Throwback, kiddy adult products like adult coloring books have become increasingly popular lately, and with today's adults having grown up exposed to emoji culture, the two aspects have merged into a new company: Emoji Coloring Books. No fans of subtlety, the indie publisher authors just that: emoji coloring books full of famous emojis like 'Pile of Poo,' 'Face with a Look of Triumph,' 'Smiling Cat Face with Heart Eyes,' and others.
'Kittens, Hearts, and Poo' is Emoji Coloring Books' first publication. It includes 40 single-sided pages of line illustrations, promising consumers hours of silly mindfulness. Though appropriate for children, the emoji coloring book's primary audience is the burgeoning class of Millennial adults who are nostalgic for childhood amidst the pressures of adult responsibility.
As a method for relaxation and release, these emoji coloring books distance young adults from their digital devices while simultaneously keeping them symbolically connected.
Emoji Coloring Books
'Kittens, Hearts, and Poo' is a Coloring Book for Emoji-Loving Millenials
Trend Themes
1. Emoji Coloring Books - The trend of adult coloring books has combined with the popular culture of emojis, creating a new genre aimed towards millennials, which presents opportunities to create new themes and variations on emoji coloring books.
2. Nostalgia for Childhood - Adults are increasingly looking for ways to experience the things they enjoyed from their childhood, and brands who can market themselves as a way to fight the challenges of adulting can be disruptive innovations.
3. Mixed Reality Integration - Brands could incorporate their coloring books with augmented/mixed reality technology to offer immersive experiences or unlock hidden content, which could add value to products and increase their appeal for users.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - Publishing companies could explore the possibility of creating 'emoji-inspired' coloring books featuring other popular cultural references to capitalise on this market among millennials.
2. Retail - Retail companies could leverage this trend to create physical shops that offer a personalized experience, such as hosting 'emoji coloring book' parties or workshops.
3. Marketing - Marketing agencies/designers could produce emoji-inspired designs and leverage social media platforms to create a digital following, potentially disrupting the market by creating a 'trend' that others can follow.