Leda Art Supply Premium Sketchbook
Leuchtturm1917 A6 Sketchbook
Stillman & Birn Nova Grey Series
The first “sketchbook” of most pencil drawing artists tends to be the back of their school notebooks and loose printer paper sheets, however, as we make progress in our art journey we often find ourselves looking for more. Better pencils, better paper, and soon enough we start to think about getting a real sketchbook. This sketchbook isn’t just for drawing, it becomes a special place to practice, hold down ideas, and see how much we’ve improved.
But we can’t simply go to the internet and get the first sketchbook we come across, the many different types of paper, textures, colors, bindings, and brands make it quite hard to get the right sketchbook for your medium and technique.
In this guide, we’ll learn the main features of sketchbooks made for pencil drawing, from the paper to the binding and portability that will play a key role when making a purchase. We’ll also present you with a curated list of what we consider the best sketchbooks in the market today.
Let’s get started!
How To Find The Best Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing
Type of Paper
There are different types of paper that can be used for drawing, and choosing the right one can make or break your experience (and your art). Some sketchbooks will suit graphite pencil artists better, while others are better for charcoal and pastel pencils. Some will have a smoother texture that will fit realism techniques with lots of details while others will have a rougher texture that will make your charcoal drawings look more interesting and expressive. Some will also be able to hold ink and some watercolor washes or water-soluble graphite while others will buckle and tear at the first contact with water.
Among the main types of paper for pencil drawing, we have:
- Sketch Paper: This paper is the one you use for quick sketches, practices, figure and gesture drawing, and initial drafts. The texture of this paper is extremely smooth but can also be slightly textured. This paper is also very light, going from 50 to 65 gsm, and while they’re more affordable and have many pages, they’re also less durable and not suitable for lots of erasing or any wet media.
- Bristol Paper: This paper is best for highly detailed work, like illustrations and even technical drawings, it can handle erasing better and is of higher quality than sketch paper. You can find it on sketchbooks, and pads, and even get it on separate sheets. This paper usually comes in two textures: Vellum, which is slightly textured, and Smooth paper, which is extremely soft. Bristol paper is usually thicker and can be found in ranges from 90 to 200 gsm.
- Graphite Paper: Graphite Paper is paper designed especially for drawing with graphite. This paper can range from very smooth to medium texture depending on the brand, and the weight varies from 90 to 160 gsm. This paper is usually of higher quality, acid-free, and can handle erasing, blending, and burnishing better.
- Charcoal Paper: Just like Graphite Paper, Charcoal Paper is paper made especially for charcoal techniques as well as pastels and chalks. It has a rougher, grainy texture to hold the charcoal particles and is usually on the heavier side, going from 100 to 220 gsm. This paper comes in various tones and colors to enhance the depth of the values and to broaden the value range artists can use.
- Watercolor Paper: Another option artists can use for drawing is watercolor paper. This paper is not also very good for drawing with graphite (hot pressed) or for adding character and interest to your charcoal art (cold pressed and rough) but also handles amazingly well water-soluble graphite pencils, watercolor washes, and ink, which is great for mixed media artists that do a lot of sketching or inking. Watercolor paper made of 100% cotton is also acid-free and archival, which means it’ll last for decades without yellowing, breaking, or deteriorating.
Paper Quality
Paper quality refers not only to the brand and price but to the material the paper is made of the thickness, and durability of it. Low-quality paper like newsprint, or kraft paper is the most affordable you’ll find, great for practicing and drafting quick ideas, however, it will tend to yellow on the edges, lose thickness, and end up breaking when exposed to the light for some weeks or even days. High-quality paper will be able to withstand exposure to constant light sources like a gallery, a museum, or even your living room, it will last for decades, even centuries without tearing or breaking and it won’t dull the intensity of your lines or change the color of your ink. High-quality paper is also much more expensive than sketch paper, however, it’s completely worth it for commissions, gallery work, or pieces you’d like to preserve.
Color and Tone
The color and tone of a paper refer to the color (hue) of the paper and the tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the paper. These two factors can significantly influence your drawing experience, be it enhancing the visuals of your art or improving your perception of value and contrast.
(image source: MuddyColors.com)
The color of the paper you use will be up to you, there is white, off-white, cream, tan, grey, and black (and some others). Using non-white paper when working on portraits gives your work more personality and visual interest while using tan paper might help with the blank-page-fear many artists have.
The value of a paper will help you establish your mid-ground values without filling large areas and applying lots of graphite or charcoal, and make adding light and shadow details much easier, however, this paper will only work with charcoal and tinted charcoal or pastel pencils since graphite will most likely get lost in the darkness of the paper.
Format and Binding
Format refers to the sketchbook size and proportions. Choosing the format comes to your personal preference and the use you plan to give the sketchbook, Portrait format refers to sketchbooks that are made to be used vertically, making them ideal for “portraits”, while Landscape format sketchbooks are meant to be used horizontally, ideal for “landscapes”. There are also Square format sketchbooks, which are great for either composition preference or journaling as well.
Binding refers to how the sketchbook is made, you can find different types of binding, like:
- Spiral-bound sketchbooks are the most common and easy to use, the spiral makes it easy to remove pages but it might be uncomfortable to constantly brush against it while drawing,
- Hardbound sketchbooks look amazing and are very nice to have but usually don’t lie completely flat and are kind of expensive.
- Stab-bound sketchbooks are groups of paper sheets folded and sewn on the side which makes them extremely durable but don’t lie fully flat either and drawing on the full page might be hard.
- Glued sketchbooks are cheaper but might lose one or two pages here and there.
- Saddle-stitched sketchbooks are sewn or stapled on the crease of the folded sheets, making it super easy to work on two-page spreads, they’re lighter and more portable however they offer a lower page count.
Price
When talking about sketchbooks for pencil drawing there is a set price range that fluctuates depending on the quality of the paper, the binding, and the brand.
Entry-level sketchbooks are often very affordable, ideal for beginners or for those who go through many pages quickly. Mid-range sketchbooks offer a balance between quality and cost. They are suitable for serious hobbyists or students who need better paper quality without breaking the bank. These sketchbooks often can handle a variety of pencil types and heavier erasing.
At the higher end of the price spectrum, premium sketchbooks are designed for professional artists and those looking for top-tier paper quality, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. These sketchbooks often feature archival-quality paper, sturdy bindings, and unique textures suitable for specific art styles.
Best Sketchbooks For Pencil Drawing Today
- Best Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing Overall — Leda Art Supply Premium Sketchbook
- Best Sketchbook for Urban Sketching — Leuchtturm1917 A6 Sketchbook
- Best Budget Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Stillman & Birn Nova Grey Series
- Best Large Format Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad
- Best Pocket Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Moleskine Art Sketchbook.
- Best Budget Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Talens Art Creation Sketchbook Black
#1. Best Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing Overall — Leda Art Supply Premium Sketchbook
Selection Criteria
- Type of Paper: Charcoal Paper, 160 Pages.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Paper Quality: Medium-quality, 130 gsm.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Color and Tone: White, Cream-tone.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Format and Binding: Portrait, Softcover.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $22.99.
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Leda Art Supply Premium Sketchbook
The Leda Art Supply Sketchbooks are the kind of sketchbooks you’ll want to order by the box. They come in several different sizes, from pocket to A4, and have this unique texture that is amazing for any kind of pencil and ink. This sketchbook comes with 160 pages of smooth, cream-colored 120 gsm paper, which is great for dry media but also able to handle light washes of watercolor and ink. The binding is secure and even though the cover is soft, is sturdy enough to protect your pages and allows you to open the sketchbook flat and work on two-page spreads and is also comfortable to hold when drawing from life or urban sketching.
These sketchbooks also come with an elastic band to prevent your pages from opening and getting ruined in your pocket or bag, and they come with an expandable pocket at the end for keeping small things which makes them great for journaling too.
Pros
- High-quality paper
- Durable binding
- Portable size
Cons
- Higher cost
- Limited page count
2. Best Sketchbook for Urban Sketching —- Leuchtturm1917 A6 Sketchbook
Selection Criteria
- Type of Paper: Sketch Paper, 112 Pages.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Paper Quality: High-quality, 150 gsm.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Color and Tone: White, Light-tone.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Format and Binding: Landscape, Hardcover.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $28.95.
- Our Score – 8/10
About the Leuchtturm1917 A6 Sketchbook
The Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbooks have been gaining constant popularity in the art community since quite a while ago. They come with a sturdy hardback cover and thread-bound pages, which makes it easy to lay them flat and work on two-page spreads, they include a ribbon and an elastic band to mark the page you’re working on and to secure the rest of the pages while drawing. The 150 gsm acid-free white paper is also ink-proof, which will prevent any bleeding between pages, and it has a smooth texture perfect for pencil, pen, and ink.
This sketchbook also includes an expandable pocket in the back, and although is kind of expensive, it’s very worth the price.
Pros
- Compact size
- Sturdy construction
- Ink-friendly pages
Cons
- Small drawing area
- Pricier option
3. Best Budget Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Stillman & Birn Nova Grey Series
Selection Criteria
- Type of Paper: Watercolor Paper, 92 Pages.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Paper Quality: High-quality, 150 gsm.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Color and Tone: Grey, Light-tone.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Format and Binding: Portrait, Softcover.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $26.36.
- Our Score – 8/10
About the Stillman & Birn Nova Grey Series
Stillman & Birn offers a complete collection of high-quality archival sketchbooks, with different textures, thicknesses, and colors. The Nova series is part of the system that offers three different colors for toned paper lovers which are available in three colors: Beige, Gray, and Black, and two presentations: spiral-bound and softcover.
The Nova series sketchbooks are known for their 150gsm paper, which is suitable for dry media, light wash, and ink. The paper has a mild tooth, making it a good choice for various pencils like graphite, colored, charcoal, and pastel, this texture allows for both detailed work and good color laydown. Although primarily intended for dry media, the paper in these sketchbooks can handle light washes of wet media without warping making it great for ink and mixed media artists.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Unique grey paper
- Versatile for media
Cons
- Limited paper color
- Thinner paper
4. Best Large Format Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad
Selection Criteria
- Type of Paper: Sketch Paper, 48 Pages.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Paper Quality: Medium-quality, 130 gsm.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Color and Tone: White, Light-tone.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Format and Binding: Landscape, Spiral Bound.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $28.95.
- Our Score – 7/10
About the Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad
Canson is one of the brands that focuses on providing artists with high-quality, durable, and affordable paper, and the Canson Universal Sketch Pad is not an exception. Perfect for those large-scale projects or large pieces. This sketch pad is designed with high-quality, white, medium-weight paper that is perfect for both amateur and professional artists.
The nature of the paper allows you to use it with a wide variety of materials, from graphite pencils and pens to charcoal, and even pens and colored pencils, making it a great all-around option. The spiral-bound nature of the sketchbook and its micro-perforated pages make it easy to tear both discarded pages and any artwork pieces you want to preserve or sell.
Pros
- Large drawing area
- Acid-free paper
Cons
- Bulky size
- Can warp easily
5. Best Pocket Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Moleskine Art Sketchbook.
Selection Criteria
- Type of Paper: Watercolor Paper, 80 Pages.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Paper Quality: High-quality, 165 gsm.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Color and Tone: Ivory, Light-tone.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Format and Binding: Portrait, Hardcover.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $22.99.
- Our Score – 8/10
About the Moleskine Art Sketchbook.
Moleskine is a well-known brand in the world of notebooks, sketchbooks, and art journals. Moleskine sketchbooks have been the trusted companions of many artists and are well-loved and recommended by the artistic community. These sketchbooks have the holy trinity of sketchbook features, an expandable back pocket, a ribbon to mark the page you’re working on, and an elastic band to keep your pages safe and to hold down the other side of the pages when sketching on windy locations.
The 165 gsm paper is perfect for pencil, charcoal, ink, and light watercolor washes and the ivory color is very nice to draw on. While the hardcover makes using your sketchbook flat a little bit difficult, it’s not as bad as other brands.
These sketchbooks are on the expensive side of the price range, however, their high quality has made them the favorite and a recurrent purchase of many artists all around the world.
Pros
- Easily portable
- Quality paper
- Classic design
Cons
- Higher price
- Limited paper type
6. Best Budget Sketchbook for Pencil Drawing — Talens Art Creation Sketchbook Black
Selection Criteria
- Type of Paper: Graphite Paper, 160 Pages.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Paper Quality: Medium-Quality, 140 gsm.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Color and Tone: White, Light-tone.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Format and Binding: Portrait, Hardcover.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $8.26.
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Talens Art Creation Sketchbook Black
And for our budget pick, we have the Talens Art Creation Sketchbook. This sketchbook is extremely affordable and highly praised for offering great value. Despite its lower price, it doesn’t compromise on quality at all, with a sturdy cover that offers good support while sketching and an elastic band to keep your work safe.
The paper quality and weight are pretty good, suitable for a variety of dry mediums, and the pages are well-bound too.
This sketchbook is great for students or first-time users. It’s not too expensive, so you won’t be scared to use it and make mistakes. It’s perfect for practicing and learning without worrying about the cost.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Sturdy cover
- Good paper quality
Cons
- Basic features
- Limited size options
