Sketchbooks- Khadi

Browse our selection of quality sketchbooks, perfect for producing quick sketches or detailed studies using a variety of mediums. We stock lay-flat, spiral, and bound sketchbooks for watercolour, markers, and traditional drawing media, all in a range of useful sizes.

Sketchbooks: Popular Questions from Artists


What are Sketchbooks?

Sketchbooks are a cornerstone of artistic practice. They are commonly used by professional artists and students. Sketchbooks provide a portable, versatile surface for creativity, serving as a space for experimentation, practice, and the development of ideas.

Available in a variety of sizes, weights, and bindings, sketchbooks cater to different artistic needs, from quick sketches to detailed studies.

Artists use sketchbooks to practise, experiment, and capture ideas or observations. Their portability allows for creativity anywhere, making them perfect for on-the-go sketching or plein air studies.

Many artists use art sketchbooks to refine techniques, develop concepts, or document daily inspirations. Whether filled with rough studies or finished pieces, sketchbooks become personal archives of an artist’s journey, showcasing the evolution of their craft.


‘For any artists wanting to make the best of their sketchbooks, I would say, “Go around with it, don’t put it in your pocket or your bag, hold it in your hand and whenever you see something that inspires you, sketch it!” That’s what I do, and I hope this can inspire you to go out there and see all the beauty around you, and make beautiful sketches of it.’

- Adebanji Alade, Inside the Sketchbook, Jackson’s Art Blog


‘Most of my sketchbook work is done in my studio, at home, or when I go to a museum or gallery. There is nothing better than an afternoon at the National Gallery or Tate Britain with my sketchbook drawing from a Titian, a Rembrandt or a Fragonard. I could lose myself for hours.’

- Evie Hatch, Inside the Sketchbook, Jackson’s Art Blog


The history of sketchbooks dates back centuries. Early examples can be seen in the notebooks of Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci, who used them to record scientific observations and artistic studies. That being said, small bundles of paper for note-taking likely existed much earlier.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, portable sketchbooks became widely available, enabling artists to capture scenes wherever inspiration struck. Artists relied on sketchbooks to refine their ideas and document their surroundings. Today, they remain indispensable for artists of all disciplines.

To learn more, read ‘Inside the Pages of a Medieval Sketchbook’.


At Jackson’s Art Supplies, we offer a curated selection of sketchbooks to suit every creative need. From watercolour sketchbooks with heavyweight paper to compact A5 sketchbooks for travel, our range includes versatile options from trusted brands.

Backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating, we provide fast delivery, eco-friendly packaging, and expert guidance. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Jackson’s offers the tools you need to bring your artistic ideas to life.

Shop Sketchbooks

Explore Jackson’s extensive collection of sketchbooks, including lightweight sketch pads and hardbound options for various media. Visit our Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for support.


Are Your Sketchbooks Suitable for Dry and Wet Techniques?

Yes, our art sketchbooks cater to both dry and wet techniques. Use our filtering options to find the best match for your medium, whether it’s pencil, ink, or watercolour. Browse watercolour sketchbooks if you’re working with wet media such as watercolour paint.

What Sketchbook Bindings Are Available?

Our range includes spiral-bound, gummed, stitched and stapled sketchbooks, offering flexibility for different preferences. Spiral-bound sketchbooks can lay flat, which allows artists to work across multiple pages.

How Do I Know Which Sketchbook Binding is Right for Me?

Choose a binding based on your needs. Spiral and stitched bindings lay flat for easy drawing, gummed edges allow you to remove pages cleanly, and spiral-bound options can fold back on themselves for compact use. Consider your workflow and portability needs when selecting.

Can I Get Sketchbooks with Thick Paper?

Yes, our art sketchbooks feature a range of paper weights, from 1-99 gsm for light sketching to 300-399 gsm for heavier media like watercolour and acrylic. Use the filters to find options tailored to your techniques.

What Type of Paper is in Your Range of Sketchbooks?

We offer sketchbooks with smooth/hot press, medium/cold press, and rough textures. Whether you need a fine texture for graphite or a rough surface for charcoal, you’ll find a match in our collection.

Do You Sell Sketchbooks that are Vegan-Friendly?

Yes, many of our sketchbooks are vegan-friendly and made without animal-derived sizing. Use the filter option on our website to find vegan options from trusted brands.

How Do I Decide Which Size Sketchbook to Get?

Your choice of size depends on your style and materials. Smaller sketchbooks are ideal for portability, while larger formats allow for expansive compositions. Many artists keep sketchbooks in multiple sizes for different scenarios.

Does It Make a Difference if My Sketchbook Has a Hard or Soft Cover?

Hardcover sketchbooks offer durability and protection for your work, while softcover options are lighter and more flexible for travel. Choose based on your need for portability or robustness.

What Are the Most Popular Sketchbook Brands?

Some of the most trusted sketchbook brands among artists include:

Do You Have Any Tips for Embracing My Sketchbook?

Starting a new sketchbook can feel daunting. Embrace it as a space for practice and experimentation. Begin with simple studies or spontaneous marks to ease into the creative process and turn it into a tool for growth rather than perfection.

For inspiration on how artists use sketchbooks, visit our Inside the Sketchbook series on Jackson's Art Blog.