So, you’ve got your favorite book and a fresh set of pencils. You’re sitting at your desk, ready to unwind. But who says coloring has to be a solitary, “sit-still-and-stay-quiet” activity? While the health benefits of coloring are serious, the process itself should be an adventure.
If you’re looking to break out of a creative rut or just want to see what else your supplies can do, it’s time to experiment. From social parties to “giant-sized” art, here are eight ways to turn your coloring sessions into a full-blown experience.
1. The “Medium Mashup”: Experiment with Tools
Don’t feel like you have to pick one tool and stick to it. Every medium—whether it’s a gel pen, a wax-based pencil, or a watercolor wash—interacts with the paper differently.
The Challenge: Photocopy the same page three times. Color one strictly with colored pencils, one with vibrant markers, and one with crayons or pastels. When you lay them side-by-side, you’ll be amazed at how the “mood” of the art changes. This is the best way for a beginner to find their “signature style” without wasting a whole book.
2. Digital Coloring: Art in Your Pocket
We usually advocate for “unplugging,” but tablets and smartphones have turned coloring into a portable powerhouse. Apps like Pigment or Tayasui Sketches offer brushes and textures that are impossible to mimic on paper—like neon glows or metallic sheens.
The best part? You can “Undo” a mistake instantly. It’s a great way to test out a color palette before you commit to it on your expensive physical paper. Plus, you can share your digital masterpiece on social media with a single tap.
3. The “Doodle-First” Method: Making Your Own Pages
This is the ultimate way to unleash your inner creator. Sometimes, the blank page is intimidating, but try this: put on a movie or a podcast, grab a black liner pen, and just start doodling. Don’t think—just let the pen move. Once the page is filled with random shapes and swirls, go back in and color them.
You aren’t just coloring a page; you’re coloring your thoughts. It’s a great way to relax while “streaming” because it doesn’t require the precision of a professional mandala, but it’s 100% unique to you.
Flow Says…
“If you’re worried about ‘ruining’ a page, remember: it’s just paper! If you make a mistake, call it a ‘design choice’ and keep going. Some of my favorite pieces started as a smudge I had to hide with a darker color!”
4. Coloring as a Social Event (For the Extroverts!)
Who says coloring is a solo sport? For the extroverts out there, hosting a “Coloring Party” is a fantastic way to decompress with friends. It’s like a “Paint and Sip” night, but much more low-pressure.
Clear off the dining room table, put out a spread of snacks and drinks, and let everyone bring their own supplies. You’ll find that the conversation flows differently when everyone’s hands are busy. It’s a great way to trade tips, borrow that one “perfect” shade of purple from a friend, and connect without the distraction of phones.
5. The “Coloring Buddy” Challenge
This is a fun, interactive way to stay connected with friends or relatives who live far away. It turns coloring into a game of “Color-by-Number” mystery.
How it works: 1. Photocopy a page and send the blank copy to your buddy. 2. Color your copy using a limited palette (say, only 5 colors). 3. On a separate sheet, assign each of your colors a number (1=Blue, 2=Yellow, etc.). 4. Mark the numbers in the corresponding spots on a blank copy and mail it to them. 5. Have them color it in and send you a photo! It’s always a surprise to see how the different brands of pencils and individual styles change the final look.
6. Take It Outside: Drawing Inspiration from Nature
If you’re feeling cooped up, take your kit into the backyard or a local park. There is a deep, grounding connection that happens when you color in the fresh air.
The Goal: Try to match your palette only to what you see around you. If you’re sitting under a pine tree, look for the subtle browns in the bark and the dusty greens of the needles. Whether you’re coloring a dragon or a flower, using “Nature’s Palette” creates a piece of art that feels earthy and real.
7. Go Big: Posters and Murals
Sometimes, a standard 8.5×11 page isn’t enough for the energy you’ve got. Try coloring on a large scale! You can buy giant coloring posters or even “coloring wallpaper” for a feature wall.
Pro-Tip: If you have a digital file of a coloring page you love, you can take it to a local print shop (or a place like Staples/Walmart) and have it enlarged to a poster size. It’s surprisingly affordable, and once it’s finished, you have a massive, impactful piece of handmade art that’s ready to be framed.
8. Mindfulness: The “Deep Relax” Session
While the other methods are about “fun,” this one is about healing. It has been scientifically proven that coloring can lower blood pressure and heart rate, but you can double that effect by layering your senses.
Set the mood with a guided meditation or a “Lo-Fi” calming playlist. Dim the overhead lights and use a warm desk lamp. By intentionally creating a “sacred space” for your coloring, you tell your brain that the workday is over and the healing has begun.
Conclusion: There Are No Rules
The most important thing to remember is that there is no “right” way to enjoy this hobby. Whether you’re coloring a giant mural with a group of friends or sitting quietly in the woods with a single pencil, the goal is the same: to enjoy the process and find your flow.
So, which one are you going to try first? Maybe it’s time to call a friend or pack a bag and head outside. The lines are just the beginning!