A Conversation with Kimberly Rogers of K&L Creative Works
Kimberly Rogers runs K&L Creative Works, a cozy adult coloring book brand recently featured alongside Coco Wyo and Jade Summer in a Peekwire roundup of brands worth knowing. When we asked whether she would answer a few questions about her books and the readers she designs for, she agreed, writing that it sounded like "a wonderful opportunity to discuss my books and connect with readers who enjoy cozy coloring books."
Her answers below focus on a question that comes up often in adult coloring communities: why some books calm you down while others quietly become a chore.
More Detail Does Not Always Mean More Relaxation
Asked what buyers get wrong when they pick a coloring book hoping to relax, Rogers pointed to a common assumption.
"I think one of the biggest mistakes is assuming that more intricate artwork automatically creates a better coloring experience."
A page can be striking in a product photo and still be difficult to actually sit with, she explained, especially when every inch is packed with tiny details, complicated patterns, or spaces that are hard to work with.
"There's a balance between having enough detail to keep things interesting and having enough open space to enjoy the creative process."
That balance looks different for different people. Some colorers want to spend hours on intricate designs. Others want something they can pick up for twenty minutes after a busy day. Rogers said she aims for the middle ground when creating books for K&L Creative Works.
"I want the pages to feel engaging and thoughtfully designed, but never overwhelming. Coloring should be something you look forward to, not another task you feel obligated to finish."
What Product Previews Leave Out
Rogers sees a gap between how coloring books are marketed and what the coloring experience actually feels like. Themes, illustration styles, and page counts tend to dominate the conversation, but she argues those details do not tell a buyer everything.
"A lot of attention goes toward themes, illustrations, and how many designs are included in a book. Those things matter, but they don't always tell you what the coloring experience will actually feel like."
She listed the questions she thinks deserve more attention: Are the spaces large enough to color comfortably? Are the objects clearly outlined? Is there enough variety that the pages do not all start to feel the same? Can someone make meaningful choices about colors, or has so much shading already been added that those decisions have essentially been made for them?
Beyond page mechanics, Rogers said she thinks about the feeling behind each collection. Her books draw on scenes like a quiet morning by the lake, baking sourdough bread, tending a garden, or taking a scenic drive.
"For me, a cozy coloring book should offer more than a collection of pretty pictures. It should create a little opportunity to slow down and enjoy something familiar."
That emphasis on familiar, recognizable moments is a recurring theme in the broader adult coloring category, where many buyers say they are looking for a low-pressure creative hobby rather than a technical challenge.
Advice for First-Time Buyers
If she could sit with a first-time buyer for five minutes, Rogers said she would start by removing some of the pressure.
"The first thing I'd tell them is that there's no right or wrong way to color, and they certainly don't need to be artistic to enjoy it."
She would encourage buyers to think about what actually helps them relax. Some people enjoy highly detailed illustrations that require concentration. Others prefer larger spaces, familiar subjects, and pages they can enjoy without spending hours on a single design.
Her practical suggestion is to look at sample pages rather than choosing based only on the cover. Consider the level of detail, whether the artwork appeals to you, and whether the pages feel inviting.
"And most importantly, don't worry about making every page perfect. You don't have to finish a picture in one sitting, follow a particular color palette, or create something worthy of framing."
That philosophy, she said, is what sits behind K&L Creative Works.
"I want people to be able to open one of our books, settle into a familiar scene, and enjoy a little creative time that's entirely their own."
For readers weighing their next purchase, her closing thought doubles as a buying principle: "Sometimes the simplest moments are the ones we enjoy the most."
Key Takeaways
- Intricate artwork is not automatically more relaxing. Look for a balance between detail and open space.
- Product previews often show themes and page counts but not how comfortable the pages are to color.
- Check sample pages for space size, clear outlines, variety, and whether you can still make your own color choices.
- There is no right way to color. You do not need to finish a page in one sitting or follow a set palette.
Readers who want to see how these ideas translate into finished books can browse the collections at K&L Creative Works. For more on the broader hobby, see this overview of coloring as a mindfulness practice.