Coloring pages for adults: why does it work?

Minou Marwa Mahi

· 13 Nov 2021

Coloring pages for adults: why does it work?

The success of the coloring books for adults - 1.2 million copies for the Art-therapy collection - is explained by their playful and calming side.

Don't know what to get a loved one for Christmas? So go for a coloring book! Don't laugh, Don't laugh, many French people are already hooked on it. Since the success of the book Art-therapy: 100 anti-stress coloring pages, published by Hachette in 2012, the range of coloring books for adults has continued to grow. Not only at Hachette, where the Art-therapy collection is now available in several dozen references, but also at other publishers, such as Dessain and Tolra (which belongs to Larousse), where the books of the Inspiration collection are a hit.

Coloring Development :

The figures speak for themselves: at the end of October, cumulative sales of the Art-therapy collection amounted to 1.2 million copies for 2014. Each new book is printed, on average, at 40,000 or 50,000 volumes, to the point of invading the shelves of bookstores and supermarkets. At Dessain and Tolra, the two best sellers, Inspiration Jardin and Inspiration Zen, each have sold 30,000 copies. What federate around the wave of coloring followers of all backgrounds. "If the public concerned is predominantly female, it is not confined to a specific age group or to a specific location," says Anne Le Meur, editorial manager of the reference center at Hachette Pratique.

But what exactly is an adult Coloring Book?

Compared to coloring for children, the drawings are much more complex, richer in detail, they require that we devote a certain amount of time to them,” continues Anne Le Meur. There is no question of distracted scribbling while making a professional phone call (the stated objective of the Scribble Book for adults who are bored at the office, great success of 2006): calm and concentration are the key words here.Often rich in curves, arabesques and ornaments of all kinds, the drawings are teeming with small subtleties and are made by professional illustrators. As for the themes addressed, the spectrum is quite broad, from Buddhist mandalas to Celtic art, including national heritage and nature, whether domesticated (Japanese gardens) or in the rough (landscapes , animals). A common thread, however: from the treated universes always emanates a zen and relaxed atmosphere.

why does it work?

Because if many adults are seduced by this hobby traditionally attached to childhood, it is above all for its restful and relaxing side, as explained by Florence Pierron-Boursot, editorial director at Dessain and Tolra: "It forces you to be very focused, to get rid of any stray ideas. People are under so much pressure in their personal and professional lives that they are looking for easy and inexpensive ways to relax. "
For Anne Le Meur, the practical side is also very important, as is the artistic aspect: "It is an activity which requires few material means and can be practiced anytime. And since it is not necessary to 'having a background in drawing allows everyone to satisfy their desire for creativity. " Moreover, some do not hesitate to proudly post their freshly completed coloring pages on social networks. So, get to your pencils?

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