Coloring books might seem childish and of no consequence for some. However, coloring books are popular and fun. They help users to express their creativity, relax their minds, and enjoy quality time with colors. It makes it personal to many people.
Whether you’re an adult or a child, you can find a coloring book that suits your interests and skill level. Nevertheless, it would help if you got a customized coloring book to make your coloring experience unique and personal. We will show you how to customize coloring books, the paper binding options, and more.
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The Process Of Coloring Book Manufacturing
Before a coloring book is manufactured, various factors, such as the book’s type, size, and design, must be considered. Below are stop general processes observed in most coloring books:
- Creating The Artwork:
Coloring books have artwork in them which excites players’ color. Hence, graphic designers draw or design the images before producing a coloring book. All submitted artworks are to be in clear, high-resolution, and suitable for printing. Manufacturers can also add text, captions, and other elements to enhance the coloring of the book
- Choosing The Format And Specifications:
Size and shape are instrumental to the packaging of coloring books. Generally, the standard size of a coloring book is 8.5 x 11 inches, depending on custom sizes, preferences, or budget. For a customized coloring book, you can still decide on the binding of the coloring book, whether perfect bound or saddle stitched, and what kind of finish you want, such as matte lamination or gloss finish. They also consider the paper type to prevent bleed-through when coloring. When it comes to perforating the paper for easy tear out, the standard weight for the report is 70lb (pounds).
- Prepare The Files For Printing:
Further along, the artworks are correctly formatted and aligned for printing. Coloring Book producers create a PDF file containing all the coloring book pages in the correct order and orientation. Popular software used to do this include Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator to create and edit the file.
- Printing:
Manufacturing companies have powerful printers that can produce customized coloring books that meet customers’ specifications and budgets. The edited PDF is sent to the printer to print the desired quantity. A proof copy is printed out first and examined. Once it is approved, more documents will be published.
Finally, the rewarding part of this process is where the customers get their coloring books and can share them with others. They can either use it as gifts or for educational and personal purposes.
Binding Options For Coloring Books
An essential process manufacturers consider is the binding method for the coloring book. This is crucial, as binding affects the book’s durability, appearance, and functionality. Below are the binding options popularly used for coloring books.
- Perfect Binding:
This method involves gluing the pages and covers together at the spine. The perfect binding creates a professional and sleek look for the coloring book and allows the manufacturer to print on the book’s backbone. The downside of this method is that you may need help to lay the book flat open, which makes it harder to color. The advantage, however, is that it is suitable for coloring books with a high page count and standard size.
- Saddle Stitching:
Saddle stitching is a simple and economical binding whereby the pages are folded in half and stapled along the spine. Its advantage over the perfect binding is that the book can lay flat open for coloring. However, this method could be more durable and limit the coloring book’s page count and size. Hence, it’s suitable for small-sized coloring books with a low page count.
- Spiral Binding:
Spiral binding entails a coil of plastic or metal inserted through punched holes along the edge of the pages. This creates a flexible and sturdy book that can lay flat when opened and be folded back into itself. Despite its advantages, this method could be more aesthetically pleasing, and it may damage the book pages if adequately handled. It is advised to use this method for coloring books with a medium page count and a large size.
- Wire-O Binding:
This method can be seen as a more advanced version of the spiral binding. A double loop wire is inserted through punched holes along the edge of the pages. This binding is more expensive than spiral binding and has inherent disadvantages, as it may damage the pages if not meticulously handled. Nonetheless, in terms of aesthetics, it has a durable and elegant look when the coloring book is laid flat. Wire-O binding is typically used for large-size coloring books with a medium page count.
Paper Options For Pages Of Coloring Books
The paper inside the coloring books is given careful thought as they’re colored on. Weak or degradable composition might lead to the colors seeping through the form or damaging it entirely. The paper type is essential to ensure the quality, feel, and performance of the coloring book. Below are some standard paper options for coloring books.
- Printer Paper:
Printer paper is designed for printing documents with regular ink and is widely available and affordable. This paper is more suitable for coloring with pencils and gel pencils and may not be able to handle markers or watercolors. If users don’t use the prescribed painting accessories for this paper, watercolors will bleed through and warp the paper. Printer paper is usually 20 or 24 lbs and has a smooth, bright surface.
- Bleed Proof Paper:
Unlike printer paper, bleed-proof paper is a type of paper that is specifically designed to capture the ink from the markers and prevent bleeding or feathering. Therefore, if you are coloring with alcohol-based markers, this paper is suitable because you can create smooth, flat colors that blend perfectly. This paper is usually thinner than printer paper and has a slightly glossy surface.
- Watercolor Paper:
Watercolor paper is much thicker than printer paper and has a rough textured surface. It is thick and absorbent and is designed to soak up watercolor paints. It makes the form suitable for coloring with watercolor pencils and paint, which can create vibrant and expressive colors and be used for blending. This paper is expensive but better than others since it has no disadvantages.
Each of these papers has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the coloring book’s specification, budget, and purpose, a paper type that matches the book’s intent will be chosen and printed with artwork for coloring.
Popular Sizes And Formats For Coloring Books
Another thing manufacturers should consider is the coloring book’s size and format. The size of a coloring book helps convey the book’s landscape, scale, usability, and portability. Effectively, this means certain scenes and artworks can only be best presented in specific book sizes. Here are some of the popular sizes and formats for coloring books:
Standard Coloring Book Size:
The standard size for coloring books is 8.5 inches by 11 inches. This size is the standard because this size is easy to print and bind. Also, it offers enough space for detailed and intricate designs. Unfortunately, this site may not be very portable and may not fit into some bookshelves. Regardless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for manufacturers, making it a popular size choice.
Square Coloring Book Size:
The square book size, 8 inches by 8 inches, is becoming popular for coloring books. This compact and symmetrical size offers a balanced space for simple, elegant designs. The downside to this size is that it could be more economical and match various artworks for the coloring book.
Landscape Coloring Book Size:
Some may argue that the landscape book size is perfect for coloring books. This book size features scenic and panoramic designs that give the feeling of a painting when colored. The landscape size is 11 inches by 8.5 inches. It offers a vast space for horizontal and continuous designs since it’s spacious and immersive. The shortcoming of the measure is that it may not be convenient for the user when the flat is laid open.
Coloring Book Sizes Available
In terms of customization, some manufacturers offer a variety of sizes, some ranging from 5 inches by 7 inches to 12 inches by 12 inches. Orientation-wise, from portrait to landscape to square, depending on the layout of the designs. Popular coloring book sizes available are:
- Us Letter:
The U.S. letter measures 8.5 by 11 inches and is suitable for most coloring pages for coloring books. Simple images and designs, such as flowers, animals, and cartoons, can fit.
- Legal:
Measuring 8.5 by 14 inches, this size is ideal for coloring pages that require more space than just the images. Manufacturers can add texts, instructions, stories, and other elements related to the coloring pages.
- A4:
A4 is 8.3 by 11.7 inches, similar to the U.S. letter size, but narrower and longer. It can accommodate various themes and styles of coloring pages.
- Square:
It measures eight by 8 inches. This makes it a good size for coloring pages with a symmetrical or geometric design, such as mandalas, patterns, or abstract art.
Due to the customization or design, a unique size from the ones listed above might be used.
Popular Coloring Book Manufacturing Companies?
There are many coloring book manufacturers in the world. Below are a few of the popular ones.
- Ningbo Yinzhou Jabay Crafts Co., Ltd:
This company is located in Ningbo, China, and was established in 2007. Jabay Crafts produces various coloring books, such as magic water coloring books, scratch art coloring books, velvet coloring books, and sticker coloring books. This manufacturer has a factory area of over 10,000 square meters and employs more than 100 workers. They have passed the ISO 9001 quality management system certification and the BSCI social responsibility audit. Jabay exports its products to Europe, America, Asia, and more regions.
- Giant Coloring Books, Inc:
This company is based in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., and was founded by N. Wayne Bell in 1981. Giant Coloring Books is a multinational company that designs, creates, sells, prints, and publishes coloring and activity books for children and adults. It has a customer satisfaction rate of over 99% and has printed and shipped over 20 million products worldwide. It is a 100% USA-made company and a member of the Green Press Initiative.
- Hinkler Books Pty Ltd:
Hinkler Books is located in Melbourne, Australia, and was established in 1994 by Stephen Hinkler. They are an independent publisher of books, puzzles, games, and toys for children and adults. Moreover, Hinkler offers a range of coloring books, such as Mindbogglers, Kaleidoscope, and Zen for adults and children. Hinkler has popular licenses from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, which allows them to publish coloring books on these franchises. Lastly, they distribute their products to over 100 countries and have offices in the U.K. and the U.S.A.
- Laurence King Publishing Ltd:
This company is headquartered in London, U.K. They were established in 1991 by Laurence King. For years, they’ve been a leading publisher of books and gifts on the creative arts, such as design, fashion, photography, and illustration. The company has won several awards for its innovative and beautiful products, having a global reach through its partnerships with distributors and retailers.
Choosing The Right Coloring Book Manufacturer for Your Business
For you to choose a coloring book manufacturer for your business, you need to consider crucial factors, such as:
- Budget and Desired Profit Margin:
Coloring book manufacturers have different pricing structures, discounts, and shipping costs. When you calculate all this, it makes up quite a sum. Consider which one aligns best with your pocket. This will help you choose how much you’ll spend and anticipate your profit margins.
- The Design and Quality of the Coloring Book:
Apart from the extraneous factors in publishing coloring books, the content and quality of the book is paramount. Things to consider are the design tools, printing materials, printing quality, and turnaround time of each manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer more customization and are more flexible than others. Others may have higher standards and certifications for their products. Ensure you meet with a manufacturer that can bring your high-quality coloring books to life and your customers.
- Distribution and Marketing:
Distributing and marketing your coloring books can take time and effort for a new entrepreneur. Typically, manufacturers have online platforms, distribution networks, or partnerships with retailers that can help them reach a wider audience. If a manufacturer doesn’t have the web to help you distribute and market your coloring books, you might have to do it yourself.
Conclusion
Coloring books have proven to be an excellent way to unleash creativity. Accordingly, it’s popular all over the world. With fantastic coloring book manufacturers around the world, you can customize your coloring book or start up your own coloring book business quickly. Hence, the process to go about this should be clear to you.
F.A.Q.s
- Where Can I Find Reliable Coloring Book Manufacturers?
You can find reliable coloring book manufacturers online on e-shops like Amazon, Etsy, Alibaba, and Book Depository. Moreover, you can check our list of top-rated manufacturers who produce top-notch coloring books. Any manufacturer you choose from listed sites has years of experience and expertise you can trust.
- How can I request a quote from a coloring book manufacturer?
It’s easy to request a quote from a coloring book manufacturer. You can contact them on their official website, email your project details, or call their customer service representative. Furthermore, you’ll have to provide some information about your project, such as the number of copies you want to print, the size and format of your coloring book, the type and quality of paper and cover you prefer, the design and layout of your coloring book, and shipping and delivery options you need.
- Can I get samples before placing a bulk order?
You can get samples before placing a bulk order from reputable coloring book manufacturers. Examples let you see and feel the quality of these manufacturers’ work. Getting a model might include a small fee you have to pay. This small fee ensures you get what you want for your bulk order.
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