for testing each one. I like how the neons work, might have to get some. Sue 🌸

[@Lanarks]

Thank you for the thorough comparison. I had been wondering if there was much difference between these products. I have the distress crayons and for what I've been doing, they are fine. If I decide to expand what I'm doing I may give the others a go. Your video makes it so easy to see which ones do what!!

[@AmberKCreative]

Thank you so much for watching! ♥

[@lisamoore3283]

I love the neocolor 2! Thank you so much for doing this! How about next do alcohol markers???? I love watching comparisons and the different things that you do with each.

[@annatracy757]

I don't have any of these but I do have something similar to neocolor and you showed so many ways they can be used 💗💗💗

[@penniecampbell1182]

Neocolours really are good , must get 😊

[@deborahgiles8214]

Fabulous side by side comparison. I often wonder what those comparisons would look like so this is great info to have. Similar products I have and love are Nupastel sticks which are soft pastels. Very pigmented, very blendable, mix well with both water and acrylic mediums including fabric medium so they work well paper and on fabric. Same with the Inktense pencils and sticks which I love for the intensity of colour they give. And I have watercolour pencils in a lot of colours. Water soluble colour is a lot of fun. I cannot justify the purchase of additional stuff but IF I needed more water soluble media Neocolor II would be my choice. In fact, they are 25% off at my local art store this month and I've been having a hard time NOT popping down there to buy some. Wish me luck with that. I think the sale goes until June 4. That quite a long time to be stong! ;o) Thanks again for this great comparison.

[@sylviechadwick2254]

Excellent test. Your video is very timely. I was just in the market for crayons. Thanks 🙃

[@karentoms6872]

Great instructional video Amber. I love my Gelatos, only have a few neocolours, but love these too. Scribble sticks as you say work best wet. Set two still on my wishlist! Thanks for this. X

[@treasurespastnpresen]

To me: #1 Neocolor II. #2 Gelatos. #3 Distress crayons. #4 Scribble sticks. although the scribbles performed well in the stamp test. I also have Crayola Portfolio water soluble oil pastels and I like those and they are inexpensive for children to use with good color pay out and good blendability.

[@anniesews]

Thank you so much for this video. I thoroughly enjoyed how you tested each product. I have each of the products and enjoy using them. I will refer back to this video often.

[@princessmsp9054]

This was so helpful . I need neocolors

[@carolsamford]

Thank you Amber. I'm just starting buying supplies and I'm so glad I watched this. The Neocolor II wins hands down in all tests. I have some gelatos and I like them 2nd best. The Scribble Sticks and Distress crayons didn't win one test in my opinion but maybe it's because they're trying to compete in too many markets.

[@AmberKCreative]

Neocolor II are amazing. They give such good results!!!

[@amyt6254]

Great review of the products as well as a great reminder of the variety of techniques that can be done!

[@constancec.7177]

TFS. I definitely like the Neos but this also made me see that I’m not a fan of the blunt tips. I like the pointy tips.

[@waukonstandard]

WOW! That was a pretty through test! I'm sticking with gelatos!

[@Jenny-shoelover]

Thanks for sharing this extensive comparison of all these ~Jenny

[@urbanchili]

Thank you for the video. I have Prima Marketing oil pastel crayons and love them. inexpensive, water-soluble and permanent when dry.

[@conniesholl3409]

I picked the same 2! I have better luck all the way around with Neo color 11 and Scribble Sticks! Just my opinion!

[@tbrcspirit]

Thank you for sharing this! I have been looking at the neo colors, now I think I will order them.

[@anniethompson9207]

Which is your favorite..distressed crayons look like they blend very easily..but do the gelatos??great comparison..👍🌷

[@jcliveshere2]

Thanks for the comparison I was thinking on getting the scribble sticks. Don't know if I can afford neo but gelto might be the way I go. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@marie-lauredechauton6756]

Merci pour ce magnifique comparatif! Ludique et pédagogique! Merci pour le partage!

[@gaila.c.602]

Thanks for the comparison! This was great! Yeah, like others have said.. I too like the Neolcolors the best for all around use.. I want to get some now! I do like how creamy the Distress Crayons are though.. I got a couple of free ones not too long ago. Only thing else I have is some inexpensive off-brand water soluble crayons which aren't too bad.. but this was great to watch!

[@SalveMonesvol]

Neo color and gelatto are the ones that work best, they seem like they would complement eachother

[@kikidodson4c4l51]

I prefered the Gelatos and Neocolors far more than the other two. The Scribble sticks seemed to lose their color...lacked in pigment. The Gelatos received more votes than the Neocolor for smoothness and overall coverage. I have Gelatos, but may add the Neocolor for more options. The Distress crayons were splotchy with bits of the crayon floating in the color, which looked messy to me. Thanks for doing this comparison and for accepting our feedback! Would love to see you do other product comparisons!

[@ginnyvanoh]

I want NeoColors so bad, but I think for now I can hold on to my gelatos and make them work....for now.....But thanks for this, I was looking for a massive comparison between teh two!

[@suebouch4074]

EXCELLENT... Thank you so much for this side by side comparison! I've just recently started to play with my crayon options to see how they work. Have a great day! :-)

[@marilynalexieff285]

Very helpful. I like the Neocolor Ii overall. Thanks!

[@elizabethschoolofmusic6312]

1. Neocolor 2 2. Gelatos 3. Distress (Distress did pretty well) 4. Scribble Sticks

[@lisac2989]

I like the NeocolorII the best but also like the scribble sticks.

[@amberharms1980]

They're so much the same yet so different. Depending on whether you like bright or light colors it looks like

[@fiannev8457]

Thanks for your comparison. I like the intensity of the neo colors. But if I would be in need of a more subtle colorscheme I would definitely go for the scribble sticks.

[@bl0tt44]

neocolours every time! thanks for this, very useful x

[@Janartable]

I have a ton of neocolorII. I use them mostly like a paint palette. Wet brush to crayon tip and then paint with it. I have never enjoyed my gelatos and it’s a shame because i have a huge collection of them. But the Caran D’ache crayons beat out every kind of water solvable crayon I have. ( six or seven varieties)

[@susiemartin8172]

Love the neocolors--a great product

[@barbking2708]

Awesome comprehensive comparison, thanks so much! I like the Neo’s😊

[@CarissaVincent]

Thank you for this video! It has definitely helped me make my choice as to which one will work best for me!! I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

I love my Gelatos & my Neocolors. They're the best, hands down. I gave up on the Distress crayons because they're too hard to work with. I feel Tim's Ranger products are overly expensive. Wakely's products are blah... I wouldn't spend my money on her stuff.

[@janlovestocraft]

Thanks for this I already ordered the Neocolor ll earlier today, so pleased. I also fancy the Gelatos. I bought scribble sticks a while ago and I'm disappointed with them.

[@AmberKCreative]

LOVE Neocolors! The scribble sticks work best with lots of water. I did a video where I turned them in to watercolors. I really like to use them that way. =)

[@galeblair7371]

NEOCOLOR II by far. The pigments are so incredibly intense. The Gelatos were a distant second.

[@EvelyneJackman]

Thanks for showing the differences!

[@charlotteminichiello1081]

Thank u that was a lot of work