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.

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!

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.

Read more about 10 benefits of adult coloring here ➜

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! 🌈