Sketching is a fundamental part of the creative process for artists and designers alike. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, having a reliable sketchbook is essential. A sketchbook is a place where you can experiment, jot down ideas, and develop your skills. But with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one for your needs.
When it comes to choosing the best sketchbook, there are several critical factors to consider. The type of paper, size, and binding are all essential elements that can affect your experience. The paper’s texture and weight can impact how your medium interacts with the surface, while the size and binding can affect portability and ease of use.
After researching and testing various sketchbooks, we’ve identified the top options for artists and designers looking for the best sketchbook. We’ve taken into consideration the paper quality, size, binding, and other essential features to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, our guide will help you find the perfect sketchbook to suit your needs.
Best Sketchbooks
As artists, we know that the right sketchbook can make all the difference in the quality of our work. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing for you. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best sketchbooks on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, we’ve got you covered.
1. Fuxi Sketch Book
We highly recommend the Fuxi Sketch Book for artists of all skill levels who are looking for a high-quality sketchbook that can withstand multiple drawings without warping or penetrating.
Pros
- The spiral bound design allows for easy flipping of pages and detaching of paper, providing a better drawing and writing experience.
- The compact size and protective cover make it portable and easy to carry around.
- The acid-free and non-faded paper will keep your drawings looking vibrant for years to come.
Cons
- Not suitable for markers or watercolor pens.
- The rough texture of the paper may not be suitable for artists who prefer a smoother surface.
- The spiral binding may get in the way for left-handed artists.
This sketchbook is made of extremely strong and durable materials, allowing for erasing without damaging the paper surface. The side spiral design also allows for smoother expression without your wrist being disturbed. The 9×12 inch size is perfect for carrying around, and the acid-free paper ensures that your drawings will stay rich and vibrant for years to come.
The only downside is that it is not suitable for markers or watercolor pens. The rough texture of the paper may also not be suitable for artists who prefer a smoother surface, and the spiral binding may get in the way for left-handed artists.
Overall, the Fuxi Sketch Book is a great choice for artists who are looking for a high-quality sketchbook that is both durable and portable.
2. Fuxi Sketchbook Set
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that can handle multiple drawings without warping or penetrating, the Fuxi Sketchbook Set is a great option.
Pros
- The spiral bound design provides easy access to flipping the pages and detaching paper, keeping the paper in good shape all the time.
- The compact size of 5.5″ x 8.5″ makes it portable enough to carry around and stash in almost all kinds of backpacks.
- The acid-free and non-faded paper reduces drawing smudges, blotches, or transfers, protecting your art and keeping colors rich and vibrant.
Cons
- The sketchbook is only applicable to dry media such as pencils, pens, graphite, charcoals, etc. Markers and watercolor pens are not recommended because of the chance of penetrating.
- The perforated pages may not hold up well over time.
- The sketchbook may not be suitable for those looking for a larger size.
We’ve used this sketchbook for multiple drawings and found that it held up well without warping or penetrating. The spiral bound design made it easy to flip through pages and detach paper without damaging it. The compact size made it easy to carry around and stash in our backpacks.
The acid-free and non-faded paper protected our art and kept colors rich and vibrant. However, we did notice that the perforated pages may not hold up well over time and the sketchbook may not be suitable for those looking for a larger size. Overall, the Fuxi Sketchbook Set is a great option for those looking for a durable and portable sketchbook for dry media.
3. Strathmore Sketch Pad
We highly recommend the Strathmore Sketch Pad for anyone looking for a high-quality sketchbook.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Fine tooth surface for various techniques
- Convenient and transportable pad
Cons
- Limited to dry media
- May not handle heavy washes well
- Wire binding may become damaged over time
The Strathmore Sketch Pad is perfect for art exploration and practicing various techniques. The fine tooth surface provides a great way to track your progression over time. Plus, the convenient and transportable pad makes it easy to take with you on the go.
We appreciate that this product is made in the USA and that it belongs to the arts, crafts, and sewing category. However, keep in mind that it is limited to dry media and may not handle heavy washes well. Additionally, while the wire binding is convenient, it may become damaged over time.
Overall, the Strathmore Sketch Pad is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality sketchbook.
4. UCreate Poly Cover Sketch Book
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that is versatile and durable, the UCreate Poly Cover Sketch Book is a great option.
Pros
- The heavyweight, acid-free paper is perfect for all types of dry media such as pencils, colored pencils, and crayons.
- The spiral bound format lies flat for comfortable drawing and sketching when on-the-go.
- The sleek, sturdy black poly front and back cover looks stylish and helps keep paper in place.
Cons
- The paper is not suitable for wet media such as watercolors or ink.
- The perforated sheets may tear easily if not handled carefully.
- The cover may start to show wear and tear after extended use.
We recently used the UCreate Poly Cover Sketch Book for a series of sketches and were impressed with its performance. The paper is thick and sturdy, allowing us to use a variety of dry media without any issues. The spiral binding made it easy to flip through pages and lay the book flat, making it comfortable to draw on. The perforated sheets were a nice touch, making it easy to remove finished sketches without damaging the rest of the book.
Overall, we would highly recommend the UCreate Poly Cover Sketch Book to anyone looking for a high-quality sketchbook that can handle a variety of dry media. It’s perfect for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
5. Ohuhu Sketchbook Marker Paper Pad
If you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook that’s perfect for markers, then you should definitely consider the Ohuhu Sketchbook Marker Paper Pad. It’s a great choice for both professional artists and beginners.
Pros
- The Ohuhu Sketchbook Marker Paper Pad is portable and fits easily into most bags, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
- The 120LB (200GSM) heavyweight paper is both durable and delicate, with a smooth, flat surface that prevents bleeding, smudging, and feathering.
- The paper is 100% acid-free, which means that your artwork will look great for years to come.
Cons
- Some users have reported that markers bleed through the paper, which could be an issue if you’re using alcohol-based markers.
- The perforated edges make it easy to tear out pages, but this could also be a problem if you accidentally tear out a page that you wanted to keep.
- The sketchbook is only 8.3×8.3 inches, which might be too small for some users.
We’ve had a chance to use the Ohuhu Sketchbook Marker Paper Pad, and we’re really impressed with the quality of the paper. It’s thick and sturdy, but it still has a nice texture that makes it easy to draw on. We also appreciate the fact that the paper is acid-free, which means that our artwork will last for a long time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paper might not be ideal for all types of markers. Some users have reported that alcohol-based markers bleed through the paper, which could be a problem if you’re using those types of markers. However, we didn’t have any issues with our water-based markers.
Overall, we think that the Ohuhu Sketchbook Marker Paper Pad is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a high-quality sketchbook that’s perfect for markers. It’s portable, durable, and easy to use, which makes it a great choice for both professional artists and beginners.
6. Bachmore Sketchpad 9X12″ Inch
We highly recommend the Bachmore Sketchpad 9X12″ Inch for anyone who loves to draw or paint.
Pros
- The sketch pad is top spiral bound, making it friendly for both left-handed and right-handed people. The paper inside the sketchbook is beautiful, smooth, and perfect for drawing. The pages are easily torn from the notebook with punctures, making it easy to remove any piece of paper.
- The papers are made of acid-free paper with thick, strong, slick-smooth white & durable features. These papers can be used for any dry pens like oily color pencils, charcoal, sketching stick, and other dry media pencils.
- The sketch pad has 100% handmade hard covers, especially the hard bottom pad both of the covers defiantly help protect your artwork safely.
Cons
- The sketchbook may not be suitable for wet media like watercolor as the paper may not hold up well to it.
- The sketchbook may not lie flat when opened, which can be inconvenient for some artists.
- The sketchbook may not be as durable as some other sketchbooks on the market.
The Bachmore Sketchpad 9X12″ Inch is a wonderful choice for both beginners and professionals. The sketchbook is perfect for drawing, doodling, or practicing on paper before moving to canvas. The hardbound sketch pad is also a great gift for anyone who loves painting.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook that’s perfect for dry media, the Bachmore Sketchpad 9X12″ Inch is definitely worth considering.
7. Moleskine Art Sketchbook
We highly recommend the Moleskine Art Plus Large Sketchbook for anyone looking for a high-quality sketchbook that is perfect for on-the-go drawings, sketches and tempera colors.
Pros
- The heavy paper is top quality and perfect for a variety of mediums.
- The hardcover and elastic closure keep your projects and notes secure.
- The expandable inner pocket is a convenient feature that is great for storing extra supplies.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some.
- The plain paper layout may not be suitable for those who prefer lined or grid paper.
- The hardcover may be a bit bulky for those who prefer a more lightweight sketchbook.
This sketchbook is perfect for artists who want a high-quality sketchbook that is both durable and versatile. The heavy paper is ideal for a variety of mediums, and the hardcover and elastic closure keep your projects and notes secure. The expandable inner pocket is a convenient feature that is great for storing extra supplies.
The Moleskine Art Plus Large Sketchbook is a bit on the pricey side, but the quality of the paper and construction make it worth the investment. The plain paper layout may not be suitable for those who prefer lined or grid paper, but it is perfect for those who prefer a blank canvas to work with. The hardcover may be a bit bulky for those who prefer a more lightweight sketchbook, but it is a small price to pay for the added durability.
Overall, we highly recommend the Moleskine Art Plus Large Sketchbook for anyone looking for a high-quality sketchbook that is perfect for on-the-go drawings, sketches and tempera colors.
8. String & Space Sketchbook
We highly recommend the String & Space Sketchbook for artists who want to elevate their artwork. This sketchbook is an artist’s tool that allows creativity to flow on the large and superior quality drawing paper. It’s a game-changer for artists of all levels.
Pros
- The 200gsm paper is great for charcoal, colored pencils, oil pastels, or watercolors.
- The sketchbook has no bleed-through paper, so you can write or draw freely without worry of ink leaking to the next page.
- The wire binding and sketchbook hardcover allow you to draw landscape or portrait.
Cons
- The spiral binding can give out after a while, so careful handling is required.
- The sketchbook is a tad on the heavy side for a traditional sketchbook.
- The sketchbook has only 40 sheets.
The String & Space Sketchbook is a premium sketchbook that is perfect for showcasing your talents. The sketchbook’s paper is of high quality, and it’s thick enough to handle various mediums. The sketchbook’s wire binding and hardcover make it easy to use, and you can take it with you wherever you go.
The sketchbook’s 200gsm paper is perfect for artists who want to use various mediums. The paper is thick enough to handle watercolor without bleeding through to the next page. The sketchbook’s no bleed-through paper is perfect for artists who want to write or draw freely without worry of ink leaking to the next page.
The wire binding and sketchbook hardcover allow you to draw landscape or portrait. The sketchbook’s hardcover protects your artwork, and the wire binding makes it easy to use. The sketchbook’s size is perfect for artists who want to create memories, inspire, and have fun.
In conclusion, the String & Space Sketchbook is a must-have for artists who want to elevate their artwork. The sketchbook’s high-quality paper, no bleed-through paper, and wire binding and sketchbook hardcover make it perfect for artists of all levels.
9. SuFly Sketch Book
If you’re an artist looking for a reliable sketchbook, the SuFly Sketch Book is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- The high-quality acid-free paper is perfect for a variety of dry media, including graphite, charcoal, and pencil.
- The sturdy hardcover design makes it easy to take your sketchbook with you wherever you go.
- The ring binding design allows you to easily flip through pages and remove them when necessary.
Cons
- Some users have reported occasional imperfections on the pages, but this doesn’t seem to be a common issue.
- The paper grain may be a bit too rough for some users’ liking.
- The size of the sketchbook may be a bit small for some users.
We’ve had a chance to use the SuFly Sketch Book ourselves, and we’re impressed with its quality and durability. The acid-free paper is thick and sturdy, and it easily holds up to multiple erasures and redraws. The hardcover design provides excellent support for your artwork, and the ring binding makes it easy to flip through pages and remove them when necessary.
One thing to note is that some users have reported occasional imperfections on the pages, such as small marks or tears. However, we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves, and it doesn’t seem to be a common problem.
Overall, we think the SuFly Sketch Book is a great choice for artists of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this sketchbook is a reliable and high-quality option that will help you bring your artistic visions to life.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best sketchbook, there are a few key factors that you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision.
Size and Format
The size and format of a sketchbook can have a big impact on how you use it. Consider what you’ll be using the sketchbook for and choose a size and format that suits your needs. Some common sizes include 5×7 inches, 8.5×11 inches, and 9×12 inches. Formats can include portrait, landscape, or square.
Paper Quality
The quality of the paper is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sketchbook. Look for paper that is thick enough to withstand different mediums, such as pencil, ink, or watercolor. The weight of the paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm), with higher numbers indicating thicker paper. A good range for sketchbook paper is between 90 and 140 gsm.
Binding
The binding of a sketchbook can affect how it lays flat and how durable it is. Some common binding types include spiral, stitched, and casebound. Spiral binding allows the pages to lay flat, while stitched binding is more durable. Casebound sketchbooks have a hard cover and are often more expensive.
Additional Features
Some sketchbooks come with additional features that can be useful, such as a pocket for storing loose papers or a built-in elastic band to keep the sketchbook closed. Consider what features are important to you and look for a sketchbook that meets those needs.
Overall, choosing the best sketchbook for your needs requires careful consideration of size and format, paper quality, binding, and any additional features. By taking the time to think about these factors, you can find a sketchbook that will help you create your best work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good sketchbooks for mixed media?
When it comes to mixed media, we recommend looking for sketchbooks with thicker paper that can handle a variety of materials. Some great options include the Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal, the Canson XL Mix Media Pad, and the Stillman & Birn Nova Series Mixed Media Sketchbook.
What is the best sketchbook for pencil drawings?
For pencil drawings, we suggest using a sketchbook with a smooth surface that can handle erasing and blending. Our top picks include the Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook, the Fabriano EcoQua Sketchbook, and the Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook.
What are some highly recommended sketchbooks for graphic designers?
Graphic designers often prefer sketchbooks with a grid or dot grid pattern to help with precise drawings and layouts. Some popular options include the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook, the Rhodia Dot Pad, and the Baron Fig Confidant Notebook.
What are some sketchbooks that work well with alcohol markers?
When using alcohol markers, it’s important to use a sketchbook with paper that won’t bleed or feather. We recommend the Copic Sketchbook, the Bee Paper Bleedproof Marker Pad, and the Strathmore 400 Series Marker Pad.
What are some durable sketchbooks that won’t fall apart?
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that can withstand frequent use and travel, we suggest the Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook, the Stillman & Birn Beta Series Sketchbook, and the Hahnemühle Sketch Diary.
Which sketchbook is best for colored pencils?
For colored pencils, we recommend using a sketchbook with a toothy surface that can hold multiple layers of color. Our top picks include the Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pad, the Canson XL Mix Media Pad, and the Fabriano EcoQua Sketchbook.
