Crayola and Cupixel are teaming up to provide a new artistic experience.
Originally an industrial pigment supply company founded in 1885, Crayola eventually shifted focus to producing art products for home and school use, including coloured pencils, markers, paints and modelling clay. The first Crayola wax crayons rolled out in the summer of 1903, and the company took home a gold medal from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair for creating the first dustless white chalk. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, the Crayola brand repeatedly adapts to stay current with the times, encouraging kids worldwide to express themselves through creative pursuits.
The new collaboration combines technology with artist-led instruction and a supportive community. Its AR Art Kits are kid-friendly, augmented reality sets that encourage creators of all ages and skill set to craft, learn new skills, find inspiration, and gain confidence in their abilities. From pets and portraits to cookies and shoes, there is something for everyone!
Kicking things off is a selection of starter kits that include Crayola art supplies, a device stand, and access to the Cupixel companion app. Featuring a special family section with Crayola content for all ages, the app allows artists to help guide kids to create masterpieces while stimulating their imaginations. As they create, the artists give helpful tips and conversation starters for parents to encourage their children’s budding creativity. At the same time, Cupixel’s Smart Trace technology virtually projects step-by-step guides onto nearly any art surface — including paper, canvas, shoes, pumpkins, basketballs, and more!
Here’s how it works. After selecting your experience of choice, simply choose from the thousands of available licensed artworks to start creating immediately. Then, look through your phone and trace the image directly onto any surface. The augmented reality technology locks into the surface for foolproof tracing, allowing anyone to draw. Afterwards, you can follow artist-led instructions to add details that bring your art to life. Or, if you choose, create your own unique designs without the artist.
“Technology can be a great addition to an artist’s tool kit, and we’re thrilled to have a partner that truly aligns with Crayola’s mission to help parents raise creatively alive kids,” says Warren Schorr, senior vice president, business development, global licensing and experiences at Crayola. “This authentic combination of tech, community, and artist-led experiences opens up a world of possibilities for creators of every stripe.”
Crayola AR Art Kits from Cupixel are available at cupixel.com and select retailers for $29.99 USD.
What will you create?
