How to Choose the Best Coloring Materials

 

Coloring isn't just for kids anymore. In fact, with the rise of adult coloring books and the popularity of coloring as a form of relaxation and stress relief, coloring is more popular now than ever before!

One of the most important aspects of coloring is choosing the right materials for the job. I cannot tell you the level of frustration I have felt at trying to color a page with intricate lines and details, yet finding my markers are too thick for the job. In fact, that's why I have a range of books with both thin and thick lined images, so there is something for everyone! 

In this blog post, I am going to share my favorite coloring materials as well as the pros and cons of each, so you can become an expert in no time!

First up, let's take a look at...

Colored Pencils

Colored pencils are a popular choice for coloring enthusiasts of all levels. They offer precise control and can be layered to create depth and texture. When choosing colored pencils, consider the following factors:

• Quality: Invest in artist-quality colored pencils for vibrant colors and smooth coverage. Brands like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent are known for their high-quality pencils.

• Pigment: Look for pencils with rich, saturated pigments that blend easily. Lightfastness (meaning how the pigment in the pencils interacts with the light around you) is also important, especially if you plan to display your artwork.

• Core: Make sure to go for pencils with a soft, creamy core that allows for smooth, even coverage. Harder cores tend to produce lighter, more scratchy lines.

• Price: While artist-quality pencils can be expensive, they are far superior to cheap pencils. Not only will they produce a higher quality of artwork, but they will last longer and provide an overall better coloring experience.

Markers are another popular choice for coloring, offering bold, vibrant colors and quick coverage. However, not all markers are created equal! In fact, I had a horrible experience with some markers I bought from the Tik Tok shop. They were scratchy and awful!

So, here's what to consider when choosing markers for coloring:

• Type: There are two main types of markers: alcohol-based and water-based. Alcohol-based markers offer smooth, blendable colors and are permanent once dry. Water-based markers are more affordable and can be blended with water for a watercolor effect.

• Tip: Marker tips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including fine point, chisel tip, and brush tip. My personal favourite is the brush tip as they offer a smooth flow that is just perfect for relaxation. Sadly, brush tips aren't suitable for every design, however. They can only be used with bold and thick lined books, such as my 'Easy Coloring Book'. For thinner lined books, such as my 'Simple Coloring Book', choose fine point markers instead. 

• Ink Quality: Look for markers with archival-quality, acid-free ink that won't fade over time. This is especially important if you plan to display your artwork or sell it.

• Price: Quality markers can be expensive, but they often offer superior color payoff and blendability compared to cheaper options. Consider starting with a small set and gradually building your collection over time.

My personal recommendation, having tried several brands of markers, is that the Ohuhu Alcohol Based Brush Markers provide the most satisfying coloring experience. Sure, they might be a bit pricey compared to others, but they are longer lasting and simply a pleasure to use. Of course, they are only suitable for thick lined books, so I recommend pairing them with my Easy Coloring Book. 

Crayons were of course the first coloring material I - and most people - ever used. They are a classic medium beloved by children and adults alike. While they may not offer the same level of precision as colored pencils or markers, crayons can be used to create bold, vibrant artwork with a unique texture. Here's what to consider when choosing crayons:

• Type: Crayons come in two main types: wax and oil. Wax crayons, like Crayola, are the most common and offer smooth, even coverage. Oil crayons, like Caran d'Ache Neocolor II, are water-soluble and can be blended with water for a watercolor effect.

• Texture: Crayons have a unique texture that can add depth and interest to your artwork. Experiment with layering and blending to create different effects.

• Price: Crayons are an affordable option for coloring, making them ideal for beginners or anyone on a budget. Look for quality brands that offer rich, vibrant colors and smooth coverage.

Gel pens are a relatively new addition to the coloring world but have quickly gained popularity for their bright colors and smooth, flowing ink. I have to confess, I put off coloring with gel pens for a long time as I had flashbacks of the old scratchy gel pens I used as a child, but now things have come a long way and there are a huge selection to choose from. 

Here's what to consider when choosing gel pens for coloring:

• Ink Quality: Look for gel pens with acid-free ink that won't fade over time. Pigment-based inks are ideal for coloring, as they offer rich, vibrant colors and smooth coverage.

• Tip Size: Gel pens come in a variety of tip sizes, including fine point, medium point, and bold point. Choose a tip size that suits your coloring style and preferences. Remember, fine point tips are great for adding detail, but will be scratchy if trying to use to color large areas. 

• Color Range: Gel pens come in a wide range of colors, including metallics, fluorescents, and pastels. This is one of the main benefits of gel pens. Adding a touch of metallic or fluorescents to a picture can really uplevel your coloring game! 

• Price: Gel pens can be more expensive than other coloring materials, but they offer bright, vibrant colors and smooth, flowing ink. Look for quality brands that offer good value for money.

All in all, it is important to remember to choose the materials that are best suited for the job. If you are working on a design with small, thin lines or a lot of detail, you are better off sticking to colored pencils. However, if you are looking for a smooth and relaxing experience, try the Ohuhu brush markers with a thick lined book, such as my Easy Coloring Book.

Got a specific question? Let me know and I will happily help!