15 recommended sketchbooks popular ranking | What is best for watercolor painting and pencil drawing?

There are many types of sketchbooks that can be used for various purposes such as scribbling and drawing. There are differences in paper quality, size, ease of use, etc. for each product, but what are the popular ones? We will introduce recommended sketchbooks in ranking order, so please refer to it when choosing a better sketchbook.

sketchbook paper types

In addition to the standard "drawing paper", there are other types of paper used in sketchbooks, such as "watercolor paper", "croquis paper", "kent paper", and "art paper", each with different characteristics. It is recommended to decide according to what kind of picture you want to draw, such as watercolor paper for watercolor paintings and croquis paper for pencil drawings. From here, let's take a closer look at the characteristics of each type.

Drawing paper | Versatile type that can be used for almighty

The most popular type of sketchbook. The price is reasonable, so it is easy to obtain and ideal for beginners and those who want to try various techniques. In addition, it is highly versatile and can be used in various situations other than drawing, such as children's crafts, design creation, and wedding message relay.

Watercolor paper | Color changes depending on the color of the paper

Watercolor paper, as the name suggests, is suitable for watercolor painting. Because watercolor painting uses water, watercolor paper is characterized by its thickness. Also, there are many color variations, so just by changing the color to white or beige, the color and taste will change, so you can choose the one that suits the picture or work you want to draw.

Croquis paper | Ideal for line drawing and practice using pencils

Thin croquis paper is recommended for works that use pencils, drawings that mainly consist of lines, and floor plans. In addition, since there are many sheets, it is ideal for trial writing and practice. It is also a unique paper that can be used in various ways that do not fit into the mold.

Kent paper | Strong and suitable for pen drawings

Kent paper has a high strength and less unevenness on the surface, so pens and markers slide well on it, making it a suitable paper for works such as pen drawings. It is also suitable for drawing three-dimensional drawings and solid coating, making use of its strength. In addition, the ink does not bleed easily and the colors are good, so it is sometimes used as a material for business cards.

Gasen paper | For works that use ink and facial colors such as ink paintings

This paper is suitable for Japanese paintings such as ink paintings using gansai, ink, and ink pens. Also, since the paper is uneven, it is difficult to correct and difficult to erase even with an eraser, so it is a paper for advanced users. However, you can express the unique blurring of ink paintings and other textures that other drawing papers do not have, so it is fun to practice and challenge yourself.

How to choose a sketchbook

Sketchbooks come in a total of 10 different size standards, and each product has a different binding method, so it is not easy for beginners to choose the best one. Here, we will explain three points that you should keep in mind when choosing a sketchbook: the size standard, the binding method, and the manufacturer. Please refer to it to find the perfect sketchbook for your purpose.

Size standard | Major A standard, B standard, F standard often written on art paper

Sketchbooks have a size standard, and there are about 10 types in all. The most major standards are the A and B standards, which are also used for copy paper. In addition, the F standard, which comes from the number used for canvas size, is a standard that is often used for painting materials.

A4 size or smaller for portability, larger size for home use

Since the size is also substantial, it is important to consider the size carefully when choosing a sketchbook. If you want to take it outside and use it, A4 or less is useful, and if you use it at home, it is easier to use a somewhat large one. Consider where you will use it and how you will carry it.

■A standard

It is a familiar standard for the size of copy paper and notebooks. The A standard written on the sketchbook is A6 to A2. In addition, the A standard is characterized by the fact that the smaller the number, the larger the size.

[A standard list]

Unit: mm

・A6: 148 x 105 Size used for picture postcards

・A5: 210×148

・A4: 297 x 210 General document size

・A3: 420 x 297 Many small posters

・A2: 594×420

■B standard

Like the A standard, the B standard is also the standard size for copy paper and general resumes, so I think many people are familiar with it. The notation in the sketchbook is basically B5 to B6, but there are also rare ones of B3 and B4. As with the A standard, the smaller the number, the larger the size.

[List of B standards]

Unit: mm

・B6: 182×128

・ B5: 257 × 182 Commonly used for general resumes

・B4: 364×257

・B3: Larger than 515×364 F10

■F standard

Probably, painting is a standard that is not very familiar to people other than those who are hobbyists and those involved in art. Since it comes from the number of canvas, it is a standard that is often written for sizes such as drawing paper. Note that unlike the A and B standards, the larger the number, the larger the size. In sketchbook notation, F1, F4, and F6 are often major.

[F standard size list]

Unit: mm

・F0: 185 x 142 Notepad size

・F1: 225 x 162 A little larger than A5

・F2: 245×192 A little smaller than B5

・F3: 272 x 217 Easy-to-carry size that fits in a bag

・F4: 332 x 242 A little smaller than B4, up to this size fits in a handbag

・F5: 352×273

・F6: 407×320

・F8: 452 x 379 It is larger than A3, so it can be used without worrying about size, but it is not suitable for carrying around.

・F10: 531 x 460, about the size of a drawing board

Binding method｜Ring that does not fall apart, Tennori binding that can be peeled off neatly one by one

Sketchbooks are generally bound with a ring, but there are also ones that can be peeled off one by one, so we recommend checking the binding method before choosing. If you are going to use a drawing board, it is better to peel off one sheet at a time from the tenpushi binding.

Manufacturer | Focus on long-established art supplies and major stationery manufacturers

Sketchbooks are mainly sold by art supply manufacturers and stationery manufacturers. Maruman is representative of stationery manufacturers. Maruman's sketchbooks and croquis books are widely used by beginners and professionals alike. Muse and Orion are representative art supply manufacturers. Since it is an art supply manufacturer, there is a wide variety of high-quality art supplies, so if you are serious about drawing, you may want to choose a sketchbook from an art supply manufacturer.

[Drawing paper] Popularity ranking of sketchbooks

From here, I will introduce the sketchbooks of drawing paper in the recommended popularity ranking format. Drawing paper sketchbooks, which are also a standard, are not only cheap, but also versatile and easy to use in a wide range of situations, such as drawings, illustrations, and wedding message relays. Please check it.

A sketchbook for any drawing medium

It is a drawing paper that makes it easy to create shading and blurring effects, so it is recommended not only for professionals but also for those who want to draw various pictures as a hobby. Since the original paper is required to be compatible with writing instruments, it is a sketchbook that you can enjoy the comfort of your own preference, so it is also recommended for those who want to compare drawings.

Key Specification

width about 14cm

Depth about 255cm

height About 337cm

weight -

size F4

colour blue

Amazon release date -

Japan's representative sketchbook

The texture of the paper absorbs a lot of water, making it suitable for watercolor painting. Also suitable for drawing outdoors. You can use any drawing material, such as pencils and pastels, and you can save your finished work for a long time. It is recommended for those who want high-quality drawing paper because you can draw without worrying about show-through.

Key Specification

width About 29.7cm

Depth about 42cm

height about 0.7cm

weight About 322.1g

size A3

colour design

Amazon release date -

Easy to carry A5 size sketchbook

The sketchbook is easy to carry in your bag, so if you find something you want to sketch on the go, you can leave it as soon as possible. It can also be used as memo paper, so it's a size that makes it easy to take out from your bag when you want to make a quick memo or sketch while you're out or at work.

Key Specification

paper type neutral paper

Size (mm) ー

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Number of sheets 64 sheets

Size standard A5

[Watercolor paper] Sketchbook recommended popularity ranking

From here, we will introduce the recommended watercolor paper sketchbooks in popularity ranking format. In the ranking, we picked up mainly items that are easy to finish neatly without causing fluffing or uneven application. If you want to draw a work with watercolor paint, please check it out.

Recommended sketchbooks for watercolor users

A ring-bound sketchbook using natural white watercolor paper. The cover is bound with a ribbon and can be used as a luxurious sketchbook for your work. It is suitable for watercolor tools, so it is more suitable for those who like watercolor painting. The paper has a strong tension, so even if it absorbs water, it will not wrinkle easily, and the surface will remain flat.

Key Specification

paper type watercolor paper

Size (mm) 273mm x 220mm

Thickness (mm) not clear

Number of sheets 18 sheets

Size standard F3

A convenient sketchbook that can be used for multiple purposes

A sketchbook with a stylish cover design of the Union Jack. It uses acid-free paper and is suitable not only for sketching but also for watercolor wash paintings. This product is recommended for keeping a record of your own growth rather than for disposable practice. It is also perfect for picture diaries, so it can be said that it is the best sketchbook as a book to keep for a long time.

Key Specification

paper type neutral paper

Size (mm) 210mm x 297mm

Thickness (mm) 0.18mm

Number of sheets 62 sheets

Size standard ー

High quality sketchbook using original watercolor paper

A sketchbook using original watercolor paper with surface strength. It is less prone to fluffing due to erasers and masking, and less likely to wrinkle when soaked with water. The colors of the paint are vivid and excellent for miniature paintings and botanical art. It has a moderate bleeding prevention effect, and a beautiful gradation can be achieved.

Key Specification

paper type watercolor paper

Size (mm) 257mm×182mm

Thickness (mm) not clear

Number of sheets 15 sheets

Size standard B5

[Croquis paper] Sketchbook recommended popularity ranking

From here, we will introduce the croquis sketchbooks in the recommended popularity ranking format. A croquis paper sketchbook perfect for drawing line drawings using pencils. In the ranking, we also picked up sketchbooks suitable for colored pencil drawing and popular maker, Maruman. Please check it.

Pure white croquis paper sketchbook

It is a sketchbook using pure white croquis paper. It sticks very well to various art materials such as pencils, chalks, and storyboards, and is useful not only for croquis and sketches, but also for writing thumbnails. It has a large capacity of 70 sheets, so you can use plenty of them. The stylish design of the cover will also stimulate your creative motivation.

Key Specification

paper type croquis paper

Size (mm) 546mm x 394mm

Thickness (mm) not clear

Number of sheets 70 sheets

Size standard A4

A sketchbook with a focus on design

This product is a sketchbook that uses a manufacturing method called SC binding to organize paper. Since the display and the back cover are integrated, it prevents the wire from being distorted, and the wire does not get tangled in the bag, so it is recommended for those who want to keep it clean.

Key Specification

paper type croquis paper

Size (mm) 212mm x 242mm

Thickness (mm) ー

Number of sheets 100 sheets

Size standard ー

[Kent paper] Sketchbook recommended popularity ranking

From here, we will introduce the recommended sketchbooks of Kent paper in popularity ranking format. Kent paper is strong and has a smooth surface, making it perfect for pen drawings. It is also suitable for solid painting, so if you want to draw a cartoon-like illustration, please check it out.

A sketchbook with a simple design and a choice of sizes

In addition to A4 size, it is a product that also offers smaller sketchbooks such as B5 size. The cover is plain and white, so you can enjoy drawing your favorite picture on the cover, so it is recommended for those who want to design not only the paper inside but also the sketchbook itself. I'm here.

Key Specification

paper type kent paper

Size (mm) ー

Thickness (mm) ー

Number of sheets 20 sheets

Size standard A4

Luxury sketchbook using KMK Kent paper

This is a book type sketchbook containing 15 sheets of KMK Kent paper. The paper color is natural white and high quality wood pulp is used. It is ideal not only for pen drawings, but also for design such as drafting, printmaking, and architectural perspective. The cool and cool cover does not give the impression of a sketchbook, and it creates a stylish atmo

Key Specification

paper type kent paper

Size (mm) 309×218mm

Thickness (mm) not clear

Number of sheets 15 sheets

Size standard A4

A sketchbook with a smooth touch and good coloring

This is a sketchbook that uses specially selected high-quality paper with a smooth and smooth surface. Because it is suitable for pen drawings and easy to mix gradation colors, it is suitable for drawing color illustrations and comics. The compatibility with color pens such as Copic is also excellent. The perfect product as a sketchbook for illustrations and manga.

Key Specification

paper type Premium quality paper

Size (mm) 148mm x 185mm

Thickness (mm) not clear

Number of sheets 30 sheets

Size standard ー

Recommended art supplies that you want to stick with your sketchbook

So far, we have focused on how to choose a sketchbook, but of course you can't draw with just a sketchbook. From here, we will introduce painting materials such as paints, brushes, and colored pencils that are essential for drawing. There are also articles that explain recommended items and how to choose, so if you are interested, please check them out.

High quality loved all over the world

A high-quality yet economical brand, Van Gogh is loved all over the world. The visual brush set of 6 has the strength of polyester and the good water retention of goat hair. It is less likely to become uneven and is easy to blur. It is a fine brush, so it is recommended when you want to draw a detailed picture rather than painting a wide surface.

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Reasonably priced but high quality basic 12 colors

The price is relatively cheap, but the color development is good and it spreads easily. The set includes 12 common watercolor paints, the ability to draw in both transparent and opaque tones, and the easy-to-open clip cap for intuitive picking of colors, making it a great choice for children and beginners. is also perfect.

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For a glossy finish that spreads evenly

A set of 12 acrylic gouache colors. In addition to the basic colors, neutral colors are added, so you can express a wide range of expressions. It is characterized by vivid and brilliant color development, and it will be a gorgeous finish. It dries quickly and does not mix, so it is suitable for layering. Another advantage is that it spreads well and does not cause unevenness.

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Easy storage design

It is one of the most popular items among long-established pencil manufacturers, Tombow Colored Pencils. Some people may think that 12 colors is not enough, but since we have standard colors, it is possible to express colors with sharpness. Another attractive point is the storage design that allows you to slide out the colored pencils by gently pressing down on the core with your finger. The reason why it has been loved for a long time is given everywhere.

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