Tips on choosing a sketchbook for drawing, journaling, or watercolor

Are you a student who takes up painting and drawing as a hobby, or are you an artist who draws and paints for a living in search of a suitable sketchbook for sketching, diary writing, or watercolors. There are different types available with different sizes, paper weights, orientations, etc

In order to make the right choice, we are going to show you the important tips on choosing the right one that suits your needs.

1. measuring – Size is the first thing to consider. Are you a beginner who is just trying to draw for the first time or are you an artist who loves to draw frequently. For beginners, you can use a general purpose, such as an A5 sketchbook. It is not very wide like A4 and fits easily in a bag. You can create various drawings and watercolors using A5 paper. The pocket size is also good for use as a student because you can carry it around easily. If you are an artist or someone who frequently draws and sketches, larger art such as A4 type is recommended. It has more drawing space and is more suitable for diary writing and watercolor. There is more space to draw various technical drawings and complex arts.
2. Weight – Weight is another thing to consider. If you are a student who does drawing and graphics, it is best to get the lightweight one because you will be carrying it with you to and from different classes. Smaller and pocket size is good to carry around. If you are an artist who draws and sketches all in one place, then you can get by with the heavy drawing. You can put it on the table top and draw without having to move it, which makes you uncomfortable. Weight is measured in lbs or gsm. The higher the gsm, the thicker the paper. Lighter papers of less than 100gsm are good for dry colors such as pencil while thicker papers are good for wet colors such as watercolor.
3. link – Binding styles are another thing to consider. There are types that have a glue-binding style where you can easily tear off the page in a completely clear way. There are also the more common threaded and spiral binding types which are joined together by spiral wires. They allow you to fully open the flat for easy and comfortable drawing. The artist prefers the spiral binding type because the flat layer does not obstruct the drawing in any position. A better option is to go for spiral binding as it is more user friendly and is best for hardcover sketchbooks as it easily opens flat. Most extra wide sketchbooks come in a spiral bound, so they are best for artists.
4. cover – The cap is another important thing to check. Some have a paperback, while some have a hardcover. If you are a beginner or a student, it is better to get the hardcover type because the hardcover type lasts longer and does not gossip. You can move around easily without snagging. The hardcover type also provides support when drawing since you can use it even when standing, so you can draw on it anywhere you go. As an artist who paints in one place, a hardcover or paperback is good because you can lay it on a hard surface. Paper types are thinner and foldable so they are better for artists as they are easier to display in galleries.
5. paper material – The paper material used is also a very important thing to check. There are different materials used such as thicker cotton paper which is good for watercolor and thin cotton which is good for drawing and journaling. Cotton paper is the best paper material to use although it is not very common. Other types include plain paper, cartridge paper, and watercolor paper. The plain paper type differs in texture. Some are very thin and some are thicker, some are very smooth and some are coarse. If you want to use a pencil, you should get one with a very smooth surface because pencils with a rough surface will damage your pencil very quickly. It is best to use watercolors for rough surface leaves. Cartridge type paper is high quality and ideal for drawing with pencil, pen or ink pen. It is a high quality type of heavy paper used for illustration and drawing. It is perfect use for beginners or artists. Types of watercolor paper are determined by weight and finish. It consists of coarse juice, cold juice and hot juice. Most artists who use transparent watercolors go for the Rough or Cold Press types. For opaque watercolors, the hot press type is best for painting. For students who want to practice, Student Watercolor papers are ideal to use. Student watercolor papers are not made from grade materials. They are stored in acid but will eventually be used and the paper will start to deteriorate and discolor. This is why it is just perfect for working out.
6. paper color – Depending on your drawing and the color of your ink, choose paper that has colors that bring out your best drawing. Some leaves come in cream, light yellow, light blue, and a few other colors. Choose the paper color that best brings out your drawings and drawings.
7. paper direction – The paper comes in either landscape or portrait orientation. Few leaves come in a square shape. Depending on the type of drawing and graphics you choose a lot based on it. It also depends on your choice as you can make landscape graphics on landscape orientation.

Make a good choice based on the rate and the way you draw and paint. Make it fine too depending on usability. If you are a beginner who draws just for fun, you don’t need a high quality type as an artist or a professional who does sketches and drawing for commercial purposes.