ColorIt's August Fan of the Month!

Many of our fans who have been selected for Fan of the Month caught our attention on social media. Marla Theodoro is another fan who has managed to do this. When you look at Marla’s photos you can’t help but be filled with positive energy. Her coloring submissions transform our blank pages with the most beautiful colors. Just by looking at her designs we can tell there are no limits when it comes to her creativity. In her interview, she shares the method to creating her color popping designs, talks about a coloring group she started and offers advice to find inspiration.

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I have been coloring and drawing since I was 3 years old. Even before the "coloring craze" this past year, I would make full page doodles, just to color them in. I would even color black and white photos.

Calming Doodles Volume 1, Colored by Marla Theodoro

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is this: After a long day of work spent on the computer, I come home and get comfy on the sofa with all of my materials. I bring my two Yorkies and my fat kitty to keep me company and then put on something entertaining. Whether it’s listening to music, an audiobook, or having a great movie on, my setup is complete. It’s with all of this in place that I feel relaxed and creative.

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

My process getting ready to color is first finding the right image that fits my mood. Once I have the picture I then look at the design and see if there are large open spaces or little itty-bitty sections, and big bold lines or light outlines. Once I "feel" the picture, I know what medium to use and what colors would be right for this picture in this moment.

Mandalas to Color Volume 1, Colored by Marla Theodoro

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

The coloring craze has allowed me to "come out of the coloring closet." As a matter of fact, I started a coloring group that meets once a month. We color together, talk about new books, and techniques. We were on the local news and in the newspaper. You can see our MeetUp group here.

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

There is no wrong or right way to color. Try new colors, new techniques, and new mediums; join different Facebook coloring groups to see examples of what you would like to try; watch YouTube videos on coloring; join a coloring group that can help you. The global coloring community is open, friendly, and kind...JUST DO IT!

Colorful Flowers Volume 1, Colored by Marla Theodoro

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

My favorite ColorIt book is Calming Doodles and I am so glad a second book just came out. I also love the travel book that came out with it. I'll be ordering those soon. I would love to see what you can do with an ocean theme and now that you have a cat book, how about a dog book?

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

My love of coloring has made all my other hobbies suffer, but I just can't stop!

We hope you enjoyed reading and feel inspired to create some colorful designs of your own.

Happy coloring!