the color of funny

Humor adds another layer of stress relief and self-expression to the adult coloring book trend.

In the past few years, the adult coloring book genre has gained steam as more enthusiasts discover how shading in beautiful designs can yield a surprisingly engaging time-out from the daily fray. Coloring kudos echo across the internet, from a Mayo Clinic psychologist and a hospice chaplain grieving her infant son, to Instagram and Facebook coloring groups, some of whose members self-harm or battle depression.

Amy Bucciarelli, a boardcertified art therapist and lecturer for the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, asserts the American Art Therapy Association’s (AATA) view of coloring books is generally beneficial.

“The trend to make coloring books popular for adults is in and of itself very positive,” she says. “The benefits can include selfsoothing, a sense of personal accomplishment, mindfulness and relaxation.”

And from what we’ve discovered, a dose of wit doesn’t hurt either.

“Humor can be a characteristic that helps us cope through di cult times and increases personal resiliency,” adds Bucciarelli. However, she cautions that coloring books are supplements to relieving stress and not a cure-all for emotional or mental health issues that require in-depth professional attention.

Yet should everyday troubles grip too tightly, coloring’s mindful meditation mixes well with humor, allowing us to hit pause and practice the joyful art of being silly. If flowers and swirling designs just aren’t your thing, check this out.

comedy corner: for mature audiences

*Titles not endorsed by the AATA

Tired of mandalas? Today’s adult coloring book market continues to push outward with hilarious, irreverent memes of life’s awkward moments, many of which are juxtaposed against stunning flourishes. Explore the studio space with these subversive, o -kilter titles and other amusing extras.

SNARK

#MomLife or #DadLife, by Papeterie Bleu Unicorns Are Jerks or Dinosaurs With Jobs, by Theo Nicole Laurenz

BODILY NOISES

Farting Animals Coloring Book, by Victor Oj

“COLORFUL” LANGUAGE

Decorative cusses surrounded by animals, patterns, swirls, mandalas, flowers and leaves. Various bleep-worthy titles by Rainbow Coloring Swear Word Coloring Book, by Alex Stallman

RANDY ANTICS

The Llama Sutra, by Honey Badger: libidinous animals on flagrant display Hot Dudes Coloring Book, by D.C. Taylor

VICES

Color Me Drunk, by Potter Style: includes cut-out beer goggles as you try to color within the lines with inebriated pals.

Artsy Apps

Color Therapy, free app, iTunes: includes a musical playlist while you color

Colorfy, free app, iTunes and Google Play

Pigment, free app, iTunes: allows subtle shading using pencils to paints mycolormebook.com: turns your uploaded photos into coloring pages