Ready, Set, Color! Uncover Creative Mediums to Boost Your Art!
- Pillie and Pop
- Sep 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
There are so many mediums to color with! From well known mediums like colored pencils and markers, to less well known mediums like puff paint pens and embossing powder there are so many ways to color! Here is a quick overview of some of our favorite creative coloring mediums!
Our Favorite Creative Coloring Mediums:
Alcohol Markers
Alcohol markers are one of the most popular coloring mediums among adult colorers. Unlike water based markers, alcohol markers do not leave streaks on the page, and have a smooth, solid-color look.
Pro-Tip: Alchol markers bleed through paper easily! If using these markers make sure to add an extra 2 pages behind the page you are coloring to soak up extra ink!
Colored Pencils
Another popular medium, colored pencils are equally fun to use and offer a completely different texture and feel. I love how they add contrast to a page all on their own. Light pressure adds softness while heavier pressure adds areas of bold, eye-catching color.
Pro-Tip: If you are a busy colorer like me and sometimes find yourself coloring on the go, try adding some mini colored pencils to your glove compartment. Melt free and easy to use, they're perfect for creative moments anytime, anywhere.
Crayons
Crayons have a unique texture that can't be replaced by other mediums. They come in a variety of colors, so if you can't find a color in a different medium you may want to think about trying a crayon! One crayon can also color in muiltiple shades, giving you even more color options!
Pro-Tip: If you want to add some texture to your page, but don't want any white showing through, try coloring the page first in markers and then in crayon. This is one of my favorite ways to color!
Glitter
People don't usually think of glitter when they think of coloring, but glitter can be a great addition to any coloring page! Whether you use glitter pens, glitter markers, or glue on glitter, adding a little bit of sparkle can make your page look even better than before!
Pro-Tip: If using glue-on glitter, try using a small paint brush to spread on the glue! This makes the glue smooth, thin, easy to spread and quick drying too!
Puff Paint
Not well known but one of our favorite mediums to use! It really makes your art POP off the page and is prefect for clouds, snow, and anything else you want to add some texture to. It also can color over black lines, which can make your coloring page look like you drew it yourself!
Pro-Tip: Want more colors then the 10-pack? Try mixing your own! A little bit of white, a little bit of neon purple and a splash of blue make a perfect light purple!
Water Based Markers
Water based markers are the best for beginners as they are easy to control and have limited bleed. Plus they are often washable/non-toxic.
Pro-Tip: To minimize streaks, try coloring the section twice, once up and down, then once side to side. (See how the puffer fish' fins look streak free while the bubbles and fish himself don't).
Embossing Powder
Not commonly used in coloring, embossing powder makes your page shiny, but not in the same way glitter does. It has a smooth texture (different than alcohol markers), and can be a fun add to any page.
Pro-Tip: If using multiple mediums, emboss first! Embossing uses heat so it helps to do this step first so it doesn't effect your other mediums!
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If you liked any of the pages we used in this post, you may want to visit our Shop All Page! All the coloring pages in this post are from our coloring books, hand-drawn by us!
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