How Do Beginners Start Coloring Without Feeling Overwhelmed?

Coloring isn't just for kids anymore — it's a creative escape for adults, a form of relaxation, and even a tool for mindfulness. But if you're a beginner staring at a box of pencils and a blank coloring page, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Where do you start? What colors do you choose? How do you make it look pretty without losing your mind?

Don't worry — you're not the only one. This step by step guide will walk you through how to start coloring with confidence, choose the right tools, and even have fun (without perfection anxiety).

Let's begin your easy-to-start coloring journey!

1. Get a Handle on Why Coloring Is Overwhelming at First

Before we cover the technique ot tips, it's worth understanding why coloring can feel overwhelming.

To many newcomers:

• They fear "ruining" the page.
• They compare themselves to experienced colorists online.
• They're unsure which materials to use.
• They overthink colors and blending.

Remind yourself: coloring is not a competition — it's a personal, soothing activity. There's no "incorrect" color to choose or "terrible" line. The whole point is to silence your mind and allow yourself to speak through color.

Once you let go of the idea of perfection, you'll find coloring natural and enjoyable.

2. Start — Choose Simple Coloring Pages

If you're starting, don't attempt intricate mandalas or über-detailed pictures. Select bold and straight forward coloring pages with:

• Thick black lines
• Large spaces
• Less details
• Topics you know (flowers, animals, patterns)

Newbie friendly coloring page themes to try:

• Whimsical flowers
• Cozy coffee cups
• Simple geometric shapes
• Adorable critters (cats, bunnies, owls)
• Natural landscapes with trees or mountains

You can find more free printable coloring pages and books on websites like Free Coloring Pages Pro, Creative Fabrica, and Pinterest. Look for "easy adult coloring pages" or "bold line drawings."

3. Select the Right Coloring Tools

The tools you choose can make or ruin your beginner experience. You don't have to break the bank on art supplies to get started — just the right essentials.

Colored Pencils

Great for new comers or beginners

Very Easy to blend and maneuver

Work on most paper types

Popular beginner brands:

Crayola Colored Pencils (budget friendly)

Prismacolor Premier (blends great)

Faber Castell (rich pigment)

Gel Pens

Perfect for adding shine and details

Available in metallic, neon, and glitter colors

Markers

Offer bold color

Alcohol based markers like Ohuhu or Copic are a good choice, but may bleed through lightweight paper.

Tip: Try a mixed-media technique ,draw in pencil first, then add gel pen or marker accents on top!

4. Make a Beginner Coloring Kit

Here is a simple checklist to get you started:

Your First Coloring Kit Checklist:

• 24-48 colored pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Eraser (for light color lifting)
• Fine-tip black pen (for outlining)
• Blending a stump or a cotton swab
• Simple coloring book or printable pages
• A clipboard or smooth table surface

Keeping your tools within reach makes coloring convenient and fun.

5. Discover Basic Coloring Techniques (No Art Degree Necessary!)

You don't necessarily need to take formal classes in art to paint with beauty , some simple tricks.

Light Pressure First

Start with light, gentle strokes of color. You can always darken but not lighten when it's more heavy.

Layering

Apply multiple layers of the same or adjacent shades to achieve depth and richnes. Layer yellow, orange, and red to create a sunset hue.

Blending

• Blend colors smoothly using:
• Light circular strokes
• A white pencil or blender pencil
• Tissue paper or blending stumps

Shading

Make it look real by shading darker values and leaving the lighter ones. Try a color wheel for reference (see below).

Outlining

Light outlining edges can make your colors pop and provide definition.

These steps will help you complete your coloring pages with more finesse, without the anxiety.

6. Use a Color Wheel for Confidence

A color wheel is a beginner's best friend. It shows how colors go together, complementary, analogous, or triadic.

Easy color combination:

• Blue and Orange (Complementary)
• Pink and Yellow (Bright & Cheery)
• Green and Brown (Nature inspired)
• Purple and Blue (Cool & Calming)

When uncertain, pick one primary color and two highlighting colors. For example:

• Main: Teal
• Highlight: Gold
• Accent: Cream

Having your palette small prevents confusion and keeps your coloring steady.

7. Start Small - 10 Minutes a Day

Starting a new hobby is so tempting: you want to do too much and burn out when you try to do everything at once. So, start with just 10–15 minutes a day.

You can color while:

• Listening to music
• Watching your beloved TV show
• Having a cup of tea

Gradually, you'll find yourself focusing more and your creativity will always flow more easily.

8. Create a Calming Coloring Space

Create the atmosphere before you color , where you are matters.

Simple setup ideas:

• Sit near natural lights.
• Keep your coloring tools within reach.
• Light a candle or diffuse essential oils.
• Play calming background music.

Coloring is a form of mindfulness. The quieter and cozier your space, the easier it is to immerse yourself in the moment.

9. Avoid Comparing Your Work to Others

Social media may inspire, but it may also overwhelm you. Remember, most online colorists have been coloring for years—and often digitally improve their work.

Your coloring journey is your own.

Every page you color is always your reflection of mood, creativity, and feelings.

The beauty of coloring is in how you feel, not how others judge. Take pride in progress, not perfection.

10. Discover Coloring Communities for Inspiration

Joining a community can give you confidence and keep you inspired.

Where to join:

• Facebook groups (e.g., "Adult Coloring Book Addicts")
• Reddit Coloring community
• Instagram coloring Activities
• Discord or Pinterest boards

These always communities enable you to share your work, get feedback, and learn new methods or materials.

11. Use Coloring for Mindfulness & Stress Relief

The most significant advantage of coloring is its effect on mental health.

Scientific studies prove that coloring:

• Reduces anxiety
• Reduces negative thinking
• Improves concentration
• Promotes relaxation

When you focus on selecting colors and coloring shapes, your brain shifts from stress mode to relaxation mode — like meditation.

Practice mindful coloring by:

• Focusing on breathing
• Observing strokes
• Letting go of results

It's a calming way to unwind after work.

12. Keep a "Coloring Journal"

A coloring journal helps you track your progress and ideas.

Add:

Dates and finished pages

Combinations of colors that you loved

Methods you tried

Comments on what you were feeling while coloring

The more time you have, the stronger your confidence, creativity, and color sense will become.

13. Keep Your Supplies Organized

Tidily stored supplies make it more likely you'll break them out and play.

Storage ideas:

• Pencil coils or zipper pouches
• Drawer separators
• Small plastic bins with color labels
• Art caddies for travel

Keep pencils sharp and marker tops screwed on to prevent drying out.

14. Experiment with Various Papers

Not all papers respond the same way when experimenting with color.

For more effortless blending and richer colors, try thicker paper (100–120 gsm).

When you print your own coloring pages, use:

• Premium matte paper
• Markers cardstock
• Mixed media watercolor paper

A good paper option will instantly improve outcomes and reduce frustration.

15. Mix Media Practice (When You're Ready)

Once you're comfortable, try mixing different coloring mediums.

• Bright combinations to try:
• Colored pencils + markers (base and fine details)
• Watercolor pencils + gel pens (texture)
• Ink outlines + soft pastel backgrounds.

Adding mixed media to your pages gives them dimension and personality.

16. Turn Your Complete Pages into Masterpieces

Don't put your finished pages away in a drawer — showcase them!

Inspiring showcase ideas:

• Frame your favorites
• Use them as greeting cards.
• Create a scrapbook or art journal.
• Create bookmarks or gift tags.

Sharing your work brings joy and motivation to keep coloring more.

17. Remember - It's All About Fun, Not Perfection

Coloring is supposed to calm you down, not anger you.

Forget about rules. Combine green and pink if you like. Color outside the lines if it is acceptable.

Each page is an opportunity to reconnect with your inner child and rediscover being more creative without judgment.

18. Level up your skills. Do it gradually.

Once you feel at it ease, step up to more advanced topics such as:

• Gradient blending
• Light source shadowing
• Background construction
• Color theory drills

Don't hurry. Each page you color builds your skills naturally.

19. Best Beginner Coloring Books (2026 Options)

If you're willing to invest in a good beginner coloring book, here are some time tested classics:

• Blooming Bags(Flower handbag): A Cozy Coloring Journey - Simple, bold flower patterns for relaxation.
• The Hobbit Village Coloring Book– Whimsical fantasy landscapes.
• Cozy USA Days- American comfort scenes with simple, bold strokes.
• Whimsical Cupcake City- Adorable, foodie themed design for stress relief.
• Secret Garden Door-Mystical nature design illustrations.

These books offer a balance between simplicity, loveliness, and attentiveness,deal for beginners.

20. Keep Coloring — One Page at a Time

When in doubt, remember:

Coloring is not a race, it's a journey.

Start with a single page, pencil, and color. See how your mind calms down as your imagination takes over.

As time passes, you'll develop your own style — your favorite palettes, tools, and techniques. Most importantly, you'll be happy and content with each stroke.

Last Thoughts

If you're a beginner at coloring and looking to learn how to start without feeling intimidated, the secret is this:

• Start small.
• Choose tools you adore.
• Let go of expectations.
• Color for yourself, not others.

Your coloring routine is your own happy, creative haven — one that summons calm, confidence, and imagination.

And so grab some pencils, breathe deep, and paint your world with color — one page at a time.