The Crayerxo Journey
Crayerxo began in 2018 as a small weekend workshop in a converted garage in downtown Toronto. Founded by Emily Chen, a former corporate designer who left her career to pursue her passion for nurturing creativity in others, our studio was born from the belief that creative expression should be accessible to everyone.
The name "Crayerxo" comes from combining "crayon" (representing simple, accessible creativity) and "XO" (symbolizing the love and care we put into our teaching). Our founding principle was simple - to create a space where people could reconnect with their innate creative abilities without judgement or pressure.
Within our first year, our weekend workshops expanded to weekday evening classes, and soon we moved to our current location in Toronto's Art District. What began as a single instructor teaching basic drawing has grown into a team of specialized creative professionals offering expertise across multiple disciplines - from traditional fine arts to creative business development.
Our Mission
At Crayerxo, we believe that creativity isnt just for "artistic people" - it's an essential human quality that everyone can develop with the right guidance and environment. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations unlock their creative potential and apply it in both personal and professional contexts.
We're committed to making artistic development accessible to people from all walks of life, regardless of their previous experience or perceived talent. Whether youre picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking to turn your creative passion into a thriving business, Crayerxo provides the supportive community, expert guidance, and professional resources you need to succeed.
Our Approach
Our teaching philosophy centers on three core principles:
- Process Over Product: We focus on the creative journey rather than just the final outcome, encouraging experimentation and embracing "happy accidents"
- Supportive Community: We foster a non-judgmental environment where people feel safe to take creative risks
- Practical Application: We help participants find ways to integrate creative thinking into their daily lives and professional pursuits
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to our core mission while expanding our impact. Our recent launch of the Creative Business Conference series represents our commitment to helping artists and creators build sustainable careers around their passions.
We're excited to announce that in 2026, we'll be opening our second location in Vancouver, bringing the Crayerxo experience to Canada's west coast. We're also developing our digital platform to make our workshops accessible to creative minds across the country and beyond.