Get ready to grab pencils and color. This is the perfect hobby for a beginner with a relaxing haven or dose of creativity with no creative ability needed. You are probably wondering how to begin, but do not worry. This advice covers all a beginner will need, from materials to a quick plan and some advice for regularity on How to start your journey.
How to start your coloring journey
Why Coloring Suits Beginners
Coloring is a stress reliever that is accessible to everybody. Science confirms it calms the brain, narrows the focus, and brightens the mood. You don't have to draw anything. Just color between the lines and watch your page change. It's non-threatening, low-cost, and highly individualized, making it the ideal try-by-fire creative process. You need minimal basics, time, and a willing mind. Let's discuss what gets your creative juices flowing with confidence.
Essential Tools to Begin
No fancy gear is required. Here’s your beginner-friendly toolkit:
- Coloring Pages: These are your starting point. Go with simple designs with bold lines and open space, which equals fewer headaches and lots of enjoyment. Free printable PDFs found online are where you need to begin. Look for sets with simple items like flowers or animals. You can also pick up one from Top 5 Coloring Books for Beginners from Trending Coloring. Check for the Bold & Easy collection as well.
- Colored Pencils: These are a must-have for newbies. Grab a set of 12-24 Crayola colored pencils for under $10, perfect for learning. They’re easy to handle and blend smoothly. You can layer light colors first and fix mistakes as you go. A handheld sharpener costing under $2 keeps them sharp. Crisp tips make coloring smooth.
- Crayons: These are simple and forgiving. A 24-pack of Crayola crayons, around $5, brings bright colors and a waxy feel, great for filling big areas fast. They’re less precise than pencils, but that’s part of the charm. No need for perfection when you’re starting out.
- Markers: These offer bold, vibrant pops. Pick up a set of 10-20 Crayola washable markers for about $5-$10. They’re quick and fun, though they can bleed through thin paper. Use them with thicker pages or cardstock. Broad tips are best for beginners. Save fine points for later.
- Paper: Standard printer paper works for pencils and crayons. Grab a pack for under $5 if you’re printing your own pages. For markers, step up to thicker paper like cardstock, around $5-$10, to avoid mess. Most coloring books come ready to use, so you’re covered there.
- Workspace: Nothing elaborate is needed, just a flat surface like a table or desk with good lighting from a window or lamp. A comfy chair seals the deal. Keep your tools in a cup or box. Organization keeps it stress-free.
The total cost is under $20 with free pages, pencils, and a sharpener. You might spend even less if you’ve got crayons at home. It’s a low-budget launch to a high-reward hobby!
Planning Your Coloring Time
Time is the magic ingredient, and coloring fits any schedule, especially for beginners. Here’s how to plan it:
- Short Sessions: Start with 15-20 minutes a day, perfect for a quick break after work, during lunch, or before bed. Color a small section like a leaf or a critter and feel the calm kick in. It’s a no-pressure way to ease into the habit.
- Spreading It Out: Don’t have much free time? You can finish one coloring page in 2 or 3 days. Spend 10-15 minutes daily, perhaps after dinner or while winding down, and watch it come together bit by bit. It’s flexible and stress-free.
- Longer Moments: If you’ve got a free hour or two, tackle a full page on weekends or quiet evenings. It’s your chance to experiment with colors and lose yourself in the fun, ideal for rainy days or lazy Sundays.
- Finding Your Slot: Swap out 20 minutes of scrolling for coloring. Mornings, waiting times, or pre-bed relaxation all work. Even once or twice a week gets you started. The key is doing it regularly to build your groove.
There’s no need to rush. A simple page might take a couple hours total, spread over days if you’re busy. It’s all about enjoying the process at your own pace.
The Power of Consistency
Sticking with it, even a little, makes a big difference. Consistency turns coloring into a habit and boosts your skills over time:
- Small Steps: Aim for 2-3 short sessions a week, like 15 minutes after breakfast or an hour on Saturdays. It keeps you engaged without overwhelming your schedule.
- See the Growth: Regular coloring lets you spot progress. Your first page might be basic, but soon you’ll try shading or blending. Keep your pages to look back on. It’s proof you’re improving.
- Feel the Rewards: Each session reduces stress and sharpens focus. Consistent coloring means consistent calm. Even a page every few days keeps the good vibes flowing.
You don’t need to color daily. Weekly works too. The trick is making it a regular treat, like a coffee break, and watching it become your go-to unwind.
Tips to Start Strong
- Keep It Simple: Pick pages with bold lines and open spaces, such as animals or flowers, instead of tiny patterns. It builds confidence fast.
- Light Layers First: Start with light colors like yellow or pink, then add darker ones. It’s easier to tweak and looks smooth.
- Play Around: Try pencils one day, crayons the next, and find what clicks. Color a sky green if it feels right. There’s no wrong move!
- Embrace Oops: Smudge or go off the line? It’s all good, part of learning. Flip to a new page if you want a redo.
- Set the Mood: Add music or a snack to make it your happy place. A cozy spot keeps you coming back.
Where to Find Your First Pages
Start free and easy by searching online for printable PDFs with simple designs. Look for beginner-friendly sets featuring animals, flowers, or fun shapes. Plenty of sites offer them at no cost as of March 12, 2025. Local libraries or bookstores have coloring books too. Ask for “easy” ones to match your newbie vibe.
Start Today!
Coloring is a beginner’s jackpot, cheap, chill, and packed with perks. It’s your quiet escape, your creative playground, and a skill-builder rolled into one. Finish a page in 2-3 days, and you’ve got a win to show off or just enjoy. It’s less than a movie ticket for hours of fun!
No excuses now. Grab some colored pencils, find a page on Trending Coloring, and carve out 15 minutes tonight. Set up a table, sharpen those tips, and start coloring as of March 12, 2025. Take 2-3 days per page if time’s tight, and keep it steady. Your skills will grow, your stress will fade, and your journey will shine. Dive in, beginner, and color your world!