Today I'll introduce the tools you need to enjoy coloring. Get to know your tools and make your coloring life even more fulfilling. Whether you're just starting out or want to enjoy it even more, I hope this is helpful.
Types of coloring books
Many coloring books are published these days. When it comes to adult coloring, books like "Coloriage" with intricate patterns are especially famous. Detailed designs take patience, but there's a real joy in filling them in with color, and they're great for beginners too.
There are also coloring books featuring famous paintings, which you can color as-is or arrange in your own style for extra enjoyment. 100-yen shops also carry a variety of coloring books, great for both practice and finished pieces.
There are also many coloring books based on popular anime and manga, and it's a lot of fun finishing your favorite work in your own colors.
I've also worked on the coloring pages for a coloring book myself, and I've published coloring videos for it on YouTube.
There are also many coloring books by active artists and illustrators, which are enjoyable to look through like an art book on their own. Some independent artists sell coloring pages as prints or downloads, and many of these are available for a limited time, which makes them especially appealing.
Colored pencils
The most familiar and easiest tool to get started with for coloring is colored pencils.
Colored pencils broadly fall into two types: "stationery-grade" and "art-grade."
-
Stationery-grade: firmer lead that doesn't break easily, so you can color fine details without them getting crushed. Also reasonably priced.
-
Art-grade: softer lead with rich color payoff. Easier for layering and blending colors, making it well-suited for finished artwork. Pricier, but with a wide color range that expands your range of expression.
There are also "oil-based" and "watercolor colored pencils." Watercolor colored pencils can be dissolved with water to create a watercolor-like effect. Using a water brush makes it easy to add color, and preparation is simple too. Combining both types is also a fun approach.
Other art supplies
Besides colored pencils, you can also use markers, paints, crayons, pastels, and other art supplies. I'll go into more detail on these another time.
Pencil sharpener
Your everyday pencil sharpener works just fine, but I recommend the "Togaru." You can adjust the sharpening angle with a dial and adjust the length of the tip to suit your needs. The clear version is handy because you can see how much shavings have built up.
I also use small, compact sharpeners depending on the situation. They're affordably priced and great for sharpening pencils that have gotten short.
Eraser
An eraser isn't just for erasing — you can also use it to draw light-colored lines over already-colored areas. The holder-type "Mono Zero" is handy for erasing fine lines. The thicker version is easier to press firmly and works well for erasing thick lines.
A "kneaded eraser" can lift color even from areas colored darkly, which is helpful when expressing sparkles of light.
White pen
A white pen can create crisp, clean whites that an eraser or white colored pencil can't achieve. My go-to is the "Uni-ball Signo 1.0mm White." I also use things like the "Posca Extra Fine" and "Milky Brush White."
Backing board
This tends to get overlooked, but just using a backing board underneath makes a big difference in how easy it is to color. Anything you have at home is fine.
You don't need particularly expensive tools to enjoy coloring. Starting with what you already have at home and gradually building up a collection of tools that suit you is part of the fun too. Let's enjoy a fun coloring life together. Thank you for watching.