Top 5 Must-Have Sketchbooks for Artists: Where to Buy Them for the Best Price

For artists, a sketchbook is more than just a bundle of blank pages; it's a personal space to express creativity, try out new ideas, and even reflect on your thoughts. But with so many sketchbook options out there, which ones are actually worth your time and money? Here are the top 5 must-have sketchbooks for artists, perfect for doodling, painting, or serious sketching.

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1. Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook

The Moleskine Art Sketchbook stands out due to its high ratings in sturdiness, giftable quality, and durability​. These factors contribute to its top position among sketchbooks. Whether gifting it to a fellow artist or using it for personal projects, its robust construction ensures a lasting user experience. This sketchbook's reliable performance makes it a sound choice for both beginners and seasoned artists, offering a blend of quality and durability that promotes creativity without compromise.

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Get it at Blick Art Materials

2. Strathmore 400 Series Sketchbook

If you prefer a spiral-bound option, the Strathmore 400 Series provides excellent paper quality and is particularly good for pencil and charcoal sketches. It's specifically crafted for line drawings and technical artwork, providing a non-reflective and fine uniform surface which artists find appealing. The medium surface is versatile, accommodating crayon, pencil, pen, charcoal, and even paints, making it a flexible choice for many types of artists.

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3. Canson Artist Series Sketchbook

The Canson Artist Series Sketch Book is a reliable choice for artists, thanks to its sturdy stitch binding allowing it to lay flat when open, facilitating a seamless drawing experience​. Its 65-pound paper is suitable for both pencil and charcoal, catering to different artistic preferences. This sketchbook is not only functional but also crafted with care in the United States, ensuring a quality product for your sketching needs. Its features are designed keeping in mind the ease of use for artists, making it a worthy addition to your collection of sketchbooks.

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Get it at Blick Art Materials

4. Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size Hardcover Sketchbook

The LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook is praised for its practical Composition (B5) format, which is larger than A5 but smaller than A4, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles. Its hardcover binding not only adds a comfortable grip but also ensures durability and safekeeping of your sketches or notes. With 219 numbered pages, it offers ample space for all your creative expressions. Additionally, it includes signature features like an expandable pocket, a table of contents, and the convenience of having numbered pages, making organization a breeze​.

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5. Pentalic Sketch Book

The Pentalic Art Traveler Pocket Journal Sketchbook is a compact yet versatile choice for artists on the go. Its 8-inch-by-6-inch dimension makes it portable, while the 160 acid-free pages are perfect for preserving your artworks over time. The elastic enclosure and ribbon marker keep your sketches secure and well-organized. Additionally, being 100% recycled, it's an eco-friendly option. The back page pocket is a handy feature for storing loose items, making it a practical choice for both seasoned and novice artists​.

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Get it at Dick Blick

Final Thoughts

In selecting a sketchbook, the choice hinges on personal needs and the medium of use. Whether it's the robust and versatile pages of the Moleskine, the medium surface of the Strathmore suited for diverse mediums, the Canson's stitch binding for flat laying, the LEUCHTTURM1917's organized and numbered pages, or the portable and eco-friendly Pentalic Art Traveler, each sketchbook has unique offerings. Analyzing your sketching habits, the mediums you use, and where you often sketch, will guide you to the sketchbook that aligns with your artwork.