Buying Sketchbooks
So, I thought I'd revisit one of my favorite topics: buying sketchbooks, and this post from last year on feeding the paper habit! ....
So, how big is your paper stash? A neatly ordered stack of your favorite weight of 220gsm drawing paper, or do you have oodles of Fabriano and Stonehenge dog-eared in a folio, with 50 shades of pastel paper competing for space with Nepalese vegetable fiber paper and several sheets of gorgeous transparent rice paper, not to mention that handmade stuff you bought at a craft fair three summers ago... ? Hmm, I'm definitely in the latter category! I was in the city yesterday and was like a kid in a candy store when I discovered a stationery shop that sold every kind of gorgeous notebook and journal, from the traditional Moleskine to the hundred-dollar Italian-leather baby.Then of course there were the papers - gorgeous exotic prints just perfect for decopage or mixed-media... fountain pens, inks.... bliss!
Some favorite paper stuff, and useful info:
Sketchbook Top Picks
My Favorite Pastel and Charcoal Papers
Five Graphite Drawing Papers
What goes into a good drawing paper
Caring for your paper stash
Moleskine Notebooks and Hacks
Comments
I haven’t used a sketchbook recently - instead, I carry around a pack of paper I’ve cut into 2.5″ x 3.5″ paper. I’ll sketch on it, but then I’ll add my contact information to turn it into an Artist Trading Card. Since I go to a lot of conventions, it’s a nice way to make my “business card” stand out.
I first learned about ATCs on the CraftyPod.
Oh, I love that idea, Aaron. I might have to do a small article on it, so that people who don’t read the comments can know about it.
When I was an art student, all the students in my final year printmaking class produced an edition of prints that were put together in a folio, so that we would have one of everybody’s work to keep.
We did the same thing in my printmaking classes. There’s something about art designed to be given away that makes it even better than the art you’re supposed to hang on your wall.
(Oh, and when I want to see other ATCs, I usually search Flickr.)
I had to laugh. Yes - I guess I need to come clean. I am a paper addict. I have some untouched sketch pads and still cannot resist buying more. I love the look and feel of opening a new pad to sketch. I buy them different sizes - one for my car glovebox, one for my tote bag, purse, downstairs, upsairs - anywhere I might sketch. Only the bathroom and bedroom are paper free - of sketch pads anyway. Heh, heh…
I love your idea Aaron. I will do that too. Helen just what I needed an article on papers…..I love papers, journals and sketch pad. I mostly just like to collect them I found out when I was sorting out my studio and found 28 with nothing in them. lol I am going to alter the covers on some and give away as presents. Loved your article. Now I have more to look for to add to my stash. sigh!! Catriona
Hi Catriona! Glad you liked the article. 28 empty sketchbooks! That must be some sort of record! I take my daughter shopping, and she says ‘but mummy, you haven’t started the last one you bought’….she probably saves me a fortune! - cheers, Helen
I thought I was the only one!
I like Aaron’s ATC idea. I am just starting with the ATC, but carrying it with me will give me a lot more time to work on them!
I love the ATC Idea, Ive just been learning about ATC, they sell alot of them on Ebay. I like the idea that I get to work small, my art teacher always said I worked to small, but working large was intimidating to me. Now small is okay! YAY! I used to carry a small index card size sketch pad with me all the time, & my drawing pencils in a toothbrush case in my purse.
No Starr, P.A.D (paper acquisition disorder) seems to be a common affliction for artists!
I’m really keen on this trading card idea - I’d love to collect some other people’s work, and share my own. After all, there’s no point in having your art moldering away in a drawer somewhere.
I also remember seeing an artist on the internet who creates digital prints which are presented using CD crystal cases as a frame - really effective and contemporary. (Though the format is a difficult one)