If you have a passion for drawing or coloring using markers, you probably know that a good sketchbook should be bleed-proof and durable. There are a lot of sketchbooks available for sale in the market but most of them will fail you.
In this article, we handpicked the best sketchbooks for markers available at any stationery shelves near you. These sketchbooks have the right kind of paper thickness and are perfect for your art.
Before spending money on any sketchbook for markers, you need to do thorough research based on your needs. Doing so will help you know which will work best for you. To save you from spending tons of money and time trying out every available sketchbook, here are the best sketchbooks for markers that you will never regret spending on.
Moleskin Art Collection Sketchbook
Moleskin Art Collection Sketchbook are known for their quality and portability. It is best suited for artists who sketch and draw. This acid-free paper is both stylish and satisfying. It can last you a long time. Its 165gms thickness makes it perfect for alcohol-based markers.
This cloth-bound Moleskin sketchbook has a sturdy binding on its leather-like hardcover. It also has a ribbon placeholder and a rubber closure that assures the safety of your paintings. The lovely ribbon bookmark meant for marking the pages of your art is strategically placed and easily visible for quick access to a marked art.
Moleskin Art Collection Sketchbook has a naturally white ultra-smooth paper that is not messy to use. You will love its blending and layering capability. It is great at saving your markers. The design of the pages is sturdy enough and does not allow bleed-through while sketching and drawing.
Pros
- The pages are super smooth.
- It does not allow bleed-through.
- It has natural white papers.
- It is great for saving your markers.
- It has a ribbon bookmark for important pages.
- The rubber closure assures the safety of paintings and sketches.
- It is very portable.
- Its thickness is perfect for alcohol-based markers.
- The cover is hard, leather-like, and protective.
- It is stylish, satisfying, and can last a long time.
Cons
- It is expensive.
Canson Universal Sketch Pad
This 96gsm sketchbook is ideal for a wide variety of markers. It can be used with charcoal, pencil, pen, and light wash. What makes this sketchbook unique is its French-made Crowbart Paper material. It is heavy and meets almost all the quality standards.
If I were to recommend a sketchbook that is worth your hard-earned money, it would be this 100-sheet pad. The pads are bound on a double wire and contains micro-perforated sheets. This paper is smudge-resistant and written notes can easily be erased. Canson Universal Sketch Pads are known for their versatile surface. They are also constructed using fine-textured papers making it perfect for use with dry media.
Pros
- It is an acid-free paper.
- It is made using high-quality standards.
- It is bound with a durable double wire.
- Pads contain micro-perforated sheets.
- Its surface is versatile.
- It has a fine texture.
- Perfect for a variety of dry media.
- It has excellent erasability.
- It is smudge-resistant.
Cons
- It is a little pricey for frequent use.
- Sharp markers can lightly bleed through it.
- It can smudge on the next page.
Bienfang Mixed Media Pad
This is excellent for experimenting with techniques. Bienfang mixed Media Pad can work with a range of media. It can work with collage, acrylics, pastels, pens, or pencils among other media. The paper is not choosy as it can also accept watercolors.
This sketchbook contains 40 sheets of mixed media papers. Notes are easily erasable. It is suitable for felt nib markers for illustrating comic strips, and manga, among others. The sheets have heavy coverage and they cannot easily bleed through.
It is a bit indestructible and is still workable even with a spill. If you want to do preliminary work before moving your work to a better surface, this is a perfect platform to begin with. The smaller sizes of this sketchbook make it easy to transport and carry around.
Pros
- It is portable.
- It is not easily destructible and remains good after a spill.
- Its pages are smooth and sturdy.
- Notes on the sheets are erasable.
- It is good with felt nib markers.
- It is relatively affordable.
- The sheets cannot easily bleed through.
- It can work with a range of media.
- It accepts watercolor.
Cons
- It can easily puncture.
- Sizing and surface quality is not that great.
- The paper absorbs pigments thereby making the images dull.
Bee Creative Marker Book
This sketchbook is specifically suited for detailed work and is approved for use with both Copic and Touch markers. Its surface is ultra-smooth and is handy at its 180gsm weight. It is also perfect for fieldwork and allows the artist to maintain sharp edges of the art even with the thickest marker.
The double wire binding is well placed to allow the art to spill to the next page without a hitch. The clipboard is sturdy and can be personalized with acrylics. This sketchbook is also micro-perforated for easy sheet removal.
The heavyweight covers can be recycled and can also be decorated to suit your personality. Besides that, this field-friendly sketchbook holds 50 sheets.
Pros
- It is good for detailed work.
- The surface is ultra-smooth and versatile.
- The sharp edges of the art remain distinct even when used with the thickest of markers.
- It has a double wire binding to hold the sheets in place.
- It has a flat area that allows work across the pages.
- It has a sturdy recyclable clipboard.
- The clipboard can be personalized and designed to your taste.
- It is micro-perforated for easy sheet removal.
Cons
- It does not tear well at the perforation.
- Its pricing is not clear.
Blick Studio Hardbound Sketchbook
This is exactly what you should add to your shopping cart right away. This nice hardcover book is economical yet of high quality. It is ideal for quick sketches both in the studio or out in the field thanks to its hardbound pages made using heavy durable cover. The cover assures long term protection of your sketches and art.
It contains 108 acid-free pages which are excellent for dry media techniques. It weighs 98gsm, is cream in color, and is of good quality. You can never go wrong with this durable high-end sketchbook complete with protective edges and a bookmark ribbon.
Pros
- Its pages are acid-free.
- It is excellent for dry media.
- It has a hardcover for your art protection.
- It is of high quality.
- It is both studio and field-friendly.
- It is durable thanks to its protective edges.
- It is economical and is worth your hard-earned money.
- The pages are hardbound.
- The size is good and it is easy to carry.
- It has no bleeding issues.
- The sheets are sufficient.
- The binding hardcover allows it to withstand wear and tear.
- The tooth in this sketchbook is moderate.
Cons
- The cover ruins easily.
- It does not have perforations for easy sheet removal.
- The corners of the paper tend to bend a little.
- The spine is not very sturdy.
Strathmore Hardbound Toned Sketchbook
This high-quality sketchbook offers artists the best experience any sketchbook can give. It provides more choices such as toned sketch paper. Plus, its matte chocolate brown cover and gray/warm tan sheets are hard to resist.
The binding is Smyth sewn to allow the book to lay flat whenever it’s open. It is available in two very portable sizes. Plus, the sheets are recyclable. The bark fiber in this sketchbook gives it a fine texture.
This 118gsm sketch paper allows various drawings in any media and is also micro-perforated for easy plucking of sheets. The sheets are wire bound and are compatible with many media applications including sketching sticks, markers, colored pencils, and white gel pens, among others.
Pros
- The sheets are wire bound.
- It is compatible with many media applications.
- It is Smyth-sewn to allow the book to lay flat.
- It is available in two sizes.
- It is very portable.
- Has bark fiber for fine texture and intrigue.
- The sheets are in unique gray and warm tan colors.
- It is micro-perforated.
- It does not easily reap or bleed through.
- The toned sheets give a unique effect to your art.
Cons
- Difficult to use as the pages don’t lie flat.
- Alcohol-based markers can bleed through it.
- The corners are slightly bashed and not sharp.
- The paper isn’t as thick so avoid overexerting it.
Final thoughts
When shopping for a good sketchbook, do consider the choice of medium to use, your dominant hand, and portability.
Buying a sketchbook is not as easy as going to the stationery store and picking the first one you see. Be aware of your needs and wants. Prioritize quality in order for you to get quality. Also, do not forget your personal taste. That is what makes you an artist after all.