Academie Wirebound
I do a lot of sketching and art of various kinds and in various mediums, such as pencil, chalk, Copic markers and ink. For this I need a good quality paper, but don't want to spend a lot of money; I don't want to feel guilty doing throwaway work. The best buy I’ve found is Mead's Academie 70-sheet Spiral Bound notebook, and I’ve been using it for the past two years.
These sketchbooks are ideal for several reasons. First are cost and availability: They’re inexpensive and can be purchased practically anywhere, from office supply stores to Walmart and Target. The paper quality is good enough for frameable art. The sturdy notebooks have a solid pressboard back, so I generally don't need an easel, and the pages are perforated for easy removal. There's a two-sided pocket, so I can remove and stow keepers. I find the pocket helps me keep track of specific renderings, too. Because these sketchbooks are inexpensive, I can use a few concurrently and switch back and forth between different mediums. The paper quality is great for the price, too. It works well for Copic markers, especially, giving a true color rendering. The pages are non-yellowing (acid-free), as well.
For comparison, Strathmore drawing pads have more size options, but at 40 to 50 sheets per book, the cost per sheet is higher, and the Strathmore’s pages aren’t perforated for easy removal.
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Favorite (15)
Rob
I agree, these are the best. The paper is thick enough so that pencil and ink pen drawings on one side of a sheet can't be seen on the other. It has a lovely smooth feel to it too. When I've filled one, I use a Sharpie to list the contents on the outer cover with the start and end date. I've got a whole shelf full by now.
Davey
What are Copic markers? Maybe they need a review too.
Stephen Young
Copic markers are Japanese made markers that have been used for years by Manga and other artists in Japan.Though often generally relegated to that purpose, they are a very functional media. They are an alcohol based, refillable marker that you can also use with an airbrush. They are initially expensive to buy, but because they are refillable and so versatile, over time they prove to be less expensive than Prismacolor markers. Because they are alcohol based, they are also blendable. Similar to watercolor in application, but much more convenient.
http://www.merriartist.com/category_s/269.htm shows you some of the broad range available.
Stephen Young
(more on Copic markers) Copic markers somewhat limited in application, and not something generally versatile enough for use like an acrylic or oil based medium. The advantage in my case is mostly portability. for anything larger than a 8-1/2X11" size page, they would not be practical. Think of them as more for cartooning than fine art. I do a lot of caricaturing and figure drawing, for which they work well. As I said, the initial cost is also high. Think 64 colors at $6 a pop, plus refills, air gun and so forth. Not a general use item.