This Is Why Adults Can't Get Enough of Coloring Books

    ST. LOUIS, MO, December 16, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When the words "coloring book" come to mind, images of children scribbling away with crayons on black-and-white pictures of their favorite cartoon characters or animals are typically conjured. It was a pastime that many looked forward to and enjoyed as children.

Recently, that childhood pastime has become incredibly popular, but not with the typical crowd. There are now copies upon copies of adult coloring books that have been flying off the shelves globally. It's a phenomenon that has been sending shockwaves through the publishing world and through the realm of art.

Ignited in 2013 when Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford published "Secret Garden," the adult coloring book is a craze that hasn't shown any sign of slowing down by a long shot, and scientists and psychologists aren't surprised.

"As a therapist, I use adult coloring books as a tool with my clients for a myriad of issues including anxiety, stress, depression, anger management, and more," said Sara Hoffstot, owner of Inspire Professional Counseling Services, LLC. "Anytime you are cognitively and behaviorally doing something together, there is hardly room for anything else such as intrusive, negative, and self-deprecating thoughts. When we are using coloring books, we are focusing on patterns, colors, and creativity, which slow down our fight-or-flight response that we may experience when we're stressed. An adult coloring book should be in everyone's self-care toolbox."

Art may not be a cure to disease, disorders, and conditions, but it certainly can make coping with adversities much easier. Researchers have acknowledged the therapeutic qualities of art for years, and studies have shown that art therapy has tangible results in soothing patients and taking away their stress, improving their self-esteem, and decreasing their heart rates, among others.

Local artist and owner of Artmart, Keith Baizer, isn't surprised one bit by these results.

"Whether someone is having a bad day at work, is suffering from anxiety or depression, or is combatting a disease like cancer, art and art therapy through adult coloring books present a creative outlet, which promotes healing," Baizer said. "Better yet, you don't have to be artistically inclined to experience these benefits. You only need to color within the lines to get the desired effects."

The act of coloring elicits a relaxing effect in our minds similar to that of meditation. The brain is focused on a task that will produce predictable results, which brings about a positive, calming effect.

Aside from the therapeutic qualities that adult coloring books provide, they can also give consumers an outlet that allows them to unplug from the online world, their smartphones, tablets, and other smart device that typically runs the show each day.

"Once more, we have begun craving for the basic pen and paper," Baizer said. "Using coloring books as an outlet to satisfy that need is a smart, cost-effective choice that people of all ages can enjoy."

Artmart has been selling coloring books for both children and adults for years, but they have certainly noticed a larger influx in adult coloring book purchases.

"We are proud to supply a large selection of coloring books from Chronicle books, Pepin, Usborne, Dover, Peter Pauper, and even Mary Englebreit," Baizer said. "We also supply several types of artist pens and brush pens for adults to use instead of crayons. These pens give the coloring pages a chic and colorful look, turning ordinary pages of black and white images into something stunning."

Artmart is located on 2355 South Hanley Road. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, please call Artmart at (314) 781-9999.

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