Adult Coloring Book Supplies: Ultimate Guide & Top Picks 2023

Coloring books have evolved beyond the world of childhood, and adult coloring books have taken the creative market by storm. These aren't your average childhood colorings, though. They're intricate, detailed, and designed to engage your grown-up aesthetic and de-stress your adult life. But where did they come from, and why are they so popular?

Coloring books for adults emerged from a convergence of trends and needs in the 21st century. The mindfulness and wellness movements highlighted the therapeutic benefits of activities like coloring, while the proliferation of digital devices made people crave the tactile experience of pen and paper. Add to that the influence of art and design trends like the popularity of patterns and mandalas, and you've got a perfect storm for the adult coloring book phenomenon.

Evolution of Adult Coloring Books

The first commercially successful adult coloring book was "The Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book" by Scottish illustrator and designer, Johanna Basford, released in 2013. It was an instant hit, reaching the top of best-seller lists and sparking a global trend. Since then, the market has exploded with a wide variety of themes and styles.

The evolution of adult coloring books can be seen in the rise of different genres and categories, from complex, painterly images to simple, minimalist designs, and from nature-inspired illustrations to geometric patterns and pop culture references.

Intricate and Realistic Designs

Johanna Basford's style, characterized by detailed, realistic illustrations inspired by nature and animal themes, remains popular. These intricate designs often feature complex lines and patterns, inviting you to explore the image as you color. They're perfect for those who enjoy a challenge and want to showcase their coloring skills.

Artists like Anna Døvik andгомальков, продолжение, Similarly, their work features highly detailed, realistic images, often of nature-inspired subjects, but with a unique style and color palette. Døvik's art is known for its delicate, ethereal quality, while continuation's work is bold and vibrant, with a focus on geometric patterns and tribal-inspired designs.

Minimalist and Simple Designs

On the other end of the spectrum are minimalist and simple designs, which can be just as engaging and therapeutic. These books often feature bold, graphic styles and repetitive patterns, making them easier to color and more forgiving of mistakes. They're great for those new to adult coloring or who prefer a more meditative, less stressful experience.

Examples of this style include "Color Me Stress-Free" by Lilla Roger and "The Mindfulness Coloring Book" by Emma Farrarons. Roger's designs feature vintage-inspired patterns and playful illustrations, while Farrarons' work is more abstract, with a focus on geometric shapes and mandalas.

Beyond The Page: The Coloring Book Community

The adult coloring book trend has fostered a vibrant online community, where enthusiasts share their work, connect with other colorists, and even compete in coloring contests. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are home to countless coloring book communities, where you can find inspiration, tips, and more.

The community extends offline as well, with coloring clubs and events popping up in cities worldwide. These spaces provide a social outlet for the inherently solo activity of coloring, helping to build a sense of community around the hobby.

Coloring Techniques and Mediums

The adult coloring community has also led to the exploration of different coloring techniques and mediums. Many enthusiasts go beyond standard colored pencils and markers, experimenting with materials like watercolors, gouache, and even digital tools. Some popular techniques include blending, shading, and hatching, which can transform a simple black and white image into a vivid, multi-dimensional artwork.

Online tutorials and videos provide comprehensive guides and step-by-step instructions for these techniques, making it easier than ever to enhance your coloring skills. There are also specialty coloring books designed to facilitate certain techniques, like "The Coloring Book for Gouache" by Stephanie Corfee.

Coloring Apps and Digital Platforms

The digital age has also led to the rise of coloring apps and platforms, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper coloring books. These apps often feature a wide range of images, tools, and customization options, allowing you to color on-the-go or in the comfort of your own home.

Some popular coloring apps include "Color by Numbers" by 7 Generation Games, "Coloring Page HD" by Mondo Publishing, and "Patterned by Norah" by Norah Gaughan. These apps cater to different styles and preferences, with "Coloring Page HD" focusing on realistic designs, and "Patterned by Norah" featuring intricate knitting and crochet patterns.

So, whether you're drawn to complex, realistic images or simple, minimalist designs, there's an adult coloring book out there for you. And with the vibrant community and endless techniques and mediums to explore, there's always more to discover in the world of adult coloring. So grab your pencils, markers, or tablets, and let your creative spirit run wild. Who knows where your coloring journey will take you?