Adult Colouring Books

[Lincolnshirelass]

Was just wondering what anyone else thought about the current craze for these? I have to admit that though, as I can't draw at all, they were fine in principle, I couldn't really get along with them. I'm just not patient enough, and far from inducing that much-vaunted thing 'Mindfulness' they just got me impatient and frustrated. Maybe I should give them another go ...

[Dolor]

Funny but I'm guilty of snatching crayons and coloured pencils from the children I am fostering.

[inaramid]

I think they're a bit silly. I liked coloring when I was a kid; it gave me a sense of competence and pride for having done something artistic (even if I just colored in the spaces). As an adult though, I'd rather do something else.

[CommMayo]

I bought some for my adult sisters for Christmas last year. They seemed to like them because they could just turn off their minds for a little bit. I think their children ended up stealing them though...

[kelvindas19]

Isn't it bit silly for being an adult and doing this?

[CommMayo]

Don't you ever find yourself doodling on a notebook during a meeting? Isn't it more cerebral than zoning out in front of a television? I think it is an activity that can help you calm your mind. Adults are under so much stress these days, and we forget to time time out for our mental health. Think of it as a calming timeout.

[vaz222]

I have tried adult coloring books and enjoyed them a little. What bothered me most was I hurt my wrist so I can't color much without getting cramps. It's a nice activity for my daughter and I to do together.

[miracleugochukwu]

I enjoy doodling, seems like I will give the Adult colouring book a try.

[Carol Cisne]

Was just wondering what anyone else thought about the current craze for these? I have to admit that though, as I can't draw at all, they were fine in principle, I couldn't really get along with them. I'm just not patient enough, and far from inducing that much-vaunted thing 'Mindfulness' they just got me impatient and frustrated. Maybe I should give them another go ...

I think it's great that people are finding enjoyment in doing something artistic. I don't like that coloring is being touted as mindfulness or any of that other stuff, that's just marketing at this point. You have to go in with no expectations otherwise you'll just end up frustrated and feel defeated.

I've had friends say they can't do it because they aren't artistic. As an artist, let me tell you something, pick up that stick of color and go for it. I don't care if you color outside the lines, use 'ugly' colors, enjoy that damn coloring book however you want!

If you're feeling impatient while coloring try books with simpler illustrations and larger markers. A lot of 'adult' coloring books are highly detailed and that doesn't work for many people: it takes too long to finish, they're too tedious to fill in small spaces, it hurts to hold fine-tipped pencils/markers, etc. Realize why you feel impatient and try a book that might work for you.

I think artistic expression is important, especially for adults, you have to take a break from 'adult things' otherwise you just get burnt out. 'Play' is just as important as 'work'.

[Mary Garrison]

I cannot finish a whole page because I'm not patient enough. I prefer children's coloring books.

[Lildivadesi]

At age 22 I still love coloring. I have bad anxiety so it also helps with that, I can just pull out a coloring book, either a normal one or one of the "adult" ones with smaller areas or more extensive designs and will just color until I am no longer feeling anxious or worried!

[SPasciuti]

Was just wondering what anyone else thought about the current craze for these? I have to admit that though, as I can't draw at all, they were fine in principle, I couldn't really get along with them. I'm just not patient enough, and far from inducing that much-vaunted thing 'Mindfulness' they just got me impatient and frustrated. Maybe I should give them another go ...

I completely agree with you! See, getting frustrated about not being able to perfectly color in the ridiculous number of pieces they give you is precisely the reason why I've never bought an adult coloring book. I feel like the idea was great in theory and it's worked well for a number of people, but when I color I need it to be absolutely perfect. And I'm not going to get that if I have to spend such a large amount of time coordinating all of the colors to the massive sections in the books.

I've been intrigued by them, but I think if I'm going to color somehting I'll probably stick to regular kids coloring books.

[Buchacha21]

I find I can only do coloring books if I have something else going on, like watching a movie or listening to a podcast or book on tape. Otherwise I don't have the patience either!

[Whippet]

I find I can only do coloring books if I have something else going on, like watching a movie or listening to a podcast or book on tape. Otherwise I don't have the patience either!

Same here! My mind always wants to be tuned into something more. Not much more haha. But at least more than colouring, not that I think it's a silly or bad idea. I just can't do it as a standalone activity.

[uyky]

I think those were first meant only for art therapy sessions. I could be wrong and maybe therapists just took them on as their own later. In principle those books were meant to help a person concentrate and put his emotions on paper without needing to be an artist. As some kind of self discovering practice. Also, I have a grandmother with quite severe dementia and she really gets into the coloring. So they are good for something, one way or another.