When most people think of Paint by Numbers, they might picture a childhood activity or a relaxing hobby for retirees. But in 2025, a new wave of creative minds is flipping the script—Gen Z. With a strong focus on mental health, individuality, and aesthetic expression, this generation is embracing Paint by Numbers in a way that’s anything but traditional.
Far from being “old school,” paint-by-number kits are becoming a go-to outlet for mindfulness and creativity among people in their teens and twenties. Gen Z is drawn to activities that allow them to unwind, disconnect from digital overload, and reconnect with their own emotions. With its soothing process and satisfying results, painting by numbers checks every box.
So what themes are capturing their attention? What are the most loved and frequently shared paint-by-number styles among Gen Z creators? Let’s dive into the top trending themes that this vibrant generation can’t get enough of.
Gen Z is known for their attention to aesthetic. Whether it’s their social media feed, wardrobe, or bedroom walls, they love curating beauty with meaning. Pastel-themed paint-by-number kits—like cotton candy skies, twilight forests, or dreamy ocean sunsets—are a massive hit.
These designs blend soft tones with calming visuals, making them perfect for room decor. Once completed, they match effortlessly with fairy lights, boho bedding, or minimalistic desk setups—staples in any Gen Z bedroom.
Painting these tranquil scenes also helps reduce anxiety and offers a perfect wind-down after school, work, or scrolling through endless notifications.
Whether it’s a nostalgic Disney scene, a moody portrait of Billie Eilish, or a retro Taylor Swift album cover, pop culture-themed kits are topping the charts among Gen Z.
These Paint by Numbers designs let fans honour their favorite artists, shows, and cinematic moments in a unique, hands-on way. Not only do they make for engaging art projects, but they also double as wall statements—“Yes, I painted that Harry Styles portrait myself!”
Platforms offering custom kits allow users to upload personal images and turn them into DIY art. This has led many Gen Z painters to create personalized tributes to K-pop idols, animated film stills, and viral meme figures.
Gen Z is refreshingly open about mental health. They actively seek tools and routines that help manage stress, burnout, and anxiety. That’s why wellness-themed paint-by-number kits—like mindfulness mandalas, calming nature motifs, or affirmations with floral borders—are gaining popularity.
These kits serve a dual purpose: the process of painting promotes relaxation and presence, while the final artwork often carries positive messages. Painting “you are enough” in golden hues with surrounding leaves and blooms? That’s both therapeutic and Instagram-worthy.
The combination of soothing visuals and gentle self-talk makes this theme a favourite among students, remote workers, and creators alike.
Whether it’s a sleepy sloth, a vibrant butterfly, or a majestic tiger, animal-themed kits remain a top choice among Gen Z painters. This generation is highly connected to animals, often seeing them as companions, symbols of peace, or representations of personality traits.
Some opt for ultra-detailed wildlife pieces that take several sessions to complete, while others enjoy minimalist animal line art filled with vibrant colours. And of course, custom pet portraits are huge—many choose to transform their furry best friends into paint-by-number projects they can hang proudly.
Painting pets isn’t just fun—it’s personal, emotional, and filled with love.
Gen Z has a deep fascination with stars, planets, and the universe. Cosmic art feeds their desire to explore, wonder, and connect with something larger than themselves. So, it’s no surprise that celestial-themed paint-by-number kits are wildly popular.
These designs include moon phases, zodiac signs, dreamy constellations, or surreal planets floating above enchanted landscapes. The color palettes are often deep purples, indigos, and metallic golds—perfect for moody, magical vibes.
Painting stars becomes a metaphorical experience, symbolizing hopes, dreams, and the vast unknown. And let’s face it—it also looks absolutely stunning in curated bedroom corners.
While many love painting detailed scenes, others in Gen Z lean toward the abstract. Blobs of color, wavy lines, asymmetrical faces, and impressionist florals—all of these find a home in paint-by-number kits designed with freedom in mind.
Abstract art offers a break from precision and perfectionism. It invites painters to experiment, go off-script, or even blend colours beyond the instructions. This matches Gen Z’s general resistance to rigid systems—they crave fluidity, flexibility, and expression.
Whether displayed on canvas or printed on a tote bag, abstract pieces resonate with Gen Z’s identity: unique, unpredictable, and full of depth.
From claw clips to disposable cameras, Gen Z has resurrected the best of past decades and made it their own. That nostalgia spills into their art choices too.
Paint-by-number kits with 90s aesthetics, Y2K fashion figures, or retro objects (think cassette tapes, lava lamps, and classic roller skates) are highly favoured. The blend of fun, fashion, and familiarity makes painting these designs a joy—and a way to express identity.
These themes are often paired with bright, funky colours and bold lines, making them easy to paint and perfect for statement walls.
It’s not just about what’s being painted—it’s about how the process feels. This generation values experiences that help them slow down, stay present, and enjoy the moment. Paint by numbers offers just that: a break from the pressure to always be productive or “online.”
Many Gen Z painters also appreciate that they don’t need to be “good” at art to enjoy the benefits. In fact, one of the most empowering aspects of Paint by Numbers is that it removes the fear of failure. You follow the numbers, fill in the colors, and slowly watch something beautiful take shape.
That sense of achievement boosts confidence, reduces screen time, and creates something worth sharing—not for likes, but for pride.
In the UK, the rise of paint by numbers adults uk stores and platforms has made these kits more accessible than ever. With themed collections, custom options, and delivery to your door, Gen Z buyers can easily explore their favourite styles and express their personality through painting.
Many online shops cater specifically to younger audiences, offering kits that reflect the latest trends in fashion, music, and mental health culture.
Gen Z is redefining creativity on their own terms. With a focus on individuality, emotional wellness, and aesthetic expression, they are breathing new life into Paint by Numbers. The themes they love—celestial scenes, mental health messages, nostalgic icons, and dreamy landscapes—are as layered and vibrant as the generation itself.
For those looking to relax, reconnect, or simply try something new, paint-by-number kits are the perfect way to dive in. No talent needed. No rules. Just color, calm, and creativity—one section at a time.