How I Created My Latest Coloring Book: Behind the Scenes of The Dark Academia Coloring Book
Hey there friends!
Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a coloring book? Well, grab your favorite cozy blanket and a steaming cup of coffee because I’m about to take you on a little journey behind the scenes of my latest creation, The Dark Academia Coloring Book. Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and a sprinkle of witchy vibes. And guess what? It’s releasing on Amazon on September 13, 2024—mark your calendars!
Step 1: A Trip Down Memory Lane (aka My Old Sketchbooks)
Every coloring book I create starts with a trip down memory lane. I pull out my old sketchbooks and project folders and start flipping through the pages. It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, I’m searching for illustrations that fit the dark academia theme. You’d be surprised how many forgotten gems are hiding in there! Sometimes, I find a sketch that’s almost perfect, and other times, I spot something with potential, but it needs a little TLC.
Step 2: The Procreate Magic
Once I’ve gathered my illustrations, it’s time to bring them into the 21st century. Enter Procreate and its trusty black monoline brush! This is where the magic happens. I either redraw the illustrations from scratch or trace over them, giving them a fresh, crisp look. There’s something so satisfying about watching an old sketch transform into a polished piece of art. It’s like giving an old friend a makeover!
Step 3: The Aha Moments
Sometimes, inspiration strikes like a bolt of lightning, and I get an idea for a new coloring page that perfectly fits the dark academia theme. When that happens, I drop everything and start fleshing out the idea. It might start as a rough sketch, but before I know it, I’m deep in the zone, creating a full-color illustration that could easily double as a sticker, a card, or even a print. And then, I reverse-engineer it into a coloring page—because why not?
Step 4: The Compilation Process
With about 20 illustrations under my belt, it’s time to compile them into a book. This part is a bit like assembling a puzzle. I use a template I made on Canva to drop in each illustration, making sure they’re arranged in just the right order. I might tweak a few designs here and there, but once everything looks perfect, I step back and admire the whole picture.
Step 5: The Cover Story
Now, let’s talk about the cover—because first impressions matter, right? I usually choose one of my favorite illustrations from the book to grace the cover, and for The Dark Academia Coloring Book, I knew I wanted something that captured the witchy, mysterious vibe of the entire collection. After a few test runs and a lot of coffee, I finally nailed it. The cover is officially my favorite part of the entire book!
The Final Countdown
And there you have it—my not-so-secret process for creating a coloring book. From digging through old sketches to putting the finishing touches on the cover, every step is a labor of love. The Dark Academia Coloring Book is filled with 20 hand-drawn illustrations, including ghosts, spells, candles, and all the witchy elements your heart desires. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a copy when it hits Amazon on September 13, 2024.
So, what are you waiting for? Set a reminder, mark your calendar, and get ready to dive into a world of dark academia magic!
Happy coloring, my fellow bookworms! ✨📚
