Considering how popular adult colouring has become, I’m a bit disappointed that there isn’t any obvious comment thread that I can see on the good old Telegraph article denouncing it – or rather seemingly denouncing the people who partake in it. I really hope that reading it doesn’t make anyone feel bad about their chosen way to relieve their stress. Any kind of shaming sucks I reckon, and telling the thousands of people who love colouring to “Grow up yer big babies and draw yer own pictures!” isn’t very nice. Maybe people don’t want to colour their own pictures. Maybe having to draw their own pictures will stress them out.
She’s right about the way that many people live their lives. It’s hectic being alive in this age, for everyone mostly, but I think that when it comes to what we do in our own time, for enjoyment or to relax, is nobody’s business but our own. And honestly, if originality is key to being an “adult”, then when you do partake of the suggested allowed for adult fun activities like sewing, cooking, singing and so on, then you’d better be singing your own original songs and making totally original food. Personally speaking, my singing is to be feared by anyone with ears and I can’t really rhyme to save my life. I don’t always want to be making up brand new recipes and designing new things to sew.
????
There’s comfort in what’s known. Old recipes, knitting patterns, and the remembered comfort in colouring in a lovely shape. Life’s tough enough without feeling the need to shame people who enjoy such an innocent pastime over reading Dostoevsky, learning to recite the Russian alphabet, or some such highbrow pursuit. I don’t consider myself an intellectual cretin, and I really do enjoy study and reading classic and modern great literature, but I also found that these things don’t help at all in times of stress. When I was a twanging bundle of terror after all the break-in attempts in the middle of the nights, the thing that calmed me best was Candy Crush. Sometimes childish—call them mindless if you like—pursuits are exactly what we need. Don’t try and spoil the small harmless pleasures that people seek. There are much bigger problems in our world if you really fancy a nice rant. So I say rock on you colouring book guys. Nothing wrong with it.
I was surprised to see how popular colouring had become for adults, but like you, I see nothing wrong with it. I certainly enjoyed it when I was young. Choosing colours, whether for colouring, painting, knitting, embroidery, decorating, gardening – the list is endless – is in itself creative.
I’ve never played Candy Crush, but again, I understand that’s very popular too. I did have a huge farm on Farmville though, and what I enjoyed about that was the ability to design and create a virtual farm. OK it doesn’t get the dishes washed and there is nothing to show for it, but it’s not totally mindless.
So yes, colour away people, if that’s what you enjoy. And crayons are so beautiful.
Candy Crush is terribly addictive, so I try and avoid it altogether these days – especially the Soda one where you get to win gold bars every few days. You can lose hours – which is a lot better than zooming around peering out of windows every two minutes in the middle of the night. 😀 Crayons really are beautiful now that you mention it – like little real rainbows in their boxes.
Well said Jo. I haven’t tried this but I don’t think any relaxing activity should be shot down, colouring books or whatever. Whatever makes people happy and encourages them to be creative…
I’m in full agreement here. What you have also highlighted in this person’s critisicm is the demand of society to behave in a certain way, to do and not to do certain things and the lack of acceptance around this. Smacks of the ever present media trying to influence us all. It’s no wonder some of the behaviours in socienty being promoted by the media lead to people feeling bad about themselves when these journalists wield their power without care. Now I’m going to colour something and send it to this woman! 😀
I was really surprised to see all the coloring books popping up for adults. As for criticism, I think people just love to complain. I see it about everything that is dubbed ‘childish’ and marketed to adults. It’s like you hit a certain age and people expect you to stop having fun.
True! I plan on having a very happy childhood for the rest of my life. I suppose if it wasn’t colouring books it would be some other thing. Still – not everyone is overly intellectual, and that shouldn’t be a reason to be insulted. I’m using my photography as an excuse to buy plastic insects at the moment – fun! 😀
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
AGREED – People should be able to CHILL in whatever (legal and non-harming) way they want to without others looking down on them! Personally, I’m 66 years old, but I read a lot of kid’s books and comics – So THERE LOLOL 😀
LOLOL! So THERE – LOVE IT! Thank you Furry! I was actually talking to a friend the other day. She’d spotted one of my Terry Pratchett’s and had picked it up while I zoomed through to do something on the computer. She’s a very intellectual lady, so I wasn’t sure what she was going to say about it. When I came back she was grinning, and guess what she took with her to finish? She pointed out that unless you actually do have a bit of knowledge, you probably won’t “get” a lot of what he writes. So…us kiddie book and picture lovers are BRAINIACS after all! 😀
My mother loves colouring books. I mentioned it to her before they arrived in Spain and when she came to see me here I bought her some. Yes, she enjoys it and considering the stressful time she’s had recently… The only problem is her eyesight at the moment. Hopefully it will be better after cataracts operations. A friend of mine also enjoys it. As far as the hobby doesn’t harm anybody… Perhaps we should start a duo. My singing is seriously bad too!
Your poor mother – I’m sure she’ll have a new lease on life after the operation though. I know someone who said it was like day and night after the op. LOLOL! We can still sing in cars when we’re on our own – we can’t have all the talents when we’re scribblers. ❤
This is the first time I’ve seen any commentary on the coloring phenomenon. I think people don’t want it known that they color! I’ve been tempted to try it, but my relaxation is knitting, swimming, and playing various solitaire games.enjoyed your perspective!
You’ve definitely got a lot of hobbies Noelle! 🙂 I’ve seen some amazing coloured pictures on blogs. People put their own takes on them, using all sorts of different colouring mediums, and produce very original artworks in the end sometimes too. Definitely don’t deserve Grinches having at them.
When I came across the first colouring books for adults I indeed thought – “Oh, NO – how much more childish can you get?”
Stupid me. I was the child, trying to be more grown up than the grown ups. You know, I was the “that is soooo embarassing”-teenager.
If you have fun with it, do it. Unless you get religious about it, you won’t do harm to anyone. And I have since seen some real beauties!
Still, I am not personally tempted, but my personal taste is not the all of tastes. We are allowed to be all different.
I think we should rethink what it means to be grown up. We’re so busy being hard on ourselves all the time, sometimes we should just do fun things, regardless what anyone else thinks about it. There are a lot worse things to be doing than colouring I reckon. 🙂
Sometimes I wonder if the newspapers just think of something controversial to write about hoping to grab more readers. Lots of people are involved in the current colouring phenomena sweeping the globe so that was an easy topic, bound to cause debate. I have tried this, enjoyed it during the holidays when it seems easier to while away an hour without guilt pangs and can definitely attest to its mesmerising immersive task.
True – and then not to give the opportunity for readers to comment is a bit frustrating too. I read that there was a worldwide colouring pencil shortage, so there really must be a huge bunch of people doing it too.
Just because something is out there we don’t all have to give it a try. But we should be able to not get worked up just because others do what they like when they do no harm by it. In this sense the colouring books are harmless.
I have a couple of the coloring books, and love filling them in with either markers, or colored pencils. It’s relaxing, and I’ve heard it helps distract from pain. You can try to free your mind of stresses, and in my case, it gives me a chance to think of new story ideas, or poems. I also color kid’s coloring pages with my grand-daughter, which is fun, too!
How dare they? i am the proud owner of my very own colouring book complete with its own set of colour pencils and at 57 years young I think I classify as grown up! Rock on all those closet colourists, be proud I say!!! hi Jo long time out of circulation but happy to be back xxx
Yes indeed our mutual writing friend Conrad told me once to beware Africa gets in your blood! Currently in TZ job searching, international development work preferably in Africa!!!!
When something works–and well–leave it be. What’s wrong with a little artistic pleasure? Coloring may even feel like a guilty pleasure. So what? No-one is hurt in the process.
Fabulous post, Jo.
Thank you Tess! People would do a lot better if they coloured in their spare time, rather than a whole lot of other hobbies out there. Pleasure is allowed in gentle format too. ❤
I remember the days when father colored with me when I was 3 or 4 years old. He always found time for me and perhaps this imprinted my appreciation for art whether my own or that of others.
What a fabulous memory to have Carl! Your father has obviously instilled that kindness in you, as well as nurturing your talent. We need a lot more people in the world like him.
Write on is right Cynthia! You’re right – she’s a party pooper. We shouldn’t badmouth things that we haven’t tried, or even if we have and don’t like to do them. ❤
I’m with you Jo! And it’s nobody’s business what one does with their time to relieve stress. I recently bought myself a beautiful colouring book with inspirational quotes swirled into the pictures. It really caught my eye. Lately, when I’ve had the time to sit down in the evening for an hour or two to catch a bit of television, I pull out the book and find myself not even paying attention to the TV, but lost in the business of choosing the right colour and staying in the lines. Nothing else seems to matter in those moments, so I darn well call that great relaxation! 🙂
Hi Jo,
Thank you for sharing your opinion on coloring for adults. This inspires me to keep going with my launch for my adult coloring eBook, Calm Coloring: Faith, Hope & Love (Art & Soul Therapy for Kids-At-Heart) coming out on Amazon on May 31st even though I’m sicker than a dog. I love your drawing of the house. So sweet. 🙂
The way some people color in the spaces shows an artistic talent for using color. The finished pictures are beautiful. I can see where it would be relaxing. Also, one adult coloring book author was donating the money paid for orders to a charity. I don’t know why people have to pick on things that don’t concern them and complain. They could be putting “their” time to better use. —- Suzanne
Jo Robinson 
May 17, 2016 at 10:27 am
I was surprised to see how popular colouring had become for adults, but like you, I see nothing wrong with it. I certainly enjoyed it when I was young. Choosing colours, whether for colouring, painting, knitting, embroidery, decorating, gardening – the list is endless – is in itself creative.
I’ve never played Candy Crush, but again, I understand that’s very popular too. I did have a huge farm on Farmville though, and what I enjoyed about that was the ability to design and create a virtual farm. OK it doesn’t get the dishes washed and there is nothing to show for it, but it’s not totally mindless.
So yes, colour away people, if that’s what you enjoy. And crayons are so beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 19, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Candy Crush is terribly addictive, so I try and avoid it altogether these days – especially the Soda one where you get to win gold bars every few days. You can lose hours – which is a lot better than zooming around peering out of windows every two minutes in the middle of the night. 😀 Crayons really are beautiful now that you mention it – like little real rainbows in their boxes.
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May 17, 2016 at 10:50 am
Well said Jo. I haven’t tried this but I don’t think any relaxing activity should be shot down, colouring books or whatever. Whatever makes people happy and encourages them to be creative…
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May 19, 2016 at 2:55 pm
I also haven’t tried the books, but I’m fond of colouring in general. You’re right – I think that it would encourage creativity in general too. 🙂
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May 20, 2016 at 9:27 am
:))
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May 17, 2016 at 12:04 pm
I’m in full agreement here. What you have also highlighted in this person’s critisicm is the demand of society to behave in a certain way, to do and not to do certain things and the lack of acceptance around this. Smacks of the ever present media trying to influence us all. It’s no wonder some of the behaviours in socienty being promoted by the media lead to people feeling bad about themselves when these journalists wield their power without care. Now I’m going to colour something and send it to this woman! 😀
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May 19, 2016 at 2:56 pm
LOL! We should all get colouring and send her a whole happy pile of pictures. 😀
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May 19, 2016 at 4:13 pm
I totally agree, some people can be miserable and need cheering up! 😉
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May 17, 2016 at 12:42 pm
I was really surprised to see all the coloring books popping up for adults. As for criticism, I think people just love to complain. I see it about everything that is dubbed ‘childish’ and marketed to adults. It’s like you hit a certain age and people expect you to stop having fun.
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May 19, 2016 at 2:58 pm
True! I plan on having a very happy childhood for the rest of my life. I suppose if it wasn’t colouring books it would be some other thing. Still – not everyone is overly intellectual, and that shouldn’t be a reason to be insulted. I’m using my photography as an excuse to buy plastic insects at the moment – fun! 😀
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May 19, 2016 at 3:11 pm
It’s cartoons for me. Though I haven’t indulged in a while. Usually it’s an anime.
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May 17, 2016 at 1:43 pm
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
AGREED – People should be able to CHILL in whatever (legal and non-harming) way they want to without others looking down on them! Personally, I’m 66 years old, but I read a lot of kid’s books and comics – So THERE LOLOL 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:02 pm
LOLOL! So THERE – LOVE IT! Thank you Furry! I was actually talking to a friend the other day. She’d spotted one of my Terry Pratchett’s and had picked it up while I zoomed through to do something on the computer. She’s a very intellectual lady, so I wasn’t sure what she was going to say about it. When I came back she was grinning, and guess what she took with her to finish? She pointed out that unless you actually do have a bit of knowledge, you probably won’t “get” a lot of what he writes. So…us kiddie book and picture lovers are BRAINIACS after all! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:31 pm
EXACTERMONDO JO 😀 XXX
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May 17, 2016 at 2:44 pm
My mother loves colouring books. I mentioned it to her before they arrived in Spain and when she came to see me here I bought her some. Yes, she enjoys it and considering the stressful time she’s had recently… The only problem is her eyesight at the moment. Hopefully it will be better after cataracts operations. A friend of mine also enjoys it. As far as the hobby doesn’t harm anybody… Perhaps we should start a duo. My singing is seriously bad too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Your poor mother – I’m sure she’ll have a new lease on life after the operation though. I know someone who said it was like day and night after the op. LOLOL! We can still sing in cars when we’re on our own – we can’t have all the talents when we’re scribblers. ❤
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May 17, 2016 at 3:22 pm
This is the first time I’ve seen any commentary on the coloring phenomenon. I think people don’t want it known that they color! I’ve been tempted to try it, but my relaxation is knitting, swimming, and playing various solitaire games.enjoyed your perspective!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:06 pm
You’ve definitely got a lot of hobbies Noelle! 🙂 I’ve seen some amazing coloured pictures on blogs. People put their own takes on them, using all sorts of different colouring mediums, and produce very original artworks in the end sometimes too. Definitely don’t deserve Grinches having at them.
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May 17, 2016 at 3:44 pm
When I came across the first colouring books for adults I indeed thought – “Oh, NO – how much more childish can you get?”
Stupid me. I was the child, trying to be more grown up than the grown ups. You know, I was the “that is soooo embarassing”-teenager.
If you have fun with it, do it. Unless you get religious about it, you won’t do harm to anyone. And I have since seen some real beauties!
Still, I am not personally tempted, but my personal taste is not the all of tastes. We are allowed to be all different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:09 pm
I think we should rethink what it means to be grown up. We’re so busy being hard on ourselves all the time, sometimes we should just do fun things, regardless what anyone else thinks about it. There are a lot worse things to be doing than colouring I reckon. 🙂
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May 19, 2016 at 3:52 pm
Indeed there are! Must be that protestantic work ethic that makes us all so eager to do “useful” things.
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May 19, 2016 at 4:17 pm
We’re in “useful” ruts. 🙂 I wonder if there’s a good market in Barbie for Biggies now. 😀 LOL! Probably wouldn’t be a great idea at all.
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May 17, 2016 at 3:52 pm
Sometimes I wonder if the newspapers just think of something controversial to write about hoping to grab more readers. Lots of people are involved in the current colouring phenomena sweeping the globe so that was an easy topic, bound to cause debate. I have tried this, enjoyed it during the holidays when it seems easier to while away an hour without guilt pangs and can definitely attest to its mesmerising immersive task.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:11 pm
True – and then not to give the opportunity for readers to comment is a bit frustrating too. I read that there was a worldwide colouring pencil shortage, so there really must be a huge bunch of people doing it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 17, 2016 at 3:58 pm
I wrote about adult coloring, too. It’s an odd fad, not sure how I feel about it 🙂
https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2016/05/16/adult-coloring/
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May 17, 2016 at 6:28 pm
Just because something is out there we don’t all have to give it a try. But we should be able to not get worked up just because others do what they like when they do no harm by it. In this sense the colouring books are harmless.
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May 19, 2016 at 3:18 pm
Excellent perspective! Probably taking them to bed with you isn’t a good idea – the pencil scratching could be a problem. 🙂
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May 17, 2016 at 4:55 pm
I have a couple of the coloring books, and love filling them in with either markers, or colored pencils. It’s relaxing, and I’ve heard it helps distract from pain. You can try to free your mind of stresses, and in my case, it gives me a chance to think of new story ideas, or poems. I also color kid’s coloring pages with my grand-daughter, which is fun, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 19, 2016 at 3:19 pm
I’ve seen a couple of yours on your blog, and I think they’re lovely. Even though I haven’t yet, I think I just might get myself one of those books. 🙂
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May 17, 2016 at 5:27 pm
[…] Colouring Isn’t for Dummies […]
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May 17, 2016 at 5:30 pm
https://sondasmcschatter.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/colouring-isnt-for-dummies/
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May 19, 2016 at 3:19 pm
THANKS FOR SHARING LOVELY SONDA! ❤
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May 17, 2016 at 5:57 pm
How dare they? i am the proud owner of my very own colouring book complete with its own set of colour pencils and at 57 years young I think I classify as grown up! Rock on all those closet colourists, be proud I say!!! hi Jo long time out of circulation but happy to be back xxx
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May 19, 2016 at 3:20 pm
LOL – How very dare they! I’ve been MIA too Gill – now I’m back though, so we will catch up soon I hope. Are you still in Africa? ❤
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May 23, 2016 at 8:49 am
Yes indeed our mutual writing friend Conrad told me once to beware Africa gets in your blood! Currently in TZ job searching, international development work preferably in Africa!!!!
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May 17, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Have to agree. I can’t imagine telling anyone who colors to grow up. Thanks
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May 19, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Thanks John. 🙂 I’m amazed that these newspapers actually publish things like this – they’re not amusing – just rude. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 17, 2016 at 9:03 pm
When something works–and well–leave it be.
What’s wrong with a little artistic pleasure? Coloring may even feel like a guilty pleasure. So what? No-one is hurt in the process.
Fabulous post, Jo.
LikeLiked by 4 people
May 19, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Thank you Tess! People would do a lot better if they coloured in their spare time, rather than a whole lot of other hobbies out there. Pleasure is allowed in gentle format too. ❤
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May 19, 2016 at 7:12 pm
I bought some postcards for my granddaughter, but at the time she couldn’t concentrate on coloring.
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May 19, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Talk soon.
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May 18, 2016 at 2:10 pm
I remember the days when father colored with me when I was 3 or 4 years old. He always found time for me and perhaps this imprinted my appreciation for art whether my own or that of others.
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May 19, 2016 at 3:25 pm
What a fabulous memory to have Carl! Your father has obviously instilled that kindness in you, as well as nurturing your talent. We need a lot more people in the world like him.
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May 18, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Right on, Jo. (Maybe that should be ‘write on!”) Such party poopers.
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May 19, 2016 at 3:27 pm
Write on is right Cynthia! You’re right – she’s a party pooper. We shouldn’t badmouth things that we haven’t tried, or even if we have and don’t like to do them. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 20, 2016 at 3:30 am
I’m with you Jo! And it’s nobody’s business what one does with their time to relieve stress. I recently bought myself a beautiful colouring book with inspirational quotes swirled into the pictures. It really caught my eye. Lately, when I’ve had the time to sit down in the evening for an hour or two to catch a bit of television, I pull out the book and find myself not even paying attention to the TV, but lost in the business of choosing the right colour and staying in the lines. Nothing else seems to matter in those moments, so I darn well call that great relaxation! 🙂
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May 20, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Thanks for this rant! I love coloring and I’m not about to quit or get into an argument with someone who thinks it’s childish.
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May 21, 2016 at 10:41 pm
Hi Jo,
Thank you for sharing your opinion on coloring for adults. This inspires me to keep going with my launch for my adult coloring eBook, Calm Coloring: Faith, Hope & Love (Art & Soul Therapy for Kids-At-Heart) coming out on Amazon on May 31st even though I’m sicker than a dog. I love your drawing of the house. So sweet. 🙂
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May 30, 2016 at 2:36 pm
The way some people color in the spaces shows an artistic talent for using color. The finished pictures are beautiful. I can see where it would be relaxing. Also, one adult coloring book author was donating the money paid for orders to a charity. I don’t know why people have to pick on things that don’t concern them and complain. They could be putting “their” time to better use. —- Suzanne
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June 10, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.
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