Top Sketchbook Brands for Creative Masterpieces

Choosing the right sketchbook is essential for artists, as it serves as the canvas for creative expressions and ideas. With the myriad of options available, finding one that suits your style, medium, and needs can be a daunting task. From durable bindings to high-quality paper textures, certain brands stand out and consistently provide excellent products for both beginners and professional artists alike. Below, we outline some of the best sketchbook brands that offer a blend of quality, affordability, and versatility to cater to your artistic requirements.

Illustration of sketchbook

Best brands of sketchbook in 2025

Moleskine

Moleskine is renowned as one of the best producers of sketchbooks, leveraging its rich history and innovative approach to maintain its appeal in a digital age. The brand, which registered its trademark in 1996, has seen significant growth, with revenue increases of 16% for loose filler paper and notebooks in 2021. Moleskine's products, such as its iconic black notebooks and collaborative editions with brands like Missoni, cater to a diverse audience, including millennials and Gen Z, who value both physical and digital expression. The company's strategic partnerships and luxury offerings, like the $70 velvet collection, have helped maintain its premium segment's interest. With over 50 permanent stores and a strong online presence, Moleskine continues to capture the creative market.

Strathmore

Strathmore is a highly respected brand in the art world, known for its extensive range of high-quality sketchbooks suitable for various artistic mediums. Their 500 Series is particularly acclaimed, featuring 100% cotton, archival, and acid-free papers, making it ideal for professional artists. Strathmore offers a variety of paper types, including Bristol, watercolor, and mixed media, catering to different artistic needs. The 400 Series is also notable for its high quality and environmental sustainability, with the Windpower Series being completely recycled. Strathmore's papers are praised for their durability and performance, with many artists considering them a top choice. For more information on Strathmore paper, visit The Art Gear Guide.

Canson

Canson is a renowned brand in the fine arts market, boasting over 450 years of experience and expertise in producing high-quality papers for various artistic techniques, including sketching, drawing, watercolor, and more. Their XL Sketch series features acid-free paper with a smooth surface, ideal for pencil, pen, and markers, and is available in multiple formats such as spiral pads, sketchbooks, and rolls. Canson's papers are highly regarded for their durability and erasability, making them a favorite among artists and enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their wide range of products, including the popular Canson Montval watercolor paper, which is suitable for watercolor comics and other artistic applications. With a strong presence in global markets, Canson continues to inspire and support artists worldwide.

Stillman & Birn

Stillman & Birn, founded in 1958 by Philip Birn, is renowned for its premium sketchbooks that offer artists a range of paper weights, shades, and surfaces. The company, now part of Clairefontaine since 2019, is known for its high-quality papers, including 150 gsm and 270 gsm options, and its commitment to environmental sustainability. Stillman & Birn's sketchbooks are made in the USA, ensuring consistent quality and minimal environmental impact. Their products feature durable bindings, including hardbound, wirebound, and softbound options, and are available in various sizes and orientations. The brand's papers are designed to support a variety of artistic techniques, from dry media to wet media, making them a favorite among artists. For more information, visit their official website.

Leuchtturm1917

Leuchtturm1917 is a renowned brand in the stationery market, particularly acclaimed for its high-quality sketchbooks. Established in 1917, the company has built a reputation for its attention to detail and excellent workmanship. Their sketchbooks, available in various sizes such as A6, A5, and A4, feature 96 pages of 180 gsm acid-free paper that excels with dry media like pencils and colored pencils. Although the paper may not perform well with wet media, it is highly versatile for other artistic needs. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 26% increase in revenue over the past three months.

Fabriano

Fabriano is one of Europe's most renowned and historic paper makers, celebrating its 750th anniversary since its inception in the 13th century. Known for its high-quality, 100% cotton papers, Fabriano's Artistico watercolor papers are highly praised for their durability, even texture, and archival-grade quality. These papers are ideal for various artistic techniques, including watercolor, pen and ink, and mixed media. Fabriano's papers are manufactured using traditional mould-made methods, ensuring a unique and consistent texture. The company's products have been favored by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Francisco Goya. Discover more about their 300g cold press 100% cotton paper.

Hahnemühle

Hahnemuhle is renowned for producing high-quality sketchbooks, with a history dating back to 1584, making it one of the oldest and most respected fine art paper manufacturers. Their sketchbooks feature 100% cotton paper, which is acid-free, pH balanced, and available in various sizes including A6, A5, A4, and A3. The papers are internally sized, suitable for mediums like watercolors, Indian ink, pastels, and pencils. Hahnemuhle's new 100% cotton sketchbook offers 120-pound paper and is available in cold press, with plans for future expansions. This brand is particularly appreciated for its durable and well-bound sketchbooks, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Leda Art Supply

Leda Art Supply is highly regarded in the art community for producing top-quality sketchbooks that excel in portability and versatility. Their sketchbooks feature smooth, high-quality paper suitable for various mediums, including ink, pencil, pen, charcoal, and watercolor, with some users even successfully using acrylic paints. The Leda Art Supply sketchbook offers 160 pages, twice the space of a Moleskine sketchbook, and is available in multiple sizes, including pocket, medium, and large. The paper, though not as heavy as Moleskine's card stock, is still heavier than regular Moleskine paper and performs well with fountain pens and light watercolor washes. With competitive pricing, such as a 2-pack available for $17.89, Leda Art Supply sketchbooks are a favorite among artists.

Arteza

Arteza is renowned for producing high-quality sketchbooks that cater to a variety of artistic mediums. Their sketchbooks, available in sizes such as 3.5'' x 5.5'', 5.1'' x 8.3'', and 8.3'' x 11.7'', feature 88 pages of premium, acid-free, heavyweight paper (118lb or 175gsm) that handles both dry and wet media exceptionally well. Introduced around 2018-2019, Arteza has quickly gained traction for its competitively priced products, with a set of two sketchbooks available for about $20, making each sketchbook approximately $10. This pricing is significantly lower than comparable brands like Leuchtturm1917 and Moleskine. The sketchbooks also boast lay-flat binding and an elastic closure, enhancing the user experience. For more details, you can check out the Arteza Premium Sketchbook.

Crescent RendR

Crescent RendR is renowned for producing high-quality sketchbooks with revolutionary No Show Thru paper, which is completely resistant to bleedthrough from inks, watercolors, and even oil- and alcohol-based permanent markers. This paper, weighing 110lb/180gsm, is acid-free and lignin-free, making it ideal for artists using a multitude of media. Despite some limitations with wet media and fountain pens, the sketchbooks are highly praised for their durability and versatility. Available in various sizes and binding methods, Crescent RendR sketchbooks cater to artists of all skill levels. However, user reviews suggest that the smaller sizes may not lay flat as advertised. For more information, visit their official page for Crescent RendR sketchbooks.