My Sketchbook: What I Use and Why
Some links may be affiliate links — I only share materials I personally use in my own practice.
One of the questions I get asked most often is which sketchbook I use for my daily sketchbook practice. So I thought I’d share a little more about my choice, why I like it, and what I personally look for in a sketchbook.
For my daily pattern sketches, I use the Art Creation sketchbook by Talens — a compact sketchbook that has become an essential part of my creative routine.
The sketchbook I use
The sketchbook I currently work in is:
80 pages of white, acid-free paper
140 g/m² paper weight
Size: 9 × 14 cm / 3.5 × 5.5 inches
Hardcover with elastic closure
I use this sketchbook for my daily pattern sketches, where I fill an entire spread with shapes, repetition and ideas. These sketches often become the starting point or inspiration for my final surface pattern designs.
Why I like this sketchbook
What I appreciate most about this sketchbook is how well it supports a consistent creative practice.
The small size makes it manageable to fill a spread every day. It never feels overwhelming — instead, it invites you to start. For me, this is essential. A sketchbook should make you want to draw, not intimidate you.
The paper is thick enough to handle wet media without warping too much, and the hardcover with its elastic band makes it durable and practical to carry in a bag. It’s lightweight, simple and always easy to bring along — which means I can draw wherever I am.
Talens Art Creation sketchbook
The size of this sketchbook is perfekt for daily sketching.
Materials I use in it
I mainly work with acrylic markers in this sketchbook. These markers deliver a rich, opaque flow of color, and despite the heavy pigment, I find that the ink does not bleed through the paper.
The paper handles the paint surprisingly well, allowing me to build solid shapes and bold patterns without worrying about damage to the pages.
A small downside
The paper surface is slightly delicate. If you rub too hard with your markers, the surface can become a little fuzzy.
I’ve found that the solution is simply to work with a generous flow of paint and a light touch, and to avoid using markers that are running dry. When used this way, the sketchbook performs beautifully.
Why this format works for my process
The size and format are perfect for my pattern-based workflow. Because the sketchbook feels approachable and easy to use, it supports my daily practice and helps me stay consistent.
I believe a sketchbook should never feel overwhelming. A blank page should feel inviting — something you’re curious to fill, not something you hesitate to begin.
For me, it’s also important that a sketchbook is practical and easy to carry. Creativity often happens in small moments, and having a sketchbook nearby makes it easier to capture ideas as they come.
Materials I use
If you’re curious about the sketchbook and other materials I use in my practice, you can find them here:
→ [Materials I use & often get asked about]
Final thoughts
There is no perfect sketchbook for everyone — only the one that supports your way of creating. What matters most is finding a sketchbook that makes you want to return to it again and again.