Art can bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment to those who engage in it. Whether you’re sketching your surroundings, illustrating your imagination, or experimenting with new techniques, the act of creating can be both fun and therapeutic. There’s something incredibly satisfying about putting pencil to paper and watching your ideas take shape. But before your masterpiece begins, you need the right canvas to bring it to life.
Choosing the right sketchpad is more than just picking up the first one you see – it’s about finding a tool that aligns with your artistic flow and enhances your creative experience. I’ll help you find the ideal one to support your creative journey. 

Paper Weight

When choosing a sketch book, one of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the paper, often expressed in grams per square meter (gsm). This can significantly impact how your artwork turns out, as it determines how well the paper handles different media and techniques. 
What GSM is best for sketching? For polished pieces, you’ll want to look for a 110gsm to 150gsm sketchpad online. This is sturdy enough for most media, from pencils to ink, and provides a good balance between flexibility and durability. You won’t have to worry about your sketches showing through from previous pages, and it offers enough substance to handle erasing without tearing or wearing down.   
Lighter paper, typically around 40 to 50 gsm, is often used for things like tracing paper and newsprint. These sketchpads are great for sketching out ideas, quick studies, or exercises where permanence isn’t a priority. However, because of its thinness, it’s not ideal for finished work, and it’s common to see materials from previous pages showing through. If you’re looking for something to practice on with pencils, charcoal, or pastels, you might opt for paper in the 75 to 90 gsm range. This type of paper is slightly thicker, making it a versatile choice for drawing, though it can still be too thin for wet media like ink or markers, which may bleed through. 
For those interested in painting or mixed-media artwork, even heavier paper – up to 300 gsm or more – is often the go-to. Found in specialised books, this thicker paper provides the texture and weight necessary for holding water and paints without buckling.   

Surface and Material

When picking out a sketchpad online, it’s important to think about the materials you’ll be working with and how you’ll be using them. Will you be using pencils, ink, watercolours, or maybe a combination of different media? One of the key things to ask yourself is which medium matters most to you. This is because different media often have specific paper needs, and finding a balance between them can be a bit of a compromise. 
For instance, watercolours work best on textured paper, such as Cold Press or Rough, which helps hold the paint and allows the colours to blend smoothly. Many watercolour artists prefer 100% cotton paper because of its ability to absorb water without warping, but this type of surface doesn’t always play well with ink. Ink tends to spread out too much on textured paper, making fine lines less crisp. On the other hand, ink shines on smooth surfaces, where the flow is more controlled and precise. 
If you’re planning to frame your artwork for home decor, you’ll want to choose high-quality, durable paper that will hold up well over time and look professional behind glass. Heavyweight paper, such as 100% cotton or acid-free paper, is ideal. These papers not only provide a sturdy surface for creating art but are also designed to prevent yellowing or degradation over time, which is important if you want your work to look fresh and vibrant in a frame for years to come. 

Cover and Binding

When choosing a sketch book, the type of cover and binding can make a big difference in how comfortable and practical it is to use. One thing to consider is whether the book opens flat. One that lies flat allows you to work on both sides of the page easily and gives you the option to draw across the entire spread, which can be really useful if you’re working on larger compositions. 
Spiral-bound sketchpads are great if you like to flip the pages over and work on one side at a time. You don’t have to worry about holding the book open, but drawing across the spread can be tricky with the spiral in the way. On the other hand, a hardbound book offers more support, especially if you’re sketching on the go and don’t have a solid surface to work on. It’s perfect for urban sketching, where you might be standing or moving around, but the hardcover does add extra weight, which might not be ideal if you’re trying to travel light. Softcover sketch books are a lighter option, but you’ll want to think about how much wear and tear the cover can handle. 

Format

The format plays an important role in how comfortable and flexible the book is to use. If you prefer drawing wide, panoramic scenes, a landscape design can be perfect for capturing those expansive views, especially if you like sketching across the fold. Portrait sketch books, on the other hand, are easier to handle and offer more flexibility for different subjects. You can still draw across the fold if you need extra room, but they shine when it comes to vertical compositions. Square books offer a nice balance between the two, giving you more versatility, though they can be a bit harder to find. 

Pages

If a sketchpad only has 50 or 60 pages, you might find yourself going through it too quickly, especially if you’re someone who draws regularly. This could make thicker paper, with fewer pages, feel less economical in the long run. On the flip side, one with too many pages can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it takes a long time to finish. For beginners, completing that first sketchbook is a significant milestone, so finding the right balance between page count and your own creative pace is key.