Source: https://www.tampabeacon.com/news/somos-latinos-patricia-filomeno/article_b27b7f24-92ba-11ee-8f0d-f75b0f97539d.html

Peruvian graphic designer creates therapeutic coloring book inspired by pink flamingos

Patricia Filomeno, a Peruvian-born graphic designer, has made waves in the artistic world with her latest creation, the “Florida’s Pink Flamingo Coloring Book.”

This vibrant collection of designs aims not only to celebrate the iconic pink bird but also to promote the virtues of self-care and stress relief through art.

Her journey from Peru to Florida and through various creative endeavors led her to this remarkable project.

“I have always been creative — graphic work, web pages, videos, you name it,” Filomeno shared.

Her relocation to the United States for education and subsequent ventures in art laid the groundwork for what would become her latest passion project.

The spark for the coloring book ignited unexpectedly.

While at an event centered around pink flamingos — a moment she describes as transformative — Filomeno felt an inexplicable pull toward painting the elegant birds.

“Something inside me told me that I had to paint pink flamingos because they have curves like my paintings; and we have the same initials (P.F.),” she recalled.

Additionally, she felt personally identified by the color pink as a breast cancer survivor.

This personal triumph served as a catalyst for Filomeno to channel her creativity into something more profound — an endeavor that not only expressed her artistic flair but also aimed to benefit others.

“I loved drawing so much, and I started to think that it actually helps you mentally to draw and create art. So why don’t I create something that everyone can do?” she said.

Recognizing the therapeutic effects of art, Filomeno set out to craft a coloring book that would offer moments of tranquility and relaxation amid life’s stresses.

“Drawing and painting, it makes you feel good. When you concentrate, your mind is like in meditation,” Filomeno explained.

Her coloring book became a vessel for this philosophy, inviting people to immerse themselves in art as a means of mental release.

The Florida Pink Flamingo Coloring Book and its holiday-themed companion quickly gained traction.

Available for $12.95 on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, these creations found a place in the hearts of art enthusiasts seeking solace and joy in creativity.

But it wasn’t just about the art; it was about the connections made through it.

“My sister colored for the first time the other day, and she realized that it actually relaxes you, makes you feel good. It’s a nice moment that everyone needs in these stressful times,” Filomeno noted, reflecting on the impact her creation had on her own family.

The symbolism behind the pink flamingo extended beyond artistry. For Filomeno, it became a beacon of hope and positivity.

“Seeing real flamingos is not so normal in Florida either,” she laughed, recounting how the idea seemed to manifest itself everywhere she looked, infusing her life with newfound meaning.

Her resilience and optimism also found expression in the book’s design — a sand dollar, discovered during her cancer journey, graces the cover.

“When I went through cancer, I found sand dollars on my walks on the beach. They say they bring luck to the people who find them, so I started using them in the book too,” Filomeno shared.

Each design in the book took over three hours to conceptualize, create and perfect.

As for her aspirations, Filomeno is not slowing down.

“My goal is to make two books a year,” she said, setting her sights on continuing her mission of spreading joy and mindfulness through art.