FEBRUARY 2020 FAN OF THE MONTH WINNERS

February Fan of the Month Winner: Christine Cartwright

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I've probably been coloring in color books and on plain paper since I was old enough to pick up a crayon.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

The atmosphere I like most truly varies with my mood and why I'm coloring at the given moment. Lately, my coloring atmosphere has been with family around, sitting in the living room. The energy around me helps to feed my creativity.

Tell us about your creative process when you get ready to color.

Typically, I have two or three pages pulled that I feel drawn to complete. When I settle on one to start with, I organize/pull the colors I plan to use and set them on my coffee table (desk ;o) ), or in a coffee cup. One of my cups is a Unicorn and was a gift. A clipboard or sturdy art book makes for a great base on which to do my coloring. I rarely complete a page in one sitting, or even one day. I find that working in stages, is best for me.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

I have always colored, choosing to color children's color books with crayons until more advanced books came along. Coloring is something that brings me joy and was something I could truly share with my children. Coloring is flexible: you can color in so many differing ways, inside the lines, outside the lines, color on the image, create a background on the blank page surrounding the image, shade, blend, or whatever feels right. Though I am no longer a practicing graphic designer, coloring keeps the creative and expressive side of me moving and growing. It's been in the last 3-4 years that I restarted coloring, because I found part of me was lost in my daily "routine" without tapping into the artistic side of myself. The simple joys of life along with the beauty of color has brightened my life and removed the mundane from my routine.

What advice would you give someone who isn't confident about their coloring technique?

First of all: I was you. Growing up, everyone had a "rule" about the "proper" way to color. There really isn't one. Simply look at the various painters throughout the centuries. They have followed their own hearts and views: Pollock, Van Gogh, Dali, Ringgold, Kooning... I prefer more traditional artwork, yet, what I create when I paint, is Modern. If I like it, that is enough for me. Also I do not have only one technique. Some works are all one media, others mixed (pencil, watercolor pencil, marker, gel, glitter, etc)

What's your favorite ColorIt book?

So far my favorite was the Steampunk. I am also seriously eyeing Colorful Dragons.

What title would you like to see in the future?

Hmmm. This is a difficult one. Your books have covered so many great subjects. Celtic knots and images (runes, crosses, lettering) would be one I would enjoy.

Is there anything else you want to share about your love of coloring?

I've found that loving what I do, what I create, is really all that matters. When you love it, so will others. It's a heart thing. <3

February Fan of the Month Winner: Brianna Huerta

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I actually have never owned a ColorIt coloring book before. I was looking for art contests online and I found the "February Fan of the Month" contest and decided to join. I was able to download and print a free coloring page from the ColorIt website. But I'm planning on picking up an official ColorIt coloring book in the near future.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is at my desk with a white light while listening to music or podcasts. All these things help me think more clearly and fully concentrate on what I'm working on.

Tell us about your creative process when you get ready to color.

When I'm getting ready to color, my creative process is pretty simple. First I look at what I'm coloring and create a vague color scheme in my head, then I decide on which medium I want to use. I often choose between colored pencils, markers, or paint. Then I color the main subject first and work around making sure all colors complement each other.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring has definitely added to my life. When I was younger I used to hate coloring, but a few years ago I learned a new technique which is color layering. Learning that technique has made me really enjoy coloring and changed the way I use colors.

What advice would you give someone who isn't confident about their coloring technique?

My advice for someone who isn't confident about their coloring technique is to keep practicing and to figure out the way you like to color. Also, a pocket color wheel comes in handy if you're not sure about what colors you should use or which go good together. But, there isn't a certain way you have to color, just enjoy it!

What's your favorite ColorIt book?

Since I'm new to the ColorIt world, I don't have a favorite ColorIt book at the moment. But, while I was browsing the different coloring books online a few caught my eye specifically "Blissful Scenes", "Wild Animals", "Colors Of The Ocean" and a few others.

What title would you like to see in the future?

A title I would like to see in the future is maybe "Landscapes". I love calming landscapes so I would really enjoy coloring that.

Is there anything else you want to share about your love of coloring?

I love how coloring brings a whole new aspect to a design. Coloring something can change the whole mood of a piece, making it so special.

February Fan of the Month Winner: Erin Mistry

AND HERE ARE THE OTHER WINNERS:

Thank you for submitting your entries. Til the next Fan of the Month! 🦋