Tips on choosing a sketchbook for drawing, watercolour or journaling

[@HaNguyen-zy2em]

Does anyone have a sketchbook addiction like me? It's always so tempting to try new paper and new brands. I like a5 sketchbooks best because they're at perfect size to carry around and still large enough for details. Btw, your small sketchbook has amazing detail drawings mr. Teoh. So nice and vibrant.

[@MrReidde32]

Yes I have a sketchbook addiction

[@kalpanarao7791]

Hellooo … yes i have a lot of additional sketchbooks … yes i love trying new ones too

[@MrReidde32]

I struggle with the first page of Sketchbooks. I feel like if I mess up on the first page, then the whole book is ruined for me. I hate tearing out pages. Someone suggested that I do themed Sketchbooks because I like to draw everything: caricatures, superheroes, animals, people, monsters, celebrities, Etc.

[@hansendesigns]

Rounded corners help keep the sketchbooks from poking holes in your bags over time. :)

[@mickey-zq5st]

hansendesigns tru

[@turquoisecrow4513]

hansendesigns it also keeps the paper from curling

[@edenisok894]

@@turquoisecrow4513 it does? Never knew that haha, thanks for the fact!

[@superminxminx]

and the corners don't get damaged

[@pw6titanium]

blimey, this is the most comprehensive review of sketchbooks I have seen. Thanks.

[@teohyc]

+Alba Whiteman Thanks!

[@pw6titanium]

Do you just paint in journals or do you also do larger works on w/c papers , boards. ? Daniel Smith and Golden have a product that you paint onto various surfaces, even canvas, that allows you to paint on it as you would with paper. So, you could end up painting rather large works such as murals in watercolour ! This also means you could take some of the more crappy quality paper in low cost journals and have pages that wouldn't bleed through from the other side_might be worth a shot. Joseph Raffael does large watercolour works on large rolls of watercolour paper...must cost a fortune. Look him up if you like colour...knocks your eye out ! Cheers

[@teohyc]

+Alba Whiteman Thanks for the suggestion. Nowadays I use mostly sketchbooks because they are easier to sketch in as the format is smaller.

[@Sausage3000]

It’s also 45 minutes🤣🤣

[@CherzArts]

In the “Perfect Binding,” the pages are stitched together in groups of what is called signatures. I’m amazed at the ability to go 360 degrees! Thank you for bringing this sketchbook to my attention! I always learn a lot from your videos!

[@Cyd1057]

I can't thank you enough for all the terrific content you put out to the world. You are so clear and thoughtful in your presentations; it's really great. I have learned so much from your videos!

[@teohyc]

+Cyd1057 Thanks 😊

[@katsmith8263]

0:41 size 6:25 binding 13:09 soft vs hard cover 15:27 orientation 18:05 paper weight 21:53 types of paper 31:05 color of the paper 32:57 some other features: covers, corners 34:15 rubber band 34:57 pocket 35:49 thickness 37:53 price

[@thetiredartist4818]

I love that I can come back to this video even after six years. He doesn't push any types of brands or supplies, he just gives you categories to find the type of sketchbook im looking for depending on my project. 10/10 will always recommend

[@palestblue]

I am really new to sketchbooks (I have used paper stacks all my life) ans this was the most conprehensive, helpful video I have found, thank you SO MUCH for this, it was incredibly helpful :) :)

[@teohyc]

+palestblue Thanks. I'm glad it's helpful to you (~˘▾˘)~

[@mtgUK2015]

My'n is stitched, glued and hard back and was only $5.60

[@sophia6842]

Super comprehensive video, thanks for all the tips! I'm only just getting into sketching and your channel had really been helping me get started I keep coming back to this video so I eventually figured out some timestamps for myself but here they are in case this might help someone else too 0:34 Size 6:24 Binding 13:06 Cover 15:23 Orientation 18:00 Paperweight 21:49 Type of paper 22:58 Cotton in watercolour paper 25:47 Press/roughness of watercolour paper 28:37 Cartridge paper 29:13 Mixed media paper 31:04 Colour of paper 32:50 Misc features 35:45 Thickness 37:51 Price

[@downy7374]

thanks

[@Korone-sama]

Thanks for the tip BTW i'm a teenage artist but i prefer using the A5 size sketchbook because for me it's small enough for me to bring detail in my drawings and it's not to big for me to bring in my back pack (because i'm a student) and take me less time to fill the page / finish the drawing because it's not to big :-D

[@teohyc]

+ichsan Adam That's great. Just use whatever you're comfortable with :-)

[@airahfuji]

Excuse me good sir, but your cat has a fringe

[@anjapinkau3737]

I came here to inform myself about sketchbooks. And I thank you for your thorough overview. But the sketchbooks soon became less interesting when I saw your art! You are such an amazing artist and I'm speechlessly impressed by the huge (!) amount of fantastic pictures! That must be years of dedicated painting! Thank you for sharing!

[@vwood2]

This is a really excellent video - thank you. Just one point though. I believe that "perfect binding" refers to books which are just glued, not sewn ( like a cheap paperback novel). The books you were featuring have a "sewn or stitched" binding. I love seeing your sketches -a great bonus with your videos!

[@MarlaCalandra]

EXCELLENT REVIEW! YOU SATISFIED ALL MY QUESTIONS I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW TO ASK! THANKS SO MUCH!

[@teohyc]

+MarlaMC Thanks. I'm glad you find it helpful.

[@hannahrau1219]

You're absolutely adorable.

[@sundos.3]

I like your reviews because they are reasonable, helpful, and not biased. Excellent effort. Also, amazing sketches!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

A very great intensive review of quite a lot of sketchbooks. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information with us! It really helps beginners make an informative choice in addition to the personal choices too.

[@terrisimmers9784]

Teoh Yi Chie; I love your big sketches. The colors are beautiful and they make me feel like I am there. You are so good at drawing them. Love, Terri Simmers.

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😄

[@lenavangeluwe4099]

wow, you have very vibrant paintings, beautiful!!

[@teohyc]

+Lena Van Geluwe Thanks!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Thank you for this interesting, informative, and most comprehensive coverage of the various types and features of sketchbooks. I learned a lot, and I appreciate the time you spent making this excellent video!

[@fabd8067]

Wow so much to consider when purchasing a sketchbook! Thx for bringing to our attention all the things we should keep in mind when deciding what to get… 🙏🏻😊

[@PalmDreams]

wow! packed with the basic info...thanks...great great video for us beginners!

[@teohyc]

+Cathy Anderson Thanks 😁

[@artandme_]

Cathy Anderson and its also helpfully for professionals

[@ThirdStreetCreates]

Would love an updated video on the best watercolor sketchbooks that are current. Thanks for all your information!

[@samanthaschubert154]

Very well done review! Extremely informative! Thank you for taking the time and sharing your thoughts, feelings and knowledge with us.

[@teohyc]

+Samantha Schubert Thanks. I'm glad the video is helpful. :-D

[@garymcguire8529]

Teoh, I use a clipboard to hold my large sketchbooks sometimes, and you can also clip your watercolours to it. If the clipboard is large enough you can cut a hole in the corner to fit a plastic water cup, just make sure the hole is only slightly smaller than the cup.

[@JackJenkins]

Teoh, your work is terrific and I enjoy your videos very much, informative and interesting. All the best to you!

[@VivianaVillanuevaPicolini]

i fell in love with the smaller one and the art u made on it, you are gifted pal

[@havefunbesafe]

Dude, thank you so much for giving us beginners the basics! Appreciate you!

[@blushfullyss]

This is so comprehensive! Amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time explaining all of this - with all its pros and cons!

[@teohyc]

+springfallrain Thanks 😁

[@MicheleLHarvey]

Thanks for this helpful video Teoh. I will say, that I'm more a watercolorist than sketcher, so heavier watercolor paper is a must. I find the Global Art watercolor sketchbook paper buckles quickly with washes. I've just gotten the Stillman and Birn 120lb, extra heavyweight to try and think it will hold up better. I can always do watercolor blocks, but they limit the artist to finishing one sketch at a time. Due to changing light and weather, I sometimes find I like to work on more than one in the same sitting, so either need more than one watercolor block, or a sketchbook with extra heavy paper (120lb.or more.) Many people do make their own. It all depends on personal preferences, working style and ultimate use (for example, a fixed binding will not make it easy to frame and sell.) Ahh...choices, choices...

[@bevroberts8440]

Your artwork in that Huge Moleskine sketchbook are awesome; great color combinations!

[@teohyc]

+Bev Roberts Thanks 😁

[@nicole_netto]

Great video! Very informative! And your artwork is so beautiful, mesmerizing and inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

[@nessel2207]

Everything is very straightforward and informative! You covered this topic soo well and so in depth, learned alot from your videos

[@teohyc]

+Vanesse Leong Thanks 😁

[@littlemisscongeniality9697]

You are a wonderful artist! I love your illustration style. Thank you for the advice in this video. I found it very helpful. :)

[@onyana]

Very informative and helpful. Thank you.

[@jingwenyuan4881]

I love your sketchbook videos! Your urban sketching makes me really inspired to draw on the go. I love sketchbooks and this is really helpful! Thank you!

[@wadebradley7388]

You are an amazing artist.I loves seeing all of your art. and your videos are very helpful. Thanks

[@teohyc]

+WADE BRADLEY Thanks 😁

[@wadebradley7388]

Your quite welcome. Thank you for what you do,I am going to enjoy watching all of your vids.I subscribed to.I always like every vid, sometimes even b4 it gets started.Ii want all of my fav. You Tube celebs to get paid! Keep up the great work,my new friend..

[@teohyc]

WADE BRADLEY Thanks for your support :-)

[@danielleroxy]

Great video!! I love experimenting with high quality sketchbooks & just added a few to my list that I want to try out 😁

[@teohyc]

danielleroxy Thanks. I'm glad you find the video helpful.

[@jasminemichaelay.espiritu8440]

I've been watching your vlogs i really like watching your vlogs about sketching,tutorials, digital art and reviewing artmaterial i've been learning a lot and i'm improving and i do digital art right now because of your tutorials and reviews

[@prismatic4793]

This was very helpful. I only own a regular Canson Sketchbook and a Moleskine. The paper on my Canson is too thin so I'm looking forward to trying a Stillman and Birn Sketchbook instead. The hardbounds look very good!

[@Saginaw72]

Thanks Teoh for all the helpful information in this and your other videos. I was unsure about which paints, notebooks, and brushes to buy, but your discussions about it all helped a lot. Thanks. I've subscribed, and am looking forward to watching your older and future videos.

[@teohyc]

+Globe 3 Thanks, there are a lot of old videos. 😂

[@jakepeters4370]

per·fect bind·ing noun a form of bookbinding in which the leaves are bound by gluing, after the back folds have been cut off, rather than by sewing.

[@terrisimmers9004]

I would just love to see all of your sketch books because they are wonderful

[@teohyc]

+Terri Simmer If you check out the past videos, I have some flipping-through videos for some of the sketchbooks.

[@Radtastic]

Just found this video, it's so helpful! I love trying different sketchbooks, and this video gave me stuff to consider! Your channel looks really good, so I'm excited to check that out too!

[@Tessfukai]

This video was so helpful. I was looking for a fairly small sized sketchbook and quite frankly pictures only do me so much. But this video really gave me an insight on size wise so tysm

[@teohyc]

+Thomas Sangster Thanks. A5 in my opinion is a good size to start out with. You can buy a larger sketchbook if you feel like it later on.

[@cutiepiedaina]

i LOVE your more detailed, larger drawings! thanks for such an in-depth video :)

[@teohyc]

+Daina Zhou Thanks! :-)

[@serenatodd6374]

Youre so talented! This video was very helpful!

[@teohyc]

Serena Todd Thanks! The more you draw, the more you can draw.

[@SelinaAllinson]

Ahhh your sketch books are wonderful!! I visited Bali a few years ago and recognise some of the scenes you have drawn and painted so so beautifully. I wish I could do that!!

[@teohyc]

You can. The more you draw, the better you get :-)

[@deerbard]

I'm very happy I found your channel. Love your sketches and how you provide useful informations in every video. Fun fact - none of these sketchbooks available in stores (at least these major ones which I know about) around where I live (and it's a big city in Poland), they usually don't even know there are binded sketchbooks for watercolours :) I found one store where they're waiting for Moleskine sketchbook (small). I think I'll try it out when it shows up.

[@teohyc]

Moleskine watercolour sketchbooks can also be easily found online. The link below is to Book Depository where shipping is included with the price. www.bookdepository.com/Moleskine-Large-Watercolour-Notebook-Moleskine/9788883705625?a_aid=parka

[@deerbard]

Thank you very much! Do you have your trusty online stores links gathered anywhere in one place?

[@teohyc]

I usually just buy from Amazon USA and Book Depository

[@deerbard]

Teoh Yi Chie Many thanks for your fast replies.

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Thanks for a good and very helpful“walk through” your sketchbooks, Will look at someone else guide to and then decide what to buy!

[@robinhere4230]

Beautiful work. Thank you!

[@valeriemcnutt-messier245]

Wow ! You're really talented. You made me laugh when you called your drawing "simp!e" thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'm looking to buy a sketchbook for my niece. You helped alot! Bless you.

[@kimmesis7832]

Thx for sharing, Teoh! Very informative!

[@NerdyNikki]

I just wanna say this is an excellent video for hardcover sketchbooks. Lastly I wanna say you're very talented! I love your artwork. Keep up the great work. Teoh!

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-)

[@deanandreoli1975]

incredible comprehensive video, Teoh. Great content, as always.

[@katsmith8263]

I saw an interview with a sketcher, he is buying spiral bound sketchbooks, taking the spital our and put them on 3 metal rings. This way he could scan the pages easily and sell the individual sketches too (and control the number of pages)

[@marymccarty4725]

Great overview! Thank you. Mary

[@shaymaorabi7902]

This is a really long review , but it is so useful .. and also a chance to see your beautiful drawings

[@teohyc]

murat karakus You can get this book 'Keys to Drawing' to learn how to draw. It's a simple book to get started.

[@PalmDreams]

this book is currently FREE on Amazon in Kindle format if you have Prime! thanks Teoh!

[@josephsage8293]

Not foind on Amazon and doesn't show up when 'murat karakus keys to drawing" is Googled

[@sandystarfish1492]

Joseph Sage That’s because the author is Bert Dodson, I believe!

[@P0oDoll]

@@josephsage8293 murat karakus was a youtube user to whom Teoh replied :) hence '@Murat Karakus' with the @ :)

[@leisurelyarting]

Whoa I would love to have all your sketches they're amazing!

[@teohyc]

+Sammie Rin Thanks!

[@maralrooei3504]

its kind of the other way around for me tbh XD… I enjoy drawing in A5 sketchbooks since I can carry them around in my bag and do most of my detailed artworks in them. I dont really feel comfortable drawing in A4 or A3 sketchbooks @-@ even tho back in middle school my art teacher would force us to use them. all in all, great video

[@madhavmankar1898]

Nice and Beautifully Video interesting about New types all types Sketches practical experience. Thanks 🙏 All' Sketch, Vizlistion process improvement Basic Elements Drawing, dateals improvement interesting Books Bangdings, Handling,❤🎉😮😊

[@destiny8967]

I found spirals with come apart if u put them in backpacks and things i guess it depends on the type of spiral also

[@sixiscool4649]

Amazing artwork.

[@teohyc]

+sixiscool Thanks.

[@jacqueyates8067]

Thank you for your time and information. To say I found this really useful would be an understatement - but I did find this really useful!!! Thank you.

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-)

[@DeshArt]

OKay I really like your channel. And I LOVE your sketches. So talented!!

[@JohnMatthew45]

Hello, I just want to say I really like your watercolour sketches...your style is amazing

[@teohyc]

+JohnMatthew45 Thanks \ (•◡•) /

[@garymcguire8529]

Teoh, the best way to convert a soft cover sketchbook to a hard cover one, is to cut some card to the size of cover, but be sure to make it slightly shorter and glue them to the inside of the covers. Now this may not work perfectly, and the covers may spring open, but if you remove a few pages, from the sketchbook it should close . You could also glue the card to outside of the cover, and then re-cover the cover. PS I buy cheap sketchbooks all the time, and even add pages of coloured paper . + Better quality watercolour paper sheets to them.

[@teohyc]

Thanks for the tip ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

[@aliona5344]

Thank you very much for such a useful review! I haven't found the better review for sketchbooks to use with watercolours :)

[@sweetpea6456]

This was a really good explanation. Also, the drawings in the sketchbooks were beautiful!

[@teohyc]

+Jojo Gaming Thanks 😃

[@pjlewisful]

you made some very good points that I wouldn't have thought of

[@sparta007ot]

Thank for this video :) now i know which sketchbook choose

[@red_enid]

I wish to afford a lot of good sketchbooks someday. 💓

[@whereaboutsunknown3822]

Thank you Teoh. This video was PERFECT!!!!

[@deborahkhouw]

i love your art!

[@WYLTEN]

Actually those that are glued and binded by thread are known as coptic stitch binding which allows the paper to open and lay flat. On the otherhand, perfect binding is the kind of binding whereby the pages and cover are glued together at the spine with a strong yet flexible thermal glue, they usually cannot open up and lay flat, like the normal magazines we see ard stores.

[@teohyc]

Thanks for the info

[@WYLTEN]

Always glad to help! Great videos and contents btw!!!

[@monkeymanrobot]

This is great. Thank you very much.

[@madhavmankar1898]

અપ્રતિમ તથા ઉપયોગ સ્કેચ બુક પેપર સાઈઝ,બુકબાઈડીગં , સાઈજેસ,ઈન ડોઅર-આઉટ પ્રત્યક્ષપણે અનુભવ થાય. વિડિયો ખુબજ સરસ પરિણામો પ્રાપ્ત છે. આભાર સહ ધન્યવાદ.❤🎉😮😊

[@__-cm2wt]

wow... just wow! your art works are really amazing! thanks for sharing!

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-)

[@yashny]

This is the best video about sketchbooks!

[@Purpleiris444]

very informative...I've been sketching awhile and this video provided new info for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@teohyc]

+Marlene Lee Thanks 😁

[@3991stallion]

just realised u r the parkablog guy. i keep reading that blog and its very helpful and this video was extremely informative and helpful to me. thank you

[@teohyc]

+Stallion90 Thanks 😁

[@normg2242]

Your paintings are so happy!

[@lilataylor7825]

I used a Moleskine Watercolor book for a while because I love Moleskine so much, but I had to stop and make it an art journal instead because the pages in the watercolor book would warp and buckle with even light washes of water. I see that yours don't seem to buckle as much- do you just not use a lot of water when painting? I wanted to like their watercolor journals so much, but alas.

[@teohyc]

+Lila Taylor Moleskine is 200gsm so it's likely to buckle with heavy wash. If you want something thicker try Pentalic Watercolor Journal www.parkablogs.com/picture/review-pentallic-100-cotton-watercolor-sketchbook-journal-300gsm

[@charmde2008]

Very useful, thank you 😊 beautiful drawings, love it.

[@yosari20]

Amazing, make me want to start again sketching

[@teohyc]

+Josef Moerjadi Thanks!

[@ivyclark70]

Thanks for your very detailed review and explanation of the sketchbook! :)

[@teohyc]

Thanks \ (•◡•) /

[@orgoik]

Your artwork is so fantastic

[@teohyc]

+Lady Breton Nowadays it is busy making KZbin videos 😂

[@hattorihanzo8385]

12:40 is magnificent. It is like gauguin’s “cloisinnism” technique

[@natalielove1002]

Thank you for this video. Your work is delightful! Makes me happy :)

[@quinacridonerose3309]

Thank you for the review...it sure saves me a lot of trouble trying to figure things out...I was pondering the Stillman & Birns because of the watercolour compatibility and the favourable price point compared to Moleskins..

[@teohyc]

There are more detailed reviews for the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks at www.parkablogs.com/tags/stillman-and-birn

[@tobeychung8683]

Thanks for sharing your video. It’s really helpful

[@ecksdog]

Excellent video!

[@elogicool2063]

Your videos are very detailed and helpful - thanks ❤️

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-)

[@tomomyuu]

This was incredibly helpful! I take really long filling up sketchbooks (just the drawing ones) and tend to buy new ones even if I haven't finished another one yet, so the time extends from 4/5 months to a year :( Sometimes I make my own watercolor journals from the paper that comes in pads (like the Canson XL since the quality isn't really superb) and cut/rip the sheets down in size to allow more paper in each book. I'm also really glad you mentioned that the paper weight of the sketchbook doesn't determine the paper quality (the Canson 140lb/300gsm for example) and i wish I had known this a month ago but it really is so true!

[@teohyc]

+Olivia W Thanks. I also take a long time to fill sketchbooks. Many months for each one.

[@racheljacob8973]

+Olivia W Haha, you too have sketchbook fever? I buy sketchbooks and notebooks all the time and can't recall any that I have completely filled. I've used up paper pads, but sketchbooks...that's another story! I want them all!

[@tomomyuu]

+R Jacob oh wow haha! in total since I can remember my first sketchbooks from middle and high school, I've completed about 2 or 3 sketchbooks actually. it's so difficult to finish ahhh! i donno how people do it!

[@jonathanaharonov4409]

you should try clairefontaine triomhe . it's not ment for sketching, but look like it can do very good for horizontal painting. and also the paper is the best you can get

[@teohyc]

Thanks. I'll check that out. :-)

[@clarefriend1376]

Just discovered this video. Fantastic day very helpful.thanks

[@SoVuS777]

Hey! I am planning a trip to Singapore in a few months. I really like the sketchbooks and the art supplies in your videos! Can you please recommend all the art supply stores you get your supplies from?

[@irisy4195]

This is so helpful!! Thank you for the video!

[@LaurenLanae]

WOW!! your art work is amazing!!! 💕

[@teohyc]

+LaurenLanae Thanks 😁

[@bibble4135]

Very talented and so helpful.