Coloring by numbers is supposed to be a relaxing, meditative activity—a slow and steady process where patience is rewarded with a beautiful masterpiece at the end.
But if we throw that notion aside, can you speedrun a coloring by numbers set?
While it may seem like an unlikely speedrunning hit, the idea of turning a relaxing art activity into a competitive challenge is fascinating and enjoyable.
Let’s break it down step by step and explore what it takes to speedrun this classic pastime.
Setting Up the Speedrun Rules
Before diving into the speedrun itself, it's essential to set clear rules to ensure consistency across all attempts. Speedruns thrive on structure and fairness, and a Paint-by-Numbers challenge is no different.
Below are some basic guidelines that can be used to create a standard for the speedrun:
Start and End Timing
In the world of speedrunning, timing is everything. For a Paint-by-Numbers challenge, the timer begins the moment you apply the first brushstroke of paint to the canvas.
The timer should stop once the last section of the painting has been filled in, regardless of how perfect or imperfect the final product is.
This eliminates any post-painting touch-ups, keeping the challenge about speed rather than precision.
Quality vs. Speed
A common rule in speedruns is the allowance of a "good enough" outcome. The goal here isn’t to create a masterpiece—it's about completing the task as fast as possible.
As long as each numbered section is filled with its corresponding color, the run counts. It doesn’t matter if the lines aren’t perfectly neat or if a little paint spills outside the lines.
Precision isn’t the focus, and there's no need for fine-tuning after the initial paint application.
Preparation Time
Speedrunning generally discourages significant preparation time, but in the case of Paint-by-Numbers, some setup is unavoidable.
A typical speedrun allows the player to set up their environment before starting the timer, but the actual painting must begin immediately once the clock starts.
Organizing the brushes, paints, and canvas should be done before starting the timer, and once the run begins, no additional setup is allowed.
Paint Drying Time
A unique challenge of Paint-by-Numbers speedrunning lies in paint drying times. Depending on the type of paint used (acrylics, oils, or watercolors), certain areas may need to dry before continuing with the next color.
This introduces a new layer of strategy. Some speedrunners might choose to work in multiple layers, while others will wait for sections to dry in between. How you handle drying time can greatly affect your speedrun.
Difficulty Variations
Not all Paint-by-Numbers kits are the same. Some designs are complex and require careful attention to detail, while others are simple and easy to fill in. For fairness, it’s best to standardize the difficulty of the kit in the speedrun.
Using kits with a similar level of complexity ensures that the challenge remains consistent. Alternatively, you could categorize runs based on difficulty, with more intricate paintings requiring greater time management skills.
Speedrun Strategies
Now that we’ve set the rules, let’s talk about the strategies that can help shave seconds—or even minutes—off your Paint-by-Numbers speedrun time.
Unlike video game speedruns, which often involve finding glitches and shortcuts, a Paint-by-Numbers speedrun focuses more on efficiency, organization, and a bit of creativity.
Here are some key strategies to consider:
Organize Your Materials
Preparation is half the battle in a Paint-by-Numbers speedrun. Organize your paint, brushes, and canvas before starting the timer. Lay out all the colors in the order you’ll need them, so you’re not wasting time looking for the correct shade in the middle of the run.
A common tactic is to place the paints in sections based on their number (e.g., all "1" colors together, all "2" colors together). This allows for smoother transitions between sections without the need to search for paints.
Work From Largest to Smallest Sections
One of the most effective ways to save time is to start with the largest sections of a single color. This minimizes the need to switch between different colors frequently.
For instance, if there’s a large background section that uses the same color, it’s best to tackle that first.
Not only does this help reduce interruptions, but it also builds momentum as you can fill large portions of the painting quickly.
Minimize Brush Changes
Switching between brushes is one of the most time-consuming aspects of painting. When you have a large canvas to cover, constantly changing brushes wastes time.
Use the largest brush for as many sections as possible, and only switch to smaller brushes when the design calls for more detailed work. The fewer brush changes you make, the faster you’ll finish.
Plan for Drying Time
In most Paint-by-Numbers kits, certain sections will require drying time between colors. The key to a successful speedrun is to minimize downtime.
If you're using acrylic paints, you can speed up drying by using a blow dryer or simply working in areas where the paint doesn’t overlap.
For other types of paints, consider working on different areas of the canvas while waiting for specific sections to dry.
Alternatively, you could work on larger areas first and move to smaller, detail-oriented sections that can be filled in quickly once the larger portions are done.
Stay Focused and Avoid Mistakes
One of the most critical aspects of speedrunning any task is the ability to stay focused and avoid mistakes. A single mistake can cost precious seconds, so it’s essential to keep your mind on the task at hand.
Don’t get distracted by the creative process—stick to the numbers and colors. Speedrunners often work with a “just finish” mentality, which means they don’t get bogged down in perfectionism. As long as the right color is in the right spot, you’re on track.
Use Efficiency Tools
Some speedrunners opt for special tools to improve their speed. For Paint-by-Numbers, this could mean using paint applicators or sponges for larger sections, which could help cover areas more efficiently than a brush.
Another trick might involve pre-mixing colors to reduce the need to stop and mix paints during the run.
Lessons Learned from Paint-by-Numbers Speedrunning
While speedrunning a Paint-by-Numbers kit is primarily about fun and efficiency, there are a few lessons that can be learned along the way, both about the challenge and about the activity itself.
1. Planning is Key
The more you plan and prepare, the more successful your speedrun will be. Time spent organizing materials and familiarizing yourself with the kit’s layout can make all the difference when the clock starts.
Being prepared isn’t just about having the right tools; it’s about knowing the flow of the painting and how to work within it to maximize your speed.
2. Focus on Efficiency, Not Perfection
Perfection isn’t the goal here—it’s speed. Speedrunning teaches you that sometimes "good enough" is all that’s needed.
Focusing on completing the task as efficiently as possible without getting bogged down by tiny mistakes can make the process faster and more enjoyable.
3. Every Second Counts
In the world of speedrunning, every second counts. Whether it's choosing the right brush, selecting the right section to paint next, or finding ways to cut down on drying time, small decisions accumulate to impact your overall time.
The challenge of a Paint-by-Numbers speedrun is to be mindful of these small factors and to optimize every move.
4. Creativity Under Constraints
Speedrunning forces you to create within a set of limitations, and this constraint can actually boost creativity. In a typical painting session, you have the luxury of time and freedom.
But in a speedrun, you’re constrained by both the clock and the design itself. These constraints challenge your creative problem-solving skills and help you think outside the box.
Conclusion
Speedrunning a Paint-by-Numbers kit is a unique and fun challenge that combines the meditative nature of painting with the competitive energy of speedrunning.
While the goal isn’t to create a masterpiece, the process offers lessons in efficiency, organization, and focusing on the task at hand.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to turn a relaxing activity into a race against time, a Paint-by-Numbers speedrun is the perfect way to try it out.
By mastering strategies such as organizing materials, planning your approach, and minimizing distractions, you can race your way to a completed painting in record time.
