Use Crayon Scribbles to Create Modern Art Nails Quickly
Reprinted with permission from Cool Nail Art by Hannah Lee, Page Street Publishing Co. 2020 Photo credit: Hannah Lee Have you ever been intrigued by nail art but figured it was just too hard?
Here’s the deal: crayon scribble nails are fast, simple and flat out fun to do. You can complete them in 30 minutes or less using only nail polish or pens.
Now that I have that out of the way, let me explain to you why this trend is all the rage. It’s not just looking good, but feeling good and making something that is completely yours. Ready to dive in?
Why Is Everyone Buzzing About Crayon Scribble Nails?
Just to give you a little (paint) color (yes, that was a joke). You know how it is: You’re up late scrolling through YouTube and you end up stumbling upon a tutorial where someone turns their nails into a canvas of colorful chaos.
So when I stumbled upon crayon scribble nails, that’s exactly what happened. These designs look like a toddler drew them out with a box of crayons — but trust me, that’s the charm.
The numbers don’t lie either. A video of pencil crayon doodle nail art has been viewed more than 2,500 times in 12 months.
Okay, so it may not be millions, but in the world of niche nail art trends, it’s a lot. People are watching because the designs are fresh, playful and oh so copy-able.
So what explains this rise of style now? Perhaps we’re all just yearning for a bit of levity, a touch of spontaneity, in our lives.
Or perhaps we’ve finally come to accept that imperfection is as much a part of beauty. Regardless of the joke, crayon scribble nails are never going away.
What Makes Crayon Scribble Nails So Special?
Here’s the deal: Not everyone has a surgeon’s precision or hours to burn on elaborate nail art. This is where crayon scribble nails come in. They’re speedy — I mean getting-out-of-the-house-in-10-minutes speedy. And guess what? You don’t need expensive tools or years of practice to execute them.
The Tools Are Simple
You actually don’t need much in the way of supplies:
- Nail polish
- Nail art pens or markers
That’s it. No brushes, no stencils, no fuss. If you mess up, who cares? It is supposed to be mess anyway.
The Technique Is Foolproof
The process looks something like this: You grab your tools, begin scribbling random strokes on your nails and before you know it you have turned your nails into mini pieces of abstract art.
Think blobs, lines, swirls — whatever feels right in the moment. There is no wrong way to do things. In fact, the less accurate you are, the greater.
This is like when toddlers draw. Crayons come into play more around 12 to 15 months, when kids begin to make big arcs and scribbles.
It is not perfection that matters here; what does matter is total expression. And isn’t that what art, the best art, should be about?
The Artistic Roots Behind Crayon Scribble Nails
When I first experimented with this approach, I could see that it wasn’t just cute, but also had depth. “Crayon scribble nails are part of a larger ethos or movement within modern art that’s really championing raw emotion and creativity.
Consider the great artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Cy Twombly. Their efforts sometimes appear chaotic, even childlike, but it doesn’t diminish the power of simplicity.
This style is perfect for the notion that you don’t have to obey to rules when it comes to art. It can be playful, spontaneous and available to everyone—regardless of whether they have formal training.
By making this philosophy accessible at your fingertips, by this act, you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
And you know what, that actually feels pretty great? Every time I look at my scribbled nails, I am reminded that creativity doesn’t belong just in a gallery or museum. Sometimes it’s right there in front of your hands, ready to inspire you.
Breaking Down the Stats: Why Crayon Scribble Nails Work
If you need more convincing, let’s go through the math. Here’s a quick table summary to give you the full rundown:
Aspect | Detail |
Popularity | 2.5K+ views on niche YouTube tutorials |
Age Inspiration | Toddler scribbling starts at 12-15 months |
Creation Time | Typically under 30 minutes |
Tools Needed | Nail polish, nail art pens, or markers |
Artistic Style | Abstract, playful, colorful doodles |
Appeal | Easy, fun, accessible for all skill levels |
These stats demonstrate that crayon scribble nails are far from just a fleeting trend but in fact, they’re practical, universally relatable and most importantly, fun!
For instance, take the creation time. That’s nothing next to the hours some spend composing elaborate designs. And yet, the end results are strong and arresting. The low barrier to entry: The good news about skydiving is that practically anybody, regardless of the level of experience or lack thereof, can give it a go.
How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, enough theory. Let’s get practical. Here’s how to get your own set of crayon scribble nails:
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Start with clean, dry nails. Trim if necessary, and push back your cuticles. Smooth is a lot easier anyway.
Step 2: Apply a Base Coat
The sheer base coat will originally protect your nails, and then it will give your design something to hold on to. Allow it to dry completely before continuing on.
Step 3: Choose Your Colors
Choose two or three colors that appeal to you. Bright colors are ideal, as the intention is to tap that youthful energy.
Step 4: Start Scribbling
Get your nail art pen or brush and unleash your instincts! Loop around, swirl, zigzag — there are no strict rules. Don’t overthink it. Just remember, the source of magic is randomness.
Step 5: Add a Top Coat
When you have the design you want, seal it with a top coat. This action will help preserve your masterpiece for longer.
Voilà! Congratulations, you’ve got yourself crayon scribble nails.
My Personal Experience
Full disclosure: I am not an artist. Like, at all. But when I tried crayon scribble nails for the first time, I thought I was a genius. Honestly, it was so liberating to abandon all my perfectionist tendencies and just have fun.
One day, I thought I’d try neon pink, electric blue and sunshine yellow. I laughed at myself as I scribbled away and watched the parchment puck up the gel — it felt ridiculous, and looked awesome. I smiled to myself every time I looked at my nails for days to come.
Which is why this trend is so awesome. So, it is not just about the aesthetics, it is about the process. I was able to feel productive with no obligation by making these nails.
Who Can Rock Crayon Scribble Nails?
Short answer: anyone. Whether you’re a nail technician with years of experience or can barely manage a clear topcoat, you’re more than welcome to try this one out. This is one of its great strengths.
And, even if you just don’t have the time, you can very quickly mock up a design. Heading to a party? Slap some sparkly scribbles on it. Need a confidence boost? Opt for contrasting colours instead to make an impact. The combinations are infinite.
Final Thoughts
There’s more to crayon scribble nails than the latest fad — they’re practically a tribute to creativity and fun. So pull out the polish, relax and let chaos reign. Your nails will thank you, I promise.
Ready to give it a shot?

I’m Avery, a beauty enthusiast based in Austin. I’m a real sucker for products that actually work (aka they won’t break the bank) and going for all natural, glowy looks. I began blogging in hopes of sharing the favorite products I hunt, honest reviews & a little of my adventure throughout skincare. When I am not testing out makeup, you can find me either at a coffee shop or catching up on makeup tutorials.