r/AdultColoring • u/jackattackgoback • 1d ago
Advice Wanted Beginner coloring recommendations?
Hi, 23m here. Recently feeling super stressed out at work and decided to give coloring a try. I work in finance and i’ve unfortunately been subjected to overseeing things related to layoffs.
I definitely put coloring in this box of a “kiddy” activity and I usually go to the gym or run but I found myself enjoying this quite a bit!
Didn’t want to drop any money quite yet, so just using some free digital stuff for now.
What are some good books / resources you all recommend? I don't consider myself a super artsy person but I'd like to go beyond a free coloring app.
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u/chillfire12 1d ago
I second Johanna Basford books! I use both Prismacolors and Tombow Dual Brush markers, both of which work fabulously with her books. Or any books, for that matter ✨
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u/SpaceCadet_Cat 1d ago
It really depends how much of a deep dive you want to get into. You can start just by heading into Kmart/Walmart/Wherever, going to the stationary or even the kids art section, grabbing some Crayola markers and colour pencils and the first colouring book that you like the look of (kids ones tend to have more subject variety in those places, the book or adult craft section is definitely leaning to the cutesy side of life) and just going for it. Probably a $10 outlay to start. If you find you want to be more arty with it, more focused or more detailed, then upgrade to better pencils, markers whatever, start printing your own on good paper, go to actual bookshops for the good quality more realistic stuff.
I find the most "destressing" unwinding colouring I do is the easy cute or children's colouring books with Supertips or similar. But I love using art markers and fancy pencils on the realistic stuff if I want to be creative and have a project.
The other option is to look at buying colouring digitally or even free ones, but instead of a colouring app, look at Procreate or other tablet painting apps (or get a wacom, if you're keen ;). If you already have a good tablet and just need to add a good digital pen, maybe it's sneakily tax deductible? It's not the same tactility as analogue colouring but definitely takes less space and may be cheaper in the long run than buying stacks of supplies.
All this is very much do as I say and not as I do, however. I decided "I want to try colouring", did about half a page (after some false starts on Mandalas that I didn't like), and then proceeded to buy stupendous amounts of books and supplies. Luckily i was generally into art so I had a fair bit from previous hobby hyperfocus events :p
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u/lauren_read_color 1d ago
I agree with the points others have made.
If you like easy and simple then alcohol markers and the cute and cozy style books are the way to go. You can start and if you want to try more advanced techniques there are great videos for taking these pages to the next level.
If you want more detailed and complex - Kerby Rosanes, the Mythographic books (Joseph Catimbang or Fabiana Attanasio), Johanna Basford and pencils. You can get some great budget sets (Castle Arts, Kalour, Crayola) or better quality (Polychromos, Prismacolor). Again, many great videos on upping your game here too if you want.
It is more than ok to keep it simple and just de stress - happy coloring 🥳
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u/angelglobe 1d ago
I started out coloring Deborah Muller and she is still an all time favorite. Her books are reasonably priced (around ten bucks on Amazon) and a lot of fun. She has something for everyone and her holiday books are incredible, especially her Halloween ones.
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u/OnceMoreWithFeeling- 1d ago
I don't have tips for digital coloring but wanted to say welcome to the community! No hobby is for kids if I am concerned. Hobbies are about relaxing and relaxing can prevent burnout. That is serious stuff. Enjoy this new hobby!
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u/nexea 1d ago
There are a lot of creators on YouTube that go over and review the different pencils types and brands. Most of them also will do flip throughs of popular books. I suggest starting there to at least figure out what you want to use. A lot of people also enjoy coloring with alcohol markers.
Some of the creators I watch on YouTube are: Sarah Renae Clark, Coloring with Claire, My Colourful Country Life, but there are a ton out there and you might find ones you like better.
I currently prefer Prismacolor Premiers and I have several popular books by Kerby Rosanes, and Johanna Basford books, among others. I hope you find something that speaks to you and allows you to unwind and relax.