Remember the days when all we cared about was whether we could color inside the lines or fashion a purple sun using our Crayolas? Well, those coloring days aren’t over—except now, they’ve grown up. With adult coloring books becoming a hot trend in the realms of relaxation, mindfulness, and pixel-perfect hues, there’s a colorful world of potential waiting for the bold and the cheerful. You can even find floral designed coloring pages for adults. However, before you mistakenly color your way into a stressful mess, here are five mistakes to avoid on your coloring quest.
1. Choosing the Right Materials
The quality of your artwork is intricately tied to the tools you use, and this principle holds true for adult coloring as well. Opting for the appropriate supplies can elevate your work from being lackluster and fragile to becoming a lively masterpiece. Essential components include top-tier colored pencils or markers that offer seamless blending, along with the choice of paper. Low-grade paper can lead to bleeding or crumpling, which is about as fun as an eraser shaving in your morning coffee.
2. Overcomplicating the Process
You’re not in a race to the gallery, so don’t sprint; you’re coloring your way around the stresses of modern life. Starting with the most complex patterns can quickly lead to fatigue or frustration. Think of it like running a marathon without the prior training—it’s not impossible, but it certainly won’t feel good mid-way through.
3. Neglecting Relaxation and Mindfulness
Adult coloring is not solely about speed, but rather about savoring the experience. It is frequently employed as a mindfulness exercise, aiding in concentration and stress reduction. If you color while being preoccupied with time constraints or competition, you might overlook the calming essence of the activity. Just breathe, focus, and color your way to calm.
4. Comparing Your Work to Others
Comparison takes joy away (it’s true!), and it’s got its eyes on your coloring book. Every artist’s work is distinctive, and it is important that yours reflects your individuality. It is acceptable if your magenta differs from that of others—it is essential that it resonates with your artistic vision. Your creative journey is a personal one, with progress measured only by your own standards.
5. Ignoring Color Theory
You might think color theory is just for the Picassos of the world, but even grown-up coloring books benefit from a touch of artistic intelligence. Understanding how colors work together—and occasionally against each other—can elevate your colors from a basic box of Crayolas to a veritable palette of Picasso-esque potential. Don’t be afraid to mix things up; sometimes, orange really does go with purple.
In the end, the coloring experience should be as laid back as a Sunday morning, with the added benefit of making something beautiful. By avoiding these, admittedly lighthearted, pitfalls, you’ll ensure your coloring capabilities mature as smoothly as a fine red wine.
