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  • 10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers in 2022 (Strathmore, Ohuhu, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers in 2022 (Strathmore, Ohuhu, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers in 2022 (Strathmore, Ohuhu, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers in 2022 (Strathmore, Ohuhu, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers in 2022 (Strathmore, Ohuhu, and More) 5

10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers in 2022 (Strathmore, Ohuhu, and More)

Whether you make art for a living or just draw for fun, having a sketchbook can help you practice techniques, generate ideas, and track your progress over time. And if markers are your medium of choice, you know the importance of choosing the right paper that lets you blend and layer without feathering or bleed-through. But aside from that, there are many other factors to consider, like paper weight and finish, sketchbook size, cover type, and binding. 


For a durable, portable marker sketchbook, our pick is Ohuhu's Art Sketchbook. It's the perfect size to carry around with you (because inspiration can strike at any time,) and the hard cover keeps your work protected. Keep reading to see the rest of our top 10 sketchbooks for markers. And check out our buying guide for tips and information on how to choose the right sketchbook for your art. 

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Sketchbooks For Markers

1

Ohuhu

Marker Pad
Marker Pad

A Solid Sketchbook to Take Anywhere

2

Bellofy

Artist Pro Sketchpad
Artist Pro Sketchpad

Lefty-Friendly With a Top Spiral Binding

3

Strathmore

300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad
300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad

Smooth Paper for Finished Works

4

Canson

XL Marker400023336
XL Marker

Tracing Paper That Won't Bleed Through

5

Strathmore

300 Series Mixed Media Paper362-5
300 Series Mixed Media Paper

A Portable Sketchbook With Plenty of Paper

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Sketchbooks For Markers

There are two main factors to choosing a sketchbook: the sketchbook itself and the paper inside. Here we'll cover all of the different things to consider.

1

Decide on Key Sketchbook Features

The physical aspects of your sketchbook will affect how easy it is to use and carry around, as well as its durability.

Size and Shape Vary Greatly

Size and Shape Vary Greatly

Do you want a sketchbook to take with you while traveling, or is it just for home use? The size of the sketchbook will impact how easy it is to carry with you. If you want a portable sketchbook, measure the bag you usually use to ensure the sketchbook will fit.


Also, consider what type of drawings you typically do. Small sketchbooks leave less room for details, while larger ones give you more space. Depending on your typical subject, you might find that a landscape or portrait-oriented book works better for you.

Hard Covers Protect Your Work

Hard Covers Protect Your Work

A hardcover sketchbook offers more protection and feels more permanent than a softcover sketchbook. It can also act as a flat, hard surface for you to work on if you don’t have a table. On the other hand, softcovers are flexible and easier to shove into a bag. 

The Binding Affects How You Can Use It

The Binding Affects How You Can Use It

If you want your sketchbook to act as a keepsake, look for a sewn binding. This type of binding is durable and will keep all of your pages together like a book. 


A spiral binding offers a bit more flexibility. You can fold the book entirely in half when you draw, which takes up less space and doubles as a solid drawing surface. Spiral bindings also allow you to tear out pages if needed. If you’re left-handed, look for a sketchbook with the binding on top, instead of on the left side. 


Glue-bound sketchbooks function more as a pad of paper than a journal. The glue holds the sheets together but is designed to allow you to easily remove pages with a smooth, clean edge. This type isn't usually used if you want to keep all the pages together forever.


After all, you never know when a sketch might turn out to be a great drawing you want to display! If you want to be able to remove pages easily from your spiral-bound or sewn sketchbook, you can find books with perforated pages for easy tearing.

2

Know What Kind of Markers You Have

Markers are either water-based or alcohol and solvent-based. Each type has different properties and will interact in different ways with the various types of paper. 

Water-Based Markers are Washable

Water-Based Markers are Washable

Water-based markers combine ink with water for an odorless marker that’s kid-friendly and designed to wash out easily. Common water-based brands are Crayola, Sakura, and Staedtler. They take longer to dry than alcohol-based markers, and because they use water, too much ink can cause your paper to turn pulpy. 


However, they tend to bleed less than alcohol-based markers and are often easier to work with for beginners. Water-based markers can be used like watercolors and blended out with additional water as long as you have the right paper. 


If you like to work with lots of layers or additional water, look for paper that’s composed of cotton rather than wood pulp. Cotton is able to absorb water more effectively without degrading and will allow you to layer and blend without ruining the paper.

Alcohol and Solvent-Based Markers are Permanent

Alcohol and Solvent-Based Markers are Permanent

Alcohol and solvent-based markers combine ink with alcohol or another solvent. They’re quick to dry and permanent. Some examples are Copic, Prismacolor, and Sharpie markers. Because there’s no water in them, they’re less likely than water-based markers to oversaturate your paper with moisture and destroy the paper fibers. 


Look for paper that's thick enough to resist bleeding - 80 pounds (120 grams) or over is ideal - but not too absorbent. Paper that absorbs too much ink will dry out your pens and make blending difficult. Look for paper that's treated with sizing to reduce its absorbency for a more even and workable surface.

3

Pick a Type of Paper Based on Your Art Style

Marker paper, mixed media paper, and Bristol paper can all be great for markers. The one you choose will largely depend on personal preference. 

Marker Paper for Casual Illustrations

Marker Paper for Casual Illustrations

Marker paper is a thin, smooth, coated paper designed specifically for markers. The coating, or sizing, helps prevent bleeding by keeping the ink on top of the paper. This also allows for better blending of colors and in the long run uses up less ink than other types of paper. 


Because it’s not very absorbent, marker paper takes longer to dry. If you like to work with multiple layers of color, you’ll have to wait in between each layer. Marker paper is ideal for sketches and casual drawings. You can also use it to trace with if you choose a thinner paper.

Mixed Media Paper for All Types of Art

Mixed Media Paper for All Types of Art

Mixed media paper is designed for both wet and dry media, including watercolors, markers, charcoal, graphite, and more. It has a vellum surface, which means that it’s slightly textured to create a better depth of tone with dry media. However, it’s smoother than watercolor paper, so you can still do small detail work. 


Compared to marker paper, mixed media paper will soak up more ink and may be more prone to bleeding, since it doesn’t have the same coating. But if you like to work with a combination of markers and other media, mixed media paper is a great option.

Bristol Paper for Display

Bristol Paper for Display

Bristol paper is a cardstock-like paper made of multiple sheets glued together under pressure. This creates a paper with multiple plies. The higher the ply, the thicker the paper will be. 


Bristol paper comes in either a smooth or vellum finish. Because of its thickness, this paper is perfect for professional-level projects or final works you want to display.

4

Prevent Damage to Your Markers With Smooth Paper

Prevent Damage to Your Markers With Smooth Paper

As a general guideline, smooth paper is better for markers than textured paper. For brush tip or fine-point markers, textured paper can actually damage the delicate tip. It also reduces the amount of glide between the marker and the paper, making it more difficult to do detailed work and get even layers of color. 


In addition, textured paper is more absorbent than smooth paper, and will use up more ink. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. If you find that you prefer working with textured paper, then that’s what you should buy!

5

Select a Sketchbook Paper Color

Select a Sketchbook Paper Color

Most sketchbooks contain white paper, but there’s some variation between brands. Some paper is a cool, bright white, while others are a more natural cream color. You can even find paper in other colors, like gray and tan, which will give your work a completely different look and can be fun to experiment with.


Note that if you plan to scan and digitize your art, using bright white paper will make the process easier and create more contrast between the drawing and its background. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Sketchbooks For Markers Ranking

Here are the best Sketchbooks For Markers, ranked according to 10 Best Sketchbooks for Markers (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Ohuhu

Marker Pad

Ohuhu Marker Pad 1

A Solid Sketchbook to Take Anywhere

2

Bellofy

Artist Pro Sketchpad

Bellofy Artist Pro Sketchpad 1

Lefty-Friendly With a Top Spiral Binding

3

Strathmore

300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad 1

Smooth Paper for Finished Works

4

Canson

XL Marker400023336

Canson XL Marker 1

Tracing Paper That Won't Bleed Through

5

Strathmore

300 Series Mixed Media Paper362-5

Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper 1

A Portable Sketchbook With Plenty of Paper

6

Crescent

RENDR Hardbound Sketchbook

Crescent RENDR Hardbound Sketchbook 1

Copic Users Love This Sketchbook

7

Bianyo

Marker Pad

Bianyo Marker Pad 1

Lightweight and Bleedproof Paper

8

Canson

XL Bristol

Canson XL Bristol 1

Smooth Paper for Easy Blending

9

Deviazi

Mixed Media

Deviazi Mixed Media 1

A Large Sketchbook for Wet and Dry Media

10

Bee Paper Company

Bee Artist Marker926T30-8511

Bee Paper Company Bee Artist Marker 1

Marker Paper in Natural White

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Ohuhu
Marker Pad

Marker Pad 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.99
High
Reference price
$25.99
High

A Solid Sketchbook to Take Anywhere

Ohuhu has their own line of markers, so they know what a marker sketchbook needs. This book contains heavyweight, acid-free paper that prevents bleeding, smudging, and feathering. The double-sided texture means you can use every page. And each page is perforated for easy removal.


The sketchbook itself is small enough to be easily portable, with a hard cover to protect your work. An elastic band keeps it closed. If you don't like the square shape, it also comes in a rectangular 8.3 by 11.7-inch book.


A couple of reviewers said they experienced ghosting, where their markers showed through the back of the page. On the other hand, the majority of reviewers said the paper was thick and didn't bleed. They also appreciated the plastic sheet that comes with the sketchbook that you can place behind the paper as you work.

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No.2

Bellofy
Artist Pro Sketchpad

Reference price
$19.99
High Mid

Lefty-Friendly With a Top Spiral Binding

This flip-top spiral-bound sketchbook from Bellofy is great for both lefties and righties alike. The paper is intended for mixed media, with a heavy weight that absorbs color to help reduce blotches and smudging. The pages are micro-perforated for easy removal. 


Some reviewers complained that heavy-duty markers bled through these pages. Others said the paper wasn't smooth enough. Still, many reviewers found this sketchbook to be excellent for mixed media, including water and alcohol-based markers. They found it to be ideal for beginners and children.

No.3

Strathmore
300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad

Reference price
$8.76
Low Mid

Smooth Paper for Finished Works

Strathmore's 300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad is ideal for alcohol and water-based markers, with a sturdy weight and a super smooth surface. It also plays well with pen and ink. It has a soft front cover with a sturdy chipboard back and is glue-bound for easy page removal. For larger works, it comes in sizes up to 19 by 24 inches.


Reviewers praised the lack of bleeding and feathering. Some say it takes a bit to dry, and warn about smudges. They found that it held up well to layering and blending without any deterioration. And they said their markers glided effortlessly across the surface.

No.4

Canson
XL Marker400023336

Reference price
$13.94
Mid

Tracing Paper That Won't Bleed Through

At 18 pounds paper weight, this sketchbook's paper is semi-transparent, making it great for projects that require tracing. But despite its light weight, markers won't bleed through. It can be used with alcohol or solvent-based markers, as well as pen and pencil. It has a foldover cover and a glue binding.


Many reviewers said this sketchbook was great for brush pens, Copic markers, and tracing. They liked the smooth texture of the paper, which made blending easy. And they were pleased that their markers didn't bleed through.

No.5

Strathmore
300 Series Mixed Media Paper362-5

Reference price
$9.13
Low Mid

A Portable Sketchbook With Plenty of Paper

Whether you work with just markers or a variety of tools, this has you covered. It contains 40 sheets of paper with a vellum finish, so it's great for a range of art styles, including watercolor, gouache, graphite, pastel, collage, and, of course, markers. If you prefer a larger sketchbook, it also comes in nine by 12 inches and 11 by 14 inches.


Reviewers noted that the small sketchbook isn't perforated like the larger ones are. However, many reviewers were pleased with the thick paper and said this sketchbook worked well with all types of media. They liked its portable size and said it was great for sketching in any location.

No.6

Crescent
RENDR Hardbound Sketchbook

Reference price
$23.84
High Mid

Copic Users Love This Sketchbook

The Rendr Hardbound Sketchbook is filled with patented paper that eliminates ghosting and bleed-through, so you can fill both sides of every single page. The soft-touch hardcover, sewn binding, and acid-free paper mean your art will stand the test of time. And the small size is perfect to take with you for sketching en plein air.


Some reviewers complained that this sketchbook didn't lay flat when open. Others said it was difficult to blend and layer markers. On the other hand, the majority of reviewers said this paper was truly bleed-proof, even with multiple layers over the entire page. They highly recommended it for use with Copics.

No.7

Bianyo
Marker Pad

Reference price
$19.99
High Mid

Lightweight and Bleedproof Paper

Bianyo's bleedproof marker paper pad is a great option for sketching and doodling. At 18 pounds, the paper is lightweight, absorbing less ink per stroke. It's acid-free and pH neutral, so your drawings won't degrade over time. The pad is glue-bound and also comes in a larger letter-sized (A4) pad.


A couple of people said it was difficult to blend their markers, even Bianyo brand ones. On the other hand, many reviewers found the paper to be smooth and experienced no feathering. Many used alcohol-based markers in this sketchbook with excellent results.

No.8

Canson
XL Bristol

Reference price
$11.05
Low Mid

Smooth Paper for Easy Blending

Here's another sketchbook for Bristol paper lovers, this time from Canson. The paper is heavy with a smooth surface, which makes for high contrast drawings, good erasability, and easy scanning. It has a foldover cover and glue binding. It can be used with pen and ink, markers, and pencils.


A handful of reviewers complained that the glue didn't hold and the pages fell out easily. However, most reviewers said this paper was sturdy and of excellent quality. They found that their markers went on smoothly and said blending was a breeze. 

No.9

Deviazi
Mixed Media

Reference price
$15.99
Mid

A Large Sketchbook for Wet and Dry Media

Top spiral sketchbooks can be hard to find, especially in larger sizes. This one from Deviazi is a generous nine by 12 size, with a twin wire spiral binding and a flip hardcover. The mixed media paper is suitable for both wet and dry media, including watercolors, pastels, charcoal, gouache, and markers.


Some reviewers noted that the paper was more of a cool gray than a white. Still, many said this sketchbook with plenty of sheets was a great option for both kids and adults. They said the paper had a good weight to it, and lefties appreciated the top binding.

No.10

Bee Paper Company
Bee Artist Marker926T30-8511

Reference price
$12.95
Mid

Marker Paper in Natural White

Made specifically for use with markers, this pad from Bee Paper Company contains 30 sheets of acid-free natural white paper. It has an ultra-smooth surface that markers will glide across and can be used with both alcohol and water-based markers. It also comes in packs of single sheets.


Some reviewers complained that their alcohol markers bled through. A couple of others said their ink soaked in too quickly. However, most reviewers loved the smooth texture and weight of this paper. They found that it made their colors look crisp and said it was super easy to blend on.

Top 5 Sketchbooks For Markers

No. 1: OhuhuMarker Pad

No. 2: BellofyArtist Pro Sketchpad

No. 3: Strathmore300 Series Bristol Smooth Pad

No. 4: CansonXL Marker400023336

No. 5: Strathmore300 Series Mixed Media Paper362-5

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