Printing Chaos & Charm — The Self-Published Success of The Cathole Coloring Book
Mercedes Schenk is no stranger to cats—or creativity. As a Certified Feline Master Groomer and visual artist, she’s spent years immersed in the world of feline personalities, antics, and unpredictable drama. What began as hobbyist doodles eventually evolved into a fully illustrated collection of hilarious, chaotic, and heartwarming scenes that cat owners everywhere can relate to with the Cathole Coloring Book.
Seeking to turn her passion project into a physical product—without compromising creative vision—Mercedes made the bold decision to self-publish Cathole Coloring Book Vol. 1, bypassing traditional publishers in favor of total control.
The Coloring Book: Chaos in Every Page
Cathole Coloring Book Vol. 1 is a 22-page satirical and relatable tribute to the often maddening, always adorable behavior of house cats. The book’s pages include:
- Highly detailed black-and-white illustrations paired with short, irreverent stories of cat crimes and catastrophes—from knocking over water coolers to pooping in rice pots
- User-friendly format designed for gel pens, markers, or even half-chewed crayons
- A bold, whimsical cover that instantly signals fun, mischief, and feline mayhem
- A unique voice and authentic humor that strikes a chord with millennial pet owners and cat lovers
This isn’t just a coloring book—it’s emotional therapy for anyone who’s been tormented by a 3:00 a.m. zoomie attack or had their houseplants turned into litter boxes.
Artist’s Vision & Publishing Journey
Initially nervous about traditional publishing’s high cuts and creative constraints, Mercedes decided to take a leap:
“Choosing to self publish meant a higher risk and a higher reward. I decided to print a low volume at a few different printing companies and I have to say—after the incredible communication, exceptional printing quality, and reasonable prices—Printing Center USA is the only one I’ll trust with my work from here on out.”
According to Mercedes:
“I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, always a hobby and not something I would have foreseen as being a part of my career. As a cat groomer spending my days with cats, suddenly my doodles became more and more about their personalities and quirks, celebrating the sweet and chaotic moments.”
The Print Solution
Mercedes needed a print partner that could:
- Deliver professional-level coloring book quality with rich black linework and no bleed
- Offer affordable short-run printing to accommodate self-publishing budgets
- Provide responsive customer service to help a first-time self-publisher feel supported
- Ensure durable construction for books meant to be used, shared, and colored again and again
PrintingCenterUSA checked all the boxes, making it possible for Mercedes to debut her book with confidence.
The Result: A Brand-Building Product for a Creative Entrepreneur
From start to finish, Cathole Coloring Book Vol. 1 became more than just a product—it became a stepping stone in Mercedes’ creative business. With plans for additional volumes and themed spin-offs, this first successful launch proved that self-publishing isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
“I have several more ideas for cat and grooming-related coloring books and I can’t wait for [PrintingCenterUSA’s] help to bring them to life!”
Conclusion: Self-Publishing, Elevated for Cathole Coloring Book
Mercedes Schenk’s Cathole Coloring Book is a prime example of what happens when creative passion meets quality printing. Thanks to the flexibility and excellence of PrintingCenterUSA, artists like Mercedes can bring niche, delightful, and wildly entertaining projects into the hands of their audiences—on their own terms.
