Art & Design,Visual ArtNOV 21, 2021

I Drew 41 Illustrations Over 2 Years For My Self-Published Coloring Book. Now I Can't Quit Doodling! (12+ Pictures)

Callie M. Sullivan and Diana Lopetaitė

Hi, my name is Callie, and I'm a believer in Jesus Christ. I'm also a senior in college getting my BA in Art.

This post may include affiliate links.

I have always loved art and drawing in general, and I've also loved history. Particularly American history.

But this project took me to a whole new level!

A few years ago, I was a bored high school graduate wanting to tackle something. But I didn't want to tackle just anything. I wanted to contribute something worthwhile to society. Something valuable. Something unique.

So I asked the Lord to give me an idea. And boy, did He!

"Why not create a coloring book?"

Okay.

But on what?

A few months later, it came.

An epic conflict: The American Civil War.

I began reading, researching, sketching, writing, and documenting resources over the next two years. The 2020 pandemic only gave me more time!

It was a tedious process. Which historical figures to include? Which battles to highlight? And for goodness sake, how do I go about self-publishing a book?

I wanted my depictions of battle sites to be accurate, so I researched. I wanted portraits of significant figures. I wanted a quality book, so I sifted through the internet for printing companies. I got samples back from multiple organizations. I learned how to buy an ISBN. I learned how to format and design the coloring book. And more. There always seemed to be more I hadn't thought of or had missed.

Then . . . finally . . . 2 years later . . . the day came when I ordered my first shipment. And held the first, freshly-printed copy in my hands.

All I can say is Soli Deo Gloria!

Since then, I've started up an Etsy shop and doodle things to sell all the time.

You can find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CMSArtandIllustration/

You can also find my coloring book and other creations on my Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CallieMSullivan?ref=search_shop_redirect

So. All that to say, I hope you're inspired. *I had an amazing support group (my family and friends) and an amazing Savior who guided me through the entire crazy, messy but oh-so-rewarding process.*

Enjoy!

More info: Etsy