Which Sketchbook Has Me Hooked?

Let's start where any good creation does--the blank canvas--or in this case, the sketchbook. 

The sketchbook acts as a quintessential art supply for the artist's journey. It's a culmination of creativity, inspiration, ability, aspiration, and articulation of the creative mind. 

So, choosing a good sketchbook can depend on a variety of factors--what's the artist's preferred medium(s)? What size of work does the artist make? What's an affordable price range? Much like clothes or shoes, an artist's ideal sketchbook can change overtime. 

As an artist myself, we'll take a look at my preferred sketchbook today based on my favorite mediums, versatility, quality, price point, and usability. 

My Preferred Sketchbook

As of today, my current favorite sketchbook is none other than the illo sketchbook 8x8 configuration. This over 100-page, mixed media sketchbook has transformed my formatting style by providing a continuous spread for large or small creations. With a ribbon book marker, elastic band, and its ability to lay flat, the sketchbook really accommodates for the artist's preferences. And the high quality, shiny pages hold up a variety of mediums--keeping layers of paint or alcohol markers from leaking through to other pages. The available sizes and smooth, hard cover allow for portability and durability. Under $20 in price, the illo sketchbook is one of the elite brands on the market. 

For my art style, I enjoy mixing mediums like alcohol markers, pens, and colored pencils to create colorful or realistic designs. At the same time, I like to strip back my supplies to just graphite, and this book gives me the versatility to design how I want. Since I purchased it in 2021, the sketchbook has held up in great condition, traveling along with me. 

So, if you're interested in trying a new mixed media sketchbook, consider illo for an option. You might just il-love it.