“Colorists” has become the term for people who color in adult coloring books.
While most colorists enjoy the process for themselves and leave it at that, others have become very active in coloring groups, and actively work towards helping some of their favorite artists out.
Coloring book artists everywhere are creating “street teams” groups of fans who are willing to help spread the word in exchange for swag and exclusive access to some of the work.
Jennifer Scarabin is a colorist with several street teams. She also is the Admin for the Facebook coloring group Color Your Heart Out
How long have you been coloring?
I’ve been coloring but didn’t get into adult coloring till 4 years ago.
Did anything bring you into adult coloring like self-therapy or specifically the types of images that became available?
Actually, my doctor suggested I check it out adult coloring. I looked at her crazy but I did. Well, 4 years later I haven’t looked back. It’s helped me deal with my everyday anxiety and other things I deal with.
oh wow, I like your doctor.
Unfortunately, she passed away in 2015. So I thank her every day for it. Most doctors thought she was crazy for it but she never backed down.
I’m a big fan of art therapy and craft therapy. I’m sorry you lost her. How did get involved with being a “colorist” for coloring book artists?
The artist would ask me and if I liked the work I said yes. I was shocked that they even asked for me to be on a team.
How many coloring teams are you currently on?
7 coloring teams
Approximately how many hours in any given week are you coloring?
Oh wow that’s hard to say, depending how busy I am. If I had to guess probably 50+
What’s your favorite subject/ type of picture to color?
My favorite has to be mandala. Funny thing about that is. I was intimidated by them and avoiding them. Till one day I tried them and fell in love with it.
Why do you think that is? What about mandalas made you fall in love?
I think I fell in love with mandalas. Because you get lost in them coloring everything little piece. It’s like all your worries are gone at that-very-single moment.
(That’s like the best answer ever!)
What’s your favorite tool/medium for coloring
Oh man, that’s really hard to say I love all mediums. If I had to pick it would be markers.
Markers in general or a specific brand? are you a Copic fan?
I love my Chameleon Pens/Markers. I have a couple Copics but not a fan of them. Maybe because I’ve been spoiled with the chameleons. Lol
For colorists looking to join coloring teams, what would you suggest to them?
I would suggest looking for events that hold artist looking for colorists. I took the longer approach. I colored a lot of artists’ work because I just loved doing it. I stayed consistent with posting what I colored. Eventually, that’s when most artists approached me. Don’t get on a team just to get on one. If you don’t like the work they do that’s totally fine. You wouldn’t wanna work somewhere you would be miserable. Just be honest with them honesty goes a long ways.
all images from Laura Medeiros coloring books, colored by Jennifer Scarabin
