Coloring Outside the Lines: How One Professor is Championing Diversity and Female Leadership
when Megan Holmes, a professor at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, noticed a lack of diversity in children’s coloring books, she decided to take matters into her own hands. A lifelong creative and co-illustrator of “Jammie Claus,” Holmes spent her quiet summer mornings drawing before her three children woke up. Inspired by current events and her research into the children’s book market, she realized that many popular coloring books primarily featured white, able-bodied characters.
This realization sparked the creation of “Dream Big: A Coloring Adventure for Girls,” a book that celebrates diversity in race, ability, and body type. The response to “Dream Big” has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents and educators have praised its diverse representation and empowering themes, noting its importance in fostering confidence and self-expression. One particularly touching piece of feedback came from a mother whose daughter, for the first time, felt “seen” after recognizing a character that looked like her.
For Holmes, “Dream Big” is more than just a coloring book; it’s a tool for fostering self-esteem, sparking important conversations about diversity, and helping girls embrace their strengths. “I hope this book empowers girls to dream big, embrace their uniqueness, and see value in their differences,” she said.
Holmes’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond children’s literature. She is currently working on an adult coloring book focused on female leadership. Combining intricate designs, affirming quotes, and reflective prompts, this new project aims to inspire women to explore personal growth, strength, and leadership.
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Before You Choose
When considering Coloring Outside the Lines: How One Professor is Championing Diversity and Female, look beyond the cover and theme. Check the amount of detail on each page, whether the artwork is printed on one or both sides, and whether the paper suits the tools you prefer. Fine designs often work best with sharpened colored pencils or fine-tip markers, while broader spaces can be comfortable for beginners.
Availability, editions and physical specifications can change, so confirm the current product description before buying. If you plan to use markers, test a small area first and place a protective sheet behind the page. This reduces the chance of ink transferring to the next design.
A practical way to get started
- Choose a subject and difficulty level that genuinely appeal to you.
- Match pencils or markers to the page size, paper and level of detail.
- Test colors and blending combinations on a spare sheet before starting.
- Use a protective page when the medium may bleed through.
- Treat coloring as a creative activity rather than a performance test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before choosing Coloring Outside the Lines: How One Professor is Championing Diversity and Female Leadership?
Check the current edition, page dimensions, paper, printing format and level of detail. These points help determine whether the book or resource suits your preferred coloring tools and experience level.
Which coloring tools are suitable?
Colored pencils are a flexible choice for layering and fine details. Markers can create bold, even color but may bleed through some paper, so test first and use a protective sheet when needed.
Is this a good option for beginners?
Suitability depends on the design complexity and your preferences. Beginners often find larger shapes and moderate detail easier to approach, while experienced colorists may prefer intricate artwork and more room for blending or shading.
