TOP 10 best sketchbooks: tips for choosing, pros and cons, reviews
A sketchbook is a small notebook, it is in it that you can enter your sketches. There are many sketchbooks: for drawing, for writing, for watercolors, for acrylics and pencils. They differ in size, material, paper quality and other features. The pages inside are made without rulers and cells. This review will help you find out which sketchbook to buy for easy and enjoyable work. Below are: description, prices, advantages and disadvantages of each of them. The best sketchbooks according to customer reviews.
Best sketchbooks
A sketchbook is the best accessory for a creative person, it is intended for sketching drawings, for travel and for writing. It can also become a close friend with whom you can share your impressions and talk about inner experiences. Such an album is indispensable at work and at school. There are many models to choose from with different sizes, grades and types of paper.
The top best sketchbooks include:
Royal Talens Art Creation
This sketchbook has a smooth surface and is good for sketching with pencil, charcoal, pen, markers and pastels. Also used for notes and notes. The paper is of high quality and is ideal for drawings and sketches, while oil and gel ink does not leak. The sketchbook itself contains an elastic band and a bookmark. The product is characterized by a wide range of colors. You can use it at home as a notebook, at school for drawing lessons, take on a trip, and thanks to the hard cover, even take notes and sketches on the go.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 140g / m2 |
| Format | A4 |
| Manufacturer country | Netherlands |
pros
- convenient format;
- a sufficient number of pages;
- quality paper;
- universal application;
- compact size.
Minuses
- insufficient density of paper for watercolor;
- the pencil is imprinted.
Testimonial: "The binding is very good, I have torn off the pages more than once and everything is held tight, there is also a bookmark and an elastic band for binding."
Leuchtturm1917 Medium
This sketchbook is prized for its practicality, reliability and quality. The design and layout of each notebook plays a very important role. You can find a suitable color, size and sheets for yourself: in a ruler, point, cell. Cover designs, bookmarks and sheets can be customized. The appearance resembles a book, it is slightly thicker than regular notebooks. There is an elastic band and a pocket. The paper is thick enough for markers and pencil sketches. The color of the paper is beige.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 80 g / m2 |
| Format | A5 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
pros
- quality paper;
- design, format;
- two bookmarks;
- a set of stickers for personalization;
- 3 pages with tables.
Minuses
- cover density;
- there is not enough loop - holder.
Review: “Good notebook, optimal size, dots on the pages almost to the edge. The cover is classic, no graininess. ”
BRAUBERG Art Classic Fabriano
The hardcover sketchbook contains graphic paper that is ideal for working with pastels, colored pencils, acrylics, and collage. On the one hand, the paper is a little rough, and on the other, it is absolutely even, impregnated with a special compound. Aging is not subject to such paper. There are 2 colors - ivory and white. The hardcover, which allows you to draw on weight, has a rectangular cutout.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 70 g / m2 |
| Format | A4 |
| Manufacturer country | China |
pros
- Hard cover;
- excellent paper;
- there is a cutout on the cover;
- a sufficient number of pages;
- convenient format.
Minuses
- relatively high price;
- no bookmark.
Feedback: “I really liked the paper. I have been trying for a long time to find a good sketchbook for a reasonable price.I work with watercolors, only pleasant impressions from this notebook remain. "
Fabriano Schizzi on a spiral
These are the most typical sketchbooks for sketching, they are used for drawing with soft materials. Spirally bonded paperback sheets are micro-perforated. Excellent sheet formation, stiffer surfaces and different textures work with a wide range of materials and styles. The paper has an ivory shade. The spring sketchbook received an additional line so that the sheet is not cut with scissors.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 90 g / m2 |
| Format | A2, A3, A4 |
| Manufacturer country | Italy |
pros
- thick paper;
- convenient tablet;
- good quality;
- different formats;
- excellent binding.
Minuses
- cover design;
- no attachment.
Review: "The sketchbook is good enough, excellent binding (allows you to sketch on spreads), hard, very high quality cover, thick paper, suitable for graphic sketches."
Kants Eksmo Curious raccoon
A sketchbook is ideal paper for sketching with various art or writing materials. It is often used for small sketches before larger works. Allows you to compose compositions for other drawings. Hardcover notebooks are characterized by very thick white paper. It is unique as it features a drawing of a curious raccoon outside. The cover of this album is matte. The wide spiral allows you to glue tickets and postcards.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 100 g / m2 |
| Format | A 4 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
pros
- perfect paper;
- hard cover;
- Beautiful design;
- wide spiral;
- matte cover.
Minuses
- there is no bookmark;
- registration.
Review: “I like that this notebook is small and fits well in a purse. Convenient to take with you. "
Falafel books BlackPaper
High quality creative sketchbook with black sheets. You are using thick enough paper. The binding is made of durable cardboard, it does not bend, thereby allowing you to draw on weight, has a wide spiral. To use it, you need to stock up on either pens with white ink, or white and colored pencils, or acrylic paint. The paper is thick enough. This is the perfect find for black lovers.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 160 g / m2 |
| Format | A5 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
pros
- fairly thick and black paper;
- cover made of thick cardboard;
- the ability to draw by weight;
- wide spiral;
- compact format.
Minuses
- there is no bookmark;
- no holder.
Testimonial: "These notebooks really have a very nice thick paper and a unique opportunity to use the sketchbook by weight."
Malevich Fashion
The sketchbook is presented in Fashion style. The notebook is made in a hard cover with an elastic band. It features a glamorous illustration. Opens 180 degrees and allows you to tear out the sheet without much difficulty. Has a fairly dense cover and white sheets with polymer impregnation. They do not leak, absorb ink, thereby saving the consumption of markers. Ideal for quick writing and sketching with liners and markers. Can be used for beginners and advanced users.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 75 g / m2 |
| Format | A4 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
pros
- hard cover;
- Beautiful design;
- white paper;
- polymer paper;
- Hard cover.
Minuses
- paper is not suitable for markers;
- the sheet is rolled into a tube.
Testimonial: “Sheets are thin, but the markers will not print on the next page. Compact, as I wanted, easy to take on the road. "
Canson One Art Book
This attractive sketchbook is an indispensable tool in your daily life. Very thick drawing paper. The cover is slightly textured and black in color. Compact size, solid appearance, practicality - this is all characteristic of this notebook.The hardcover is specially designed to lie flat during use and to stand comfortably right on the bookshelf. This book is ideal for sketching, writing, and painting. The design is practical and easy to use.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 100 g / m2 |
| Format | A5 |
| Manufacturer country | France |
pros
- thick paper;
- compact size;
- attractive design;
- laconic binding;
- pleasant shade;
- ease of use.
Minuses
- weighty;
- the color of the paper.
Feedback: “I got this notebook and everything suits me. The sheets are dense, it is convenient to use, for me, the ideal size, stylish design, nothing superfluous. "
Crouter City
Made from the highest quality material to protect your art for years to come. The notebook has a thick cover that can be used as a drawing surface. There is also a double hinge with a metal spiral that does not interfere with flat laying on the table. This is one of the few sketchbooks that actually lies flat. The versatile surface is thin and bright, suitable for a variety of dry media, including pen and pencil, charcoal, marker, crayons.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 100 g / m2 |
| Format | A4 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
pros
- hard weave;
- double loop;
- thin paper;
- suitable for any dry products;
- convenient mount.
Minuses
- big size;
- a little heavy.
Testimonial: “Perfect notebook, high quality hardcover. Great paper for all dry media. ”
Moleskine Large
Rounding out the ranking of the best sketchbooks is a model that is a favorite among artists, designers and writers. This is a versatile sketchbook: its brand is trustworthy and its quality is beyond question. The large album is made of thick paper and is ideal for drawings and sketches. It features a cardboard cover with rounded corners, acid-free off-white paper, a bookmark, elastic closure, and an expandable inner pocket. Plus, it's great for travel. This model has three formats: pocket, medium and large.
| Specifications | Meaning |
| Density | 70 g / m2 |
| Format | A6, A5, A4 |
| Manufacturer country | Italy |
pros
- thick paper;
- cardboard cover;
- suitable for travel;
- there is a bookmark;
- inner pocket.
Minuses
- no fastening;
- not everyone likes the shape.
Testimonial: “Very handy sketchbook that is suitable for drawings and sketches. Perfect size and inside pocket, that's what you really need. ”
Selection recommendations
There are a few important rules to consider before buying a sketchbook:
- The type of paper. It is largely determined by the technique used. Watercolor paper should be the correct weight, felt-tip paper should be smooth, and pencil paper may be thinner, yellowish, rough. Marker paper can work well for watercolor sketches, and the watercolor block works well with crayons. However, in the beginning it is recommended to choose something specifically designed for a particular technique.
- The size. For sketches, size won't matter much, but if you need to sketch on the go, it might be wise to choose one that fits comfortably in your backpack.
- Page color. Many people dislike sheets other than white, while others draw freely on brown, gray, black paper.
- The texture of the pages. The sheet can be smooth or patterned. It's also worth experimenting here, but the basics are very simple: for calligraphy, you definitely shouldn't choose textured albums - the lines will look crooked. There are two types of paper for watercolors: cold or hot. The first one (cold pressed) will have a sharper texture. The second, hot pressed paper, is more often chosen by comic creators for a more detailed image.
- Number of pages. For sketches, it is recommended to choose something with a limited number of pages.
- Cover.For spiral notebooks and tablets, the back cover should be rigid enough to sketch without additional primer. For notebooks, both covers must be firm and resistant to damage. This is especially important when working with watercolors or ink.
The best sketchbook is the one that works for the user. They all come in a variety of sizes, shapes, bindings, and a wide variety of paper styles. Finding the best sketchbook is not an easy task, and it is especially difficult to choose sketchbooks for beginners. But it becomes easier if you know exactly what you want to get in the end. The rest of the input for the correct purchase and the rating of the best models are shown in this review.
