Which Sketchbook Should I buy? | Sketchbook Review

 The Best Recommendations for Sketchbooks

How to Pick the Correct Sketchbook for you?

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• Paper 

The quality of paper is very important for sketchbooks because it should correspond with the type of medium you use. The type of medium you use should be compatible with your sketchbooks paper thickness.  

• Size

Similar to the paper in your sketchbook, the size is dependent on the type of activities you'll do. Such as, a smaller sketchbook makes sense for an artist on the go. While bigger sketchbooks should be kept at home. 

• Durability

• Weight

Weight can contribute to the size and paper type. For example, thick pages and/or more pages with lead to increased weight. While thinner pages and/or less pages will lead to decreased weight. As for the size the smaller, the lighter and the larger, the heavier.

• Color

• Cover and Binding

The binding of a sketchbook can be a prime way to have the most use of your sketchbook. Since some can be made with a bind that can allow the 2 pages to lay completely flat, making it into one big page.

As for the cover, I would recommend a hard cover which will give your sketches the best protection.

1.) Moleskine Art Sketchbook

Size: can vary depending on preference

Moleskine Art Sketchbooks are one of the best sketchbooks for all varieties of artists. These sketchbooks contain pages for charcoal sketches, watercolors, and drawings. 

"The Moleskine sketchbook has premium sketch-grade paper that supports a selection of artistic media and stands up to eraser use." - Moleskine website. 

In addition, these sketchbooks are minimal with black and hard covers. Also, Moleskine pages open flat and have no creases from the spine of the book. 

As well as the durability of Moleskine sketchbooks are strong and as I mentioned provide a hard cover. Which help to prevent creasing and damage to your drawings.

2.) Canson Field Sketchbook

Size: 10" x 7" 

The Canson Field Sketchbook has a spiral bound for those artists who prefer this and has a black cover. 

This particular sketchbook weights 65 lb and contains 80 sheets.

Also, Canson sketchbooks are perfect for markers, pens and charcoal drawings. Since the pages are made up of acid-free paper. 

Canson Field Sketchbooks works perfectly for multiple art mediums and show vibrantly on the page. 

3.) Blick Studio Hardbound Sketchbook

Size:  8.5" x 11" 

The Blick Studio Hardbound Sketchbook contains pages that are ideal for sketches and drawings. In addition, the pages are cream-colored, not pure white. 

A beginner friendly sketchbook with a low price without making it lose   its quality.

The cover is a thick durable black cover which is preferred for sketchbooks to get the most protection.

The Blick Studio Sketchbook contains 108 pages and weights 65 lb.

 

4,) Scrathmore 500 Series Mixed Media

Size: 8.5"x 11"

Once again, a sketchbook that performs good with any medium for different performing artists. For instance the pages can resist wet materials as well as heavy and thick materials, 

The Scrathmore 500 Series comes in a brown hardcover or softcover with a binding that lays flat. This is allowed by the Smyth-sewn binding.

Lastly, the sketchbook weights 90 lb  (190 grams) and has durable pages and covers.

5.) Stillman and Birn Beta Series Softcover Sketchbook

Size: 10" x 8.25" 

The Beta Series Sketchbook features one of the thickest papers for artist to use. Which can absorb watercolors and acrylics for any type of artwork. 

Which means that this sketchbook is heavy, weighing 270 grams with 26 sheets. 

The Stillman and Birn Beta Series still has many options for different covers and sizes, depending on each artist. 

6.) Crescent RendR Hardbound Sketchbook

Size: 8.5" x 11" 

The Crescent RendR Hardbound Sketchbook has a unique feature of laying completely flat, which both pages can be used as one. With the small size it can be stored in a purse or small bag.

The best part is the no bleed through paper which can be ideal for markers, acrylic paints, and watercolors. Any medium that's thick and pigmented would work perfectly with this sketchbook. 

This sketchbook weights 110 lb and contains 64 sheets.

#1 Recommendation: 

Overall, these sketchbooks are amazing depending what medium you use, how and where you'll use them. 

The best sketchbook for drawings and simple everyday sketches has to be the Blick Studio Hardbound sketchbook. For its inexpensive price, durable black hardcover, and the lightweight pages. Leading to an easy and flexible sketchbook for daily use.

However, this list should be an inspiration for what to look for in a sketchbook and the options available by many different brands.