Pros and Cons of Thick Sketchbooks
I don't like thick sketchbooks. They always look so intimidating and almost impossible to fill.
These are the thickest sketchbooks I have. On the left are sketchbooks sent to me from GatzBcn and the big blue sketchbook on the right is one that I bought at a local store in 2015 called NOTE ON A BOOK.
These sketchbooks have been with me for a long time and I've yet to fill them up. Each time I look at them, I just wonder when I would fill them up. I procrastinate and don't use them as often.
Thinner sketchbooks by comparison, such as those A5 watercolour sketchbooks, are easier to fill there aren't many pages to start with. Sketchbooks with watercolour paper usually has less pages because watercolour paper is thicker and more challenging to bind, and are more expensive when you use more paper.
When you fill up a sketchbook, there's this sense of satisfaction you can't get from painting on a single sheet. It's also a wonderful and convenient way to look back at all your sketches. This would motivate and inspire you to sketch more.
With a thick sketchbook, it can be a bit daunting and demoralising just by looking it. Using thick sketchbook is not just about practising, but also a test of your character, determination and discipline. If you want to find out who you are, or whether you're really into art, get a thick sketchbook.
You can still get lots of practice with smaller sketchbook. You can still sketch, for example, 600 pages, but it's more manageable when you split them into smaller portions. This is a better way to keep yourself motivated.
Let me know in the comments sections whether you like thick or thin sketchbooks. Do you have problems filling up your sketchbooks? And do you buy too many sketchbooks that you haven't filled yet?
Comments
I do prefer thinner
I do prefer thinner sketchbooks. Often times, I use the panorama sketchbook as they are perfect to bring everywhere with you. Currently, I am using the Global Art Materials Speedball 200 gsm sketchbook.
Let me just say that I love your website, your reviews, and especially your art. I was inspired by you and recently started working on my own website for commissions.
I'm the opposite - pads with
I'm the opposite - pads with fewer sheets have fewer options to mess up, on a cost/page basis :D
I agree totally. I use
I agree totally. I use Stillman & Birn Beta, which has only 52 pages, but I wish it was half that thick. Not so much because of the intimidation but because it would be lighter and less bulky. Also, with a huge, thick sketchbook, what if you filled all 500 pages and then lost it??! Terrible. I would never subject myself to such torture!
Wait... What are the pros of
Wait... What are the pros of a thick sketchbook...? I can't think of even one.
Also, what kinds of thicker
Also, what kinds of thicker sketchbooks would you recommend? I would love a sketchbook for watercolor with a lot more pages than what I have been using. (Around 50-60).
I'm the opposite. Thin
I'm the opposite. Thin sketchbooks make the paper feel so precious, like I have to make my drawings really worth it. It's daunting! With thick sketchbooks, there's so much paper that I feel I can just draw anything and not worry about the outcome—I can just turn the page and start a new one if I mess up. It encourages doodling and note-taking, too.
@Trek Salzer
In reply to Also, what kinds of thicker by Trek Salzer (not verified)
@Trek Salzer
Consider the Khadi watercolour sketchbook. It has 80 pages. But the paper is handmade so the quality can be inconsistent at times. But it's still worth the money as a sketchbook for practising.
I usually buy thiner
I usually buy thiner sketchbooks because they are cheaper, and easier to carry around.
However, my brother made a 400 pages one for me and I love it.
I have this notebook I made
I have this notebook I made for myself about 15 years ago. It was just for school notes and stuff...but it was so thick because I combined so many types of paper that I never finished it. It was also a burden to carry around.
I had my eyes on the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks but having second thoughts now after watching your video, that I might go for a thinner one to kick start. The more I'm thinking which one to get, the more I'm procrastinating too...sigh!
It means you don’t need to
In reply to Wait... What are the pros of by Tina Koyama (not verified)
It means you don’t need to buy a lot of thin ones
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