Why a Cheap Sketchbook Is Better Than an Expensive One

Sketchbook collection

Mar 14, 2025

Hello March! Have you gotten any Spring feeling yet? 😁

I have so many sketchbooks. Different sizes, different paper weights, stacks of them. And yet, I always want more! Even though I haven’t filled the ones I already have.

Each sketchbook has its own purpose. One is strictly for watercolors, because trust me, paper and too much water are not friends. Then there are three more from the same brand, all in different sizes, each holding a different kind of drawing.

The smallest one? Strictly ink. My A5? Mostly thumbnail sketches. And my A4? That’s for all kinds of random ideas.

A sketchbook is supposed to be a place just for you. A space to experiment, be messy, and let ideas flow. So why do I want every page to be perfect?! It makes no sense! Sketchbooks aren’t meant to be flawless, they’re meant to be used.

We’ve all been there, buying an expensive sketchbook, maybe a Moleskine, thinking we’ll create masterpieces on every page. But that never works! The best thing to do? Buy a cheap sketchbook and embrace the mess. I’m trying, really, and I’m getting there.

But then, of course, I see other artists’ sketchbooks, and they look gorgeous. And I can’t help but think, why can’t mine look like that?!

The truth is, a sketchbook is a playground for ideas. If I like something, I can refine it later. But hoarding expensive sketchbooks and trying to make every page perfect? That’s a trap. It’ll ruin the joy of sketching.

And honestly? I have no idea why I can’t just use one sketchbook for everything. My brain has its own mysterious logic.

When I look for a new sketchbook, size is the first thing I check, do I want something big or small? But even more important? Paper weight.

I always try to get paper above 100gsm because I hate thin copy paper. Anything under 100gsm? Nope. Not for me.

For watercolor, I go for 200gsm or more, so it can actually handle water. If it’s 100% cotton? Even better. But I don’t own one of those. Too expensive.

Next, I check the texture. I don’t like too much texture, I prefer smoother paper. When it comes to watercolor, hot press is my favorite.

But I also try not to buy anything too expensive. My go-to brands? Hahnemühle and Art Creation.

Oh, and one last thing, I really dislike landscape sketchbooks. 😔

(Sketchbooks I have used in my years: Hahnemühle, Art Creation, Canson, Daler-Rowney & Moleskine)