Palette Talks | Vision in Full Color: A Conversation with our CEO

Welcome to Palette Talks, a behind-the-scenes series where we sit down with the creative minds shaping Explainer Book™. In this edition, we're honored to hear from our founder and CEO, Bibi LeBlanc, whose passion for travel, photography, and storytelling sparked a movement that’s turning the way we communicate on its head—one coloring book at a time.

From visual storytelling to meaningful engagement, Bibi shares how Explainer Books™ began, what she’s learned leading a creative business, and the personal rituals that keep her inspired. Get ready to see the power of creativity and leadership through a more colorful lens.

What inspired you to start Explainer Book™?

The idea for Explainer Books™ was born from my love of travel, photography, and listening to people's stories. I saw how powerful visuals can be in helping people truly understand and connect with ideas—especially when those visuals are interactive.

Originally, I created destination-themed coloring books to share the stories of places I had visited, but I soon realized that this format could be used for much more. Businesses, organizations, and even cities often struggle to articulate their purpose clearly and engagingly. That's when it clicked: What if we turned complex or essential information into something visual, memorable, and even fun and engaging?

Explainer Books™ merge imagination with information. They help people not only learn—but experience—a message, whether it's about a product, a mission, or a piece of history. And because they are interactive and creative, they reach audiences in a way traditional brochures or presentations often can't.

What's one lesson you've learned as a leader in a creative industry?

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that clarity is just as important as creativity. In a creative industry, it's easy to get caught up in ideas, inspiration, and aesthetics—but without clear direction, even the best ideas can fall flat.

As a leader, I've learned to communicate not just what we're creating, but why we're creating it—who it's for, what problem it solves, and how it supports our bigger mission. When my team understands the purpose behind the project, they're not just being creative for the sake of it—they're creating with intention.

Also, I've learned to listen deeply—to clients, collaborators, and my own instincts. Sometimes the most potent creative solutions come from truly hearing what's needed beneath the surface.

What's something about your job that would surprise people?

Most people are surprised to learn about the extensive research and strategy that go into creating each Explainer Book. From the outside, it might seem like we're "just making coloring books," when in reality, every project involves intentional listening, brand discovery, storytelling, research, and careful design choices to ensure the final product communicates clearly and connects emotionally.

Another surprise? How often I hear from adults—especially professionals—who say they found unexpected joy, calm, or even clarity through coloring. It's not just for kids; it's a tool that helps people slow down and engage with information in a completely different way.

What's your favorite way to recharge when you're not working?

Travel has always been my favorite way to recharge—it gives me a fresh perspective, fills me with inspiration, and reminds me of the bigger picture.

Even a short road trip or exploring a nearby town can spark new ideas.

I love going to the movies with friends, catching up over a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop, or listening to classical music or the music I enjoyed as a teenager.

I also love being near water—whether it's taking a walk on the beach, capturing photos of my sons surfing, or simply watching the waves.

And when I need something simple and grounding, I grab a book, put on music, or go for a walk.

Oh—and coloring still makes the list! It's full circle for me.

Describe your perfect weekend in 3 words.

Adventure. Connection. Creativity.

If your leadership style were a color, what would it be and why?

If my leadership style were a color, it would be teal—a blend of calm blue and energizing green.

Teal represents clarity, balance, and creativity—all qualities I strive for as a leader. I aim to create a space where ideas can flow, people feel heard, and we stay grounded in our purpose while moving forward with energy and vision. It's a color that's both steady and vibrant—just like the kind of leadership I believe in.