Colouring books for grown-ups: Johanna Basford interview

The Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford is one of the best known creators of colouring-in books and in the last couple of years has sold millions of copies of her work worldwide.

[couleursymphony]

I liked that she said that she was impressed with the enthusiasm of all the people who color her books, from all over the world! Not only is it fun, but it helps a person get away from the cell phone, tablet, pc and detox, like she said. It's generated communities of people who become friends, who share their works-in-progress, techniques, and opinions on the best and worst papers, pencils, and other materials. There are even coloring book get-togethers. The world has changed so much in the last 30 years, and we need community and friendship like never before. I hope to one day create my own coloring books and bring people together, like Johanna and the other talented creators of such wonderful art have done with their books.

[ladyhecate]

I love your adult color books. They keep one busy. Your artwork is my favorite. I love your leaves, your flowers, vines, etc. Your style no one can match. Keep on providing your wonderful books. I color at night when hubby is watching TV and then he goes to bed. I have a large magnifying glass sitting on my art table and color away with my Prismacolor pencils.

[prettypinkpixie]

Colouring is a serotonin raiser (serotonin is something we sometimes dont have enough of if we have depression). As is any repetitive activity (sewing tapestries etc). This is why it is therapeutic

[bostonblackie]

She started a phenomenon that has slowed down, but is still going and probably always will! My God look at all the art tools that are now out there, the colouring books, and all the YouTube videos that do critics of such thing. People simply showing the work they are proud of, the tutorials and on and on

[Loveisallyouneed]

Love Johanna's books so much! Stunning work.

[Giggleslag]

I love her books they are a way for me to escape and just loose myself. I also love that she also has books to help teach people how to draw (if they want to learn). She is trying to show as she says that it is a skill that you learn, that you don’t have to be some person born with a gift I like that about her.

[IMNENIGMA]

I have every single book except her Christmas book that I'll buy next yr. I love her art

[Abu_Bilaal]

People who find this therapeutic will also find a similar feeling in learning an exotic language. Or doing strength training. Or stretching like yoga. It is a good fun way to spend time. It is therapeutic and you feel a sense of accomplishment as you progress. Hope that helps.

[laurawokal]

Very inspiring :) Everyone has their own world, I love Dots ^^

[surajpawar]

I was not knowing the secret garden created by you, it was nice to see you, your books are awesome, great work, goid wishes for you.

[lovethisscent]

I'm from Malaysia, & i am the biggest fans of her colouring book❤

[marilynwalker]

Her art work is the best on the market period.

[liamwatson]

People are treating this as a profession instead of therapy. I just don’t have time to colour so many difficult pictures. Only professional illustrators should buy these.