Review Fix chats with ‘Think Happy! Coloring Book coloring artist Thaneeya McArdle, who discusses the book and the impact she’d like it to have on her audience.
Review Fix: What inspired this book?
Thaneeya McArdle: My Think Happy Coloring Book is mostly a compilation of my previously-published work, hand-picked by my editors to appear in this new special jumbo edition. I also created 12 brand-new coloring pages that appear in this book.Â
Review Fix: What makes it special?
McArdle: This book contains a variety of whimsical, upbeat images such as positive phrases, quirky animals, mandalas, campers, flowers, abstracts and so much more.Â
Review Fix: How is it different from other adult coloring books?
McArdle: Think Happy contains 96 images – 3x more than a typical coloring book – printed on one side of the paper with an inspirational quote on the back. Since the coloring pages aren’t double-sided, you never have to worry that using markers or pens on one side will ruin the image on the reverse side of the page. Also the paper is high-quality and rated to last 200 years without fading or yellowing. Plus this book contains 7 pages of coloring techniques and color theory along with 17 full-page colored examples to get your creative juices flowing!
Review Fix: Why do you think adult coloring books have taken off the past few years?
McArdle: Coloring is so relaxing and therapeutic. It’s a fun and easy creative outlet that is accessible to everyone. All you need to get started is a coloring book and some basic coloring supplies like markers, colored pencils or gel pens and that can lead to hours and hours of coloring fun!
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
McArdle: I find that my books appeal strongly to the young at heart, especially those who enjoy whimsical art with a hippie, retro vibe.
Review Fix: Inside or outside the lines?
McArdle: Whatever floats your boat! I love seeing all the creative ways people color in my artwork and am constantly amazed by all the creativity out there!
Review Fix: What’s next?
McArdle: I recently wrapped up my next coloring book, a Christmas-themed coloring book called Holiday Cheer, which will be out later this year. I’m currently working on two calendars that will be out in 2020, called Sugar Skulls and It’s All Good. After I finish those calendars I’m looking forward to a much-needed break which will hopefully involve some combination of putzing around my art studio and traveling. However, new projects and opportunities tend to pop up all the time, so anything can happen!
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
McArdle: To help people get a good look at the art inside my coloring books, I post slideshows and flip-throughs of all my coloring books on my website, www.thaneeya.com. I’ll be posting the flip-through for Think Happy very soon, so stay tuned!
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