November Fan of the Month Contest Winner

What the entire ColorIt team loves most about coloring is that it does not attract a certain type of person. Coloring is an activity anyone can do for a variety of reasons. The great part is, even if you don’t consider yourself to be creative, you can still benefit from spending time coloring in between the lines. This is the case with our November Fan of the Month, Kathy Christensen.

Kathy is a self-described “techie computer person.” Instead of using to coloring to inspire her creativity, she uses it to relax and prevent anxiety. In a world where we are surrounded by technology, it is completely understandable why some would turn to coloring to unplug and focus on the present. Ready to hear more about Kathy’s coloring adventure? Here we go!

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

Ever since I was a child, I have enjoyed coloring. I picked it up again as an adult in October of 2015. I was getting ready for a trip and was shopping for a book to take on a long flight. That’s when I walked past a table of coloring books and saw mandalas. I felt calmer as I flipped through the pages which was a nice surprise since I’m not exactly a calm person.

Kathy Christensen and a coloring page from her favorite book

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is to sit on my sofa with a Diet Coke and a snack. I slide the ottoman with my coloring supplies next to me. My daughter and I watch sappy or silly Christmas shows. Our Siberian huskies sit next to us warming our feet. All electronics, other than the TV, are put away or turned off.

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

I am not terribly creative. In fact, trying to be creative stresses me out. I am more of a techie computer person. As a kid, I would ask my mom what color I should use for a picture. She wouldn't tell me. She told me to use my creativity. I found that annoying :-)

Coloring for me is about relaxing and preventing anxiety. That is why I like mandalas. The symmetry is soothing. I just flip through my Mandalas book until I find one that pops out. Then, I pick a colored pencil that speaks to me and away I go.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring has provided me with a new way to relax and de-stress. Something about it just turns the anxiety part of my brain off.

Mandalas to Color Volume 1, Colored by Kathy Christensen

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

My technique is basically to try and color inside the lines. I like to look at the other submissions ColorIt fans have posted. I learn a lot from seeing the creativity of others. The best advice I could give is to buy quality from the start. I wasted a lot of money on sub-standard pencils, pens, and books. I guess that is part of the learning process.

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

My favorite ColorIt book is Mandalas to Color Volume 1. I am thrilled to be receiving my Mandalas Volume 2 in the next couple of days. I would like to see a book with Siberian Huskies. Since I know that isn't a reasonable request, I think a book of repeating geometric designs would be nice.

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