How to Choose Colors Without Overthinking It
Ever open a coloring page and think:
“Okay…where do I even start?”
Suddenly, something that’s supposed to be relaxing has turned into a major decision involving 14 nearly identical greens and a level of concentration usually reserved for filing taxes. 😂
It doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Here are a few easy ways to choose your colors and actually get to the fun part.
Start With One Color You Love
Don’t plan the whole page.
Pick one color you really like and start there.
Maybe it’s the color of a flower, a front door, or a bird. Once you’ve chosen that first color, the next few choices usually become much easier.
Keep Your Palette Small
More colors don’t necessarily make a better page.
Try choosing four or five colors before you start and use different shades of those colors throughout the picture.
It helps everything feel connected—and saves you from repeatedly digging through the pencil box wondering what possessed you to buy 100 colors.
Borrow Colors From Real Life
Stuck? Look around.
Nature has already done a lot of the work for you.
Think about the colors of autumn leaves, a garden in spring, the beach, a mountain sunset, or even a favorite room in your house.
You can also use a photograph you love and borrow its colors.
Or Completely Ignore Real Life
This is also a perfectly acceptable strategy.
Who says the barn has to be red?
Make it blue.
Give the flowers orange leaves.
Color the cow purple.
We’re pretty sure the cow won’t complain.
Most Importantly, Just Pick Something
Sometimes the hardest part is simply making that first choice.
So pick a color and put it on the page.
If you love it, keep going.
If you don’t, choose something different next time.
That’s part of the fun.
After all, you’re coloring—not negotiating a peace treaty.
It really doesn’t have to be that serious.
Milo’s approach is considerably simpler: if he likes the color, he uses it. 🦝
We’re beginning to think he may be onto something.
— Milo & the Urban Blue Designs Team