Anja Renko

Anja is a co-founder of Lake with a background in psychology and a love for human creativity. A book in one hand, a coffee cup in the other, and curiosity everywhere she goes.

How to Start Digital Coloring: A Beginner's Guide

28 Sep 2026 7-minute read coloring

How to Start Digital Coloring: A Beginner's Guide

Every week I see the same Reddit post: "Just got an iPad, want to try digital coloring, no idea where to start." So here's my answer: 9 simple tips for beginners, no art background needed.

23 Sep 2026 6-minute read coloring

Do You Need an Apple Pencil for Digital Coloring? Here's the Honest Answer

I own an Apple Pencil, use it often, and still think some of the best colored pieces I've seen in Lake were done with just a thumb. Here's the honest breakdown - plus what's changing for iPhone coloring with the launch of iPhone Duo.

Lake coloring app's Recreate feature showing a partially colored illustration next to the artist's fully colored reference version

04 Sep 2026 5-minute read features & updates

How to Start Coloring When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

Ever found a coloring page you love, only to stare at the blank version and wonder, “Okay... where do I even start?” Recreate gives you a little help: see how the artist colored it, borrow their colors or techniques, or simply use it for inspiration.

A hand coloring a detailed illustration in Lake, a digital coloring app for iPad and iPhone.

17 Aug 2026 4-minute read features & updates

ASMR Coloring: What It Means & Why It's Relaxing

Ever wonder why coloring in Lake sounds so satisfying? Here's what ASMR coloring is, and why it works.

07 Aug 2026 3-minute read features & updates

How We Built One-Finger Pan & Zoom, Lake's Newest Accessibility Feature

Two Lake users, unrelated to each other, ran into the exact same barrier around the same time. That led us to build a new accessibility feature: One-Finger Pan & Zoom.

24 Jun 2026 3-minute read

5 iPhone Apps I Use Every Day Instead of Social Media

Trying to spend less time on social media? These are the five iPhone apps I actually use every day - for creativity, productivity, inspiration, and a healthier kind of screen time.

Blog cover showing five recommended coloring books and the author's photo, titled "5 Mood-Boosting Coloring Books"

21 May 2026 4-minute read coloring books

5 Coloring Books to Try When You Need a Mood Boost

Stressed, tired, or just in a funk? Here are 5 coloring books I reach for when I need a mood boost - calming, colorful, and made by real human artists.

13 May 2026 4-minute read features & updates

The Mental Health Ritual That Doesn't Feel Like Homework

Mental health rituals don’t have to feel like another chore. In this article, we explore how Coloring Journal helps turn coloring into a simple daily ritual - a calming way to reduce stress, quiet busy thoughts, and create small moments of mindfulness without pressure or perfection.

17 Apr 2026 5-minute read coloring books

5 Coloring Books That Celebrate the Earth: My Picks for Earth Day 2026

Hello April - Earth Month! To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, here are five coloring books in Lake that capture the beauty of our planet: mountains, wild animals, tropical paradises, birth flowers, and mindful moments in nature. A little inspiration for your next coloring session 💚

26 Mar 2026 6-minute read coloring

Active vs. Passive Screen Time: Why Coloring on an iPad Is Not the Same as Doomscrolling

Not all screen time is the same. Here's how to tell the difference between "good" and "bad" screen time - and how one small swap can change how you feel at the end of the day.