The 5 Best Sketchbooks for Markers Today

Whether you are an artist who is just starting out or someone who has been in this field for some time now, you probably know that it is wise to do your research before spending some serious cash on art supplies like the best sketchbook for markers. 

And that is probably what brought you here.

Now, one thing is for sure. There are a lot of different sketchbooks in the market that boast of being bleed-proof and durable. But they fail miserably the moment you try to test them out.

And since you probably don’t have the time or the money to test every single product sold in the market, we decided to make it easier for you.

Best Sketchbook For Markers

Here is the list of the 5 best sketchbooks for markers that you can use to unleash your creativity and express yourself freely.

1. Bee Paper Bleedproof Marker Pad, 8-1/2-Inch by 11-Inch – Best for Quality & Affordability

First up on the list is Bee Paper’s Bleedproof Marker Pad. Perhaps not very well known in the market, but Bee Paper is still a brand its loyal users swear by. And with a good reason too.

Bee Paper’s sketchpads are known for their quality and affordability, and this one is no exception. The bleed-proof marker pad boasts an acid-free design while the pages are smooth and thick and come in stark white color.

The ultra-smooth nature of the sketchbook lets you use markers and experiment with varied media, often at the same time, without worrying about bleeding too much.

The sketchbooks are 8 and a half inches by 11 inches in dimension and are available with a choice between 30 sheets and 50 sheets, for just a few dollars. But in case you are looking for a larger book, it also comes in the size of 11 inches by 17 inches, giving you ample amount of space to work with.

2. Strathmore 566-8 500 Series Hardbound Mixed Media Art Journal, 8.5″x 11″ – Best for Mixed Media Artists

Next up is Strathmore’s very own 566-8 500 series Hardbound Mixed Media Art journal. The 566-8 500 series journal boasts crisp white sheets that are 8.5 inches by 11 inches in size. The sheets are given a shine with the vellum finish, which also makes them last for a longer time.

Made in the US, Strathmore’s 500 series is pretty good for any artist looking to use not only markers but other mixed media for their art. This means that Strathmore’s got your art covered – be it a piece made of acrylic, gouache, watercolor, ink, pen, pencil, pastel, or marker.

Owing to its compact nature, you can also lug it around in your backpack as you commute all day and use it as a journal. The art journal has 32 sheets of thick white paper, which might seem very few. But then you realize that it is bleed-proof enough for you to use both sides of the same sheet with ease.

3. Canson XL Series Marker Paper, Foldover Pad – Best for Copic Marker Users

The Canson XL Series Marker Paper, a foldover pad from the renowned Canson brand, is a top-performing product with an excellent reputation for its high-quality paper meant for various drawing mediums. This pad is specifically designed for use with solvent-based and Copic markers, making it an ideal choice for artists who are fond of these materials.

It offers an exceptional drawing surface that balances the paper weight perfectly, making it neither too light nor too thick. This ensures that the ink stays primarily on the surface, allowing for greater control and precision in detailed strokes and crisp lines. The paper’s smooth texture makes it a great choice for ballpoint pens and pencils as well.

Despite its slightly translucent nature, this sketchpad’s paper does not allow markers to bleed through, ensuring that both sides of the page are usable. The translucency can also be an advantage in certain situations, like using it as tracing paper to create straight lines and detailed sketch plans. The pad is glue-bound, allowing for easy removal of sheets for added convenience.

While the Canson XL Series Marker Pad’s paper is top-notch, its cover could benefit from being more robust. As it is somewhat flimsy, there is less protection for your artwork and the pad overall when stored or transported.

4. U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Top Spiral Bound Sketch Book Pad

The U.S. Art Supply 9″ x 12″ Top Spiral Bound Sketch Book Pad is an artist’s companion designed for versatility, quality, and convenience. It is perfectly tailored for marker drawings, making it an excellent choice for those who love to sketch and draw on the go.

What sets this sketchbook apart from its competitors is the high-quality, acid-free paper which ensures longevity and preserves colors. The paper is smooth, holding markers without smudging, and prevents feathering. Additionally, it offers compatibility with a wide range of mediums – from pens, pencils, and charcoals to pastels.

The sketchbook features a sturdy cardboard backing, allowing artists to draw with ease even without a flat surface. Moreover, despite its compact size of 5.5×8.5 inches, it fits wonderfully into pockets, so you can unleash your creativity wherever you are.

While the U.S. Art Supply Sketch Book Pad offers many benefits, some buyers may find the price somewhat expensive for its size. Nevertheless, the functionality and performance it provides can easily justify its price tag for artists who heavily rely on portability and versatile paper quality.

5. Leda Art Supply A5 Sketchbook

Leda Art Supply A5 Sketchbook is designed specifically for artists on the go, offering a portable and versatile canvas for various artistic mediums. This 8.25 x 5.55-inch sketchbook encompasses numerous features that cater to the artist’s needs, such as durability, flexibility, and smoothness of paper.

One of the key strengths of this sketchbook lies in its compact size, making it an ideal choice for travel. The waterproof cover further ensures the protection of your artwork against the elements. Its 160 pages of 130GSM cream-colored paper provide a smooth surface that works exceptionally well with markers without ink feathering.

Additionally, the sketchbook lays flat, allowing artists to utilize the entire surface seamlessly, and the expandable pocket is an excellent addition for storing extra papers. The elastic band also prevents the sketchbook from opening accidentally when stored or carried.

It is essential to note that the paper may not hold up well against Copic markers, as they might bleed through the pages. Heavy use of markers or watercolors could compromise the paper’s integrity, and users should be cautious about the preferred medium to ensure the best results.

Best Sketchbook For Markers Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Sketchbook For Markers

As an artist, you must know how important it is to choose your sketchbooks well. After all, it will not only go on to affect the quality of your work but also your comfort and growth as an artist. So, while choosing art supplies for your work, whether you are a professional artist or just starting out, it is important to do your research and make an informed decision.

A lot of factors come into play when choosing a sketchbook, especially if you are going to use markers or mixed media. Some of them have been discussed below to help you choose your supplies well:

Choice of the medium

Your choice of medium has a lot of say when you are getting a new sketchbook. Are you going to use a pencil? Ink? Charcoal? Alcohol-based markers? Mixed media? While heavy pages are good for almost everything on the list, markers and mixed media demand a bit more from your sketchbook.

So, if you are known to work with those media or are planning on doing so, make sure you choose sketchbooks with heavy sheets that are both bleed-proof and no-show. If you don’t, you will be stuck using blotting paper and tearing out ruined pages for quite a while.

Your dominant hand

Whether you are left or right-handed can also determine which sketchbook you should go for. Spiral-bound notebooks are usually easier to use while sketching with markers and mixed media because they lie completely flat. But before buying a spiral-bound sketchbook, check if the side of the binding clashes with your dominant hand side or not.

It will obviously not be fun if you are left-handed and accidentally buy a book that’s bound on the left side. It will constantly press against your wrist and cause a lot of discomfort while sketching.

Portability

A lot of things determine the portability of a sketchbook, right from its binding to its sewing and even the weight if you are planning on traveling a lot and bringing your sketchbook along, you should make sure you keep these things in mind.

A hardbound art journal is obviously more travel-proof than a normal paperback. It will keep your journal from wear and tear during travel. Heavy sewing is also important so that the pages don’t come out because of sudden movements during the journey.

If you like traveling light, choose a compact sketchbook. This way it will slip right into your backpack and won’t be a hassle to carry around.

Miscellaneous

There are a few other things you should keep in mind while buying a sketchbook where you can use markers. Try to decide if you will be using it for daily practice or for more professional use. If you are going to do the latter, it is better to go for the expensive and proven brands on the market.

For daily practice, though, you can go for a cheaper version of the same. A hardbound book is easier to carry around but a spiral-bound sketch pad is good when you work at home and don’t travel around with it much. Also, note that a spiral-bound journal will lie flat while a hardbound will have trouble with the same.

Can I use the same sketchbook for different media?

Yes, but it’s crucial to choose a sketchbook that is compatible with multiple media.

A mixed media or multimedia sketchbook allows you to use markers, pencils, watercolors, or even acrylics.

Do I need a sketchbook with a hardcover?

A hardcover protects the sketchbook from damage and keeps the pages from bending or tearing.

It’s ideal if you are carrying the sketchbook around or plan to store it for a long time.

What is the best binding for a marker sketchbook?

Spiral-bound sketchbooks are the most popular for marker sketching as pages lay flat and turning pages is easy.

Another option is a book-bound sketchbook; however, it can be challenging when it comes to scanning or copying your artwork.

Should I use a sketchbook with perforated pages?

Perforated pages make it easier to remove or display your artwork. It’s a personal preference, but perforated pages can be convenient.

However, note that the perforation can weaken the paper, and the pages may rip easily.

Are expensive sketchbooks better for marker drawing?

Not necessarily. There are plenty of affordable sketchbooks on the market that work exceptionally well with markers.

Do some research and compare paper quality, page count, size, and binding before purchasing.

Can I use a sketchbook for professional artwork?

Yes, you can use a sketchbook for professional artwork. However, it’s essential to choose high-quality paper that can withstand long-term storage and handling.

Is it necessary to test the paper before buying a sketchbook?

Testing the paper before buying a sketchbook is recommended to get a feel for the texture, saturation, and drying time. It can help you determine if the paper is suitable for your drawing style, the colors you use, and the blending techniques.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining several sketchbooks and their performance with markers, we have determined the top choices to enhance your artistic experience. Factors such as quality, affordability, suitability for mixed media, and compatibility with varying marker types make all the differences in delivering optimal results.

From the above 5 best sketchbooks for markers, here are the top three expert recommendations:

The Bee Paper Bleedproof Marker Pad is an ideal option for artists in need of quality and affordability. With its ultra-smooth and bleed-proof design, you can freely experiment with different media without worry.

The Strathmore 566-8 500 Series Hardbound Mixed Media Art Journal is a good option that is perfect for mixed media artists. Like a versatile canvas, it can handle everything from acrylics, gouache, and markers to pen, pencil, and pastel art.

Focusing on Copic marker users, the Canson XL Series Marker Paper, Foldover Pad is the right choice to satisfy expert-level work, offering a balanced paper weight and wonderful accuracy in stroke detail.

We hope that these expert recommendations help you find the right sketchbook for you and guide you toward achieving even greater artistic pursuits.

In this article we have reviewed the best sketchbooks for markers overall yet other sketchbooks have been reviewed as well on Architecture Lab; here you can also find the best sketchbook for architects, the best sketchbooks for ink, and the best sketchbooks for watercolors, cast a glance and fuel your dreams with epic tools.

Happy creating!

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