Doodling has become a popular avenue for individuals to explore their creativity, express themselves, and find solace in the world. It serves as a personal sanctuary where thoughts, ideas, and emotions can be translated into visual form. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner looking to enhance your creative pursuits, having a dedicated art journal can elevate your doodling experience to new heights. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the captivating realm of art journals and present you with a carefully curated list of the five best art journals specifically designed for doodling enthusiasts. Each of these journals boasts unique features and benefits, ensuring you find the perfect canvas to unlock your artistic potential!
Moleskine Art Sketchbook
The Moleskine Art Sketchbook is a classic choice, renowned for its quality and versatility. With its durable hardcover and thick, acid-free pages, it’s an excellent option for doodlers who prefer a traditional feel. The slightly textured paper handles ink, markers, and light watercolor washes well and the handy back pocket allows you to store small treasures, and the elastic closure ensures that your art remains secure. However, the paper may not handle heavy media or excessive wet media as effectively but if you’re just looking for a journal to doodle in – this is a great option!
Pros of the Moleskin Art Sketchbook:
- High-quality materials
- Portable and durable
- Compatible with various drawing tools
- Convenient storage pocket
Cons of the Moleskin Art Sketchbook:
- May not handle heavy media or excessive wet media well
Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal
The Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal is perfect for doodlers who enjoy experimenting with different media! The heavyweight paper is designed to handle a variety of materials, including ink, markers, acrylic paints, and light watercolor. The sturdy wire-bound construction allows the journal to lay flat, making it easy to work across pages. However, the textured surface may not be ideal for intricate details or fine line work.
Pros of the Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal:
- Suitable for multiple media types
- Sturdy wire-bound construction
- Heavyweight paper handles various tools
- Allows pages to lay flat for easy use
Cons of the Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal:
- Textured surface may not be ideal for intricate details
Canson XL Mix Media Art Book
The Canson XL Mix Media Art Book is a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its spiral-bound design allows for easy page-turning and provides a flat surface for doodling, which is what we’re all here for! The heavyweight paper withstands different media, such as markers, pens, and light washes, however similarly to the Moleskin Journal, excessive wet media or heavy layering may cause slight buckling.
Pros of the Canson XL Mix Media Art Book:
- Affordable and accessible
- Spiral-bound for convenience
- Handles a variety of media
- Good value for money
Cons of the Canson XL Mix Media Art Book:
- Pages aren’t perforated if there’s a want to tear out artwork pages
Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook
The Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook is a stylish and functional option for doodlers seeking a touch of sophistication. With its sturdy hardcover and smooth, acid-free paper, it offers a pleasant surface for doodling with pens, pencils, and markers. The journal features numbered pages, a table of contents, and an expandable pocket, making it great for both art and organization enthusiasts!
Pros of the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook:
- Sleek and durable design
- Smooth, acid-free paper
- Numbered pages and table of contents
- Includes an expandable pocket
Cons of the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook:
- Some reports of pages bleeding
Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook
The Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook is another top-notch choice for doodlers who value versatility at an affordable price! Its double-sized paper is archival quality and acid-free paper and the double-wire binding provides durability and allows the journal to lay flat. It’s also excellent for both wet and dry media, unlike a lot of the other options on the market. However, the paper’s slight tooth might not be suitable for those who prefer a smoother surface.
Pros of the Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook:
- Heavyweight, acid-free paper
- Durable double-wire binding allows the journal to lay flat
- Versalite for a variety of mediums
- Water resistant cover
Cons of the Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook:
- Slight tooth may not be ideal for those who prefer a smoother surface
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right art journal for doodling is a personal decision that depends on your artistic preferences and desired media. The Moleskine Art Sketchbook offers a classic and portable option, while the Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal accommodates various media types. The Canson XL Mix Media Art Book provides affordability without compromising quality. The Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook combines style and functionality, and the Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook offers versatility for different media. Consider your doodling style, preferred media, and budget to find the art journal that best suits your needs and unleashes your creativity.
Remember, the best art journal is the one that inspires you to express yourself and capture your unique artistic journey. So, grab your favorite art supplies, let your imagination run wild, and dive into the world of doodling with one of these exceptional art journals!
FAQ’S
What paper weight and texture should I look for in an art journal for doodling?
When selecting an art journal for doodling, look for a paper weight of at least 100gsm (grams per square meter) or higher. This ensures durability and minimizes ink bleed-through. As for texture, it depends on your personal preference. Smooth paper allows for detailed line work, while slightly textured paper adds depth and character to your doodles.
Can I use different media, like markers or watercolors, in an art journal for doodling?
Yes, many art journals for doodling are designed to accommodate a variety of media. Look for journals labeled as “mixed media” or those explicitly stating compatibility with markers, pens, ink, and even light watercolor washes. These journals typically have a thicker and more resilient paper that can handle different materials without buckling or smudging.
Is the size of the art journal important for doodling purposes?
The size of the art journal depends on your personal preference and the level of detail you want to achieve in your doodles. Smaller journals, like pocket-sized ones, offer portability and are great for quick doodles on the go. Larger journals provide more space for expansive doodles and experimentation. Consider your preferred working area and whether you plan to carry the journal around when deciding on the size.
Are spiral-bound or hardcover art journals better for doodling?
Both spiral-bound and hardcover art journals have their advantages. Spiral-bound journals allow the pages to lay flat, making it easier to doodle across two pages. They are also convenient for tearing out pages if desired. On the other hand, hardcover journals provide sturdier support and protect your doodles from external damage. Choose based on your preference for convenience or durability.
What additional features should I consider when buying an art journal for doodling?
Additional features can enhance your doodling experience. Look for journals with built-in pockets to store small art supplies, elastic closures to keep your pages secure, and numbered pages or a table of contents for better organization. These features can help you stay organized and add convenience to your artistic process, especially if you plan to use the journal for long-term doodling projects.
