ColorIt's September Fan of the Month!

We all choose to color for different reasons. Maybe you’re a long-time fanatic who first picked up a coloring book as a child. Or, maybe you fell into coloring as an adult because of the calming and therapeutic benefits. The latter is how our September Fan of the Month, Jan Long, discovered ColorIt. We came to know Jan through her beautiful mandala submissions that she posted on our Facebook page.

Similar to what you will read in her interview, we were captured by her coloring pages. Seeing how vibrant the designs that she created were and how much enjoyment she got out of our pages brightened our day. Jan uses coloring to spread so much positivity that it’s easy to overlook some of her day to day struggles. It's an honor to feature her story this month and we hope all of you enjoy learning about Jan!

Calming Doodles Volume 1, Colored by Jan Long

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

2015 was the first time I picked up a coloring book. I have two rare neurological conditions of my eyes called Apraxia and Blepharospasm. There is no known cause or cure for either. I have to go for medical Botox treatments every three months. These treatments help keep my eyes open by paralyzing the muscles that cause them to close.

My Neurologist suggested I find something to help with the stress from these conditions. I decided on coloring after my husband won a very nice set of colored pencils from ColorIt. We immediately ordered three of your books - Mandalas, Colorful Flowers, and Calming Doodles.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

Sitting at a local Cafe and Bakery called Kneaders. I have given many pictures away to customers who stop by our table to inquire about my beautiful coloring pages. They have me sign them and tell me they plan to frame them! One employee has taken several and is using them to decorate her little girl's room.

Mandalas to Color Volume 1, Colored by Jan Long

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

I now use neon colored sharpie markers, fine and ultra fine. It is easier for me to see the bright colors. I sit and wait for my eyes to cooperate and just color. I definitely take my time.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

I think coloring helps reduce my stress. I also get to meet people who take an interest in seeing my finished designs. I am often asked to give them away which I do with a big smile. I have even used several of my coloring pages to decorate our small RV. It’s nice to be able to find different ways to use the finished pages.

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

Just color and don't worry about having a technique. You do not need to be an artist to color. ColorIt does have the best products on the market. I have tried it all and ColorIt Adult Coloring Books are the best! If I can color, anyone can. Just enjoy it and go with it. There is no right or wrong way to color.

Calming Doodles Volume 1, Colored by Jan Long

What’s your favorite ColorIt book? What title would you like to see in the future?

Mandalas to Color is my favorite ColorIt book. In the future, I would like to see more mandalas. They are easier for me to color for some reason.

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

I think it has added something to my life by helping me become calmer. After leaving my career due to my illness, I was having a difficult time. I spent years seeing several different doctors before I was finally diagnosed. The most heartbreaking part was finding out there is no cure.

Now, I look forward to coloring as much as I can when I am able. I have no control over when my eyes chose to close and stay that way. It is very frustrating but I like to enjoy coloring when I have the opportunity.