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MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How did you get started with crayons?
To make a long story short – after college I moved to Mexico and taught at an elementary school in 2005. I hardly at any money, yet I needed a creative outlet. I had brought lots of crayons from the USA for the kids, but they did not need them. So, I started using them. Later, in 2006, I met a man named Don Marco – a crayon artist himself. He taught me a ton about crayons. Eventually I had enough drawings to open my own store.
Why are your drawings often signed with the name "Tiona Marco?"
In homage to my 81 year old art teacher who taught me a great deal of what I know about crayon today, I signed all of my artwork from 2006 - November 2009 with the artist name Tiona Marco. The name combined my parents' names, my name, and Don Marco's last name.
However, since people mistakenly thought I was his granddaughter, I decided to start signing my artwork with my real name - Kristina Nelson - to avoid any confusion.
Do you put any kind of finish on your drawings?
The crayon drawings are 100% pure Crayola® crayon. No spray or finish is used on the drawings. The drawings are layers and layers of crayon wax built up over time. It is important customers follow my instructions on how to maintain their Original crayon drawings in order to preserve them.
What do you draw on?
Originally all of my crayon drawings were drawn on tan construction paper. Later I started experimenting with masonite board, as well as different colors of construction paper. I continue to experiment with different surfaces today. At present I am experimenting with papers that contain less acid or are acid free for longevity reasons.
How long does a drawing generally take you?
A medium size drawing (under 24 square inches) could take 1 week or less. The bigger drawings could take up to 2 weeks. I enjoy drawing a variety of things. Sometimes I wish I had a clone so I could create all the ideas in my brain.
How do you preserve a crayon drawing?
1) Hang your Original drawing in a place that does not receive direction sunlight. Over time, placing a drawing in direct sunlight will cause the drawing to fade.
2) Crayon drawings technically melt at 135 degrees F. The drawings are made from wax, and will melt if put too close to a hot object – such as an oven or fireplace. Therefore, keep your drawing away from heat sources.
Assuming customers keep these two instructions, the drawing should retain its brilliance and texture for years and years to come.
How long does a crayon drawing last?
A crayon drawing will last as long as a crayon itself lasts, and as long as the surface upon which the crayon drawing is created. Crayons last for years and years. However, often drawings surfaces do not due to acid. Because construction paper contains high amounts of acid, I have now turned to drawing on surfaces that contain less acid, or are completely acid free in order to ensure the drawings last for generations to come.
Top photo courtesy of Ashtyn Hnatek
Bottom photo and lighthouse photo courtesy of Carlos da Cruz
