Recommended Products

InnerSophist Designs

InnerSophist Designs is a newer entrant in the coloring book scene, distinguished as a global artist collective. Launched around 2023, the brand's name hints at "inner sophistication," with its books blending intricate designs and mindfulness. Their titles—ranging from bold, simple landmark illustrations to detailed whimsical scenes—aim to both inspire and soothe.

Despite its youth, InnerSophist Designs has made notable contributions by embracing diversity and innovation. Their work not only offers creative coloring experiences but also reflects the evolving nature of adult coloring books as an art form that bridges cultures and artistic expression.

Jade Summer

Jade Summer is a prolific coloring book brand launched by Fritzen Publishing LLC in the late 2010s. It is known for its vast catalog (over 160 titles) covering diverse themes – from simple pattern collections to fantasy, animals, holidays, and more. Rather than a single artist, Jade Summer represents a team of illustrators publishing under one name, which allows the brand to release new books frequently. This high-output strategy made Jade Summer one of the bestselling independent coloring book publishers on Amazon, with fan-favorite books like "100 Amazing Patterns."

The impact on the coloring industry is significant. By catering to many tastes and skill levels, Jade Summer helped popularize adult coloring as an accessible hobby. The brand normalized the idea of a pseudonymous publisher producing a wide array of content and built a loyal community through social media and newsletters. Even after facing challenges—such as a temporary suspension by Amazon— the brand's strong following ensured its reinstatement. Today, Jade Summer remains a staple in the adult coloring world, proving the commercial potential of indie coloring books and the power of community.

Coco Wyo

Coco Wyo emerged in the early 2020s as a group of independent artists and colorists on a mission to create "cozy moments" through coloring books. As a creative collective (reportedly a team of Vietnamese illustrators), they rapidly gained fame with a signature "Bold and Easy" design style—featuring thick lines, simple shapes, and charming imagery that appeals to all ages. Their intentionally relaxed style made coloring more accessible and stress-free.

The brand leveraged social media to amass a vast following, and despite facing controversy over trademark applications on common phrases, Coco Wyo continued to grow. A landmark publishing deal with Penguin Random House marked their transition from self-publishing on Amazon to mainstream success. Coco Wyo's evolution underscores its pioneering role in transforming coloring books into a global phenomenon.

Copic Markers

Copic is an iconic brand of professional art markers introduced in 1987 in Japan by the Too Corporation (formerly Izumiya). Developed to meet the needs of graphic designers and manga artists, Copics were designed to be refillable and to work without disrupting photocopier toner. Starting with 71 colors, the range has since expanded to 358 vibrant hues. Their alcohol-based inks blend smoothly and dry quickly, and the refillable design has set the benchmark for quality in art markers.

Copic markers revolutionized marker art, becoming a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike. Their dual-tip design and reusability influenced countless artists and remain the gold standard in the industry.

Ohuhu Art Markers

Founded in 2013 and inspired by a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, Ohuhu set out to make high-quality art markers accessible to everyone. Their dual-tip alcohol markers emulate professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost, with some sets offering up to 320 colors and even a total of 481 colors across their product lines. Known for vibrant pigments and excellent blendability, Ohuhu has democratized professional art tools, allowing hobbyists and students to explore creative techniques without a high price tag.

Prismacolor

With a history dating back to 1938, Prismacolor began as a professional line of colored pencils created by the Eagle Pencil Company. Renowned for their creamy, blendable texture and rich pigments, Prismacolor evolved over the decades—expanding into markers and pastels. The introduction of dual-ended markers in 1984 revolutionized commercial art rendering. Today, Prismacolor remains a benchmark for quality art supplies, cherished by professionals and coloring enthusiasts worldwide.

Choosing the Right Tools

Different coloring tools create different effects. Colored pencils offer precision and blending capabilities, while markers provide vibrant, bold colors. Gel pens add shimmer and detail, and watercolors create soft, dreamy effects. Consider the paper quality of your coloring book when selecting tools—thicker paper (85 lb or higher) works better with markers and watercolors to prevent bleeding.

Basic Coloring Techniques

• • Layering: Build up colors gradually by applying light layers and adding darker shades
• • Blending: Create smooth transitions between colors using colorless blenders or light-colored pencils
• • Shading: Add depth by using darker shades in areas that would naturally be in shadow
• • Highlighting: Use white or light colors to add highlights to create dimension
• • Burnishing: Press firmly with colored pencils to create a smooth, polished look

Advanced Tips

• • Color Theory: Learn about complementary and analogous colors to create harmonious pages
• • Test First: Try colors on a separate sheet before applying to your coloring page
• • Work from Light to Dark: Start with lighter colors and gradually add darker shades
• • Create Themes: Use color schemes that evoke certain moods or environments
• • Take Breaks: Rest your hands and eyes periodically to prevent strain

What makes a good coloring book?

A quality coloring book features thick paper (at least 60 lb), one-sided pages to prevent bleed-through, a variety of designs with different complexity levels, and perforated pages for easy removal. The best books also have clear, well-defined lines and appropriate spacing between elements.

Which coloring tools are best for beginners?

Beginners often find colored pencils most forgiving as they allow for gradual color building and easy correction. Brands like Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell are excellent but can be pricey; Crayola colored pencils offer a good budget-friendly alternative. Water-based markers are also good for beginners who prefer vibrant colors.

How do I prevent marker bleed-through?

To prevent marker bleed-through, use coloring books with thicker paper (85 lb or higher), place a sheet of cardstock behind the page you're coloring, or remove the page from the book and place it on a separate surface. Alcohol-based markers are more likely to bleed through than water-based ones, so consider your paper quality when choosing markers.

What's the difference between artist-grade and student-grade coloring supplies?

Artist-grade supplies contain higher pigment concentrations, offer better lightfastness (resistance to fading), and typically provide smoother application than student-grade alternatives. While they're more expensive, they often require less layering to achieve vibrant colors and last longer. Student-grade supplies are more affordable and perfectly suitable for casual coloring enthusiasts.