Top 10 Adult Coloring Book Mistakes (And How to Easily Avoid Them)

Written by: Leanne Jones
Blog, Coloring Books for Adults, Tips & Ideas

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Say goodbye to annoying coloring oopsies and hello to ultimate relaxing stress relief. Discover the 10 must-know tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make your coloring experience pure joy! Ahhh…

Isn’t it just the best feeling to kick off those shoes after a hectic day and treat yourself to some ‘me time’ with your trusty coloring book?

We totally get it – there’s something magical about immersing yourself in colors and designs as a way to relax, unwind and escape the daily grind.

And as you know, coloring is a proven therapeutic activity that can reduce anxiety, boost focus, and ignite your creativity. But, like any art form, there are some common mistakes people that can lead to frustration and unsatisfactory results.

Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 adult coloring book mistakes people make and share some nifty tips to help you steer clear of these blunders and make your coloring journey an absolute delight.

Mistake #1 - Skipping the Pre-Coloring Preparation

Preparation is key to achieving the best results with your adult coloring books. One mistake people often make is skipping the pre-coloring preparation step. The good news is, the fix is easy peasy.

The Fix: Before you start coloring, take a moment to inspect your book for any smudges, loose pages, or printing errors that might affect your overall experience. Furthermore, sort those coloring tools by color families – trust me, it’s a game-changer!

This way, you’ll have an easier time finding the shades you need while keeping your coloring area neat and tidy.

Mistake #2 - Not Color Testing

It’s tempting to jump right into coloring without creating a color swatch first. But hold on! Skipping this crucial step means missing out on a valuable chance to see how your colors pop.

A color swatch is like a sneak peek into the magical world of colors before you fully commit to your artwork. It’s where you can freely explore and experiment with various hues, tones, and blends.

The Fix: Yes, you guessed the fix: Before you start coloring your masterpiece, take a moment to test your colors to ensure your final artwork turns out just as you envisioned.

Our coloring books have color swatch pages waiting for you at the front so you can experiment before you dive in.

Mistake #3 - Choosing the Wrong Coloring Tools

Ready to level up your coloring game? Heck yeah! But watch out for that sneaky mistake: using the wrong tools!

Avoid using regular markers or pens that may bleed through the pages, as this can ruin the artwork on the reverse side, limit your options for color blending and totally cramp your coloring style.

The Fix: For intricate designs, opt for no-bleed fine-tipped markers or colored pencils to ensure precision and detail. Watercolor pencils can add a soft, painterly touch to your artwork.

Remember, the tools you choose greatly influence the final result. Quality pens offer better control, precision, and vibrant colors, allowing you to create beautiful, intricate designs without damaging the pages.

Recommendations:

Colored Pencils –

Caran d’Ache Pablo 18 | Caran d’Ache Pablo 80
Prismacolor Premier 24 | Prismacolor Premier 150
Faber Castell Polychromos 36 | Faber Castell Polychromos 120

Marker & Brush Tip

Ohuhu Brush Marker Pens 48 | Shuttle Art Dual Tip 124
STABILO Premium Fibre-Tip | Posca Paint Markers 3M Fine

Mistake #4 - Overlooking Color Selection and Blending

Let’s talk color selection and blending – the magical ingredients for creating gorgeous masterpieces! When it comes to coloring, color selection and blending play a crucial role in creating stunning artwork.

Some individuals make the mistake of randomly selecting colors without considering the overall theme or design.

The Fix: To avoid this, take your time to plan your color scheme. Experiment with color combinations on a separate piece of paper before applying them to your coloring book.

This practice will help you determine which colors work well together and allow you to achieve smooth transitions and beautiful blends.

Mistake #5 - Whoa, Slow Down!

Coloring enthusiasts, listen up! Rushing through your artistic journey might be tempting, but let’s tap into the power of mindfulness. Coloring is a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic activity; if you take your time.

The approach of hastily rushing through your coloring books not only diminishes the potential benefits but also leads to unsatisfactory results.

The Fix: Treat coloring as a sacred moment, dedicating quality time to each stroke. Allow yourself to be fully present, embracing the calming embrace of colors, and watch your worries fade away. Let this therapeutic activity work its magic and reveal the true beauty of your creations!

Mistake #6 - Using the Wrong Paper

In the world of coloring books, not all pages are created equal. The paper you choose plays a pivotal role in the overall coloring journey. Thin paper may prove challenging, as colors could bleed or tear under pressure.

The Fix: Make mindful choices when picking your coloring book, considering the quality and weight of the paper, and watch your coloring experience elevate to new heights.

If you’re on the hunt for the ideal paper that suits colored pencil sketches or pastel creations and even handles markers, vellum paper is your winning choice. Some great brand choices include Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper and this 93gsm Sketching Vellum.

Mistake #7 - Fear of Making Mistakes

We all harbor a fear of making mistakes, especially when it comes to coloring. But let’s break free from that fear and remember that coloring is a beautiful journey of self-expression and boundless creativity.

There are no right or wrong ways here – just your unique artistic interpretation.

The Fix: Embrace those little mishaps as stepping stones to artistic growth. When you encounter a coloring error, see it as an opportunity to add a touch of originality or employ blending techniques to gracefully correct it.

Allow yourself to take bold leaps and experiment with fresh ideas; it’s what truly sets your artistry apart! ADD LINK TO REVIEW

There are no right or wrong ways to color and create art – just your unique artistic interpretation.

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Mistake #6 - Overusing Dark Colors

In the realm of coloring books, it’s quite common to go heavy on the dark colors. But a little caution goes a long way! While bold colors can grab attention, going overboard might hide the delicate details in your coloring book designs.

The Fix: Here’s the trick: Balance is everything! Blend darker shades with lighter ones to create depth and make your artwork pop. Explore the magic of color palettes, blending, and shading to achieve a captivating and harmonious result.

Mistake #7 - Not Understanding Color Theory

Color theory is the fundamental study of how colors interact and harmonize with one another. It delves into the principles of color mixing, contrast, and the emotional impact colors can evoke.

One thing that often slips under the radar in creative pursuits is the importance of color theory. Without a grasp of it, we might unintentionally pick colors that clash and leave us feeling flat.

The Fix: Dive into the color wheel (see above) which is a diagram that helps you discover how colors interact to evoke various emotions. Applying color theory principles will breathe life into your artwork and evoke a sense of connection with your creations.

Mistake #10 - Not Trusting in Your Abilities

Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes is constantly comparing your coloring to others’ work. You know what? Comparison is the thief of joy. Remember that everyone has a unique style and skill level.

Comparing yourself to others can lead to self-doubt and dissatisfaction with your own creations. You are on your own unique journey, so embrace it, be bold and confident.

The Fix: Focus on your progress and enjoy the personal growth you experience with each coloring session. Celebrate your achievements and take pride in the effort you put into your artwork.

When you next pick up your pencil take a moment to embrace the joy of coloring and the sense of accomplishment that comes with every page you complete.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I use watercolors in adult coloring books?

Yes, you can use watercolors in some adult coloring books, especially those with thicker paper. However, be cautious about using too much water to prevent paper damage.

Q2: Can I mix different coloring mediums in one artwork?

Absolutely! Mixing mediums, such as colored pencils and markers, can add unique textures and effects to your coloring pages.

Q3: How can I fix mistakes in my coloring book?

If you make a mistake, don’t worry. You can use an eraser or white-out to correct small errors or cover them with creative embellishments.

Q4: Should I frame my completed coloring pages?

Framing your completed coloring pages is an excellent idea! It allows you to display your artwork and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.

Q5: Can I use any coloring materials, or are specific ones better?

While you can use various coloring materials, investing in high-quality colored pencils, markers, or crayons will enhance your coloring experience and produce more vibrant and satisfying results.

Summing it Up

So, there you have it! Those are the top 10 adult coloring book mistakes people make. Following these tips can avoid frustration and get the most out of your coloring experience.

So next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, reach for your coloring book and let your creativity take the driver’s seat.

Here are some additional tips for making your coloring journey even more enjoyable:

Find a coloring book that you love. The more you enjoy the images, the more likely you will stick with it.
Listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts when you color. Doing this can help you focus, engage your intuitive right brain, and zone into a higher creative frequency.
Ever tried to color with friends or family? Have a go; it can make your coloring sessions even more fun.

So what are you waiting for? Start coloring today!