I’ve bought sketchbooks like other people buy self-help books. Hopeful. Determined. Slightly delusional. I believed that this one—with its smooth ivory paper and stitched binding—would finally unlock the part of me that makes things without fear. Spoiler: it didn’t. I left it half-empty, the first page torn out because I didn’t want to ruin it. If you’ve been circling the art supply aisle, scrolling Amazon at 1 a.m., or reading articles titled “Top 10 Sketchbooks for Beginners,” you’re not alone. You’re not just looking for paper. You’re looking for permission. For momentum. For a place to safely be messy. Let’s talk about that sketchbook. Your sketchbook. Not the one influencers swear by, not the sleek leather-bound one with 500gsm paper that costs more than a decent pair of shoes. Let’s figure out what you actually need.
If you’re anything like me—or the thousands of “returning creatives” who secretly want to draw but feel stuck—you’re not just asking, “Which sketchbook should I buy?”
You’re asking:
You’re not wrong to wonder. A sketchbook isn’t just paper. It’s a psychological space. And how that space is built—its size, its texture, its cost—can either welcome you in or slam the door shut before you ever sharpen your pencil.
Small sketchbooks feel safe. Pocket-sized even. You can tuck them away and mistakes feel less loud in a tiny corner. There’s comfort in that.
But sometimes they’re too safe. They whisper, “Stay small.” And often times we listen.
Big sketchbooks, on the other hand, demand a presence. They dare you to take up space. To commit to a full page, or better yet, a two-page spread. They’re not for the faint of heart—but they might be for you if you’ve been drawing timidly, afraid to go bold.
Tip: If you’re trying to break out of perfectionism, get a bigger sketchbook and only use cheap tools in it—markers that bleed, pens that skip, old crayons. Let it be your permission to get gloriously sloppy.
Smooth paper is for those who love detail and precision. It’s where fine liners and ink pens glide like they’re skating on ice.
Toothy paper (the kind with a bit of grit) bites back. It grabs your pencil, softens your strokes, and adds character even when you don’t mean to. It’s ideal for graphite lovers, charcoal adventurers, or anyone who wants their page to help choose the direction.
Here’s the thing: the texture you choose will change how you draw. A rougher page might make you looser. A smoother one might make you tighter. Neither is wrong—it’s about what matches your mood, your tools, and your intentions.
There’s a strange psychology at play when we spend money on art supplies. The more we spend, the more we expect them to perform for us. To justify the cost. That $30 sketchbook? It has to be filled with masterpieces—or it feels like a failure.
Cheap sketchbooks? We don’t expect much. Which is exactly why they can be magical.
They invite mess. They forgive bad ideas. They lower the stakes so you can rediscover joy instead of chasing perfection.
Try this: Buy a 99¢ sketchbook and set a timer for 5 minutes each day. Draw literally anything—your coffee mug, a worm in a tuxedo, your left hand’s attempt at drawing your right. No rules. Just pages.
The internet will try to give you answers. Top 10s, best ofs, affiliate links. It’ll suggest names like Moleskine, Strathmore, Stillman & Birn, Archer & Olive—like they’re sacred texts. But what it won’t tell you is that your nervous system might not respond to that “perfect” sketchbook.
Because the right sketchbook isn’t universally ranked. It’s the one you’re not afraid to open. The one you don’t mind ruining.
Don’t choose a sketchbook because someone online said it was “the best.” Choose one you like touching. One that feels friendly in your bag. One whose cover you want to sticker bomb or write cuss words on.
Let’s get creative. Here are a few identities your sketchbook might take on:
- The Workhorse – Cheap, sturdy, wire-bound. Lives in your glove compartment. No fear of smudges or rips. Just raw thoughts.
- The Diary – Mid-sized with soft paper. A space for doodles, notes, ideas. Emotional. Intimate.
- The Stage – Expensive. Demands performance. You might not be ready for this one yet. Or maybe you’re done hiding.
- The Lab – Filled with tests, swatches, failed experiments, pencil grades, tool trials. No art—just investigation.
- The Chaos Book – No order, no rules. Just pages of scribbles, overheard conversations, dream fragments, weird creatures with three eyes.
Which one do you need right now?
This isn’t about buying the right thing. It’s about finding a space that reflects your current creative needs. Your sketchbook should meet you where you are, not where you think you should be.
You’re not broken for needing something simple.
You’re not behind because you need permission to play.
And you’re not wrong if the first page is a disaster.
You’re just someone looking for a door back into your creative self. Maybe, just maybe, that door is made of paper.
What sketchbook should a beginner start with?
A beginner should look for a sketchbook that feels approachable—not too precious or expensive. Paper texture, size, and how it reacts with your tools matter more than brand names.
Why does choosing the right sketchbook matter?
The right sketchbook lowers creative resistance. If the paper feels wrong or the size overwhelms you, you’re less likely to draw. The right one helps you feel at home.
What size sketchbook should I get?
Choose a size that fits your lifestyle. Smaller is portable, bigger gives more breathing room. There’s no wrong answer—only what fits your rhythm.
Are cheap sketchbooks good for learning to draw?
Absolutely. Cheaper sketchbooks come with fewer expectations, making it easier to play, experiment, and make mistakes—all essential to learning.
Does paper texture matter in a sketchbook?
Yes. Smooth paper is great for pens and markers. Textured paper grips pencil and dry media. The feel can change how you draw.
How many pages should a sketchbook have?
Enough to build momentum, not so many it feels intimidating. Around 50–100 pages is a sweet spot for most people.
What sketchbook works best for mixed media?
Look for heavier paper—usually labeled “mixed media” or at least 160gsm. It’ll hold up to light washes and layering.
Can I use printer paper as a sketchbook?
You can! But the experience is different. Printer paper is thin and smooth—it’s great for sketches, but not built for wet media or texture.
What if I don’t like my sketchbook?
Repurpose it. Use it for notes, planning, doodles, or warmups. Every page has potential—even if it’s not your forever book.
How do I make my sketchbook feel less scary?
Break the first page. Draw a circle. Scribble. Glue something down. Imperfection opens the door to play. Or you can try my Test Before You Stress: A Step-by-Step Sketchbook Warm-Up Guide (with Free Template!) to get you started.
How do I know when it’s time to start a new sketchbook?
Sometimes it’s when the old one’s full. Other times, it’s a vibe shift. If you feel stuck or uninspired, a fresh set of pages might be the permission slip your creativity needs.
