8 best notebook for drawing

A notebook for drawing, often referred to as a sketchbook or drawing pad, is a specialized notebook designed for artists, illustrators, and anyone who enjoys drawing or sketching. These notebooks are essential tools in the world of arts, crafts, and creative expression. Here's what you should know about them:

  1. Purpose: Drawing notebooks are primarily used for sketching, doodling, and creating art. They provide a dedicated space for artists to capture their ideas, practice their skills, and develop their artistic style.

  2. Paper Quality: The paper in drawing notebooks is specially chosen for its suitability for various drawing media. It should have a smooth texture that allows pencils, charcoal, pastels, markers, and ink to adhere well without smudging or bleeding.

  3. Size and Formats: Drawing notebooks come in various sizes and formats, including standard sizes like A4 and A5, as well as square and landscape orientations. The choice of size and format depends on the artist's preferences and the type of art they create.

  4. Binding: Drawing notebooks can have different binding styles, such as spiral-bound, stitched, or hardbound. The choice of binding affects how the notebook lays flat and how pages can be turned, which can be important for the artist's convenience.

  5. Cover Materials: Sketchbook covers can be made of various materials, including hardcovers, softcovers, leather, fabric, or paperboard. The cover material can impact the notebook's durability and aesthetic appeal.

  6. Page Count: The number of pages in a drawing notebook can vary widely, from a few dozen to hundreds. Artists can choose the page count based on their expected usage and storage preferences.

  7. Acid-Free Paper: Many quality drawing notebooks use acid-free paper to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time. This ensures that your artwork remains in good condition for years to come.

  8. Versatility: Some drawing notebooks are designed for specific purposes, such as sketching, while others may be suitable for mixed media, watercolor, or marker work. Artists should choose a notebook that aligns with their preferred mediums.

  9. Price Range: The cost of drawing notebooks varies depending on factors like size, paper quality, and brand.There are options available for both budget-conscious artists and those looking for high-quality, professional-grade sketchbooks.

  10. Brand and Specialty: Various brands specialize in art supplies and produce drawing notebooks tailored to the needs of artists. Artists often develop brand preferences based on their experiences with paper quality and other factors.

When choosing a drawing notebook, it's essential to consider your specific artistic needs, preferred media, and budget. Trying out different brands and styles can help you find the sketchbook that best suits your artistic vision and style.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best notebook for drawing on the market
  

Strathmore 455-3 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9"x12" Wire Bound, 100 Sheets

Strathmore

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Strathmore, 400 Series Sketch Pad contains a heavyweight sketch paper perfect for art exploration. With a fine tooth surface, this sketch pad is ideal for classroom experimentation, practicing various techniques, and quick studies with dry media. The Strathmore, 400 Series Sketch Pad provides a great way to track your progression over time in a convenient and transportable pad.

  • Great for graphite pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, sketching stick, marker, soft pastel, mixed media, oil pastel
  • Micro-perforated wire bound sheets
  • Heavyweight sketch paper
  • Intended for practice of techniques, quick studies and preliminary drawing with any dry media
  • Acid free; Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question: This pad is good enough for watercolors
Answer: It is supposed to have a 3D view, I haven't figured it out yet.
Question: do you have to be good at drawing
Answer: I was one of those who complained about the Mac download, however it seems to be both. You should be fine if you're running Windows 10.
Question: will pens bleed through these paper pads
Answer: Check the program instructions. You may be able to download it on multiple computers.
Question: Is there any nudity in this book? Hoping for a family friendly gift option
Answer: I don't believe so. But every year when I am planning for a landscape project I usually draw everything. Now have just taken my measurements and used program. It can do your measurements for design. Its definitely not a professional job. But it gives a good visual for your plans on paper.

Canson 100510850 Pro-Art Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad, 5.5" x 8.5" Side Wire

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A smooth surface drawing paper that, erases cleanly and contains 30 percent post consumer content. The wire bound pads are bound at the top with durable dual loop wire and have micro-perforated true size sheets.

  • Durable paper surface allows for erasing without damaging paper surface
  • Recycled: Contains 30% post consumer content
  • Micro-Perforated true size sheets

User questions & answers

Question: Why does the cost per unit increases as you try to do a bulk order? i.e. 1 unit cost $4.85, 2 units cost almost
Answer: Not a clue. It’s great when working with pastels.
Question: does it have perforated pages
Answer: they will work but the problem we have had is that they are thin and light. they get stuck in the goal. our kids can't (won't) use our table because it takes away from the fun when the puck doesn't come out. check out some thicker ones in my opinion. it will be worth the extra few bucks. good luck!
Question: Is the paper thick enough for sharpies without bleeding
Answer: Yes these will work for replacements
Question: I am just starting to explore Zentangles. Would this paper hold up to the Sakura pigma micron pens that are used? thanks in advance
Answer: .03 oz
Question: Does this fit Square Terminal
Answer: I dont know what product you have. We have an air hockey table. They work well.

Product features

Stylish Black Binding

  • Sturdy bookbound sketchbook with black wrapped-board covers will keep your drawings pristine, protecting them from knocks.

Heavyweight Paper

  • 128 gsm paper prevents most bleed-through.
  • Crisp white archival surface displays color beautifully.

Micro-Perforation

  • Every sheet has a micro-perforated side for easy removal and a clean professionally finished edge.

Excellent Tooth

  • Finely textured surface takes colored pencil, charcoal, graphite, and pastel beautifully, but is smooth enough for ink work.

Classic Sketchbook, Timeless Quality

  • Whether you work in graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, pastel, ink, marker, or mixed media, this is the perfect all-purpose sketchbook.
  • Its thick, 128 gsm paper is suitable for finished works as well as sketches, and archival quality will preserve your work.
  • Micro-perforation makes page removal a snap.
  • The sleek but sturdy black binding and backpack-friendly size make it easier to sketch anywhere.
  • The finely textured paper surface is best suited to dry media but will accept light watercolor washes.
  • And at 96 sheets, it will see you through many drawings to come.

Our Company History

In 1928, at the age of twenty-two, Peter Beilenson began printing books on a small press in the basement of his parents’ home in Larchmont, New York. Peter—and later, his wife, Edna—sought to create fine books that sold at ''prices even a pauper could afford.''

Today, still family owned and operated, Peter Pauper Press continues to honor our founders’ legacy—and our customers’ expectations—of beauty, quality, and value.

Image: Peter Pauper Press headquarters, circa 1948.

Melissa & Doug Mini-Sketch Pad Bundle (4 Pack)

Melissa & Doug

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Nothing is better for art on the go than this wire-bound pad of professional-quality paper. Sketch artists of every age will appreciate its handy size and smooth-tearing edge. It even comes with two sketch starters inside the front cover!

Our children’s art pad is made of high-quality fade-resistant, acid-free white paper. This durable paper is exceptional for pencils, charcoals, markers, and crayons. These spiral art pads includes step-by-step instructions for drawing a goldfish and butterfly that are easy for younger kids to understand. The Melissa & Doug Mini-Sketch Pad 4-Pack is a high-quality art supply that helps kids explore their creativity. Maintaining an ample supply of paper rounds out the creative play experience and gives kids another engaging option for screen-free fun.

For more than 30 years, Melissa & Doug has created beautifully designed imagination- and creativity-sparking products that NBC News calls “the gold standard in early childhood play.” We design every toy to the highest quality standards, and to nurture minds and hearts. If your child is not inspired, give us a call and we’ll make it right. Our phone number is on every product!

From the Manufacturer

From classic wooden toys to crafts, pretend play, and games, Melissa & Doug products provide a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose.



Since the company’s founding more than 25 years ago, Melissa & Doug has consistently delivered innovative products that inspire open-ended thinking, encourage kids to see new possibilities, and offer Countless Ways to Play. It’s part of a bigger vision to Take Back Childhood. Because by giving children a true childhood with the space and freedom to explore their world, we give them a path to realizing their full potential!

  • SPIRAL-BOUND SKETCHPADS: The Melissa & Doug Mini-Sketch Pads 4-pack features 50-page spiral-bound sketchpads designed for the young artist on the go.
  • HIGH-QUALITY PAPER: Our children’s art pads are made of high-quality fade-resistant, acid-free white paper. This durable paper is exceptional for pencils, charcoals, markers, and crayons.
  • ADDED DRAWING INSTRUCTIONS: These spiral art pads includes step-by-step instructions for drawing a goldfish and butterfly that are easy for younger kids to understand.
  • KEEPS KIDS ENTERTAINED: These pads are a high-quality art supply that help kids explore their creativity. Maintaining an ample supply of sketch paper rounds out the creative play experience and gives kids another engaging option for screen-free fun.
  • “THE GOLD STANDARD IN CHILDHOOD PLAY”: For more than 30 years, Melissa & Doug has created beautifully designed imagination- and creativity-sparking products that NBC News called “the gold standard in early childhood play.”
  • 100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE: We design every toy to the highest quality standards, and to nurture minds and hearts. If your child is not inspired, give us a call and we'll make it right. Our phone number is on every product!

User questions & answers

Question: What is the weight of the paper
Answer: Heavy weight. Much heaver than a regular pad of paper. Suitable for sketching or markers.
Question: What weight is the paper
Answer: it's stock weight
Question: How many pads for this price? Four like pictured
Answer: Yes, 4 sketch pads.
Question: Thickness of paper? Would markers, watercolors pens bleed through
Answer: Regular markers do not bleed through but sharpies do. Don't know about watercolor pens.

Product features

Our Promise

The Melissa & Doug signature on every product is our commitment to the highest standards.

Our Story

Melissa and Doug are real people (and parents of six) who are passionate about the power of play!

Our Mission

To ignite imagination and wonder so children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose.

Our Toys

Made with quality and care, our toys inspire a world of discovery and hands-on learning.

Moleskine Art Sketchbook, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Plain/Blank, Black, 104 Pages

Moleskine

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Moleskine Art Plus Large Sketchbook is made with top quality heavy paper and is perfect for on the go drawings, sketches and tempera colors. Every Moleskine product is thread bound and has a cardboard cover with rounded corners, acid free paper, a bookmark, an elastic closure and an expandable inner pocket that contains the Moleskine history.



Specifications:

- Layout: Plain Paper

- Dimensions: 5" x 8-1/4"

- Hard Cover with elastic closure and bookmark ribbon.

- Color: Black

- Pages: 104

- Internal Accordion Pocket

- Paper Weight: 165 gsm/111 lb.; FSC Certified Paper; Acid-Free (pH Neutral)

From the Manufacturer

Art Collection sketchbooks and albums are inviting blank spaces to fill with sketches and drawings. Portable comfort zone: be creative on the move, wherever you go. Keep your artwork private or share with the world.

A range of professional artistic tools to capture the imagination and enable creativity

- Hard Cover Notebook

- Rounded corners

- Elastic closure

- Moleskine ivory paper

- Matching ribbon bookmark

- Paper: 120 gsm, acid-free, ivory, plain

- “Incase of Loss” printed on the flyleaf

- Expandable inner pocket in the back

- Reusable paperband B-SIDE featuring additional printed tools

- Lies flat, opens at 180°

- The history of Moleskine is inside



- Moleskine Srlcreates and sells FSC-certified products

  • MOLESKINE ART COLLECTION: From sketchbooks and sketchpads to watercolor notebooks with heavy paper, to music notebooks with plain and pentagram pages, to storyboard layout notebooks, Moleskine's art collection of notebooks offer the quality you need.
  • DURABLE COVER & ELASTIC CLOSURE: Hold writing projects & notes in your Moleskine notebook with an elastic closure band & inner storage folders. Leather-like classic Moleskine cover & thick, ivory paper pages are perfect for writing with fountain pens.
  • GIFT QUALITY NOTEBOOKS: Moleskine planners, journals and notebooks come in hardcover or softcover and colors like black, red, blue, green and brown. The binding and cover have a durable finish, designed for daily journaling, writing and sketching.
  • DELUXE QUALITY PAGES: Moleskine's thick, ivory paper pages in a hardcover Moleskine notebook, softcover Moleskine notebook, cahier or volant journal, or Moleskine planner are perfectly textured for writing with a ballpoint pen, fountain pen, or pencil.
  • MOLESKINE QUALITY: We're dedicated to culture, travel, memory, imagination, & personal identity—both physical & digital. We bring this commitment to our notebooks, bags, apps & smart pens & notebooks.

User questions & answers

Question: How much does it weigh
Answer: Less than 1%. It is one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics. Dimethicone works, most generally, as a skin protectant - it prevents water loss by forming a hydrating barrier on the skin. Dimethicome has a unique fluidity that makes it easily spreadable. When applied to the skin, its known for creating a subtle gloss that feels smooth and silky to touch. It also acts a mild water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin, and can fill in fine lines/wrinkles on the face, giving it a temporary “plump” look. There are many different versions of dimethicone. A high percent of skin care product use inexpensive (inferior) versions which have gotten a bad reputation. Gloves In A Bottle has always only used a very specialized medical grade dimethicone that, when formulated with other ingredients, actually bonds to the cells of the outer-most layer of skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use as a "skin protectant" ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) drug products. Furthermore, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the data surrounding dimethicone, and assessed it as safe to use in personal care products.
Question: How easily would you be able to tear a sheet of paper out of this sketchbook
Answer: According to the info on the jar, the ingredients are: aqua, cetearyl alcohol, PEG200 stearate, Glycerol, parraffinium liquidium, titanium dioxide, and methyl hydroxberzoate. It has worked well for me as a hand protection when painting with pastels. I have had no problem with mold even with no refrigeration.
Question: Has anyone used this sketchbook with mixed media (e.g., geso, stamping, inking, paint, etc)? If so, how has it held up
Answer: I don't know about their product testing. I did use the product to offer additional protection against oily hardwood dust irritants (bocote) and it worked great as a supplement to nitrile gloves.
Question: Hows the bleed through for anyone using markers in the regular sketchbook
Answer: Yes, gluten free.

Product features

Sketchbook and Pads

The Moleskine Sketchbook is made with top quality heavy paper and is perfect for on-the-go drawings, sketches and tempera colors. Every Moleskine product is thread bound and has a cardboard bound cover with rounded corners, acid-free paper, a bookmark, an elastic closure and an expandable inner pocket that contains the Moleskine history.

Watercolor Notebooks and Albums

The Moleskine Watercolor Notebook and Album are the portable ateliers for painting and drawing with watercolors. A heavy 200-gram, cold-pressed paper is identical on the both sides and was created especially for Moleskine.

ArtSkills 6" x 9" Premium Sketch Pad, 75 Pages Drawing Paper and Art Notebook, 6"x9"

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ArtSkills 6" x 9" Premium Artist Drawing Sketch Book includes 75 sheets of thick 75 Lb paper. This spiral-bound drawing pad is perfect for taking outside to draw or collecting sketches in one place. The black plastic cover protects the pages and double ring spiral binding is extra durable. A great gift for experienced and beginner artists.

  • This durable sketchbook has thick 75 lb sheets so you can draw, sketch, doodle and color wherever you go!
  • 6" x 9" Drawing Notebook includes 75 coloring and drawing sheets so you have plenty of space to express your artistic side
  • The thick 75 lb sheets are perfect for pens, pencils, pastels and are resistant to bleed-through and fading
  • The black plastic cover and double ring spiral binding will keep your doodles and sketches safe from damage when you take it everywhere you go!
  • A great gift for beginner artists or experienced illustrators and will be staple item to your art supply collection

Piccadilly Sketchbook, 500 Drawing Prompts Notebook

Piccadilly

Based on 692 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our 500 drawing prompts guided sketchbook is lined with a prompt or two per page will help ease you into your own drawing space allowing you to explore your creativity and imagination one prompt at a time The unique sketchbook design allows pages to lay open flat making them easier to write in Wood-free and acid-free archive quality paper

  • ✨500 Prompts Refine your drawing abilities with 500 unique drawing ideas Let our sketchbook be your guide to a healthy free-spirited imagination
  • ✨FURTHER YOUR SKILLS Let each prompt take you out of your comfort zone to further your technique and improve your skills Use our expertly crafted drawing notebook to practice your sketches and unleash the artist in you
  • ✨SEE YOUR GROWTH Use these 500 Drawing Prompt sketchbooks to capture your current artistic skills so your future self can see how much you’ve grown Date it and add it to the collection!
  • ✨PREMIUM QUALITY SKETCHBOOK The preferred flat-lay design allows pages to lay open flat making them easier to draw in 240 pages of wood free and acid-free archive paper
  • ✨LAYOUT Each page is dedicated to one or two different prompts Draw them separately or use your imagination to combine them into one beautiful masterpiece!
  • ✨MORE FROM PICCADILLY Click the blue “Piccadilly” button under the title for all our guided journals sketchbooks notebooks and more!
  • 9781620091357

User questions & answers

Question: are the pages numbered
Answer: No, I measured mine and it's 10".
Question: Does the book has an index page with the name of the prompts
Answer: Gloves In A Bottle has been clinically tested and proven to be hypoallergenic and every ingredient is on FDA's most safe list. Here is the list of ingredients: https://www.glovesinabottle.com/list-of-ingredients.html Gloves In A Bottle is absolutely 100% free from all parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), formaldehyde, toluene, propylene glycol, salicylates, gluten, latex, dairy, wheat, soy, peas, corn, animal products, animal testing, added fragrance, colorants, peanuts, and all other nuts. Gloves In A Bottle is vegan, dermatology tested and prescribed, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (will not clog pores), CRUELTY FREE, and every ingredient is on the FDA’s most safe list. Through a series of clinical studies conducted by independent laboratories and hospitals, it has been shown to be so safe that is approved for all staff use in hospitals, even in operating rooms.
Question: Do you have to write the thing or is it already there
Answer: I don't know if it would make you sweat less. It acts as a barrier to water on the skin so I would imagine it would mean sweat too. I would think it would help prevent chapped/dry skin.
Question: So....Only ones for sale are used.Are they drawn in
Answer: It does not make your hands slippery or greasy after it is rubbed in. This is the product I use personally because of this

Primary Journal: Black Marble,Composition Book, draw and write journal, Unruled Top, .5 Inch Ruled Bottom Half, 100 Sheets, 7.5 in x 9.25 in, 19.05 x 23.495 cm,Soft Durable Cover

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Hygloss Tiny Colorful Blank Books Notebook, Sketch Pad, Journal for Drawing, Writing and Scrapbooking, 2 ¾ x 4 ¼-inch-20 per Pack, Multi

Based on 146 reviews Check latest price

Product description

These colorful tiny blank books have 24 blank pages (12 sheets total & 24 blank sides) each & they come 20 books to a pack. Each mini size booklet measures 2.75 x 4.25 inches. These bright blank books are great for journaling, drawing, sketching & creative writing! The covers of these blank books come in 10 bright colors & are crafted from sturdy, colored card stock. They look great on their own or they can be fun to decorate with glitter, glue, paint or other creative collage materials. Everyone, old & young, will love using these books! These colorful blank books are great for all ages to express their creative side using a fun, top-quality book. The pages are made from white bond paper. You’ll be able to personalize your book with a variety of instruments. Pens, pencils, crayons, washable markers, watercolors & glue all work great! Also available in packs of 10 & 100. Hygloss Colorful Blank Books are proudly made in the USA. We offer unrivaled quality at a great price. If for any reason you are unsatisfied, we’ll make it right for you!

  • BLANK PAPER BOOKS - These colorful tiny blank books have 24 blank pages (12 sheets & 24 sides) each & they come 20 books to a pack. Each mini size booklet measures 2.75 x 4.25 inches. These bright blank books are great for journaling, drawing, sketching & creative writing!
  • ENDLESS CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES - The covers of these blank books come in 10 bright colors & are crafted from sturdy, colored card stock. They look great on their own or they can be fun to decorate with glitter, glue, paint or other creative collage materials.
  • ALL AGES CAN BE CREATIVE - Everyone, old & young, will love using these books! These colorful blank books are great for all ages to express their creative side using a fun, top-quality book.
  • PAINT OR DRAW IN THEM - The pages are made from white bond paper. You’ll be able to personalize your book with a variety of instruments. Pens, pencils, crayons, washable markers, watercolors & glue all work great!
  • HIGH QUALITY & MADE IN THE USA - Hygloss Colorful Blank Books are proudly made in the USA. We offer unrivaled quality at a great price. If for any reason you are unsatisfied, we’ll make it right for you!

User questions & answers

Question: What is the cover made of? Is it durable? What is the binding? Are the 24 pages back to back or
Answer: The dimensions of this basket are: 13" W x 10.25" D x 4.75" H.
Question: How many pages in each book
Answer: Yes it can.
Question: What type of metal foil is used? Is it aluminum,zink, what type of metal
Answer: The lining in this basket is white
Question: Are the pages bleed through proof for markers
Answer: No,the basket is smaller,maybe 2,3 inches more
Question: Are the pages only dotted
Answer: Yes, it will.

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