Coloring Books 101: Coloring Tips for Beginners

Coloring books are all the rage these days, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re a great way to relax and de-stress, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, there’s no denying the therapeutic benefits of sitting down with a good coloring book and some colored pencils.

But if you’ve never colored in a coloring book before, it can be tricky to know where to start.

This guide has helpful tips to get you started on your coloring journey.

If you're ready to start coloring with mastery, keep reading to learn more!

What Are Coloring Books?

Coloring books are typically printed with a range of black-and-white designs, illustrations, and patterns.

The idea is that you use your chosen supplies to add your own colorful touch to the artwork.

Coloring books come in many different styles and themes, so it’s possible to find something to suit everyone’s tastes.

There are even coloring books that focus on specific subjects, such as animals and nature.

The Importance of Coloring

Some people might write off coloring as just a children's activity, but research has shown that it can be beneficial for all ages and has many health benefits.

Coloring is said to help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and promote creativity.

It can also be a great way to express yourself and explore your emotions.

Coloring is a great way to develop and maintain motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Plus, it can be used in therapy sessions to help people with mental health issues and can be used to help treat things like PTSD.

Adult coloring books have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people recognize the calming effects of coloring.

Coloring may be simple, but it's incredibly powerful.

Tips for Coloring in Your Coloring Book

Now you know why coloring is so great, let’s dive into some helpful tips for when it’s time to start coloring.

There are many ways you can color in a coloring book, so it’s up to you to decide which method suits you best.

Improving your coloring skills takes some practice and the right supplies, but you don't need fancy coloring techniques to create awesome art.

However, here are some tips that all beginners can benefit from.

1. Choose the Right Art Supplies

The first step is to make sure you have the right tools and suppies for the job.

If you’re using cheap dollar store crayons, don’t be surprised if they break easily or don’t provide great color coverage.

Investing in high-quality art supplies will make your coloring experience much more enjoyable.

There are a wide variety of art supplies you can choose, ranging from cheap materials and student-grade sets to professional artist quality supplies.

There are so many different mediums you can choose, including colored pencil sets and markers to watercolor paints.

Be sure to research the different options available so that you can choose the best supplies for your needs.

Colored pencils are generally the best tool for coloring books, but you can also use Copic markers, crayons, gel pens, watercolor pencils, or even paint if you prefer.

Just make sure you choose non-toxic materials that won’t bleed through the pages of your book.

Some coloring books have thin pages, so ink-based coloring supplies aren't always the best fit.

2. Start with Light Colors

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start coloring!

But before you reach for that bright red pencil, take a moment to consider which colors you want to use.

It’s always best to start with light colors and then build up to the darker shades.

This will help prevent those pesky streaks that can ruin an otherwise perfect picture.

It's easier to add more value to your coloring pages rather than trying to remove pigment from the page

3. Take Your Time

There’s no rush when it comes to coloring, so take your time and enjoy the process.

Don't put pressure on yourself to finish quickly, as this can lead to sloppy work.

It can be tempting to try and color as quickly as possible so you can move on to the next adult coloring page, but this can lead to frustration.

Relax, take a deep breath, and let your creativity flow!

Take your time so you can make sure you're filling in all the details and creating beautiful artwork.

4. Test Your Supplies Prior to Coloring

Before you dive into coloring, it’s always a good idea to test your supplies.

This will help give you an idea of how the colors will look on the page, and help you plan out your coloring strategy.

You can test markers and pencils on a scrap piece of paper, and test watercolor paints on a mixing palette.

Testing your supplies will also help you prevent any unwanted surprises when it’s time to start coloring your adult coloring pages.

5. Find a Comfortable Coloring Spot

Coloring is much more enjoyable when you have a comfortable spot to do it.

Find a spot with natural light and good ventilation, away from distraction.

A cozy corner of the living room, an outdoor patio, or a corner of your backyard are all great spots for coloring.

Create an inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, cozy blankets, and calming music.

Your coloring spot should be a place where you can relax with your coloring pencils and escape the stresses of everyday life.

6. Check Out Tutorials

If you’re ever stuck or feeling overwhelmed, there are so many tutorials and videos available on YouTube that can help you learn adult coloring techniques.

Check out adult coloring tutorials from experienced colorists and learn tips and tricks that will help you create beautiful artwork.

There are also plenty of coloring books specifically designed to teach you how to color.

These books often have helpful diagrams and detailed instructions that can help guide your coloring process.

Some even have free coloring pages, so they're definitely worth checking out!