Paper Review: Generic Sketchbooks
Thursday October 30, 2008
Who hasn't used a generic sketchbook? You know, those ones from the bottom shelf at the art store, just a few dollars. Some have a cardboard back and a plastic front; some have a nicer-looking bound cover but the paper isn't much different - maybe a little thicker. I used to use them constantly, but these days I find that I'm more demanding of my paper surfaces, and prefer something a bit more consistent for serious sketching. However, generic sketchbooks are great, lower cost alternatives for visual journals, collecting all those notes, scribbles and magazine clippings.
I tested out some typical, cheap sketchbook paper to see how it performed with a range of techniques and mediums. Check out my generic sketchbook paper review.
Image: T. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Comments
Helen thanks for this very helpful article. I think a lot of people including me have never really given it that much thought. I think each mark we make is an especial and quality mark so the surface needs to reflect that quality.
Hi Rock, thanks for your comment. I agree, the surface is an important factor in the marks that we make – that’s why I’ve started this series. I’m progressively working through a range of papers. I hope to supplement the small samples with larger, more finished drawings as well, to give an indication of the results you can expect from various papers.
It can be very frustrating to use the wrong paper – especially if you don’t discover that it’s the wrong one until after you’ve done an extensive preparatory drawing.
Like you, Helen, I am finding that I am becoming more decerning about what I draw on and how it effects the outcome of what I am working on.
I have been experimenting with several brands of sketchbooks. I gave myself a treat and “invested” (they are somewhat pricey) a Moleskine sketchbook, and a watercolor version. They have a cream color, slightly stiff paper in the sketchbooks, and 200g/m watercolor paper in the watercolor versions. They come in 3 1/2x 5 1/2″, and 8 1/4 x 5″. The nice feature, unlike spiral or bound sketchbooks, they have a sewn binding and will lie flat so you can work a larger drawing/painting over the two pages.
Moleskine makes notebooks for journals, ruled and unruled and graphed with squares.The art sketchbooks are identified with a lavender blue paper band and the watercolor has a pink band. The covers are
I recently gave myself a treat and invested in a Moleskine sketchbook. I really like them. The paper is heavyweight, cream colored, the books have a sewn binding so they lie flat and you can draw over the two pages. The covers are leather-like, with a pocket in the back cover for clippings, cards, pictures, whatever. There is an elastic band to keep the book closed, and a ribbon page marker. Do an internet search and look into these wonderful sketchbooks. They are well worth the money. (I don’t work for the company, I wish I did, LOL) Moleskine makes a couple of sizes, and dedicated to different uses. be sure to look for the art sketchbooks and watercolor sketchbooks. There is a company website and they are available at Dick Blick and Cheap Joes. I have heard that Dick Blick offers a book called the Hand book, cheaper, but from what I hear, comparable to Moleskine.
You may be interested in this ,a href=”http://www.notebookstories.com/2008/12/08/four-notebooks-reviewed-part-3-moleskine-handbook-derwent-and-pen-ink/”>3-part review of 4 pocket size sketchbooks: Moleskine, HandBook, Pen & Ink, and Derwent.