Tips On Choosing A Sketchbook For Drawing, Journaling or Watercolor

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Are you a student that takes sketching and drawing as a hobby, or you're an artist who sketches and draws for a living in search of sketchbook suitable for drawing, journaling or watercolour. There are different types available in different sizes, paperweights, 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. Size – The size is the first thing to consider. Are you a beginner who is just trying sketching for the first time or you're an artist who likes to draw frequently. For beginners, you can use a general purpose, like the A5 sketchbook. It is not very wide like the A4 one and can easily fit into a bag. You can create different drawings and watercolor paintings with an A5 paper. A pocket size is also good for use as a student because you can easily carry it about. If you're an artist or someone that draws and make sketches frequently, a larger one like the A4 type is recommended. It has a wider space for drawing and it is more suitable for journaling and watercolor. There is more area to sketch different artist drawings and intricate arts.
2. Weight – The weight is another thing to consider. If you're a student that sketches and draws, it is best to get the one that is lightweight because you're going to carry it with you to and from different classes. Smaller ones and pocket size is good to carry around. If you're an artist that draws and make sketches in one place, then you can get the one that is heavy. You can place it on top of a table and sketch without having to move it about, making you uncomfortable. The weight is measured in lb or gsm. The higher the gsm the thicker the paper. Lighter papers below 100gsm is good for dry color such as pencil while thicker papers are good for wet colors such as watercolor.
3. Binding – Binding styles is another thing to consider. There are the types that have glue binding style while you can easily tear out a page in a clean-clear manner. There is also thread binding types and most commonly spiral binding types which are bound together by spiral wires. They allow you totally open flat for an easy and comfortable sketch. Artist prefers spiral binding type because the lay flat and do not hinder drawing at any position. The best choice is to go for spiral binding because it is more easy to use and it is best for hardcover sketchbooks as it easily opens up flat. Most very wide sketchbooks come in spiral binding, so it is best for artists.
4. Cover – The cover is another important thing to check. There are the types that have paperback while some have hardcover backs. If you're a beginner or student, it is best to get a hardcover type because the hardcover type last longer and they do not rumple. You can easily move about with it without getting torn. The hardcover type also provides support when drawing as you can use it even when standing, so you can draw on it anywhere you go. As an artist the drawings in one place, the hardcover or paper cover is good because you can place it on a hard surface. The paper types are thinner and can be folded so it is better for artists as they are easy to showcase at exhibitions.
5. Paper Material – The paper material used is also a very important thing to check. There are different materials used such as thick cotton paper which is good for watercolors and thin cotton which is good for drawing and journaling. Cotton paper is the best paper material used because they are not very common. Other types include normal paper, cartridge paper, and watercolor paper. Normal paper type differs in texture. Some are very thin while some are thicker, some are also very smooth while some are rough. If you want to use a pencil, you should get the one with a very smooth surface because the ones with a rough surface will wear down your pencil very fast. It is best to use watercolors for rough surface papers. The cartridge paper type of high quality and ideal for drawing with pencil, pen or ink marker. It is high-quality type of heavy paper that is used for illustration and for drawing. It is an ideal use for beginners or artist. Watercolor paper types are selected by weight and finishing. It consist of Rough, Cold Press and Hot Press. Most of the artists that uses transparent watercolors go for Rough or Cold Press types. For opaque watercolors, Hot Press type is best for drawing. For students that want to practice, Student Watercolor Papers is ideal for use. Student Watercolor Papers are not made of grade materials. They are acid buffered but will eventually be used up and the paper will begin to deteriorate and discolor. This is why it is only ideal for practice work.
6. Color of Paper – Depending on your drawing and the color of your ink, choose paper with colors that brings out your best sketch. Some paper comes in cream color, light yellow, light blue and some other colors. Choose the paper color that best highlights your drawing and sketches.
7. Paper Orientation – Paper comes in either landscape orientation or portrait orientation. Few papers come in square form. Depending on the kind of drawing and sketches you make most choose based on it. It also depends on your choice as you can make horizontal drawings on landscape orientation.

Make good choice depending on the rate and manner you draw and sketch. Also make good just depending on usability. If you're a beginner who just draws for fun, you do not need a very high-quality type as an artist or a professional who make sketches and drawing for commercial purposes.

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