Best sketchbooks for drawing: a guide by technique

October 15, 2026

The best sketchbooks for drawing are the ones that suit your technique: for pencil and ink, a smooth medium-weight paper sketchbook such as the Hahnemühle Nostalgie or the Stillman & Birn Alpha is all you need; for mixed media and markers you need heavier paper, such as the Canson XL Mix Media; and for watercolour, a dedicated watercolour paper sketchbook. Before buying, look at three things: the paper weight, its texture and the type of binding.

In this guide we explain how to read these specifications and which sketchbook to choose depending on what you draw.

How to choose between the best sketchbooks for drawing

Paper weight

Paper weight is expressed in grams per square metre (g/m², or gsm) and indicates how thick and sturdy the paper is. As a general guide:

• Light weight (around 100 g/m² or less): ideal for quick pencil sketches and daily practice. There are plenty of pages and you can use them up without guilt.
• Medium weight (roughly 120–200 g/m²): the most versatile. It handles pencil, graphite, coloured pencils, ink and fine markers.
• Heavy weight (from around 200 g/m²): copes with alcohol markers, gouache, washes and even a little watercolour without buckling as much.
• Watercolour paper (usually 300 g/m²): designed to absorb plenty of water without warping.

Texture and paper type

Smooth paper is perfect for ink, technical pens and clean lines. Paper with tooth or texture grips graphite, charcoal and coloured pencils better. Mixed media papers are designed for mixed techniques and can take some water. There are also toned papers (beige or grey) that let you work highlights in white pencil.

Binding

• Sewn or hardback: sturdier and more elegant, it opens flat and lets you draw across a double-page spread. Ideal for carrying with you.
• Spiral: folds right back, comfortable for drawing resting on your knees and easy for tearing out pages.
• Glued block: typical of watercolour pads; it keeps the paper taut while you paint.

Sketchbooks for pencil, ink and daily sketching

If you mainly draw with pencil, mechanical pencil or fineliners, look for smooth medium-weight paper and a binding that can go everywhere with you.

The Hahnemühle Nostalgie has very smooth, pleasant paper, perfect for graphite and ink, with a classic look that makes you want to fill it.

The Stillman & Birn Alpha is one of illustrators’ favourites for daily drawing: medium-weight white paper with a slight tooth that works very well with pencil, ink and light washes.

If you are after an iconic sketchbook that is easy to carry, the Moleskine Art Sketchbook and the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook offer heavy paper, a hard cover and an elastic closure. They are ideal for urban sketching and visual journals. For lots of practice without worrying about using it up, the Strathmore 400 Series Sketch is a simple, inexpensive option.

Fineliners and graphite pencils pair very well with these sketchbooks. If you are missing any supplies, take a look at our guide to basic drawing supplies for beginners.

Sketchbooks for mixed media and markers

Alcohol markers, gouache and washes need heavier paper so they do not bleed through or buckle too much.

The Canson XL Mix Media is a spiral-bound classic with heavy paper that handles both dry and wet techniques. It is very popular in art schools for its good value for money.

The Stillman & Birn Beta takes the concept a step further: very heavy, textured paper that can take light watercolour, Indian ink and collage. It is perfect if you mix techniques on the same page. Another interesting alternative is the Royal Talens Art Creation Sketchbook, with a hard cover and paper suitable for a range of techniques.

If you like markers, our selection of the best markers for illustration has ideas for getting the most out of these sketchbooks.

Watercolour sketchbook

To paint properly with watercolour you need a watercolour sketchbook with dedicated, heavyweight paper made to absorb water.

The Moleskine Watercolour Notebook has a landscape format and textured paper, ideal for painting landscapes while travelling. If you prefer a pad for practising at home, the Clairefontaine Goldline Watercolour is a very practical option.

If you are just starting out with this technique, see our guide to watercolour supplies for beginners.

Toned paper sketchbooks

The Hahnemühle Toned Sketchbook offers paper in beige or grey tones. You draw the shadows with a dark pencil and the highlights with a white one, building volume very quickly. It is an excellent resource for studying light and form.

Summary of the best sketchbooks for drawing by technique

You can see all the sketchbooks we recommend in the sketchbooks section.

Frequently asked questions

What paper weight is best for drawing?

For general drawing with pencil and ink, a medium weight is the most versatile. If you use alcohol markers or water, look for heavier paper, and for watercolour, dedicated heavyweight paper.

What size sketchbook is best?

A5 is ideal for carrying around and drawing every day; A4 gives you more space for studies and compositions. Many illustrators have one of each.

Can you use watercolour in a regular sketchbook?

On thin paper, the water will make it buckle and may soak through. A heavy mixed media paper works for light washes; for proper watercolour, a watercolour sketchbook is better.

Do alcohol markers bleed through paper?

Yes, on most papers. Use a sketchbook with heavy paper or put a protective sheet under the page you are drawing on.