Coloring Tools Archives - Poki and Kiwi

January 4, 2025

Is Ohuhu good for beginners?

If you’re just starting out with alcohol markers, you might be wondering, “Are Ohuhu markers a good choice for me?” The answer is a resounding yes! Ohuhu markers are perfect for beginners, thanks to their mix of quality, versatility, and affordability. Let’s dive into why they’re such a great option if you’re just beginning your coloring journey.

Why Ohuhu Markers Are Great for Beginners

One of the biggest challenges when you're starting out is finding markers that won't break the bank but still offer excellent quality. Ohuhu markers do just that. They're affordable, which is especially important when you're getting the hang of things and experimenting with your new markers. But even though they’re affordable, they don’t compromise on color quality. Ohuhu markers give you rich, bright hues that will make your artwork stand out. So, you can practice freely, without stressing about expensive replacements.

Shop Ohuhu Markers here: https://eu.ohuhu.com

Explore our coloring pages here ➜

User-Friendly Design: Easy to Hold and Use

Ohuhu markers are designed to be comfortable in your hands. If you’re new to coloring, you’ll appreciate how easy they are to use. They have a smooth grip and are light enough to hold for a long time without tiring your hand. You’ll love how quickly you can get started without any complicated learning curve.

Coloring Party Friends and Family Poki and Kiwi

Dual Tips: A Perfect Choice for New Artists

Ohuhu markers come with dual tips, which means you get two types of tips in one marker! You can use the fine tip for delicate details and smaller lines, and the brush tip for wider strokes and smooth blending. There’s also the chisel tip, which is great for covering larger areas or making bold, thick lines. With these three options, you can explore different techniques and really get creative. It’s perfect for beginners who are still figuring out their style!

Great Sets for Beginners: Choose What’s Right for You

Ohuhu offers sets with a variety of colors. So many sets, that it can be tricky to find the best one for you. In this article, I am going to list some of the best sets for beginners, but make sure to check out all of their sets and choose the one, that you want!

Of course, you don’t need to start with a huge set. Many beginners find that a smaller set - like the 24 or 36-color sets - gives them enough options to learn about color theory and blending. Once you get more comfortable, you can always expand your collection. But, I'll admit, I started with the biggest set of them all (with the 320 Honolulu set) and I am super happy with my choice.

Let's explore some amazing sets for you as a beginner:

1. Ohuhu Honolulu 45-Color Set

This is an excellent starter set with a variety of basic colors, including pastels, vibrant shades and black. With 48 colors, you can practice blending and color theory without being overwhelmed by too many choices.

Explore this set on eu.ohuhu.com ➜

2. Ohuhu Honolulu 120-Color Set

For those who want a more variety and a bigger collection the 120-color set offers a broader range of tones, including more neutral colors for shading and blending. It’s a great next step if you’re ready to experiment with more complex projects.

Explore this set on eu.ohuhu.com ➜

3. Ohuhu 320-Color Set

The 320-color set is the biggest one of all! Of course, you don't need such big set as a beginner, but for some people (like me) the big set is the right choice. For me, this set gives me maximum freedom and it fuels my creativity! It’s ideal for beginners who are serious about their craft and want to work on more detailed projects.

Pro tipp: If your goal is to have every shade there is from Ohuhu, you might want to invest in the 320 set from the beginning. If you combine the 320 set with the Ohuhu Honolulu 36 Skin Tone set (explore this set here) you have every single shade there is.

Explore this set on eu.ohuhu.com ➜

Review of Ohuhu 320 Set Alcohol-based Markers — Ohuhu Honolulu 320 Set + Ohuhu Honolulu 36 Skin Tone Set

Helpful Tips for Beginners Using Alcohol Markers by Ohuhu

Swatch all Shades: Every Ohuhu set comes with a handy swatch chart. Use this chard to swatch all colors, ideally before you start with your coloring journey. This will give you a wonderful introduction to all the shades and help you get started.
Test on Scrap Paper First: Before you start coloring your project, it’s always a good idea to test your markers on a piece of scrap paper. This will help you see how the colors look and how the marker flows.
Layer Slowly: When you’re blending colors, start with a light layer and build up gradually. This will help you create smooth transitions and avoid streaks.
Experiment with Blending: The brush tip on Ohuhu markers is perfect for blending. You can try blending two colors while they’re still wet to create beautiful gradients.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Remember, it’s okay if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time! The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Community and Support: Learn from Others

Another great benefit of using Ohuhu markers as a beginner is the supportive online community. There are many tutorials, reviews, and tips available online that cater specifically to beginners. On platforms like YouTube and Instagram, you can find detailed guides on how to use your markers, color blending techniques, and even step-by-step tutorials on creating specific projects. Many experienced artists are also happy to offer advice and feedback to help you improve your skills.

Being part of the Ohuhu user community is also a lot of fun! As you improve, you'll have the opportunity to share your own artwork and connect with others. In my experience, the coloring community is one of the most supportive communities out there! You can also ask for tips on how to improve your coloring techniques or learn new methods to enhance your work.

Join Instagram Community of Poki and Kiwi for Coloring fans — Join our Instagram Community of Poki and Kiwi for Coloring fans here ➜

Explore our coloring pages here ➜

3 Color combinations to try as a beginner

1. Sunset Glow

Ohuhu Color: Rose Red (R17)
Ohuhu Color: Dark Yellow (Y15)
Ohuhu Color: Orange (O11)

This combination mimics a warm sunset, with soft reds, oranges, and yellows blending perfectly.

2. Tropical Breeze

Ohuhu Color: Turquoise Blue (B27)
Ohuhu Color: Bright Yellow (Y13)
Ohuhu Color: Deep Green (G31)

These three colors will give you that fresh, vibrant tropical feel. Perfect for creating beach scenes or lush tropical leaves.

3. Autumn Leaves

Ohuhu Color: Brick Red (R12)
Ohuhu Color: Dark Brown (E18)
Ohuhu Color: Olive Green (G51)

If you're working on fall-inspired artwork, these rich and earthy tones are ideal for creating autumn leaves and landscapes. The red and green complement each other, while the brown helps add depth.

Storage of Alcohol Markers by Ohuhu: Keeping Your Markers Safe

Taking care of your markers will ensure they last longer. Ohuhu recommends to store your markers flat, rather than standing them up. Storing them horizontally helps the ink stay evenly distributed, so your markers will continue to work smoothly. (Quick side note: I store them vertically in the box they came in, and they are fine 😉 )

But it's generally very important to keep your markers in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Excessive heat can dry out the ink and affect the colors. If you’re worried about organization, you can use a storage box. There are many great storage options on Amazon. Ohuhu also offers some great options to keep everything neat and tidy.

Conclusion: Start Your Creative Journey with Ohuhu Markers

In conclusion, Ohuhu markers are a fantastic choice for beginners. They’re easy to use, affordable, and give you great results every time. With a variety of colors and tips, you can explore and experiment with different techniques, improving your skills as you go.

Explore our coloring pages here ➜

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, Coloring Tools, How To Start Coloring, Inspiration, Reviews

January 3, 2025

Are Ohuhu Markers Really That Good?

Ohuhu markers have quickly become a top favorite among artists, crafters, and coloring enthusiasts... and I’m absolutely obsessed with them too! 🎨 They’re vibrant, versatile, and budget-friendly... but are they really that good? Whether you’re exploring art for the first time or are already a seasoned creator, this article will help you discover everything you need to know about Ohuhu markers. Let’s dive in and find out why so many people love them.

What Are Ohuhu Markers?

Ohuhu markers are a versatile brand of markers available in various types. Currently, Ohuhu offers water-based markers, alcohol-based markers, and acrylic paint markers. They also provide a range of marker accessories, such as marker organizers, refills, sketchbooks, and marker pads.

Arguably, the most popular type of Ohuhu markers is their classic alcohol-based markers. So, in this article, I’ll mainly focus on this type of marker.

These markers come in a wide variety of sets (which I’ll detail below) and tip options (also explained further down).

Ohuhu markers are renowned for their affordable price compared to premium brands like Copic, while still delivering rich, vibrant colors and impressive performance.

Shop Ohuhu Markers here: https://eu.ohuhu.com

Explore Coloring Pages

Which Set of Alcohol-Based Markers by Ohuhu is the best one?

Choosing the best set of Ohuhu alcohol-based markers depends on your personal needs and creative goals. Ohuhu offers a variety of sets, ranging from smaller collections with 24 colors to extensive sets featuring up to 320 colors.

If you're just starting out or prefer a compact selection, the 48-color set provides a balanced range of hues suitable for many projects. For those seeking a broader palette to explore detailed and diverse artworks, the 320-color set offers an impressive spectrum of shades. Each set includes dual-tip markers. You can choose between 3 types of tips - fine, chisel and brush!

Ultimately, the best set is the one that aligns with your artistic aspirations and provides the range of colors you desire for your creative journey. Personally I wanted to explore all the shades Ohuhu has to offer so I opted for the biggest set (320 Honolulu Series) and I don't regret it one bit! 🙂

Ohuhu Alcohol-Based Markers: Honolulu 320 Set with Brush and Fine tip

Dual Tips: Which tip is the right one for you?

Ohuhu alcohol-based markers come with three versatile tip options: brush, chisel, and fine.

Brush tip: The brush tip is perfect for blending and creating smooth, artistic strokes, making it a favorite among illustrators and colorists.
Chisel tip: The chisel tip is ideal for filling in larger areas or creating bold, broad lines.
Fine tip: The fine tip offers precision for intricate details and smaller spaces.

Depending on your needs, you can choose markers with a combination of two tips - such as brush and chisel or fine and chisel. This flexibility ensures you’ll have the perfect tools for your creative projects, no matter your style or skill level. 🌟

Why Swatching Matters

Before you jump into your art projects, swatching your markers is an absolute must. The colors on the caps aren’t always identical to how the ink appears on paper. By creating a swatch chart, you’ll be able to see the true colors, which will save you time and help you make better choices in your art.

When I first opened my Ohuhu 320 set, I was overwhelmed (in the best way!) by the variety of colors. Swatching helped me familiarize myself with shades like Brick Beige (I use this shade often for Poki and Kiwi's fur), Chromium Oxide Green (a deep green with blue undertones), and my personal favorite, Sunflower Yellow (a wonderful warm yellow). Seeing the colors side by side on paper felt like discovering a rainbow.

Every set by Ohuhu comes with a handy swatch chart that allows you to swatch each shade on thick paper.

Key Features of Ohuhu Markers

Here’s what makes Ohuhu markers stand out:

Dual Tips: The chisel tip is great for filling large areas, while the brush or bullet tip allows for fine details and smooth gradients.
Alcohol-Based Ink: Alcohol ink dries quickly, blends seamlessly, and works well for layering.
Color Variety: Ohuhu has so many different sets and colors! With up to 320 colors in the Honolulu set, there’s a shade for every project. I personally would suggest you invest in the 320 set, if variety is important for you.
Affordable Pricing: Ohuhu markers deliver premium-quality performance at a fraction of the cost of other high-end brands.
Community: Ohuhu markers are incredibly popular, and there’s a wealth of knowledge available online. Whatever question you might have, chances are you’ll find an answer with ease. Social media is filled with amazing colorists sharing their techniques, color selections, and creative processes - perfect for inspiration and learning! 🌈✨

Exploring the Ohuhu 320 Set

The Ohuhu 320 marker set is a dream come true for anyone who loves color. It's also the set I opted for when I decided to invest in Ohuhu markers. The wide variety of shades means there’s no limit to your creativity. Let’s break down some of the standout color families:

Reds and Pinks: These range from deep, rich reds like Crimson Lake to soft, romantic shades like Rose Petal. They’re perfect for flowers, hearts, and sunsets.
Oranges and Yellows: Bright hues like Sunset Orange and Goldenrod Yellow add warmth to your art. I love using these for cheerful, sunny illustrations.
Greens: From vibrant Lime Green to muted Olive or Chromium Oxide Green, these shades work beautifully for landscapes and botanicals.
Blues and Purples: Soft Sky Blue, bold Indigo, and magical Lavender are perfect for skies, water, and dreamy designs.
Browns and Earth Tones: These shades, like Umber and Burnt Sienna, are essential for natural textures like wood and fur.
Grays and Neutrals: Ideal for shading, monochrome art, and adding depth, these include everything from light Cool Gray 1 to deep Neutral Gray 8.

You'll see, after a few coloring sessions, you'll find your favorite shades!

Why Artists Love Ohuhu Markers

Ohuhu markers are fun and inspiring to use. Here’s what makes them special:

Vivid Colors: Each marker is packed with rich, vibrant ink that brings your art to life.
Blendability: The alcohol-based formula makes it easy to blend colors smoothly, whether you’re creating a gradient or mixing shades.
Comfortable to Use: The markers are lightweight and ergonomic, so you can draw for hours without feeling tired.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Ohuhu Markers

Whether you’re new to alcohol markers or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you make the most of your Ohuhu set:

Start with a Swatch Chart
Take your time to swatch every marker in the set. Not only will it help you see the true colors, but it’s also a relaxing activity. Every Ohuhu set comes with a handy swatch chart for you to color.
Use the Right Paper
Alcohol-based markers work best on smooth, bleed-proof paper designed for markers. This prevents bleeding and helps the colors stay vibrant. In my experience, regular printer paper works perfectly fine! Just be sure to place a few extra sheets of paper underneath the one you’re coloring to catch any bleed-through and protect your surfaces or tables.
Experiment with Layering
Alcohol markers are perfect for layering. Try adding multiple layers of the same color to create depth, or layer different colors for unique effects.
Blending Techniques
Use a blender marker or lightly overlap colors to create seamless gradients. For instance, blending Moss Green into Lime Green creates a stunning ombré effect.

Comparing Ohuhu to Other Brands

How do Ohuhu markers stack up against pricier brands like Copic?

Price: Ohuhu markers are much more affordable, making them a great choice for beginners or anyone on a budget.
Quality: Copics offer refillable ink and replaceable nibs. Ohuhu tips are actually reversible, which helps them last a long time. Ohuhu also offer refills for certain shades. Most people would say that the quality of Ohuhu markers is very good and some even prefer Ohuhu markers instead of more expensive brands like Copics.
Range: With up to 320+ colors, Ohuhu’s range rivals even the most premium brands.

Many artists (myself included) find that Ohuhu markers are perfect for everyday use. They may not have the refillable features of Copics, but their quality and performance are impressive for the price.

What’s Not So Great About Ohuhu Markers?

No product is perfect, and there are a few things to consider before buying Ohuhu markers:

Bleeding: On thin paper, the ink can bleed through to the other side. Using thicker, marker-friendly paper or placing a few extra sheets of paper underneath the one you’re coloring solves this issue.
Most shades are Non-Refillable: Ohuhu offers 51 refills at the time of writing this article. This means most shades are non-refillable. Once the ink runs out, you’ll need to replace the marker.

These minor drawbacks don’t outweigh the overall value Ohuhu markers provide, especially for beginners or casual artists.

Personal Experience

When I first tried Ohuhu markers, I was amazed at how smooth the color looks on paper. With the right technique you can achieve really amazing, smooth results. Also the colors blend so easily!

Ohuhu markers truly reignited my love for creating. Explore our coloring pages here ➜

Are Ohuhu Markers Worth It?

Absolutely! Ohuhu markers are a fantastic option for anyone who loves art and wants quality markers without breaking the bank. Their vibrant colors, smooth blending, and affordable price make them a standout choice.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of alcohol markers, Ohuhu is an excellent place to start. You’ll be amazed at what you can create... and who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hobby!

Explore our coloring pages here ➜ Your creative journey awaits!

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, Coloring Tools, Reviews

Tags: Adults, Coloring, Ohuhu

December 26, 2024

Ohuhu Honolulu 320 Marker Set: An Honest Review by Poki and Kiwi

There’s something special about finding art supplies that inspire you to create. The Ohuhu Honolulu 320 Colors Dual Tips Alcohol Art Markers do just that. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting to explore coloring, this set is a wonderful choice. It’s not just a box of markers... it’s an invitation to have fun and explore your creativity.

When I first used these markers on one of our Poki and Kiwi coloring pages, I was so excited to dive into the sea of colors. But, let’s just say my first attempt was far from perfect! I was feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of colors and the colors I did end up choosing weren't a good match. But I kept at it, learning about each shade, and slowly, I found my footing. Now, I love pairing mid tone low saturated colors - they are just my favorite! It’s all part of the creative journey and finding what works for you.

Let’s dive into why these markers are so great and how they can make coloring even more enjoyable. If you want to explore our coloring sheets instead, take a look here: Explore coloring pages ➜

A Rainbow of 320 Colors

Imagine opening a box filled with 320 colors, all ready for you to use. That’s what you get with this set. It’s like having every shade you could ever need right at your fingertips. Whether you’re working on a fun doodle or a detailed illustration, this range has you covered.

One of my favorite things about this set is finding unexpected color combinations. For example, pairing a warm coral with a cool lavender creates a dreamy effect I hadn’t thought of before. The set also includes a colorless blender. If you’ve ever had trouble blending colors smoothly, this tool is perfect for you. It helps you create soft transitions and adds a polished look to your work.

Brush, Fine and Chisel: Three Tips for Different Needs

Each marker in this set has two tips. You can either get a set with brush and chisel – or brush and fine tip:

Brush tip: This soft, flexible tip is perfect for adding details, creating textures, or working in small areas. It’s great for delicate touches or fancy designs.

Chisel tip: This tip is wide and bold, ideal for filling in larger areas quickly and smoothly. It’s a lifesaver when shading big spaces or creating backgrounds.

Fine tip: Ideal for adding intricate lines, outlining, or detailed work. The fine tip allows you to achieve those fine strokes needed for precision, making it easy to tackle even the smallest areas of your art.

Having two tips on each marker makes them super versatile. Whether you’re adding fine details or covering large areas, you’ll find it easy to switch between tips and keep the creative flow going. I personally love the combination of Brush tip and Fine tip. I find that with those to tips, I can color anything I want.

Explore coloring pages ➜

Smooth and Blendable Ink

One of the standout features of these markers is their alcohol-based ink. Here’s why it’s so special:

Bold Colors: The pigments are bright and vibrant, even in lighter shades. They make your work pop.
Easy to Use: The ink glides onto the paper smoothly, leaving no streaks. Every stroke feels satisfying.
Blends Beautifully: With a little practice, blending colors becomes simple and fun. The colorless blender makes gradients and transitions even easier.
Dries Quickly: Say goodbye to smudges! The ink dries fast, so your work stays clean and neat.

The first time I tried blending, I was a bit intimidated. But after experimenting with a few shades, like layering soft yellows into oranges, I was amazed at how seamless it looked. It’s all about taking your time and enjoying the process.

Comfortable and Easy to Use

These markers are designed to make your coloring sessions as comfortable as possible. They’re easy to hold and won’t slip out of your hand, even if you’re coloring for hours.

The caps are color-coded, so you can quickly find the shade you need. Plus, they have a small bump that keeps them from rolling off your desk. It’s these little details that show how much thought went into the design.

Kiwi and a set of Alcohol-Based Markers by Ohuhu (320 Set)

Loved by Artists Everywhere

The Ohuhu 320 marker set has become a favorite among artists for good reason. People love how much value it offers compared to more expensive brands. Many say the quality is just as good, if not better.

Beginners find these markers easy to use, especially for blending and shading. For experienced artists, the wide range of colors and high-quality ink make them perfect for detailed projects.

Tips for Using Your Markers

To get the most out of your Ohuhu set, here are a few tips:

Pick the Right Paper: Use smooth, thick paper made for alcohol markers. It keeps the ink vibrant and prevents it from bleeding through.

Practice Blending: Start by blending two or three colors together. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Keep the Caps On: Always close the caps tightly to keep the markers from drying out.

Stay Organized: Use the carrying case that comes with the set to keep your markers neat and easy to find.

Worth Every Penny

The Ohuhu Honolulu 320 marker set is more than just markers—it’s a tool for creativity. With so many colors, smooth ink, and a user-friendly design, this set has everything you need to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re coloring to relax, learn, or create something amazing, these markers make it easy and fun.

Why not give them a try? Explore the world of color, experiment, and enjoy the process. I’ll never forget the joy of seeing my first blended gradient come to life or discovering a new favorite color combo. It’s those little moments that make coloring so rewarding.

We’d love to see what you create! Share your thoughts and creations with us. Let’s keep inspiring each other to be creative and have fun! You can start by exploring our printable coloring sheets here: Explore coloring pages ➜

Creative Inspiration and Projects to Try

If you're looking for new ways to make the most of your Ohuhu markers, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few creative ideas you can try:

Create Gradient Effects: If you’re still practicing blending, experiment with creating beautiful gradient effects. Start with light colors and gradually blend into darker hues. This works especially well with warm tones like yellows, oranges, and reds. The transition between these colors will create a sunset effect that’s absolutely stunning!
Design Custom Greeting Cards: Whether for a birthday, a holiday, or just to send a message, personalized greeting cards can become a creative masterpiece with the Ohuhu markers. Use vibrant colors to design flowers, abstract patterns, or simple illustrations. Add a pop of color to your cards, making them truly unique.
Doodle Your Way to Relaxation: Sometimes, the best way to unwind is to doodle and let your mind wander. Grab a piece of scrap paper and use your markers to create colorful patterns or abstract designs. This can help you experiment without worrying about making mistakes, and it’s a great way to express yourself freely.
Incorporate Mixed Media: If you enjoy mixed media art, the Ohuhu markers work perfectly in combination with other art supplies like colored pencils, watercolors, or even ink. Try layering markers over a light watercolor wash for an interesting textural contrast. You might also want to try them in combination with gel pens for highlights or special effects.
Create Digital Art: If you're a digital artist, why not try scanning your hand-drawn creations and adding digital touches? Use your markers to create physical art, then scan it into your computer and add digital effects, backgrounds, or other elements that enhance the original piece.

By experimenting with different techniques and combining your creativity with markers, you can discover new ways to elevate your art projects. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, these markers can help turn your ideas into reality. So, let your imagination run wild and see where your creativity takes you!

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, Coloring Tools, How To Start Coloring, Reviews

Tags: Adults, Alcohol-Based Marker, Coloring, Ohuhu, Review

December 6, 2024

How to Start Coloring as an Adult: A Beginner’s Guide & Products

Coloring is a calming, creative, and therapeutic hobby for adults. More and more people embrace coloring as a method to be creative, relax and unwind. Whether you want to reduce stress, improve your concentration, or simply enjoy a creative hobby, coloring offers numerous benefits. In this beginner's guide on, we’ll walk you through how to start coloring as an adult, providing the essential tools, tips, and resources to get you going on this wonderful journey. And if you're wondering how I know... I have been in your shoes! Starting coloring as an adult was a wonderful experience for me. It was in fact so wonderful that I started this project "Poki and Kiwi" to create my own coloring pages and share them with the world.

1. Why Should You Start Coloring as an Adult?

Coloring as an adult is much more than just filling in shapes with crayons, pencils or alcholo-based markers, it’s a way to take a break from life’s stresses, focus your mind, and even tap into your creative side. Studies show that coloring has therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and lowering stress levels, similar to mindfulness meditation. Coloring designs that bring you joy can help you relax and provide a focused mental escape, making it an ideal hobby to unwind after a stressful day at work.

But that’s not all. Coloring also stimulates your brain’s creative pathways, allowing you to express yourself freely. It improves fine motor skills and enhances concentration and focus. So, whether you’re looking for a calming activity to end your day or a creative outlet to explore, coloring offers something for everyone.

2. How to start: What You Need to Begin

Starting your coloring journey is easy and affordable. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to dive into this amazing new hobby:

Coloring Pages or Coloring Books

The first thing you’ll need is a coloring book or printable pages. There are so many themes available, so you can pick something that excites and motivates you. If you love intricate designs, try a mandala coloring page or book. If you enjoy nature, there are plenty of floral-themed options. If you like cute animals, check out our coloring pages with Poki and Kiwi.

Recommendation: You can buy a coloring book right away, but it could make a lot of sense to first try printable coloring pages. Coloring pages allow you to print them multiple times, so you can try different techniques and colors! They also allow you to dip your toe into multiple different genres - from cute to intricate - so you can find what works best for you.

Coloring Tools

Although tools play a big role in your coloring journey, we generally recommend to start with what you already have. If you want to level up your coloring here are a few options:

Colored Pencils: Ideal for detailed shading and blending. They offer more control than markers or pens, which is why many adult colorists prefer them for intricate designs.
- Recommendation: Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a top choice. They’re known for their smooth application and wide color range.
Markers: If you want bold, vibrant colors, shading and color blending, markers are the way to go. They’re great for filling large areas quickly.
- Recommendation: Try Ohuhu Markers, they are our personal favorites and are loved by many hobby colorists for the relatively cheap price and wide color range.
Gel Pens: Perfect for adding fine details, white, glitter, and metallic accents. They’re especially useful for outlining and adding texture to your designs.
- Recommendation: Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pens are popular for their smooth flow and vibrant, sparkly colors.

Ohuhu Oahu 320 Colors Dual Tips Alcohol Art Markers, Fine & Chisel

Accessories

A few handy accessories can make your coloring experience even better!

Sharpener: To keep your pencils in top shape, you’ll need a good sharpener. The Prismacolor Pencil Sharpenerworks great for keeping those pencils nice and sharp.
Erasers: A kneaded eraser is a must-have for soft corrections. It’s gentle on paper and perfect for lightening up sections without damaging the artwork.
Marker Storage: If you use markers (like the Ohuhu Markers) you can look into a nice storage option for them. This might help you sort your markers and find the color you're looking for much faster.
IPad or Tablet: If you want to color mostly digital, we can whole-heartedly recommend the IPad in combination with Procreate. Procreate is a wonderful, very affordable App, that's perfect for digital coloring.
Paper Cutter: A paper cutter comes in super handy, whenever you want to trim your colorings (for example for framing).

3. Finding Your Coloring Style

Coloring is a personal experience, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. As you explore this hobby, you’ll find that there are several different styles to choose from. Here are a few to consider:

Abstract: This style is all about creative freedom. Play around with colors without worrying about creating realistic depictions. Abstract coloring can be an excellent stress-reliever as it allows you to relax and just have fun.
Realistic: If you enjoy a challenge, realistic coloring might be for you. Try replicating real-life colors and shading techniques. This style is great for honing your attention to detail and practicing techniques like blending and shadowing.
Creative: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not combine different mediums? Use pencils for shading, markers for bold sections, and gel pens for accents. The possibilities are endless when you mix techniques, and it can be a great way to learn new skills.

4. Setting the Mood

Coloring is cozy! So setting the mood to color can greatly enhance your coloring experience. Here are a few ideas to help you create the perfect atmosphere for coloring:

Find a Quiet Space: A peaceful space with good lighting is ideal for coloring. Set up a comfortable chair or table where you can focus and immerse yourself in your coloring book. If you want to color in bed or on the sofa, use a book or clip board as an underlay.
Ambiance: Many people enjoy coloring with their favorite music or their favorite tv series. Whatever makes you feel comfy and cozy!
Time: You can set aside a fixed time (for example 30min) to color or simply go with the flow. You don’t need to rush the process. Let yourself fully relax and enjoy the moment. You can work on one page however long you like, hours, days or months!

Create a comfy and cozy atmosphere for coloring

5. Tips for Beginners

If you’re a complete beginner, start with simpler designs before jumping into detailed ones. This will help you build confidence and allow you to practice basic techniques.

Recommendation: Look for beginner-friendly, bold and easy books or coloring pages, if you want to start easy. But more important than that is, that the coloring page or book excites you! Printable coloring pages is a great option for beginners, as they let you try different styles.

Experiment with different Tools and Techniques as a coloring beginner

Coloring is as complex or easy as you like! You can fill in shapes and spaces or learn complex techniques. As a bigger you can experiment and find what techniques and tools you like best.

Layering: Start with a light base layer and build up darker colors for depth.
Blending: Use blending pencils or markers to smooth out color transitions.
Texturing: Add texture to your designs by experimenting with different strokes and pressures.
Highlighting: Add white or bitter highlights with pens to give your art more depth.

Be Patient

Remember, coloring is not about perfection... it’s about enjoying the process! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Let your creativity flow without self-judgment.

6. Joining a Coloring Community

Coloring can be a solitary activity, but it’s also fun to share your creations and connect with others. Here’s how you can join a community of fellow colorists:

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are filled with vibrant coloring communities. Share your progress and get inspired by other colorists. Visit us @poki.and.kiwi on Instagram! You can also go on Reddit and find other coloring enthusiasts there.
Local Meetups: Check out local libraries or cafes for adult coloring meetups. It’s a great way to bond with others while enjoying your favorite hobby.
Online Challenges: Participate in online coloring challenges, like buddy colorings, to stay motivated and inspired.

7. Benefits You’ll Notice

As you make coloring a regular part of your life, you’ll notice amazing benefits!

Reduced Stress: Coloring allows you to focus your mind and relax, lowering anxiety levels.
Improved Coordination: Regular coloring improves your hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
More creativity: Coloring can help you see the world more creative and playful.

Ready to start coloring?

Coloring is a rewarding hobby that can be very fluffing creatively. With the right tools, techniques, and mindset, you’ll soon discover its magic. We hope that our How To Start Coloring - Beginners Guide has helped you in deciding whether you want to give it a try. Whether you’re coloring for fun, relaxation, or creative expression, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to Begin?

Download your first set of free printable coloring pages and shop our curated recommendations to get started. Happy coloring! 🌈

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, Coloring Tools, How To Start Coloring