🎨 Coloring Tips & Tools Guide

Welcome to your go-to guide for relaxing, creative, and confidence-boosting coloring. Whether you’re brand new to coloring or a seasoned artist, these tips will help you get the most joy out of every poster.

At Artistic Chaos Ink, we believe coloring is about connection, calm, and creativity—not perfection.

🌈 Start With the Right Mindset

Before you pick up a marker or pencil, remember:

• There is no “right” way to color

• Your style is what makes your art special

• Coloring is about enjoying the process

• Mistakes often become beautiful surprises

Let go of perfection and enjoy the moment.

🖍️ Complete List of Coloring Tools

You can use almost any medium on our posters. Here are our favorites:

Dry Tools

• Colored pencils

• Crayons

• Gel pens

• Fine-tip markers

• Brush pens

• Soft pastels

Wet Tools

• Watercolor paints

• Watercolor pencils (activated with water)

• Tempera paint

• Acrylic paint (light layers)

• Paint markers

Specialty & Fun Tools

• Alcohol-based markers

• Metallic markers

• Glitter pens

• Puff paint (3D effect)

• White gel pen (for highlights)

✨ Choosing the Right Tool for Your Mood

Not sure what to use? Try this guide:

If You Want…	Try…
Soft & calming	Colored pencils, watercolor
Bold & bright	Markers, paint markers
Smooth blending	Alcohol markers, pastels
Detail work	Gel pens, fine markers
Playful texture	Puff paint, crayons

🎯 How to Combine Coloring Tools

Mixing tools is one of the best ways to create depth and personality.

Pencil + Marker

• Color lightly with pencils first

• Add marker on top for bold accents

• Great for shading and outlines

Watercolor + Pen

• Paint first

• Let dry completely

• Add details with pens

Marker + Gel Pen

• Fill large spaces with markers

• Add sparkle and details with gel pens

Pastel + Pencil

• Blend soft pastels for backgrounds

• Add pencil details on top

Paint + Marker

• Paint large areas

• Use markers for outlines and patterns

🌟 Blending Tips

Want smooth, beautiful transitions? Try these techniques:

With Colored Pencils

• Use light layers

• Build color slowly

• Blend with white or light colors

With Alcohol Markers

• Work while ink is still wet

• Layer similar shades

• Use colorless blender if available

With Watercolor

• Start with clean water

• Use light washes

• Let layers dry before adding more

📄 Paper Matters (And Why Yours Works)

Our Thick Art Paper is designed for creativity:

✔ Handles markers and paint ✔ Supports blending ✔ Feels smooth and sturdy ✔ Reduces bleed-through

Our Everyday Paper is great for:

✔ Crayons and pencils ✔ Group coloring ✔ Classroom and party use ✔ Quick creative fun

Choose the paper that fits your project and mood.

🧠 Tips for Stress-Free Coloring

Coloring should feel good—not overwhelming.

Try these ideas:

• Start with just 2–3 colors

• Work in small sections

• Take breaks

• Put on calming music

• Color with friends or family

• Don’t rush the process

Remember: slow is beautiful.

👨👩👧👦 Group Coloring Tips

Coloring together builds connection.

For groups, we recommend:

• Set out multiple tool types

• Share color palettes

• Assign sections (optional)

• Celebrate every style

• Take photos of progress

Perfect for classrooms, offices, parties, and family nights.

💡 Creative Ideas to Try

Looking for inspiration?

• Monochrome challenge (one color family)

• Rainbow sections

• Seasonal themes

• Name personalization coloring

• Collaborative murals

• Gratitude coloring (write words inside shapes)

💛 Our Favorite Reminder

Coloring isn’t about staying inside the lines. It’s about slowing down, connecting, and enjoying the moment.

From colorful chaos to connection—one stroke at a time.

📩 Need Help?

Have questions about tools, paper, or techniques?

Message us anytime—we’re happy to help you create with confidence.