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When it comes to making a choice in favor of eco-friendly and vegan practices, this transcends just the food we eat but also extends to various aspects of our lives. This includes your art supplies! Not all markers are created equal, and it might surprise you to learn that many traditional markers are not vegan. So, let’s dive into a deeper understanding of vegan-friendly markers.
Veganism in Art Supply
Veganism in the case of art supplies refers to the avoidance of products made from animals. Animal ingredients can be found in various art supplies including brushes, paints, and markers.
Animal-Based Ingredients to Avoid in Markers
The most likely non-vegan culprits in markers are the pigments, dyes, or binders. Certain red pigments (like carmine) are made from crushed insects. Gelatin, obtained from bones, is used in the formation of capsules that hold inks or dyes. Casein, a protein derived from milk, may be used as a binder in some ink formulation.
Vegan-Friendly Art Marker Brands
Luckily, there are several brands delivering high-quality, vegan-friendly markers.
1. Arteza: Arteza is one reputable company providing vegan-friendly markers. Their markers are AP certified, meaning they’re safe and certified vegan.
2. Faber-Castell: Faber-Castell makes a statement in their product descriptions about their products being vegan-friendly. Their colored Pitt Artist Pens are confirmed vegan.
3. Derwent: Renowned for their commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, Derwent’s Inktense blocks and pencils are reported to be vegan.
4. Staedtler: Staedtler markers are also considered vegan-friendly. All of their products are labeled as vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients used in the manufacturing process.
5. Windsor & Newton: Specifically, the Promarker, and Watercolor marker ranges are certified as vegan.
6. Crayola: While primarily known as a children’s brand, many of their products including markers are vegan.
Choosing Vegan-Friendly Markers
When choosing markers, keep an eye out for the certified vegan logos. Several certification bodies badge vegan-friendly products including Vegan Action, The Vegan Society, and Peta’s Bunny Logo.
However, not all vegan markers will carry these labels. In the absence of a vegan label, look for markers that are branded ‘non-toxic’. These are not synonymous, but non-toxic markers are less likely to contain animal-derived products. Markers should also be labeled as acid-free, these are likely to be vegan as they contain no animal fats.
If in doubt, contacting the company directly is the best way to determine if the markers are vegan. Most companies are very responsive to such queries.
Caring for Vegan Markers
Vegan-friendly markers need the same care as any other. They should be stored horizontally, in a cool, dry place and the caps should be firmly replaced after use to prevent the marker from drying out.
In conclusion, vegan-friendly markers are just as effective and can produce the same vibrancy as traditional markers. Picking the right markers not only aids your artwork but responsible choices also contribute to a better environment. Thus, making the shift may require some investment in time to research and find the right brands, but the dividends to the earth and your conscience are worth it.
