July Fan of the Month Winners

Summer is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t stop us from having tons of coloring fun in the sun. Last July, we saw dozens of wonderful submissions from our ColorIt family, which made us extra happy.

See, each month, we pick winning art submissions based on a set criteria. Then we randomly choose three more winners because the more, the merrier right?

Each Fan of the Month winner will receive a $25 ColorIt gift card and will have the chance to double their prize by having their ColorIt Pencils, Markers or Gel Pens in their submission photo.

Wanna check out the winning submissions? Here they are with some exclusive interviews from the artists themselves:

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

As a child, I colored. I also liked to draw. As an adult, I used to paint in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. I could never relax painting, as I was too much of a perfectionist, which turned painting into an agonizing activity. In the fall of 2015, I started seeing adult coloring books in all the stores and people gathering around, looking at them, buying them and it piqued my curiosity. So, I bought my first adult coloring book and was hooked. It turned out to be a fantastic vehicle to be creative and relax at the same time.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

I usually sit in the family room, in a reclining chair, with the TV on, my furry family keeping me company, as my husband surfs the internet or is doing other activities. I've got a plastic laptop desk, with large cubby-holes to hold my markers or gel pens. And I'm ready to go.

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

I look through the books that are interesting to me, at the time, and find which pictures I want to color. I make a selection and decide how I wish to proceed with the picture; what colors I wish to use and where - what kind of atmosphere I wish to create.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring has brought relief from the stresses I'm battling due to several serious medical conditions I am dealing with. Coloring has given me a new outlet to be creative and imaginative. It is a fun challenge that produces extremely pleasing results. I love to look upon a piece I've worked diligently on, for many long hours, with an end-result that is uplifting and even surprising. It is a confidence booster.

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

I would tell anyone who might feel a lack of confidence about their coloring technique, that there are many techniques which can be applied; no one is the "right" one. It is different for every person - they just need to jump in and do what feels right to them, forgetting about any negative criticism - because if you are doing what makes you happy, it can only be positive. Adult coloring was created to bring a sense of peacefulness and personal pleasure.

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

Blissful Scenes and Colors of Nature are probably my favorites. But, I find my favorites may change, depending on how I feel from week to week. There are times when I prefer something like Colors of the Ocean or Mythical & Fantasy. In the future, I'd like to see a book with pictures of the countryside, the foothills, and the forest; and the creatures, great and small, that live there. I love these places!

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

Adult coloring books bring such a wellspring of gifts - as they provide a means of expression that goes deeper than putting pencil, pen, or marker to the paper - they are a marvelous form of escape! An inventive and cheerful transportation to many wondrous realms.

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I became interested in coloring 3 years ago; I believe I saw Colorama on TV and got the bug!

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is on my back porch when the weather is nice, so I get to enjoy the outdoors too.

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

My creative process is all over the place I guess. I like to size up a picture and decide what colors and what medium to use in certain areas. I love gel pens (Colorit, of course), but I can shade so much better with my Prismacolor pencils.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring has added a whole new dimension to my life; I feel a sense of accomplishment with every picture I color. Also, I feel artistic!

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

The only advice I have for colorists is to keep trying and learning different things. I have come along way from when I first started.

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

I guess Colors of the Decades is my favorite book. I think you have a great selection of books to choose from now; I have no suggestions. Classic rock bands?

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

All I know is when you start coloring you will need a big organized place to color!! You always want more books and more pens, markers, etc. I will probably try the watercolor brush pens soon.

We love how Trisha Murphy colored this page from Blissful Scenes coloring book. It makes us want to go on vacation.

Check out the rest of our winners!

Joyce Ruggieri did an excellent job. This mandala page looks pleasing to the eyes.

We love how Diana freed her creativity! The highlights made the vintage kitchen page look more real and appealing.

 This doodle page is absolutely beautiful. Love how clean the strokes are on this page.

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

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