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Part of my daily doodle exercise. Illustration c. Cynthia Jabar 2015 |
In May while skimming the #BEA15 hashtag, I read a tweet from Jane Friedman saying coloring books were wildly popular.
She sounded puzzled.
I wanted to tweet back to her in caps: I KNOW WHY, but my manners kicked in.
But I do know why: R E L A X A T I O N. It's something we need to cultivate in our fast paced digital lives. I get to draw everyday as part of my job so I know how meditative drawing can be. But it appears I'm not alone.
The Boston Globe reports that coloring books are flying off the shelves and are among the top sellers at Amazon & Barnes & Noble. Five of the top 30 titles on Amazon's best seller list are coloring books aimed at adults.
Sarah Deaver, president of the American Art Therapy Association says, " I think it probably speaks to people's enjoyment in doing this kind of relaxing hobby or distraction from everyday life."
Coloring books have always been around but
I think publishers started paying attention when Taro Gomi's coloring books landed here from Japan and started selling and fueling the doodle book explosion for kids. He is the
DOODLE BOOK KING in my humble opinion. His books are fun & sophisticated - and kids LOVE them! I like giving this one away:
The Grumpy Doodle Book, it always gets a good chuckle.
I joined the craze with a doodle picture book hybrid I
illustrated called
Hello My New Baby written by
Leslie Kimmelman and published by Blue Apple Books.
It looks like this stress relieving trend is here to stay- at least until the next one emerges.
So grab some markers, put on some music, chill out & color with a few friends, you've got so many great illustration choices!
Here's a Few Awesome Ones To get You Started
The Indie Rock Coloring Book (2009) by Yellow Bird Project & Andy J. Miller.
Just Add Color: Folk Art: 30 Original Illustrations To Color, Customize & Hang (2014) by artist Lisa Congdon.
Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt & Coloring Book (2013)
by Johanna Basford (over 1 million copies sold- she's working on her 3rd book,) published by Laurence King
RELATED READING
CNN: Adult Coloring Books Topping Best Seller Lists
The Guardian: I'm A Grown-Up, But I Still Love Colouring Books by Matt Cain
The Guardian: Colouring In Can Free Your Mind. Let's Learn How To Play Again by Philippa Perry
New York Times: Grown-Ups Get Out Their Crayons by Alexandra Alter
The Boston Globe: Coloring Books For dults Are Flying Off Shelves by Dugan Arnett
The Huffington Post: Coloring Isn't Just For Kids. It Can Actually Help Adults Cope With Stress