The Evolution of Coloring From Childhood Hobby to Adult Trend

Finding yourself stuck in a boring situation can feel like torture. When it comes to boredom, there is just so much good that you can do. For instance, many people seek mental diversion by playing video games and scrolling through social media.

However, experts attest that spending hours on electronics is hardly sustainable, physically, mentally, or otherwise. That leads us to one trend that has swept the world: Adult coloring books. As it turns out, coloring isn’t just for children anymore.

Adult coloring books have become all the rage in the past few years. In 2015, an estimated 12 million coloring books were retailed in the US, a feat no one saw coming. But where did it all begin? Let’s explore the evolution of coloring from simply a leisurely childhood activity to something of a trend among adults.

The Origin of Coloring Books

Coloring books date back to 1612 when Michael Drayton first published his poem “Poly-Olbion.” The poem featured an outline of a map engraved with mystical creatures and detailed depictions of flora and fauna.

Before long, it became fashionable for people to color those maps and creatures themselves. Further, the map’s outline became quite useful for 17th-century artists, as it was the simplest way to paint with watercolor.

In 1658, coloring books were integrated into the educational sphere, mainly to train aristocrats. Johann Amos Comenius’s coloring encyclopedia of 1658 is one of the earliest known examples. The book’s pages featured coloring illustrations designed to teach kids about the natural world in a more engaging manner.

Coloring Books and Entertainment

It was not until the 1800s that coloring books went mainstream. This was about the time that lithography was invented. This allowed the mass production of books featuring detailed illustrations.

However, it was in the 1880s, when the British company McLoughlin Brothers patented the modern coloring book, that these books rose in popularity. The company began mass-producing books featuring popular cartoon characters from literature and fairies.

That, coupled with the advent of early childhood education in the 20th century, cemented children as the target audience. Aiming to advertise their products, companies jumped on the bandwagon by branding coloring books with associated colors. Notable mentions include:

  • National Lead Company painting books of the 1920s
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation coloring book of 1965

The Evolution of Adult Coloring Books

Kid’s coloring books may have been synonymous with childhood throughout the 20th century. However, the adult counterpart emerged as a novel concept in the late 1960s to early 70s as an alternative way to stress relief, self-care, and relaxation.

The movement began with the release of The Executive Coloring Book in 1961, which was a satirical piece poking fun at the corporate lifestyle. Another notable iteration was the 1963 “The Coloring Book,” created by Dover Publications.

This adult coloring masterpiece featured more complex geometric patterns, which, unlike the children’s version, appealed to adults who wanted to infuse more sophistication into their coloring experience. Both books became central to American life, with retailers making substantial success.

In the latter stages of the 20th century, adult coloring books began incorporating even more complex designs, which included but were not limited to:

  • Depictions of nature (fauna and flora)
  • Mandalas, which are symmetrical patterns typically used during spiritual meditation

With their intricate symmetry, mandalas became popular among adults who sought a realistic challenge in their coloring. Their popularity surged even more after it emerged that coloring (art therapy) possesses stress-relieving qualities.

21st Century Coloring Books

We’re barely into the third decade of this century, but coloring books have made one of the most remarkable resurgences in modern history. But why are these books making adults revisit an activity they did in preschool and elementary school? Is it just nostalgia, or are there other explanations?

In the past few years, the adult coloring phenomenon has been promoted as a physical, emotional, and mental health remedy. As a result, many adults, recognizing its benefits, have taken up coloring as an alternative medicine for self-care.

Art therapy has been used in psychotherapy for years and was a standard prescription for folks suffering from mental health conditions such as stress, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. In modern medicine, where healthcare is out of reach for many, pseudoscience and holistic healthcare approaches such as supplementation, meditation, and yoga have found favor.

That said, the popularity of adult coloring books has grown because of the associated benefits of coloring. Many studies have shown that the single action of coloring a mandala in a book may offer the following benefits:

  • It is a form of brain play/workout that stimulates the brain, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Coloring has a calming effect, enhances focus, lowers blood pressure, and promotes sleep. These aspects touch on mental health and can be beneficial for stress and anxiety patients.
  • It is a form of meditation that supports mindfulness.
  • It is a social activity that provides opportunities to connect and interact with peers. Many communities organize coloring social clubs, events, and adult programs, facilitating a sense of belonging for participants.

The Modern Coloring Book

The advent of social media has undeniably propelled the growth and popularity of adult coloring books. However, thanks to technological advancements, the traditional coloring book has evolved beyond mandalas, paper, and pencils.

The present market has embraced innovation, creating digital apps, websites, and electronic coloring devices to get engaged on the move. More intricate designs and themes have also been developed to cater to different tastes.

Final Thoughts on the Evolution of Coloring

Adult coloring is a popular trend that has been touted to offer numerous therapeutic benefits. The single action of coloring, whether artistic or otherwise, can help you calm down, distract you from the daily grind, offer a sense of accomplishment, or be a medium for creative expression.

You can achieve coloring relatively quickly, although preliminary studies reveal its benefits are far-reaching. However, more research is needed to conclusively link coloring to its therapeutic benefits.

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