Art and craft materials are the heart of creativity, whether for professional artists, DIY crafters, students, or hobbyists. As demand for quality, sustainable, and innovative supplies grows, several companies have emerged as global leaders in the art supply industry. These brands offer everything from paints and sketchbooks to glue guns, crafting tools, and eco-friendly kits. Here’s a look at the top 10 art and craft material companies shaping creativity worldwide.  

1. Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell is a German, family-owned multinational company, and one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality products for writing, drawing, and creative design. Faber-Castell products are sold all over the world by 22 sales companies in over 120 countries. Faber-Castell also has production sites in nine different countries.

Notable Contributions:

It is the world’s largest pencil manufacturer, producing around 200 million wood-cased pencils every year.

According to TechSci Research report “Arts and Crafts for Children Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Drawing Pen, Paints & Stains, Craft Tools, Others), By Application (Educational Use, Home Use, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region & Competition, 2019-2029F” Global Arts and Crafts for Children Market was valued at USD 12.81 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.60% through 2029.

2. Crayola

Crayola LLC is a leading American manufacturer of art and educational materials, best known for its iconic crayons, which were first introduced in 1903. The company has since expanded its product line to include markers, colored pencils, paints, modeling compounds (like Model Magic), creative kits, and digital drawing tools.

Crayola is especially focused on products for children, emphasizing creativity, safety, and learning. Its materials are non-toxic and often washable, making them a favorite in homes and schools worldwide.

Notable Contributions:

Crayola invests in 100% renewable energy from solar power for US manufacturing, enough to make over 3 billion crayons, 700 million markers, and 120 million jars of paint a year.

Crayola has reduced CO₂ emissions from the operating of the company-owned facilities’ direct and indirect energy sources by 82% since 2019.

Most Crayola Colored Pencils are made from wood that is reforested in an 8,288-hectare pine farm where 300,000 seedlings are planted each year.

According to TechSci Research report “Handicraft Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Category (Woodwork, Pottery ware, Glassware, Art Metalware, Sculpture, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, By Competition, 2019-2029F” Global Handicraft Market was valued at USD 702.92 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.01% through 2029.

3. Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton is one of the world’s most respected names in the fine art materials industry. Established in 1832, the company was born out of a collaboration between science and art, created by chemist William Winsor and artist Henry Newton. This unique partnership laid the foundation for a company dedicated to delivering the highest quality art materials that serve both tradition and innovation.

Over nearly two centuries, Winsor & Newton has become synonymous with exceptional pigments, craftsmanship, and precision, serving generations of artists, from students to professionals and renowned masters.

Notable Contributions:

Winsor & Newton revolutionized watercolour painting by introducing moist watercolours in metal tubes, making them more portable, convenient, and consistent in quality.

4. Sakura Color Products Corporation

It is the manufacturer of art materials and tools with over 100 years of history, supporting creative activities through the ages.

Notable Contributions:

In 1925, it invented “Cray-pas” (oil pastel) and filed the patent globally.

1991, it acquired the Dutch fine art material “Royal Talens BV” and Sakura became the world number one largest maker of art materials.

It obtained the international standard for quality, ISO9001 Quality Management Systems certification in 2013.

5. Prismacolor

Prismacolor is a leading American brand known for its high-quality art pencils and professional-grade coloring tools, trusted by artists, designers, illustrators, and students around the world. Since its founding in 1938, Prismacolor has become a go-to name for expressive and precise visual work, particularly in fields like fine art, animation, graphic design, fashion, and architecture.

With a focus on smooth blending, rich pigments, and versatile usability, Prismacolor products allow creatives to bring depth, realism, and emotion to their work.

Notable Contributions:

Prismacolor’s Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils set a new standard for vibrant, blendable color in dry media. Their smooth application, wide color range, and layering capability have made them a staple in fine art, illustration, and design.

Through its Scholar series, Prismacolor provided student and beginner artists with affordable access to quality tools, bridging the gap between casual creativity and professional practice.

6. Staedtler

​Staedtler has been a member of Sedex since 2022. Sedex, short for Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, is a world-leading organisation that promotes the adherence to and improvement of safe, ethical and sustainable business practices while safeguarding the working conditions of employees throughout the supply chain.

Notable Contributions:

It provides up to EUR 50,000 of support every year to child rights organisations.

7. Derwent

Derwent is a prestigious British brand known for crafting premium-quality pencils and fine art materials, proudly manufactured in the heart of the Lake District since 1832. With over 150 years of expertise, Derwent blends tradition with innovation, offering an exceptional range of products trusted by artists around the globe.

A legacy rooted in pencil-making has evolved into a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, providing tools that meet the evolving needs of both traditional and modern artists.

Notable Contributions:

Derwent’s Inktense pencils and blocks introduced a revolutionary medium, water-soluble ink that becomes permanent once dry.

8. Mont Marte

Mont Marte began with a simple mission: to make quality art materials accessible to everyone. Founded by the Kent family in Brisbane, Australia, the brand started small, selling canvases locally, but quickly evolved into a global art brand with over 2,000 products in its range.

Today, Mont Marte supports millions of creators across the world, offering a full spectrum of art tools, paints, brushes, sketchbooks, easels, and creative sets that are designed to inspire artists of all ages and skill levels.

Notable Contributions

Mont Marte has made art accessible by offering high-quality yet budget-friendly materials, encouraging creativity in people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

9. Canson

It is one of the world’s oldest paper manufacturers, known for its high-quality fine art papers used by generations of artists, including legends like Edgar Degas and Henri Matisse. A world leader in the fine arts market, Canson supports artists, designers, architects, cartoonists, enthusiasts, students and schoolchildren by producing a wide assortment of high-quality papers, and since its origins has also defended the creation and place of art in society.

Notable Contributions:

Canson uses FSC-certified paper, sustainable forestry practices, and eco-responsible manufacturing.

It focuses on reducing water usage, emissions, and waste across its production process.

10. Blick Art Materials

Blick Art Materials is one of the oldest and largest art supply companies in the United States. Established in 1911 by Dick and Grace Blick in Galesburg, Illinois, the company began as a mail-order business selling a single product—a lettering pen called the Payzant. Over the years, Blick has expanded its offerings to include over 110,000 art supplies, catering to artists of all ages and skill levels.

Today, Blick operates more than 65 retail stores across the U.S. and maintains a robust online presence, providing a wide range of art materials, including paints, brushes, drawing tools, and studio furniture. The company is known for its commitment to quality, customer service, and supporting the arts community.

Notable Contributions:

In 2013, Blick acquired Utrecht Art Supplies, expanding its reach and further solidifying its position as a leading art supplies retailer.

Factors Driving the Growth of Art and Craft Material Companies:

Increasing Interest in DIY and Creative Hobbies:

DIY Culture: There has been an increase in Do-It-Yourself (DIY) culture, particularly with the rise of crafting blogs, tutorials, and social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. This has created a massive demand for art and craft materials as people seek new ways to express their creativity at home.

Home-based Creativity: As more people engage in hobbies like knitting, painting, and scrapbooking, they are investing in higher-quality materials, driving growth in the art supply market.

Popularity of Online Marketplaces and E-commerce:

E-commerce Growth: The growth of online shopping has made it easier for artists to access a global market of materials. Art supply firms now offer direct-to-consumer services, reaching customers globally through platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and their own online stores.

Influence of social media: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have turned creative tutorials into viral trends, pushing more people to buy the materials they see online, contributing to increased sales for art material companies.

Rising Demand for Eco-friendly and Sustainable Products:

Sustainability Trends: Many art and craft material producers are responding to growing demand for sustainable products, like biodegradable paints, recycled paper, and natural brushes. Consumers are more mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases, driving companies to innovate with eco-friendly alternatives.

Non-toxic Materials: Safety-conscious consumers, especially parents purchasing supplies for kids, are looking for non-toxic and safe art products, further boosting the demand for high-quality, natural materials.

Educational Support and Art Therapy Initiatives:

Art Education in Schools: Schools are increasingly emphasizing art and creative expression in their curriculums. Companies like Crayola, Faber-Castell, and Prismacolor are seeing significant growth in providing educational kits and materials, especially in the school sector.

Art Therapy: The rising popularity of art therapy as a mental health practice has motivated individuals and therapists to seek out supplies for creative healing. This trend is further contributing to the market expansion of art materials.

The Influence of Art and Craft Communities:

Growing Art Communities: Local and online crafting communities have had a tremendous impact on market demand. Groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit discuss and exchange new approaches, frequently promoting certain equipment or products, which enhances sales of certain materials.

Collaborations and Sponsorships: Many brands collaborate with well-known artists and social media influencers, boosting visibility and driving sales for their products. These collaborations help position companies as thought leaders in the art and craft space.

Technological Advancements and Product Innovation:

Digital Tools for Artists: The growth of digital art has led to an increase in demand for tools like stylus pens, drawing tablets, and digital sketchbooks. Companies have adapted by expanding their product lines to include digital art tools and materials.

Innovative Materials: Companies are continuously developing new textures, pigments, and surface treatments to enhance the artist's experience. This innovation keeps the market fresh and exciting, fueling consumer interest in trying out the latest products.

Globalization and Expanding Markets:

International Demand: As globalization increases, so does the demand for high-quality art supplies in emerging markets. Countries like India, China, and Brazil are witnessing a rise in local artists and crafters, driving growth for both international brands and local suppliers of art materials.

Online Platforms: The global reach of online platforms allows art and craft material companies to cater to markets far beyond their local regions, further driving growth in the sector.

The Rise of Personalized and Customized Products:

Customization Demand: Consumers are increasingly interested in customized art supplies, such as personalized sketchbooks, paint colors, or crafting tools. Companies that offer tailored products are seeing higher engagement and customer loyalty, contributing to market growth.

Conclusion: