Adult coloring book trend grows

When junior Megan Wojtasiak noticed the growing popularity of adult coloring books, she knew she wanted to get one.

Wojtasiak said the intricate designs and huge variety of books spiked her curiosity.

“You can get really cool designs and there is a different design for every person, so you can get whatever coloring book resembles your personality,” Wojtasiak said.

Wojtasiak said people consider her an artistic person and coloring allows her to express her creativity.

“I always liked coloring when I was little and my grandma always had a big stack of coloring books whenever I went to her house,” Wojtasiak said. “I think it’s something I do because I really enjoy coloring.”

Wojtasiak said her coloring book helps her during stressful times.

“I used my coloring book a lot during finals week because it was a way to wind down and not stress about all of the tests,” Wojtasiak said.

According to art therapist Erin Rafferty-Bugher, adult coloring books have myriad benefits.

“I think people are definitely interested in finding alternative ways to take care of themselves and to stay well and healthy,” Rafferty-Bugher said. “The coloring phenomenon can be done as a way to stay healthy, connect with others and increase that sense of belonging and community. It is also a way to decrease stress and to relax.”

According to freshman Ilsa Olsen, coloring provides an entertaining way to create art in her free time.

“If I have down time or if I just want to do art, I will use my coloring book. I feel like (coloring books) can help you get creative and get your mind moving,” Olsen said.

Olsen said she escapes reality when she uses her coloring books.

“You are just in the moment and really concentrating on that one thing when you are coloring,” Olsen said.

Junior Ellen Schempp said she feels coloring preoccupies her when she wants a break for a short period of time, and helps her focus on something different.

“I really like the stress-relieving part of it, and (coloring) is kind of a distraction from other things in life,” Schempp said. “I am also kind of a perfectionist, so coloring gives me control over something.”

Concordia College Coloring Group co-founder Allison Ross said they decided to create a coloring group open to all students. Ross is the vice-president of the coloring club at the school.

“We would get together to just color because we wanted to have a stress-free, fun zone where we could do whatever and just be goofy,” Ross said. “We realized this would be a really cool club. We have different meeting places and we just color and talk to people around us.”

Ross said she thinks it is wonderful that adults and students are starting to color in adult coloring books.

“I think students like coloring because it is a chance to be a little kid again, and I think coloring is a way to connect to people based on what kind of coloring book you choose to buy,” Ross said.

Ross said she thinks coloring creates a place to unwind and meet new people.

“We say we are coloring the world. When you are coloring it really does bring you to another world. You really have to focus and you escape from some of the everyday mundane things that are going on around you,” Ross said.