Coloring books aren’t just for children. The Color Pop Fair, held last October 24 at the SM Mall of Asia, saw people—young and young at heart—come together to participate in the art of coloring doodles, illustrations, and listen to talks by several artists who gave workshops on coloring and illustrating techniques to the audience. For attendees, it was more than just coloring books—it made their own colors pop.

For a fair on creativity, the Color Pop Fair was surely a relaxing sight. Flooded with illustrations and patterns for people to color with, attendees were encouraged to express their creativity. Most of the people who participated in the event were adults, and some books were even titled “Coloring Books for Adults.” The reason behind it is the highly detailed and intricate designs. The themes also tended to be more complex, which many considered a challenge. Despite this, the experience was therapeutic—it kept the mind calm and peaceful while coloring.

Artists like June Digan, Tippy Go, Mark Dean Lim, Tepai Pascual, Kerby Rosanes, Iris Babao Uy, Carlo Arrezza, and Nelz Yumul gave talks to the audience, talking about topics from coloring to expressing one’s creativity.

Most people consider coloring as a sense of fulfillment without pressure. To be able to finish coloring a page with the desired colors gives one a small achievement to be satisfied of. It also reveals the artistic side of everyday people. You tend to be proud when the colors, together with the patterns of the illustration, come together and create one big masterpiece. Thing is, no matter what colors you use, the output still turns out great.

Coloring is a stress-reliever, a new way for adults to spend their leisure time on. Usually, we look to our gadgets or technology to take away stress, but now people turn to a coloring book and bring life to its individual pages. It is tactile, physical, and involved. Yet somehow, it remains relaxing and fulfilling. Sometimes, we lose track of time coloring, just like in our carefree days of childhood.

Whether in coloring or illustrating, there is freedom is extending creativity and imagination. There are certain techniques that can be followed, although an artist always has their own style of creating. In the event, artists and participants would always mention the line: When it comes to art, there is no right or wrong.

Photo by Joriel Bataan