Whimsical Chaos Colouring: A Kinder Way to Start (and Keep) Colouring
People often call me the chaos colourist: a little loose, a little lively, always colouring with heart. My pages rarely look “perfect,” but they feel good. That feeling is the point.
Chaos (or “messy”) colouring isn’t a technique—it’s a mindset.
It’s permission to colour the way your hand naturally moves, without micromanaging every stroke. It turns a page into a small, honest moment, not a test of skill. When people first try adult colouring, they sometimes carry quiet tension, as if there’s a “right” way. This philosophy gently sets that down.
Chaos colouring gives you permission. Permission to colour the way you naturally move. Permission to let a page be evidence of a moment and progress instead of proof of perfection. Permission not to care about those magnificent finished colouring pages people show off on social media, permission not to colour like a professional artist, permission to make mistakes.
Core idea: Chaos/“messy” colouring is a mindset: colour freely, at your own pace—less overthinking, more satisfaction.
My "Chaos Colouring" Videos
If watching videos is more of your vibe, do check out these videos on my YouTube channel, where I discuss at length about "Chaos Colouring".
What “Messy” Really Means
A lot of beginners hold their breath. They worry about streaks or uneven blends and try to pilot every millimetre of the marker. That tension is heavy. Chaos colouring is how we let it go.
- It’s a conversation with yourself, not an exam.
- The goal is satisfaction, not flawlessness.
- A page can be believable and beautiful even with clashing colours or scribbly textures—if it’s honest.
I don’t pre-match marker codes or swatch every tone. I begin, then adjust. That doesn’t mean results don’t matter; it means results improve when the process is light. When colouring feels satisfying, you come back tomorrow—and coming back is where growth lives.
Relearning the Joy of Colouring
Think back to childhood: crayons, empty pages, no hesitation. You coloured the sky purple, the bear green, hands smudged and happy. Chaos colouring is the adult version of that freedom—mindful, expressive, and deeply personal.
If you’re wondering how a relaxed process can still look “good,” the secret is intention, not rigidity.
Keep It Believable with One Focal Point
You don’t need realism. Grass doesn’t have to be green; skies don’t have to be blue. Choose one clear focal point—eyes, a bow, a mug, a critter—and let that element read. The rest of the page can stay looser and more experimental. If the focal point reads, the page reads.
Pace-Neutral Creativity
Some days you want quick, energetic strokes. Other days you want a slow, cozy blend. Both are valid. The pace doesn’t define your page—your presence does. If the rhythm helps you stay centred, it’s the right tempo.
That’s why I coloured a bold and easy page today: to show that this mindset belongs everywhere—from detailed fantasy illustrations to simple kawaii colouring pages for adults. Harmony doesn’t come from erasing the mess; it comes from embracing it.
Messy ≠ careless. Messy, here, means expressive—movement you can see. Careless is colouring without intention. Chaos colouring has intention: a mood, a focal point, a value choice.
A Quick and Easy Colouring Exercise To "Loosen Up"
Try it now:
- Pick a bold and easy whimsical page.
- Choose two colours—a base and a slightly darker value (shade).
- Colour one object. If you like, add a small shadow with the darker value.
- Stop on purpose. Sign the date. That’s a win.
No perfect markers required. No grid of swatches. If you want to test, swatch on the spot, then commit. The page will teach you what you like.
Tiny rituals help: make a drink, put on a soft playlist, set a 10-minute timer, colour one more object tomorrow. Consistency over intensity.
Check-In Questions While You Colour
- How does this pace feel in my body when I colour?
- Do I want to linger here or move on?
- Am I trying to fix something that isn’t really a problem?
- What feels satisfying right now?
Taste begins private—between you and the page. Over time, it becomes the signature people recognise.
A Good Slogan for Your Colouring Life
"Satisfaction first, perfection optional."
When you love the process, your pages grow more cohesive and alive. It’s like watering a plant because you enjoy tending it—the bright leaves arrive as a side effect.
Explore Whimsy Tales (Whimsical • Kawaii • Fantasy)
If this mindset resonates well with you, my colouring books might be perfect for you, because they come in a variety of art styles:
- Bold & Easy, Kawaii Characters:
- Dreamy, Fantasy, Fairy Tale-Themed:
- Special Occassion & Holidays:
- Imaginative, Slice-of-life:
If you want to see my full list of adult colouring books, check them out here.
Your page doesn’t need to be perfect to be precious. It just needs to be yours.
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FAQ
Is chaos/“messy” colouring a technique or a mindset?
A mindset: colour freely, at your own pace—less overthinking, more satisfaction. Techniques are optional; permission is the point.
Do I need expensive markers to begin?
No. Alcohol markers, water-based markers, pencils, gel pens, or crayons all work. Single-sided pages and a backing sheet help with bleed on standard paper.
Does “messy” mean careless?
No. Messy means expressive—intentional movement you can see. Careless is absence of intent. Keep a light plan (like a focal point).
How do I keep a page believable without strict colour rules?
Pick one focal point to read clearly; let the rest stay playful. If the focal point reads, the page reads.
Can this work if I colour slowly?
Absolutely. The mindset is pace-neutral. Slow blends and quick textures are equally valid if they feel right in your body that day.
