10Best.Guide

Sketch Book

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Good quality paper for sketching
  • Holds thick applications of charcoal or powdered graphite
  • Smooth paper for drawing with pens, pencils, and color
  • Holds layers of marker, colored pencil, and gel pen very well
  • Easy to carry and handle
Cons
  • Delivered damaged and not thoroughly protected
  • Pages are not perforated
Bottom Line
Strathmore sketchbooks are a good choice for artists who want quality paper for sketching and drawing. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with delivery, perforated pages, and page size.
Pros
  • Great for colored pencils
  • Nice weight and bright white
  • Durable and erases well
  • Perforated for easy removal
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Paper is pink/purple, not white
  • Not good for markers or watercolors
Bottom Line
These sketch books are a good value for drawing and sketching with colored pencils, graphite, and other mediums. However, they are not suitable for markers or watercolors and have a rough texture. The paper is pink/purple, which may not be preferred by some artists.
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Sturdy pages
  • Good for a variety of art mediums
  • Nice quality paper
  • Acid-free paper
Cons
  • Paper is not white, but grayish
  • Paper is rough and toothy
Bottom Line
These sketchbooks are a great value for the price and come with sturdy pages that are good for a variety of art mediums. However, the paper is not white and has a rough texture that may not be suitable for everyone. It also bleeds through with some markers and is hard to erase pencil marks. Overall, it is a good option for kids and those looking for a budget-friendly sketchbook.
Pros
  • Good quality
  • Bright and vibrant colors
  • Sturdy cover
  • Thick paper
  • Nice size
Cons
  • Glue stuck on the cover
  • Spirals came bent
Bottom Line
This sketchbook is a great choice for those who love to draw, especially anime. It has a sturdy cover, thick paper, and perforated sheets. However, some customers received the product with minor defects, such as glue or bent spirals.
Pros
  • Heavy duty paper
  • Sturdy front and back cover
  • Large wire binding for smooth page turning
  • Good size
  • Cheap
Cons
  • Not good for traveling or heavy packing
  • Durability leaves much to be desired
Bottom Line
This sketchbook has good quality paper and is a good size, but it may not be durable enough for heavy use or travel. The paper is not suitable for watercolor and may shred when erasing. It is a good value for the price, but lacks features like a folder/pocket and has fewer pages than some competitors.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Sketch Books: Types, Key Considerations, Features, Prices, Tips and FAQs

Overview

Sketching is a great way to express your creativity and capture your ideas on paper. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting out, having a good sketch book is essential. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This buying guide will help you navigate the different types of sketch books, key considerations, features, prices, tips and frequently asked questions to make an informed decision.

Types

1. Hardcover Sketch Book: These sketch books have a sturdy cover that protects the pages from damage. They are great for carrying around and sketching on the go.

2. Spiral Bound Sketch Book: These sketch books have a spiral binding that allows you to flip the pages easily. They are great for artists who like to work on a flat surface.

3. Softcover Sketch Book: These sketch books have a flexible cover that makes them lightweight and easy to carry. They are great for artists who like to work on the go.

4. Sketch Pads: These are loose sheets of paper that are bound together. They are great for artists who like to tear out their sketches and work on them separately.

Key Considerations

1. Paper Quality: The quality of paper is the most important consideration when choosing a sketch book. Look for acid-free paper that is thick enough to handle different mediums.

2. Size: Sketch books come in different sizes, from small pocket-sized to large sketch pads. Choose a size that suits your needs and preferences.

3. Binding: The binding of the sketch book affects how you work on it. Spiral binding allows you to flip pages easily, while hardcover binding protects the pages from damage.

Features

1. Page Count: The number of pages in a sketch book varies. Choose a page count that suits your needs and budget.

2. Paper Texture: The texture of paper affects how your medium interacts with it. Choose a texture that suits your style and medium.

3. Cover Material: Sketch book covers come in different materials, from leather to cardboard. Choose a material that suits your preferences and budget.

Prices

Sketch books come in different price ranges, from budget-friendly to high-end. The price depends on the size, quality of paper, and features. Budget-friendly sketch books start at around $5, while high-end ones can cost over $50.

Tips

1. Experiment with different paper textures and mediums to find your style.

2. Use a pencil to sketch lightly before committing to a medium.

3. Keep your sketch book with you at all times to capture ideas on the go.

FAQs

Q: What is the best paper quality for sketching?

A: Ans: Look for acid-free paper that is thick enough to handle different mediums.

Q: Can I use watercolor in a sketch book?

A: Ans: Yes, choose a sketch book with watercolor paper or a paper that can handle watercolor.

Q: What is the best size for a sketch book?

A: Ans: The best size depends on your needs and preferences. Choose a size that suits your style and medium.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Good quality paper for various mediums.
  • Durable hardcover.
  • Thick pages.
  • Nice for sketching.
  • Nice for kids.
Cons
  • Bleed through with alcohol markers.
  • Heavy and not easy to carry around.
Bottom Line
This sketchbook is a good choice for those who need a durable and versatile sketchbook with thick, soft paper. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer lightweight and portable sketchbooks or those who use alcohol markers.
Pros
  • Good value for money
  • Perfect size
  • Spiral binding
  • Tough paper
  • Can handle multiple mediums
Cons
  • Scratchy paper
  • Weak paper
Bottom Line
The Bachmore Sketchpad is a good value for money and perfect size with tough paper that can handle multiple mediums. However, the paper is scratchy, weak, and leaves eraser crumbs and lines when erased. The cuts for the spiral coil are messy.
Pros
  • Good quality paper
  • Perforated pages
  • Nice thick pages
  • No tooth on paper
  • Sturdy covers
Cons
  • Poor inner binding
  • Spine breaks down easily
Bottom Line
This sketchbook is great for sketching and creative journaling with its good quality paper, perforated pages, and customizable cover. However, the spine and cover are not very durable, and the sticker on the front is difficult to remove.
Pros
  • Perfect size for a bag or purse
  • Good quality for the price
  • Multiple uses (journal or sketchbook)
  • Sturdy and thick pages
  • Fountain pen ink doesn't bleed or feather
Cons
  • Cover has accumulated a few small dings
  • Paper is a little thick
Bottom Line
This sketchbook is a great option for those looking for a versatile and affordable option. It has a sturdy cover, thick pages, and can be used for multiple purposes. However, the binding and paper quality may not be the best for heavy use.
Pros
  • Thick and strong paper
  • Good value for money
  • Works well with markers, oil pastels, and pencil
  • Sturdy without being heavy
  • Spiral holes keep the paper attached and strong
Cons
  • False advertising regarding size
  • Not suitable for watercolors
Bottom Line
This sketchbook is a good value for money with thick and strong paper that works well with markers, oil pastels, and pencil. However, it is not suitable for watercolors and colored pencils and is not for those who erase a lot. The size may also be misleading due to false advertising.
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