The 5 Biggest Problems with Adult Coloring Books (And How I Solved Them)
Tired of coloring books with paper so thin you can see through it? Or 'custom' art that just looks like a bad filter? I was too. That’s why I stopped buying mass-market books and started making my own. Here are the 5 major problems I found in the coloring industry—and exactly how I fixed them with 100lb cardstock, lay-flat binding, and geometry-based design. Your markers (and your sanity) will thank you.
BENEFITS OF HANDMADE COLORING BOOKS
1. The "Gap" I Found: From Coloring Book Chaos to Custom Creations
I was on a mission. A mission to find a coloring book that didn't involve anthropomorphic animals having picnics or AI-generated images that look like a toddler’s fever dream. And when I looked at the "custom" options? Yikes. Line art versions of blurry photos? How many pictures of your boyfriend do you really want to color?
I realized I wasn't the only one feeling shortchanged. While the adult coloring market is booming—projected to grow massively over the next decade—it is also flooded with low-effort content. In fact, when you dig into customer feedback across the industry, you find that nearly a third of negative reviews stem from a lack of "fill" or sufficient imagery. People are buying books only to find they feel empty or incomplete. Quite frankly, they are fed up with “AI slop”.
I knew there had to be a way to address these issues in a unique and original way.
That's when I had the idea. I’d previously used a pattern creation application to create coloring pages for some books I had published on Amazon and are now available on my website (Mindful Patterns and Relaxing Patterns), which focused on bold, satisfying designs. The application uses a source image—which could be anything—and applies mathematical algorithms to it.
We aren't talking about artificial intelligence here. We are talking about "wallpaper groups" (also called tilings)—geometry rules that artists have used for thousands of years to define exactly how shapes repeat and mirror.
That’s when the lightbulb went off. I could take a customer's photo, convert it into black and white line art, and use it as the source image.
You send a photo that means something to you (a beloved pet, a wedding moment, a childhood home, a favorite vacation photo, a family member you miss).
I convert it into clean black-and-white line art (so it’s bold, clear, and colorable).
I use that line art as the source image in my pattern design process to create repeating, symmetrical pages.
I fine-tune every page so it’s balanced, soothing, and genuinely fun to color.
I print and hand-assemble your book as a premium finished piece.
There's no AI prediction involved. It's not guessing; it's applying predictable, geometric perfection. Essentially, I would make pattern coloring images from their memories. What you end up with is something that feels personal without being limiting—because patterns give you room to interpret, play, and bring your own style to the page.
Let's face it: the world of adult coloring books can be… weird. I mean, how many more puppies dressed as people, or AI-generated swirls that make absolutely no sense can one person color? And don't even get me started on generic "custom" coloring books that are just bad line art versions of your vacation photos.
If you've ever felt this frustration, you're in the right place. This isn't just another "About Me" page; it's the story of how this brand was born out of my own coloring book woes and why it matters to you.
2. The Mental Health Connection: Coloring My Way Through Chaos
I've always used coloring as a way to relax, to shut out the problems of my world and escape into the satisfying, almost monotonous act of filling in a page. But I had always preferred patterns.
Something about the symmetry calms me. The page has an order to it; it makes sense, unlike the world around me. I’ve never been one to adhere to strict color theory. I just use what appeals to me at the time, and watching it come together—color by color, pattern piece by pattern piece—is such a soothing feeling.
This isn't just a personal anecdote; it's backed by science. Research into generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has shown that integrating coloring therapy with conventional treatment can significantly reduce depression and boost positive emotions. Even a short session of 15–20 minutes can act as a "reset" button for your nervous system.
By creating these patterns from a photo—a memory that has sentimental meaning—we add an extra layer of emotional connection to that stress relief.
3. The "Anti-Algorithm" Stance: Slow Art in a Fast World
As I mentioned earlier, I initially created books that I published on Amazon. But I quickly felt like I had to constantly churn out books to compete alongside literally millions of others, just to be at the mercy of an algorithm.
Did I use the right keywords? Did I choose the right category? And let’s be honest: after printing costs and platform fees, there isn't much left for the creator. It was an unfulfilling experience.
In a world saturated with fast content, I wanted to create something intentional. We are seeing a significant cultural shift right now where consumers are actively seeking alternatives to mass-produced, trend-optimized products. People want "Slow Art." They want things created with care and purpose, not just content churned out to feed a digital beast.
This brand is my stand against the algorithm.
4. The Quest for Quality: No More Bleed-Through!
The other major problem with mass-market publishing was the quality. Specifically, the paper.
If you read reviews for standard coloring books, you will see the same complaints over and over: the books smell like chemicals, the paper is so thin you can see through it, and markers bleed right through to the next page. It’s a tragedy for anyone who takes their coloring seriously.
I decided that if I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.
This one is personal and practical: I hate thin paper.
So many mass-produced coloring books use paper you can see through. Markers bleed. Pages warp. The experience becomes frustrating instead of relaxing.
That’s why my handmade books are built differently:
The Paper: All of my handmade books are printed on 100lb cardstock. It is thick, smooth, and can take a beating.
The Protection: To ensure your work is safe, every book comes with a complimentary laminated insert to place between pages.
The Layout: Every image is single-sided. You never have to sacrifice one image to color another.
The Binding: I hand-bind every book with a double wire coil. This allows the book to lay completely flat or fold back 360 degrees, so the spine never gets in your way. (And yes, I offer a Left-Handed Version for all the southpaws out there!)
Hand-Perforated pages so they tear out cleanly for framing or gifting.
These details aren’t extras—they’re part of the calm.
5. The Community Goal: Finding My People
Finally, the biggest issue I had with the big platforms was the isolation. I didn't have an opportunity to form any type of relationship with the people buying my books.
I didn't want to just sell units; I wanted to "find my people." I wanted to connect with the people who don't want to color cartoon animals acting like humans, but who instead crave the relaxation of bold, easy patterns. I wanted to find the people who appreciate the symmetry that brings order to a chaotic world.
The rise of niche communities proves that we are all looking for this connection. We want to feel seen and understood by the brands we support.
Plus, the unique pattern creation process allows me to give you a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Helping you transform your special memories into a new piece of art brings me genuine joy.
Ready to Find Your Coloring Bliss?
If you're looking for coloring books that are unique, high-quality, and made with intention, I invite you to explore my collection. And if you're ready to transform your memories into colorful art, let's create a custom coloring book together!
