Ultimate Beginners Guide To Colouring For Adults

Colouring isn’t just for kids anymore! Adult colouring books have gained tremendous popularity over the last few years and it’s easy to see why!

Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or simply want to explore a creative hobby, colouring for adults can be a fulfilling and inexpensive way to pass the time and become the ultimate, cosy, relaxing hobby. In this guide, I’m going to share some of the things I’ve learned while taking up adult colouring as a hobby.

Over the years I’ve dabbled on and off with colouring, picking up highly detailed colouring books, sharpening all of my pencils and being full of hope only to get halfway through a picture and get bored, never to return to the book again. That was until I discovered a whole bunch of people just like me using bold and easy colouring books with markers. The pictures are big and simple but there’s the opportunity to add some detailing and get creative if you wish. It sounded perfect to me! 

For me, bold and easy pictures are the way to go when it comes to colouring for adults. They’re easy and simple, relatively quick to finish and there are no intricate patterns. I have become totally hooked on adult colouring since discovering these kinds of books! You can follow my colouring on TikTok and Instagram.

If this sounds like a hobby for you then carry on reading for the ultimate guide to colouring for adults!

How to Start Adult Colouring

Starting adult colouring is simple and requires very little preparation. All you need is a colouring book and some basic supplies, such as coloured pencils or markers. Choose a comfortable, quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, and allow yourself to get lost in the process of selecting colours and carefully filling in the patterns. Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece — the goal is relaxation, not perfection! 

Colouring for adults is having a bit of a moment on social media and there are some wonderfully creative people out there with the most stunning pictures, even in bold colouring books. It’s easy to think that your pictures need to look like that but they don’t. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s all that matters. 

Don’t worry too much about your pictures being perfect. While it’s nice to see what others can do creatively and learn some new techniques your pictures don’t have to look like everyone else’s.

To begin:

• Pick a simple design: If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a book that has less intricate designs to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Also if you’ve tried adult colouring before and got bored like me then definitely go for bold and easy books.
• Set aside time: Don’t put yourself into a strict routine as any hobby should be fun and unregimented but dedicating some time to colouring can help you relax and switch off your mind from work and other daily stresses. 
• Allow yourself to experiment: There’s no right or wrong way to colour! Don’t hesitate to mix and match colours or try new techniques as you become more comfortable.

What Should I Use For An Adult Colouring Book?

When it comes to adult colouring books, the options are endless. Some books focus on intricate mandalas, while others feature calming nature scenes or motivational quotes. Then there’s the bold and easy colouring books that I’ve come to love which often feature cute characters or objects in simple designs. When choosing your first colouring book, consider the following:

• Pattern size: Intricate, fine-detail books may look beautiful but can be intimidating for beginners. For a more relaxing start, opt for designs with larger spaces and fewer details.
• Paper quality: If you plan to use markers, look for books with thicker paper to prevent ink from bleeding through to the other side. Higher-quality books often have perforated pages for easy removal and display. It’s still best to put something under your page to protect the other pages though.
• Themes: Choose themes that resonate with you — whether it’s nature, abstract patterns, animals, or even pop culture or cute characters.

Should I Use Markers or Coloured Pencils in an Adult Colouring Book?

One of the most common dilemmas beginners face when it comes to colouring for adults is choosing between markers and coloured pencils. Alcohol markers are a very popular choice amongst those who colour on Instagram and TikTok but they aren’t a necessity and you might prefer a different medium. Here are some pros and cons for each option to help you decide:

Coloured Pencils

Pros:

• Great for detail: Perfect for intricate designs, coloured pencils allow for precision and shading.
• Blending: You can blend colours more easily, adding depth and gradient to your work.
• Control: Mistakes can often be fixed with an eraser, offering more control over the outcome.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Pencils require patience, as building up layers of colour can take time.
• Requires sharpening: They can lose their sharpness quickly, especially if you’re working on detailed designs.

Water-based Markers

Pros:

• Vibrant colours: Markers tend to have bright, bold colours that pop on the page.
• Quick coverage: You can cover large areas quickly, which is great for more open designs.
• Inexpensive: Water-based markers are extremely cheap and you can buy large packs almost everywhere

Cons:

• Paper swelling: Water-based markers can sometimes cause the paper to swell, causing streaking or paper tearing
• Less blending: Unlike pencils or alcohol markers, water-based markers don’t blend as easily, which may limit your shading options.

Alcohol-based Markers

Pros:

• Smooth application: Alcohol markers are great for achieving smooth, even coverage, and they dry quickly.
• Professional look: These markers often give a polished, artistic finish as they blend smoothly.

Cons:

• Expensive: Alcohol markers tend to be pricier than pencils or water-based markers. Higher-quality markers will set you back quite a lot.
• Bleed-through: They will bleed through even thicker paper, so you’ll need to place a sheet behind the page to protect other designs.

Is Adult Colouring a Good Hobby?

Absolutely! Colouring for adults has numerous benefits, making it a worthwhile hobby for people of all ages.

Mental Health Benefits: Colouring has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as it helps calm the mind and focus on the present moment. The repetitive motion of colouring can be meditative, allowing you to escape daily pressures.

Screen-Free Activity: In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with screens, colouring offers a refreshing break from technology. It’s an ideal way to unplug and engage in something tactile.

Creativity and Self-Expression: You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy colouring! Choosing colours, experimenting with shading, and bringing a page to life offer a creative outlet without the pressure of producing “art.”

Relaxation: Sitting down with a colouring book is inherently relaxing. It’s a great way to wind down at the end of the day or pass the time on a quiet afternoon.

Is It Normal for Adults to Use Colouring Books?

While some may think of colouring as a childish activity, it’s perfectly normal (and common) for adults to use colouring books. In fact, adult colouring has become a mainstream hobby, with countless books specifically designed for adults. Even bold and easy books that were once seen as being only suitable for young children are now becoming a staple for adults who are interested in colouring but don’t want intricate designs.

Engaging in an activity that might seem childlike can help tap into nostalgia, triggering happy memories and a sense of innocence. It’s a playful, non-judgmental form of creativity, and that’s something everyone — regardless of age — can benefit from. There’s no shame in enjoying colouring as a hobby and you should absolutely do whatever makes you happy! 

What Colouring Books Are Best For Adults?

Adult colouring books range from intricate, highly detailed designs to more simplistic patterns. Here’s a breakdown of what’s best for beginners:

• Intricate Patterns: Mandalas, floral arrangements, and geometric designs are common in adult colouring books. These detailed designs can be a satisfying challenge for those who enjoy precision, but they may not be the most relaxing option for beginners.
• Bold and Easy: For a more relaxing experience, look for books with larger spaces to colour, such as simple landscapes, animal shapes, or abstract patterns. These are often a great starting point, as they allow for more creative freedom without the pressure of staying perfectly within tiny lines. Companies such as Coco Wyo or Southern Lotus dominate the colouring world when it comes to these kinds of books and they have an abundance of cute options. There are also smaller creators designing these kinds of books though too.

Do I Need to Spend a Lot of Money on This Hobby?

No, you don’t need to break the bank to start adult colouring! While some art supplies can be expensive, you can easily find budget-friendly options that work perfectly well for beginners.

Budget-friendly coloured pencils and markers: Many affordable brands offer good-quality supplies. You don’t need professional-grade pencils or markers to get started. The Range and B&M have great art supplies at affordable prices and they even have alcohol markers, traditionally the more expensive medium, for reasonable prices. 

Affordable books: Look out for sales at bookshops, or check online retailers for budget colouring books. You’ll find a wide range of options at reasonable prices. Amazon has a lot of books that are usually no more expensive than £7 and come with plenty of pages to get you started. 

Upgrading over time: As you become more invested in the hobby, you might want to experiment with higher-quality tools and more expensive books. However, starting small and simple is perfectly fine — you can always upgrade later. There’s no need to rush in and get what everyone else has. A good example of this is Ohuhu markers which you’ll see everywhere if you start engaging with colouring accounts of social media. However, these are one of the more expensive brands and you absolutely don’t need these as a beginner! 

Conclusion

Colouring for adults is a fun, accessible, and therapeutic hobby that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking to relax, get creative, or simply take a break from screen time, colouring offers a soothing way to unwind. You don’t need to spend a fortune or be a skilled artist to enjoy the benefits and have fun — all you need is a book, some colours, and a bit of time to lose yourself in the calming world of colouring.

What cosy hobbies do you like to do? Would you consider colouring for adults? Let me know in the comments!

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