December Fan of the Month Winners

It's that time of the month again, you guys!

Here at ColorIt, we love our talented colorists. The amount of art and inspiration that they contribute to the community is just outstanding. So each month, we choose three winning submissions based on a set criteria. Not only that, we also select 3 more submissions at random---simply because we love the effort and creativity that goes into each and every submission.

Each winner gets a $25 ColorIt gift card. They also have the chance to double their prize by having their ColorIt Pencils, Markers or Gel Pens in their submission photo. How cool is that? Read on to check out the winning submissions and exclusive interviews from some of our December winners:

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

When I was very little! I loved to color (crayons) when I was young. At the age of 10, my family went to Holland to visit my Dad's family there. My Aunt Gathy, an artist in Holland, gave me a metal case of colored pencils and I was hooked. As a gift from my Aunt, who I have only seen handful of times in my life, those pencils were and still are very precious to me. I did not want to use up the pencils, so I used them sporadically, and still have them (and use them) to this day.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

Calm, no one else around, TV on in the background (movie or series), curled up on the sofa with blanket & pillows for comfort, my supplies within arm's length, plenty of light.

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

House is neat and clean, errands are done, etc., so no stress hanging over me. I go through my myriad of coloring books/pages to choose 3-4 that I might want to do. I then go through my assortment of brands of pencils to pick whichever one I want to try. Once I have the pages and the pencils, then I take them and my bag of coloring essentials - reading glasses, electric pencil sharpener, clipboard or laptop desk, phone, sports bottle (or) tea, and TV remote - with me to my "spot" on the sofa, plug everything in that needs to be plugged in, find a good movie (or two depending on timing) or TV series to watch, get comfortable and pick my final page that I want to color... and go to it!

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

I colored as a child, but then years went by before I picked it up again. I have MANY hobbies, but they have to be done at a table, either sitting or standing. At a time when I was having problems with my back and legs, I needed a hobby that I could do in bed, either laying on my side or slightly elevated. I realized I could start coloring again, and over time it has given me the opportunity to use my creative energy even when I am physically hurting.

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

Have fun and experiment with different techniques! There are some great videos and tutorials online, so definitely look up and check out how other people color. There is no right way/wrong way. No matter how you start a project, it will always turn out a little differently than you expect it will, so just go with it. The key is that you are having fun in the process.

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

I have just ordered my first ColorIt book and am waiting for it to arrive, so I cannot speak to my favorite book. However, the Christmas coloring pages I was able to download were FANTASTIC! (I would have ordered the book, but it is sold out). I have ordered the Mandala book and can't wait to start it! I would love to see books on different Flowers, Owls, or maybe Landscapes (from around the world, ie., mountains, islands, etc, or Wonders of the World.... the list could go on!

Amy Fulton colored this page from our 12 Free Christmas Downloads.

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

Just if anyone is looking for a hobby that transports easily, can be done almost anywhere, and is fun and creative, I would highly recommend coloring. It isn't just for kids!

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I have been coloring, drawing and writing since I can remember. I have had some sort of artist material in my hand at every turn in life. I received my very first coloring book about age 1.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

Anywhere, really. Most times it is just relaxing on the sofa watching TV with my family or at the kitchen table with my sons.

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

My process is easy enough. I simply let the colors and the movement of the page tell me the theme. It’s more of an emotional type of thing. I gain the inspiration from what I want to color; it all just seems to build itself from there.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

I find so much peace and rejuvenation from coloring. Just one small thing I can do for myself without taking away from anyone else.

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

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! Anyone can color, it may take time to pick up on a few things but it will come, and when it does look out! You will be coloring everything. Also, NEVER be afraid to show your work and to explore new things. Look up videos, ask questions of those people who are doing things you'd like to try...AND by all means try, play with the colors...never fear using browns as your shade. Black can often be harsh.

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

My favorite book would have to be "A Colorful Christmas"...because of all the fun, well drawn, magical pages; plus I love Christmas. I would love to see more real life looking scenes...and there are few that I have seen but a whole book of just scenes from outdoors...a picnic beside a small brook overlooking a beautiful mountain...a lighthouse on the rock's edge standing tall above the ocean/sea....Yep anything like that would be awesome.

This design is one of our 12 Free Christmas Downloads. Meladey Glascoe did a really good job with this one.

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

Nothing much just PLEASE do your thang and share with us...I may want to get tips from you.

A side note to ColorIt.....I would like to thank you all for the wonderful gift and the chance to share my work. Even if I hadn't won anything I still would have had fun looking at everyone else's work. I look forward to buying more products and enjoying them all. So thank you once again.

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

Hi, I first picked up a coloring book around July, 2015.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is peace and quiet.

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

My creative process is to pick out the colors I'm going to use.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

My life has become a lot less stressful since I started coloring.

Eleanore Merolla colored this page from her favorite ColorIt coloring book "A Colorful Christmas."

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

If you don't feel confident about your coloring, just continue with it and it will get better.
What's your favorite ColorIt book? What title would you like to see in the future?
My favorite Colorit Coloring Book is "A Colorful Christmas". I would like to see more books devoted to holidays, such as St. Valentine's Day. I find coloring helps me fill in many empty hours.

Check out the rest of our winners!

Cindy Uselton picked this page from our 12 Free Christmas Downloads as her entry for the December Fan of the Month.

This lovely design from our 12 Free Christmas Downloads was Jessica Hopson's winning entry for the December Fan of the Month. 

Sue Bochenek colored this page from our 12 Free Christmas Downloads and did a pretty awesome job.

Looking for a chance to win a ColorIt gift card?!

Enter in this month's Fan of the Month contest at www.colorit.com/FAN! Each winner receives a $25 ColorIt gift card-- double your prize by including your ColorIt Gel Pens, Markers, or Colored Pencils! Happy coloring!