Best Sketchbooks for Colored Pencils:
Choosing sketchbooks for colored pencils can be a challenging task. With so many sketchbook options available, knowing which sketchbooks will work best with your coloring style and needs is hard. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of sketchbook choice and give you an overview of some excellent sketchbooks for colored pencils so that you can find one that fits your needs perfectly.
What are Sketchbooks for Colored Pencils?
Sketchbooks for colored pencils are a special kind of sketchbook designed to work in conjunction with coloring pens. These are not plain sketchbooks that you would use for drawing or painting; rather, they are meant to be colored in.
Furthermore, sketchbooks for colored pencils are generally more durable than regular sketchpads, as they’re made with thicker pages that can withstand the pressure of coloring pens. In addition, these sketchbooks are often spiral bound to make it easier for you to lay the book flat and color in large areas.
Finally, most sketchbook manufacturers know that their customers will be using coloring pens on these books; as a result, they can print lines and grids onto specific pages of your colored pencil sketches. This is useful if you want to use your sketchbook for a detailed coloring book, allowing you to color in the lines and get a uniform pattern.
However, these grids can also be distracting if you prefer not to have them on specific images; but no need to worry! Most manufacturers include an option of turning off the gridding when ordering their colored pencils sketchbooks.
Benefits of Using Sketchbooks for Colored Pencils
Sketchbooks are an excellent way to experiment with different pencil techniques. – They’re great for practicing blending and layering colors to build up your coloring skills.
Sketchbooks provide you a space to explore without judgment or criticism, which is invaluable when it comes to growing as an artist! Let’s go through some more benefits you’re going to get with these books one by one.
- Great for Practicing:
Sketchbooks are a great way to practice new techniques, try out fun color combinations, and experiment with different pencil types.
Sketchbooks help you improve your coloring skills: Sketchbooks provide a space where you can play around without judgment or criticism, which is invaluable for growing as an artist!
- Portable:
Sketchbooks are a great travel companion. They’re small and lightweight, so they can easily fit in your bag or purse!
Sketchbooks don’t take up much space: Sketchbooks are a great way to practice new techniques, try out fun color combinations and experiment with different pencil types. They’re portable, which makes them easy to carry around.
- Lightweight:
They are compact and lightweight, so you can easily take them on the go with you! Sketchbooks are super lightweight, which makes them even easier to carry around with you wherever you go (and they won’t weigh down your bag either)
- Easy to Use:
Sketchbooks don’t require any particular skill or knowledge. They’re easy to use and suitable for kids, beginners, and professionals! Sketchbooks are easy to use, ideal for any skill level, and perfect for all types of artists.
- Many Different Styles:
Sketchbooks come in many different styles and sizes. You can find one that fits your coloring style best! Sketchbook options range from small pocket-sized ones, hard-covered sketchpads, or even larger spiral ones.
What Size of Paper Should My Colored Pencils Sketchbook Have?
Most artists recommend having at least 100 pages in your book, if not more. If there are less than 100 pages available to work with, then the quality of the paper is likely to be lower than that of a sketchbook with more pages. This can cause your colored pencils to not color the paper as smoothly or evenly.
A 100-page book will provide enough space for you to work on larger-scale projects while still having plenty of room leftover in case you need it. If you’re an artist who prefers working with a smaller-sized sketchbook, then a 50-page book is likely to be the right size for your needs.
What Type of Paper Should I Look For In My Colored Pencils Sketchbook?
There are three types of airy graphite papers: hot press, cold press, and rough. Cold press papers are best for colored pencils because they provide a smooth surface that allows the pigment to settle on top of the paper without sinking in too deeply or clumping together as it would on rougher surfaces.
Hot pressed paper is made from hardwood pulp and has an extremely fine grain. It’s designed to provide a smooth surface that allows fine detail and is ideal for watercolor and marker.
Rough paper has the largest grain of all available papers, making it difficult to get clean lines or crisp colors when coloring with pencils on this type of page. However, some artists do prefer working with rough pages because they help add texture to their work.
What Kind of Binding Should I Look for In My Colored Pencils Sketchbook?
Spiral-bound is the most popular type of coloring book on the market today and offers more flexibility than other types, such as coil-bound or sewn bindings. A spiral allows you to layout your page flat while still having it open to the correct area so you can fill in your designs easily.
A coil-bound book has a metal or plastic spiral binding that holds its pages together, but it doesn’t lay out flat while working on it and is difficult to color certain areas of the page without lifting up other parts already colored. This coloring option may also be uncomfortable to hold while you color, which is something to keep in mind if you want a more ergonomic coloring experience.
Sewn bindings are the most durable of these three options, and they lay flat when opened so that your page will always be completely even for easier coloring work. However, sewn books don’t allow pages to easily turn over and may be more cumbersome to work with than other types of books.
How Can I Protect My Colored Pencils Sketchbook?
Every artist should have a reliable way of protecting their sketchbooks from damage or wear that comes as they color in them, both during the coloring process and after you’re finished working on your book. This is especially essential if you plan to share your sketchbook with other artists or show it off to friends and family.
There are several ways to protect your book from damage while coloring in them, but the most popular options include using colored pencils cases, hard plastic sheets, and paper protector sleeves. A case will protect both sides of your book and hold your pencils securely in place while you color.
Hard plastic sheets protect the pages from damage but still allow you to see through them so that they will not interfere with seeing where you colored on the page. A paper protector sleeve slides over a single sheet of paper and provides it with protection as well as an easy way for other artists to see what you’ve colored in your book.
How Do I Clean My Colored Pencils Sketchbook?
Once you’re done creating beautiful artwork with your coloring kit, it’s time to think about the next step: cleaning up! This means not only removing any remaining pigment from the pages but also caring for your entire kit after use so that it stays in good condition.
To clean your book, we recommend either using a baby wipe or an alcohol swab to remove any remaining pigment from the page and then gently wiping down the entire surface with a soft cloth. This will help you to make sure that there is no buildup of pencils on any part of the sketchbook, so you can keep every page looking new and ready to go for your next coloring session.
What Do I Need to Start A Colored Pencils Sketchbook?
Now that you know all about what makes an excellent sketchbook for colored pencils, it’s time to think about the best supplies you’ll want to have on hand as well! This includes choosing high-quality pencils that will lay down smooth, rich pigment and allow you to blend easily. You’ll also need a soft cloth or paper towel for blending purposes as well as blending stumps so that you can create beautiful gradients on the page.
A pencil sharpener is important if your pencils are getting dull during use, which may cause them not to lay down as much pigment on the pages. You’ll also need a few erasers for removing pencil lines and mistakes, including kneadable rubber erasers that will remove any leftover color from your pages without damaging them in the process.
What Are Some Tips to Keep My Colored Pencils Sketchbook Organized?
Keeping your coloring kit organized can be a challenge, but it’s worth taking the time to think through. For those of us who love collecting coloring supplies and kits as we go along, you can use colored pencils cases or paper protector sleeves to keep your kit organized on a shelf at home or in any drawer for easy access and storage.
1. Strathmore 477-9 Colored Pencil PAD
The Strathmore Drawing Pads are made in the US of acid-free, 100% recycled paper. These pads offer a smooth surface for creating finished artwork with colored pencils or graphite, charcoal, and sketching sticks. The micro-perforated sheets detach easily from the pad to allow you to display your work on a wall.
Furthermore, the red cedar wood frame is made in the US and assembled with screws to provide a strong and durable product. All of these products are recyclable, so you can feel good about using them!
2. Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pad
This pad is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality pad of colored pencil paper. The Strathmore 400 series is manufactured in the United States and made from 100lb white, heavy-weight paper that can withstand repeated erasing. This vellum surface allows you to easily layer multiple colors without issues like the texture or tearing of the page itself. It also works well with charcoal, pastels, and dry media.
The paper is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork will not be compromised over time due to environmental or chemical factors. Many people use this pad for anything from fashion design work up to detailed wildlife renderings and technical drawings. This makes it ideal for any type of artist looking for high-quality paper.
3. Bachmore Sketchpad 100 Sheets Sketch Book
Another great sketchbook for kids who love drawing, coloring, and sketching. The hardcovers, especially the hard bottom pad, make this sketchbook very durable and protective.
These papers can be used for dry pens like Oily color pencils, charcoal, sketching sticks, and other dry media pencils.
4. Strathmore 412-9 Tan Drawing Sketch Pad
This Strathmore 400 series pad contains 50 sheets of acid-free, 100% cotton fiber paper. Ideal for graphite drawing or sketching with light media like pastels, charcoal, and chalk. The heavyweight makes it great for mixed media work, including markers, china markers, colored pencils, pens white gel pen. With a textured surface finish in tan, this pad is great for sketching and drawing.
However, the Strathmore 412-09 sketch pad is not great for wet media like watercolor because it could warp the paper. So, if you want to use watercolor or acrylic, try a Strathmore 300 Series Tan Paper Pad.
5. Bachmore Sketchpad 80 Sheets Sketch Book
Another great sketchbook from Bachmore, specially designed for sketching, drawing, and writing. The sketchbook features a hardcover with spiral binding, so it will open flat for easy use on your desk or lap.
Spiral notebooks are perfect because they lay completely flat when opened, making them ideal for side-by-side comparisons of two drawings to check form accuracy or color matching between different illustrations.
How Do I Choose the Best Sketchbook for Colored Pencils?
Many sketchbooks are available on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one will work best for your coloring style. Generally speaking, there are three things that you want to keep in mind when choosing a sketchbook: paper quality, binding type, and cover material. But more factors play an essential role in making these books either the best or worst. Let’s go through them in detail.
- Paper Quality
The most important thing to consider when choosing a sketchbook is the paper quality. This means that you want to make sure your drawing tools of choice glide on the surface without any problems. Some pencils, like colorless blending pencils, don’t require great paper, but many colored pencil artists prefer smooth surfaces to get the best results.
With that in mind, we’ve chosen sketchbooks with either thick paper or a smooth surface to suit your needs and preferences!
- Binding
Another key factor when it comes to sketchbooks is the binding type. There are three main types of bindings: perfect bound, spiral-bound, and ring bound. Ring-bound books come with a metal or plastic circular mechanism that allows you to open the book flat while its spine remains intact for easy reference.
Spiral-bound books can be opened flat, but the spiral binding can get in your way. And lastly, perfect-bound books will open and lay completely flat for easy reference while remaining intact with a strong spine to prevent damage or wear over time.
- Cover Material
Cover material is another important factor. You may not think of this as a significant criterion, but it can make all the difference! Some sketchbooks are made with laminated covers that are smooth and shiny, while others have matte covers which prevent glare on sunny days.
Some sketchbooks out there come in different colors or have a themed design on the cover. All of these factors can be important to consider when choosing the best sketchbook for your needs!
- Paper Weight
It is also essential to consider the paperweight, which refers to how thick or thin your sketchbook’s pages are. Generally speaking, you want a heavy-weight page that won’t bend easily with repeated use and will hold up through various weather conditions without quickly showing signs of wear and tear.
This is especially true if you’re using colored pencils outside or plan on taking your sketchbook with you everywhere!
- Dimensions
It’s also important to consider the dimensions of your sketchbook. Generally speaking, you’ll want a medium-sized book that is portable and easy to carry around with you while still large enough for ease in handling. Depending on your style of coloring, some artists prefer larger books or smaller ones which can be great if it fits your needs perfectly!
- Finish
The last thing you’ll want to keep in mind is the finish of your sketchbook. Some books have a glossy surface, while others have a matte finish, which can be important depending on what types of coloring tools and materials you use most often!
- Other Factors
There are a few other factors that you’ll want to consider when choosing the best sketchbook for your needs. Some artists prefer spiral-bound books because they can lay flat without damaging or creasing their pages, while others adore ring-bound books, which allow them to easily open and close the book with one hand!
Tips for Using Colored Pencils on Sketchbooks
There are some key things to keep in mind when using colored pencils with sketchbooks.
- First, you need to make sure your paper is thick enough so that the pigment of your pencil doesn’t bleed through and ruin the pages underneath. It also needs to be smooth enough for fine details.
- Second, stay away from spiral-bound bindings, as they can easily get damaged when you’re flipping through the pages.
- If your sketchbook has thick paper that is difficult to color on, try tearing out a few thicker sheets and replacing them with thinner ones.
- Your sketchbook needs to be thick enough so that the pigment of your pencil doesn’t bleed through and ruin the pages underneath.
- Your sketchbook also needs to be smooth enough for fine details.
- Finally, if your sketchbook has a thick paper that is difficult to color on, try tearing out a few thicker sheets and replacing them with thinner ones.
FAQs
Which sketchbook is best for colored pencils?
A sketchbook should be a suitable size for your needs. If you’re planning to take it with you on the go, then a smaller-sized book is probably best because they are easier to transport and more lightweight than larger options. However, if you plan to sit down at home or in an area with plenty of space available, then a larger sketchbook may be better for you because it can provide more drawing space.
What is the best paper to use for Prismacolor pencils?
While the paper in your sketchbook matters significantly for how well-colored pencils behave on it, Prismacolor pencils work very well with a wide range of papers. Some great options include Canson mixed-media drawing pads; Strathmore toned gray or Conte crayon/colored pencil sketchbooks; and kraft paper, which is inexpensive and readily available at craft stores.
Are Moleskine sketchbooks good for colored pencils?
Moleskine sketchbooks are very popular, but they do not work well with colored pencils for several reasons. The paper in Moleskines is too thin, and the surface becomes creased easily when it’s bent back on while coloring.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis results in color spreading along the crease lines and leaves behind wrinkles of pigment that are hard to erase. Moleskine sketchbooks are only recommended for very light pencil use.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eMoleskine is, however, a great journal choice and can work well with colored pens or gel pens!
What is the best quality sketchbook?
Colored pencils work best with a sturdy sketchbook that can handle the weight of your coloring materials. You want to make sure you’re using a paper that won’t bleed through or fade under pressure.
Can you use colored pencils on sketch paper?
Yes! There are two main types of sketch paper you’ll find in stores: regular drawing paper and hot-press watercolor paper. Both make excellent surfaces for colored pencils, though the texture is different between them. Regular drawing paper is rougher than hot-press watercolor or cold press papers (which tend to be smoother), but it’s still a good choice for colored pencils.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou can also use regular drawing paper if you want your image to have more teeth, which simply means the rough texture of the paper will show through when colored.
Conclusion
So now that you know the basics of sketchbook choice and have an overview of some excellent options available, it’s time to choose a sketchbook for yourself! We’re sure you’ll love your new coloring companion as much as we do. Happy Coloring!