Bells Hells Coloring Book: How to Color Critical Role Characters

Quick answer

Start with a light pencil base, build color in thin layers, and keep the paper clean and dry. Work from light to dark, and test every color on a scrap page before committing to a character.

Step-by-step coloring process for Bells Hells characters

1. Choose your pencils and test colors: Select a set of colored pencils with a range of skin tones, vibrant hues for magical effects, and neutral shades for shadows. Before coloring the page, test each pencil on a scrap sheet to see how it layers and blends. Common mistake: skipping the test and discovering that a pencil is too waxy or scratchy after you have already applied it to the artwork. Keep a small color chart of your tested pencils for quick reference.
2. Plan your color palette: Look at the character designs and decide on a consistent palette for each character. For example, use cool blues and purples for Imogen, earthy greens and browns for Orym, and bold reds and oranges for Ashton. Common mistake: choosing colors that clash or ignoring the character's established look, which can make the finished page feel chaotic. Lightly note your color choices on a separate paper before starting.
3. Apply a light base layer: Using light pressure, fill in each area with a base color. Keep the strokes even and avoid pressing hard. This first layer should be pale and slightly uneven. Common mistake: applying heavy pressure immediately, which flattens the paper's texture and makes blending impossible. Check that the base layer is light enough to see the paper texture through it.
4. Build up layers gradually: Add a second and third layer of the same color or a slightly darker shade, increasing pressure slightly each time. Work in small circular motions to blend. Common mistake: trying to darken an area with one heavy layer instead of several thin ones, which leads to a patchy, shiny finish. Stop when the color is one shade lighter than your target; you can always add more.
5. Add shadows and highlights: Use a darker pencil (such as a deep purple or brown) to add shadows in creases, under hair, and around the edges of clothing. For highlights, leave the paper white or use a white pencil or eraser to lift color. Common mistake: placing shadows inconsistently, which can make the character look flat or distorted. Decide on a single light source direction before adding shadows.
6. Refine details and outlines: Once the main colors are in place, use a fine-tipped pencil or a dark colored pencil to reinforce important outlines and details like eyes, jewelry, and magical effects. Common mistake: outlining too early, which can trap you into a rigid color plan and make blending harder. Keep outlines slightly softer than the original printed lines to maintain a natural look.
7. Seal and protect your finished page: If desired, apply a light coat of workable fixative to prevent smudging, or place a sheet of glassine paper between pages. Common mistake: using too much fixative or spraying too close, which can cause the colors to darken or the paper to warp. Test fixative on a scrap page first to ensure it does not alter the colors.

Product facts

• Critical Role: Bells Hells Coloring Book TPB: This coloring book is fulfilled and shipped by Dark Horse Comics and is only available to physical addresses within the United States. If you are outside the US, you will need to arrange a US shipping address or consider a digital alternative, so plan your purchase accordingly.