Kim Kardashian's book of selfies, Selfish was a success because it continued a tradition the Kardashians have perfected: meticulously honest public sharing. Still, for a celebrity that shares so much with the world, Kim K has yet to receive what is arguably the most flattering honor: a coloring book dedicated to her photos. While her husband Kanye has fairy tales based on his songs and rappers everywhere have a coloring book dedicated to them, the queen of selfies hasn't, until now, received the Crayola treatment.
Pittsburgh-based graphic designer Christina Lee made a coloring book out of Kim's photos that takes the pop culture mogul's place in all of our lives to its own sort of logical conclusion. I caught up with the recent Carnegie Mellon graduate via e-mail to find out how Kim Kardashian finally got her own coloring book.
Why Kim?
Kim Kardashian is a fascinating celebrity because you're not really sure why she's famous, but you could name at least 10 different reasons why. She has a profitable video game, stars in a reality show, has two famous fathers, is married to Kanye, has zillions of followers on Instagram, and the list goes on. If you ask any person why she's famous, you're not going to get a lot of the same answers.
I also find her incredibly relatable, not only because of her Instagram feed, but because of her career trajectory. Even though she was born into fame, nearly everyone can see themselves in Kim's shoes because her public life is full of highs and lows.
Why a coloring book?
I grew up obsessed with coloring books, and I still am. I keep my 15-year-old Garfield coloring book very close to my heart.
There's been a resurgence in coloring books for adults, and I was surprised that Kim Kardashian didn't have one yet-- US pop culture is incredibly saturated with her image. I was inspired by flipping through a friend's copy of Selfish, I thought it would be a fun idea if I transformed her selfies into a coloring book.
I also find her incredibly relatable, not only because of her Instagram feed, but because of her career trajectory. Even though she was born into fame, nearly everyone can see themselves in Kim’s shoes because her public life is full of highs and lows.
Would the book be a good gift for North West?
The coloring book would be a great gift for North West. Nothing is more empowering than to see your own mother elevated to pop cultural status through a coloring book. Also, I think it would be an incredibly fun exercise for anyone to color their own mom.
What other powerful figure deserves a coloring book?
The last coloring book I filled out was an Abraham Lincoln coloring book. I think there needs to be more female politicians with their own coloring books, and Hillary Clinton actually makes a cameo in the Kim Kardashian coloring book. She's a powerful figure I immensely admire, and I would love to see her have her own coloring book.
Should everyone color in their own selfies?
Definitely! It adds another dimension to the entire selfie-taking-experience. That would enable people to modify their appearances in any way. Imagine blue skin and pink hair being a reality for yourself(ie).
