Artist Spotlight@ERIKA

ERIKA (color_vibes_only) × Bianyo — Color, Craft, and Connection

This Artist Spotlight is about ERIKA (@color_vibes_only) 

someone who reminds us that art doesn’t have to be fast or perfect to be meaningful. Her coloring videos are quiet and steady, almost meditative, like a breath you didn’t know you needed. With just a few soft tones and a thoughtful approach, she turns simple pages into something deeply calming.

She uses refillable alcohol markers not to show off—but to show care: for the colors, the lines, and the people following along on the other side of the screen. Her tutorials have become a gentle companion for so many who love adult coloring books, and we’re grateful to be part of her creative process.

1、How did you first get into making coloring tutorials?
Was it something you always planned to share, or did it grow naturally from your own creative practice?

ERIKA：I first got into coloring tutorials when someone asked me how I did a pattern on a finished page! This led me to continuing to share my patterns and eventually my tips and techniques in how to blend, layer, and achieve certain looks with alcohol markers. Alcohol markers are hard medium to learn and it took me time to figure it out and I figured why not share with others how I learned so they can have a more fulfilling coloring experience.

2、What does coloring mean to you—beyond just making something beautiful?Would you say it’s become a form of mindfulness, relaxation, or even a daily ritual?

ERIKA：Coloring for me is definitely beyond making something beautiful.While I do enjoy the end result I actually use coloring as a way to alleviate anxiety. I suffer from severe panic attacks. When I started coloring I noticed the act of coloring itself and my intentions behind it took my mind away from what was making me anxious and focusing solely on the art I was creating in turn calming my anxious body but also my mind. I also have a lot of medical problems and some days my body tells me no. On days like this it gives me something creative to do that does not take a lot of energy. I have an overwhelming need to create daily, it is such an odd thing to try and put into words but I crave being creative and coloring helps me fill that need.

3、Your audience clearly loves your soft blends and color choices. When you plan a video, do you start with the image or the colors first?
Are there any go-to palettes or color formulas you love coming back to?

ERIKA：When I plan a video I start with the image first then choose a color. It's odd honestly when I see a blank image I immediately have an idea of what I want it to look like, colors and all. Once I have that idea in my head I will look for color palettes to match the image I have in my head.

4、You’ve been using Bianyo markers in your tutorials for a while now—what about them feels right for your style or your process?
Are there features that just fit the way you work?

ERIKA：There are so many reasons I love using Bianyo in my tutorials! First and foremost the color selection. 366 colors means I have a nice variety to choose from and can find the color I want to use. Second the tips of the marker are a bit more firm than their competitor and I prefer this vs flexible tips. And lastly these blend so well. I wish I could describe it but the way they lay down allows for easier seamless blending vs other alcohol brush markers.

5、Bianyo’s 366-color alcohol marker set (with 3 extra black and 3 colorless blenders) has been our biggest launch yet — featuring a full range of vibrant colors, dual tips, and available in Brush & Chisel or Brush & Fine. As one of the first creators we trusted to introduce this set, how did it feel to be part of this early launch?

ERIKA：When I was asked to be the first person to test, and help launch Bianyo’s new marker line I was honored but also excited. I got to be a part of an amazing product, test it and help bring them to my followers. It was so exciting to be a part of such an amazing product that I fully love! I have developed such a close relationship with some of the staff at Bianyo and that was such an important part of this launch for me. I felt like I was brought into a family with open arms! 

6、Do you have a color—or color family—you always come back to?
Pastels, retro tones, muted earth tones… is there one that just feels like “you”?

ERIKA：I do not really have a color family I really come back to. I love so many schemes. I will say, I love pastels, I am just terrible at using them! 

7、A lot of your followers are looking for the right coloring markers for adults. What makes Bianyo a good fit for them, in your experience?

ERIKA：I feel Bianyo is such a good fit for adults looking to get into the adult color community because they are affordable. For the amount of markers you get, you do not have to go and buy multiple sets to obtain all the colors you want you get them in one full set. Bianyo is the only marker on the market that has 366 colors in brush markers. The ease of blending is also an important part. Blending can seem very overwhelming, and even scary and if you have a marker that just is not up to the task, it will make blending very difficult and Bianyo’s blend like a dream! The last thing you want while doing a relaxing hobby is getting frustrated because the markers could not hold up! 

8、You often use brush alcohol markers in your tutorials. What do you love about that kind of tip specifically?
What does it allow you to do that others don’t?            

ERIKA：I love brush markers  because they are honestly easier to blend with. Chisel and fine tip can blend but I find using a brush tip is much easier to use and that is why I almost all my tutorials are with a brush tip.

9、If someone’s just getting into coloring, what kinds of patterns, techniques, or color pairings would you recommend they try first?
Anything simple but satisfying?

ERIKA：If someone is just getting into coloring, the first technique I would suggest is blending. Blending brings more dynamic to an image when you are able to seamlessly blend two colors. It can bring to life an object, or subject and add dimension. Blending is also the basis for understanding shading and patterns.

10、Final one—we’re big fans of your name, “color vibes only.”
Would you say it’s more than just an aesthetic? Is it a kind of creative philosophy for you?

ERIKA：Color Vibes Only honestly, the name was an off the cuff name I came up with.I wanted my account to be about coloring vibes only. I wanted people to see the name and think “ok this is just a coloring account” and not have to worry about mixed content but specific to just coloring. Coloring is an important aspect in my life as it helped me through a very trying time in my life.I feel like it helped me cope, and I know for others coloring has helped them in the same way, and I wanted this to be a safe space to learn, create and grow.