Are you a student who takes up sketching and drawing as a hobby, or are you an artist who sketches and draws for a living looking for a suitable sketchbook for drawing, journaling or watercolor writing? Different types are available in different sizes, paperweights, orientations, etc.
In order to make the right decision, we will show you the important tips to choose the right one that suits your needs.
- Size – The size is the first thing to consider. Are you a beginner trying to draw for the first time or are you an artist who likes to draw frequently? For beginners, you can use a general purpose, such as the A5 sketchbook. It is not very wide like A4 and can easily fit in a bag. You can create different drawings and watercolors with A5 paper. A pocket size is also good to use as a student because you can easily carry it around. If you are an artist or someone who draws and sketches frequently, a larger size such as A4 type is recommended. It has a wider space for drawing and is more suitable for journaling and watercolor. There is more area to sketch different artistic drawings and intricate arts.
- Weight – Weight is another thing to consider. If you are a student who sketches and draws, it is best to get one that is lightweight because you will be carrying it with you to and from different classes. Smaller ones and pocket size is good to carry. If you are an artist who draws and sketches in one place, then you can get the one that is heavy. You can place it on top of a table and draw without having to move it, which will make you uncomfortable. Weight is measured in lb or gsm. The higher the gsm, the thicker the paper will be. Lighter papers under 100gsm are good for dry colors like pencil, while heavier papers are good for wet colors like watercolour.
- binding- Binding styles is another thing to consider. There are the types that have a glue binding style, so you can easily tear out a page in a clean and clear way. There are also thread binding types and, more commonly, spiral binding types that are attached using spiral wires. They allow you to fully open plans for an easy and comfortable sketch. The artist prefers the spiral binding type because it lies flat and does not hinder drawing in any position. The best option is to go for spiral binding because it is easier to use and is better for hardcover sketchbooks as it opens easily. Most very wide sketchbooks come spiral bound, so it’s better for artists.
- Cover – The cover is another important thing to check. There are the types that have a soft cover, while some have a hard cover. If you are a beginner or a student, it is better to get a hardcover type because the hardcover type lasts longer and does not wrinkle. You can easily move with it without tearing. The hardcover type also provides support when drawing as you can use it even when standing up, so you can draw on it wherever you go. As an artist, drawings in one place, hard cover or paper cover is good because you can place it on a hard surface. Paper types are thinner and can be folded, making it better for artists as they are easy to display at exhibitions.
- paper materials – The paper material used is also a very important aspect to check. Different materials are used, such as thick cotton paper that is good for watercolors and thin cotton that is good for drawing and journaling. Cotton paper is the best paper material used, although it is not very common. Other types include plain paper, cartridge paper, and watercolor paper. Plain paper type differs in texture. Some are very thin while others are thicker, some are also very smooth and some are rough. If you want to use a pencil, you should get one that has a very smooth surface because those with a rough surface will wear down the pencil very quickly. It is best to use watercolors for rough-surfaced papers. The high quality cartridge paper type and ideal for drawing with pencil, ballpoint pen or ink marker. It is a type of thick, high-quality paper used for illustrations and drawings. It is an ideal use for beginners or artists. Watercolor paper types are selected by weight and finish. It consists of Rough, Cold Press and Hot Press. Most artists who use transparent watercolors opt for Rough or Cold Press types. For opaque watercolors, the Hot Press type is best for drawing. For students who want to practice, Student Watercolor Papers are ideal to use. Student watercolor papers are not made from grade materials. They are acid buffered but will eventually wear out and the paper will begin to deteriorate and discolor. That’s why it’s only ideal for practice work.
- paper color – Depending on your drawing and the color of your ink, choose paper with colors that bring out your best sketch. Some papers come in cream, light yellow, light blue, and a few other colors. Choose the color of paper that best highlights your drawings and sketches.
- Paper Orientation – The paper comes in landscape or portrait orientation. Few papers come in a square shape. Depending on the type of drawing and sketches you do, most choose based on it. It also depends on your choice as you can make landscape drawings in landscape orientation.
Make a good choice based on the speed and the way you draw and sketch. Also do good only depending on usability. If you are a beginner who just draws for fun, you don’t need a very high quality type of artist or a professional who sketches and draws for commercial purposes.