Broken Crayons Still Color: What It Really Means

We all break sometimes.

A bad day, a hard season, a moment that leaves a scar — no one walks through life without a few cracks. But here’s the beautiful truth: broken doesn’t mean useless. Worn doesn’t mean worthless. And just because something isn’t perfect, doesn’t mean it’s done making something meaningful.

That’s the idea behind one of our favorite designs: “Broken Crayons Still Color.”

At first glance, it sounds like something from a children’s book. Simple. Sweet. Familiar. But beneath the surface is a powerful message about resilience, creativity, and self-worth — something many of us need to hear more often than we realize.

More Than a Quote — It’s a Reminder

Think about a box of crayons. The ones that are snapped in half, the ones with peeled-back wrappers or dull edges — they still make art. Sometimes, they’re even easier to use for shading, for texture, for layering color in ways a perfect crayon just can’t.

We’re like that, too.

Life chips away at us. We lose jobs. We fail tests. We get hurt in relationships. We feel anxiety, depression, burnout. But none of that takes away our ability to show up — to create, to love, to contribute, to shine. If anything, those experiences deepen us. They give our “colors” more richness.

Wearing a shirt, hoodie, or even seeing a poster with “Broken Crayons Still Color” is a small but mighty reminder that your story isn’t over just because it got messy. In fact, the mess is often where the meaning lives.

It’s Not Just About You — It’s About Us

What’s also beautiful about this phrase is that it doesn’t just apply to how we see ourselves. It can shape how we see others.

When you wear a message like this, you’re quietly saying: “I see value in people. Even when they’re going through it. Even when life has been unfair to them. Even when they’re still figuring things out.” That’s a powerful way to show up in the world.

In a culture that often celebrates perfection, polished images, and highlight reels, we need more people willing to say, “Actually, I’m still figuring things out… and that’s okay.” When you wear this design, you’re giving others permission to be human, too.

A Message That Belongs Everywhere

We’ve seen this message hit home with students, parents, teachers, creatives, healthcare workers — people from all walks of life. It shows up in classrooms, therapy offices, dorm rooms, bedrooms, and studios. Why? Because it resonates.

Everyone, at some point, needs to be reminded: You’re still capable. You’re still worthy. You still have something beautiful to offer.

Keep Coloring

At Zaldes Gear, we design with heart. We don’t just want you to wear something cool — we want you to wear something that makes you feel seen, and maybe even helps someone else feel seen too.

“Broken Crayons Still Color” isn’t just a motto — it’s a movement. A quiet celebration of imperfection. A declaration that we are all still creating something meaningful, even when life hasn’t gone to plan.

So go ahead — be a little cracked. A little tired. A little “in progress.”

And keep coloring.