Her podcast “Starling” helps artists develop their creative process.

“Is it something you plan to carry with you and use on the go? If so, think about where it needs to fit,” says art educator Amy Markham. The size of your sketchbook is also important. The benefit to this shape is that it’s better for sharing pictures of the sketches on social media. Traditional pads are rectangular in shape, but now artists have the option of buying square-shaped sketch pads. Hardcovers protect the pages better, and if you opt for a leather cover, you’ll also enjoy the anti-slip surface.Ĭonsider the shape of the sketchbook pages. But, they can also be susceptible to damage and tearing when placed in a bookbag. Soft covers tend to come with a spiral binding, which allows you to quickly flip through the pages. Next, decide whether you’d like the sketch pad to have a soft or hardcover. They prominently display a sticker with this information right on the front cover of the pad.

For example, some brands only use paper created from certified sustainable forests.

So before you purchase one, you’ll want to take into consideration a few important features.įirst, determine whether the company producing the sketch pad takes measures to protect the environment. Not all sketch pads are created equal, however. You never know when your next creative idea will strike, so it’s a good idea to have a sketch pad and drawing utensils handy.

Canson mixed media sketchbook