Printing a personalised colouring book can be fun and rewarding, whether you're making an original gift idea, an educational tool for children, or a therapeutic resource for adults. Here's our step-by-step guide on how to turn your artwork into a beautifully printed custom colouring book.
Decide who your colouring book is for
First, define your audience. Is your colouring book intended for young children, teenagers, adults, or people of all ages? Understanding your audience helps you tailor your designs' content, style, and complexity. For instance, while children might enjoy simple shapes and characters, adults may prefer more intricate patterns and themes.
Create a concept or theme
A compelling theme is at the core of every great colouring book. Your theme could be educational, like 'The Wonders of the Ocean', therapeutic, such as 'Mindfulness Meditation', or just plain fun, like 'Space Adventures'. This theme will guide the design of your pages and ensure coherence throughout the book.
How will you design your colouring book?
Leveraging software like Adobe Illustrator, you can create designs from scratch or modify existing images (ensuring you have the right to use them). Remember to keep the lines clear and spaced well enough for colouring. For those less familiar with graphic design, consider hiring a professional to realise your vision.
Choosing colouring book sizes
Colouring books come in various sizes. Popular dimensions include A4 (210mm x 297mm) for a traditional feel or a more compact A5 (148mm x 210mm) for portability. Size can affect the user experience and print cost, so always consider your audience's needs and budget.
Choosing the right paper
Paper is central to the colouring experience. Paper like 120gsm or 150gsm Text, is ideal, especially for an adult colouring book, to minimise show-through from markers and provide a pleasant tactile experience. The paper type and texture can also enhance a book's usability.
Consider monetising your creativity
You can sell your colouring books with a print-on-demand service. This service enables the direct selling and shipping of printed books to customers without the traditional hassles of inventory and distribution. Mixam's print-on-demand solution, PrintLink, is free to get started. You can sell your books instantly and securely from one convenient online webpage and earn a monthly income based on your preferred markup. This service is also excellent for testing the market or for limited editions.
We’ve also developed New PrintLink Features to improve how self-publishers share and sell their books online.
Promote your book
Once your colouring book prints have arrived, it's time to share them with the world! Use online and offline platforms, from social media to local bookstores to community centres, to get the word out about your latest book release. Social media marketing, particularly platforms with a strong visual presence like Instagram, can be especially effective for showcasing your colouring book designs.
Conclusion
Creating personalised colouring books is a fantastic creative outlet and a simple way to provide customised gifts or kickstart a small business. By focusing on design, choosing the right materials, and effectively promoting them, your custom colouring books can become a cherished addition to any collection.
Start your Colouring Book project here. For more news and inspiration, check out the array of posts on Mixam's Blog and visit our Support section for helpful guidance and advice on all things print.
Main Image Credit: Freepik
