Choosing Colors

To choose colors for a coloring book, start by identifying a focal point—the most important part of the image—and picking its color first. From there, you can build a cohesive look by using a limited palette of 3–5 complementary colors or following basic color theory.

• • Use the Color Wheel: A color wheel helps you find natural harmonies:
    • • Analogous: Colors next to each other (e.g., blue, teal, and green) for a calm, blending effect.
      • Complementary: Colors opposite each other (e.g., blue and orange) for high contrast and vibrance. 

  • Limit Your Palette: Beginners often feel overwhelmed by too many options. Stick to a limited selection of 10–12 colors or pencils to ensure the page doesn’t look “all over the place.”
  • Find Inspiration in Nature: Look at flowers, birds or landscapes. You can use tools like the Adobe Color App to snap a photo of a real-world object and automatically generate a palette. 
  • Match the Mood: Decide on a vibe before you start.
    • • Warm Colors: Reds, oranges and yellows create energy and excitement.
      • Cool Colors: Blues, greens and purples are better for relaxation and soothing scenes. 

  • Browse Online Palettes: Search for “color palettes” on Pinterest or Instagram to find pre-made combinations that professional designers use.
  • Swatch First: Before applying color to your page, test your choices on a scrap piece of paper to see how they actually look side-by-side.

• The Dice Game: If you’re stuck, roll a die to pick random pencils from your set until you have a small group to work with.
• Follow a Reference: Find a colored version of the same or a similar image online and use it as a guide for your own color placement.