Sketchbooks for Artists
Sketchbooks come in many different styles. It can be hard to choose which sketchbook to use. Luckily the answer is: Sketch often, sketch freely, and try out many different books and materials. Keep trying until you find the exact sketchbook for you and your style. And then try some others. You may find your drawing skills rapidly improve. Regardless, it’s all about fun!

Cachet Classic Black Cover Sketchbook
from: Blick Art Materials

Plain Black Sketchbooks

The plain black hardbound sketchbook or journal is the most common portable sketchbook. Whenever I have a few free moments, I like to indulge in a session of sketching. In order to fully grasp those moments, my sketchbook has to be ready and waiting. I never know where or when I will have an opportunity so I usually have many different sketchbooks going at any one time. 
  • A small one, about 4” x 6” is probably the most handy. I carry it with me wherever I go, in my bag, or even in a large coat pocket. 
  • A larger one 9” x 12” is good for at home or in the studio. 
  • I even have a tiny 2.5” x 2.5” that can fit in any pocket. 

What should you choose? The most important quality--the one that will get you practicing frequently--is that the book must be convenient and easy to use. Look for sizes that will fit in a backpack or bag. Your sketchbook will become a welcome travel companion.

Page Layout

My sketchbook reflects how I see the world. But how I put it down on paper mostly reflects my choices in composition. Sketchbooks come in different layout structures, or shapes. 
  • “portrait” format (vertical compositions) My preference usually runs to the portrait format and the challenge of placing a landscape or urban scene in vertical view. 
  • “landscape” format (horizontal compositions) Sometimes I like to open the sketchbook flat and draw right across the binding seam. That’s great for panoramic landscapes. If you tend to prefer long vs. tall then the landscape format may feel most comfortable for you.
  • A square format can be very practical, allowing you to create vignettes that can be vertical or horizontal. And when opened flat it allows a long form landscape view.

Ultimately, it may be a matter of trial and error to find the format that works best for your style. Luckily, all that means is more sketching, more practice, more fun for you. And then you simply choose that which is most appealing.

Canson Basic Sketchbooks
from: Blick Art Materials

Hand Book Field Drawing Journal
from: Blick Art Materials

Hand Book Artist Journals
from: Blick Art Materials

Fun with Sketchbooks!

All sizes and shapes and papers are out there for you to play with. As well as the paper inside, I like a sketchbook with a nice textured material cover or a hand-made, hand-bound journal. Each new journal can be an inspiration as its size, construction, or paper lends to certain compositions or locations. In fact, when I travel I like to pick up interesting blank books to use for sketching. See some of my favorites in this article: Sketchbooks for Urban Sketching.

Moleskine Gift Box Sets
from: Blick Art Materials

Make Your Own Sketchbook Kit


Books by Hand Blank Journal Kit
from: Blick Art Materials
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