My favorite sketchbook...

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Here is something that I get asked often.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SKETCHBOOK?

This is a great question and one that took me years to be able to answer. Sure, I could drop a link here, but let's start with a little story instead...

An Icelandic Tale

A few years ago, while planning for a trip to Iceland, I started to stress out.

I worried I would need some fancy camera to capture the trip. So, I researched. I watched video reviews online and finally settled on something that wasn't too expensive but would be a significant upgrade from just taking photos with my phone.

I used the new camera on the trip, but not as much as I’d hoped. I learned that while the new fancy camera had many features I could use, I rarely needed them. The extra steps and added hassle mostly just got in the way of me taking photos. (see the bottom of this email for a joke for photographers only) 

I felt bad about it, but then I realized:

My two primary goals for taking pictures on a trip are:

1. To capture the moment to remember it later.

2. To capture something that I'd like to draw in my sketchbook.

Your goal might be to have stunning pictures to bring back, but that just wasn't a primary concern. So, I changed the way I thought about taking pictures on trips. Instead, I focused less on setting up nice shots and just tried to capture the experience.

QUICK TIP: NEED A SKETCHBOOK ACTIVITY IDEA? Try this! Don't post that photo!

Now, I take more photos of small moments; maybe it's a hanging carpet I like or the kids playing a card game together. Those photos might not be super interesting for someone else to flip through, but they're for me, and they're a great way to remember a trip and to use as a reference when I'm drawing.

Which leads me to this…

THE BEST CAMERA SKETCHBOOK IS THE ONE YOU HAVE WITH YOU.

My phone is great for carrying with me and using whenever I want to capture anything. In the same way, an excellent portable sketchbook allows me to have supplies on hand when I have a down moment. But, like cameras, sketchbooks aren't a one-size-fits-all thing. It takes a lot of experimenting to find which works best for you.

My primary goal in keeping a sketchbook is to draw something in it every single day. I have plenty of OTHER goals with my sketchbook, but keeping a daily sketchbook is numero uno. 

I started there when picking out a sketchbook. 

For years, I carried THIS SKETCHBOOK. Moleskine is the brand that got me to carry a daily sketchbook journal around. I love the feel of them.

They're small, and the paper color is perfect. However, they felt too small after a few years of using one. They make a slightly larger version, but I also didn't love the paper for any wet media (like watercolor.) If you like to work small and primarily draw in pencil, try a Moleskine.

I realized that I didn't need something small enough to fit in my pocket and that I needed sturdy paper but not too textured like some cold-pressed watercolor sketchbooks. I could only know what I was looking for by experimenting! 

 SO, WHAT SKETCHBOOK SHOULD YOU BUY?

Pick something ultra-portable if you've never been great about keeping a daily sketchbook. Try keeping it with you and making notes and doodles as often as possible. 

If you've been drawing for a while, get something larger. If you leave it at home often and days go by without opening it, you might need to downsize again.

GO OUT AND SEE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

I've listed a few of my favorite sketchbooks here, but just because I like them doesn't mean they're perfect for you. Go spend some time in your local art supplies store feeling the paper (and smelling the paper if you want - go on! Be weird!) 

Here are a few that I like. Mike's favorite art supplies.

I hope that helps!

Thanks for reading, 

A note about affiliate links!

In this email, I've added a few links to products that I use. I get paid a little if you purchase any of that stuff using my links. It doesn't make the product more expensive for you. Thanks for using my links.

WARNING! THIS JOKE IS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY!

What do you call an inconvenient camera? A HASSEL-blad! Get it!?!

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