What Makes a Good Sketchbook?

Have you ever thought about why so many people still use a sketchbook? Well, people have been using sketchbooks for thousands of years now.

Although the idea of sketchbooks may seem obsolete to some people, their popularity hasn’t waned as much as you may imagine.

No doubt computer designing is taking sketching to the next level. But, sketchbooks tend to have their place even today.

What many people don’t realize it’s that art is happening all the time. Artists need a handy medium to capture their ideas, and sometimes carrying a laptop or even a tab around with you is just impractical. That’s where a trusty sketchbook comes in handy.

Secondly, art is incomplete without a medium. The touch of your pen/pencil/brush on paper is as much a part of the art as the final product itself. A computer can never give you the same feeling.

In this article, let us find out what makes for a good sketchbook.

Purpose Of A Sketchbook

Sketchbooks aren’t just for artists. There is much more you can do with a sketchbook. Doodling, drawing, and painting open up a whole new world—a world where imagination finds wings.

Sketchbooks are notebooks, drawing books, and journals all at once. You can make designs and pen down observations. The following are some uses of a sketchbook:

• Free-hand drawings and sketching.
• Finished paintings and portraits.
• Designing and doodling.
• Preliminary artwork.
• Quick studies
• Journaling
• Classroom experimentation
• Collecting memories
• The list is endless.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide For A Good Sketchbook

What counts for a good sketchbook? This is a common question. Well, the choice of a sketchbook can be subjective. Some people might want to create intricate art, while others may wish to use them to make rough sketches.

Paraphrasing the old saying: “You should never judge a sketchbook by its cover.” Some people are enamored by a stylish leather cover, while others may not even care.

There can be no particular recommendations as it depends on one’s preference. However, here are some points you can consider while choosing a sketchbook:

Media Consideration

Ask yourself, what kind of media will you be using? Different sketchbooks cater to different media. If you want to use dry media, the options are different. And, if you’re going to use acrylics or watercolors, the options will be different.

The cover of the sketchbook enlists the recommended media. The one which contains pages of moderate GSM caters to dry media. Dry media includes pencils, pens, charcoal, and drawing sticks.

The ones that have pages of higher GSM are ideal for watercolors and oil paints. You can find some sketchbooks which cater to mix media. It would be best if you found the right sketchbook which suits the media you will be using.

The Right Size

What size inspires you? The answer shouldn’t be an exact size. Rather it should just be “big or small.” Once you decide “how big or small do you like to work”? Look for options. Sketchbooks come in a variety of sizes. Some of them include – 6 x 6”, 6 x 9”, 6 x 12”, 9 x 12” , 9 x 9”, 11 x 14”, and 11 x 17”.

All these sizes are for different purposes. For instance, the larger sizes are for finished drawings with intricate details. The A4 size is advisable for beginners. And the smaller sizes are for small designs, rough sketches, and doodles.

Think of the practicality of the size too. For instance, an A4 size sketchbook may be portable. If your purpose is to use it for studio designs, you should opt for a larger size.

Desired Format

The format is the orientation in which the sketchbook has the binding. It affects the way you draw, especially in the case of rectangular sketchbooks.

If the binding is present on the smaller side, then the sketchbook has landscape format. On the contrary, if the binding is on the longer side, the sketchbook has a portrait format.

Choose the format which suits your art style. Square sketchbooks are preferable for making geometric designs. The sketchbook with the right format will help you create as per your visualization.

Quality Content

The quality of the sheets is of great importance. Low-quality sheets will bleed-through or form creases. This can adversely impact your artwork. Look for the following attributes when considering the sheets:

• The acid-free or pH neutral paper prevents yellowing of sheets in the long run.
• Look for sheets with the right tooth surface. “Tooth” or texture matters basis the media used. A grainier surface for watercolors adds aesthetics, whereas a smoother surface is better for precise styles where intricate brushwork is used.
• The finish of the paper determines the look of your paintings.
• Look for the sheets which suit your media type. For instance, hot-pressed sheets are ideal for watercolor users who need to showcase detailed work.
• Consider cartridge paper for illustration and light drawings.
• Look for papers with a high cotton content. The higher the content of cotton, the higher is the durability.
• If you’re not sure which media you will use, choose a mixed media sketchbook.

Shades Of White

All sketchbook sheets appear to be white on a rough glance. However, different sketchbooks contain different shades of whites. While some sketchbooks offer off-white sheets, some offer creamy white sheets.

Likewise, other sketchbooks can have warm white, cooler white, and pure white shades. This may not have a direct impact on your drawings. But, some papers might dull down the watercolor paintings.

Also, the shade of the paper affects the process of scanning. Some shades of white may not produce an excellent digital image.

Perfect Binding

Binding is responsible for keeping the sheets inside a sketchbook intact. Earlier, tough bindings made it hard to remove or tear pages. These days the double-spiral bindings allow easy removal of the pages. Also, the sheets are micro-perforated for easy removal.

The wire-bound sketchbooks open in a flat lay manner, making it easier for them to draw and paint.

It becomes difficult to use those that can’t open flat, as the paper curves near the gutter space.

Apart from wire binding, there are other bindings as well. Some of them include tape binding, glue binding, etc.

Hardbound Covering

Paperback vs. Hardcover? Well, a hardcover is always advisable over a paperback. Have a look at some of the benefits of having a hardcover:

• It protects the artwork inside the sketchbook.
• It prevents the pages from creasing and protects wearability.
• It provides excellent support while using the sketchbook.
• You don’t always need a hard surface if you have a hardbound cover.
• It might add some weight to the sketchbook, but at the same time, it provides the sketchbook with durability.

Paper Weight

You can measure the weight of the paper in Grams Per Square Meter or Pounds. It is nothing but the thickness of a sheet.

Thin sheets are preferable for writing. But, while drawing and painting, use sheets that have a higher GSM.

Here are some examples which will help you choose the sheets better:

• Use thin sheets for writing and illustration.
• Sheets with a low GSM of around 100 are preferable for dry media.
• Use the sheets which have around 300 GSM for wet media. Wet media includes both watercolors and acrylic oils.
• For the use of mixed media, prefer sheets that have a GSM in between these two extremes.

The thicker the sheet, the lower is the problem of bleeding or creasing.

Benefits Of Having A Good Sketchbook

It is crucial to have a good sketchbook for finding one’s authentic creative voice. Also, only a good sketchbook can help you shape your artwork. Have a look at some of the benefits:

• You can communicate better if you get a good work area on the sketchbook.
• You can use different media.
• You can improve your spatial management skills.
• You can carry it wherever you go.
• You can pen down observations.
• You can perform classroom experimentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a sketchbook?

There is no right answer; it depends on how you are going to use the sketchbook. Choose thicker paper and larger sizes if you want to create intricate watercolor paintings.

If you want rough sketches, choose a smaller size and thinner sheets. In this case, use dry media.

Why are sketchbooks important?

Sketchbooks are an effective way for art exploration. You can collect memories and experiment with different art styles.

They are an integral part of the creative process. You can doodle, draw, and paint. Also, you can use the sketchbooks for quick studies and journaling.

What is the best size sketchbook?

Sketchbooks are available in different sizes. The popular sizes include 9 x 12″ and 11 x 14″. These sizes offer great portability and a large work area. However, you should always choose the size which suits your art style.

Conclusion

Drawing and painting are the best ways to express one’s imagination. To experiment with different art forms, it is important to have the right sketchbook. A colorful cover doesn’t define a good sketchbook. Instead, your choice of art style determines the sketchbook you need.

Consider the media you will be using and the size you require for your art style. Once you are clear with your parameters, then choose the right sketchbook.

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