Best Journals for Art Journaling

The Best Journals for Art Journaling: Top Picks for Every Budget

What works for one person may not work for another; that’s why choosing the best journal for art journaling involves more than just checking the price or paper quality. It’s all about finding supplies that feel right for your own unique style and needs. โœจ In this guide, weโ€™re diving deep into the cozy world of art journals, breaking down the best options for every medium, mood, and budget.ย 

Whether you’re layering paints, collaging with paper scraps, or scribbling affirmations in pastel pen glory, the right journal and art journaling supplies make all the difference. ๐Ÿ’›

Iโ€™ve got recs for the overthinkers, the aesthetic queens, and the chaotic collagers! So letโ€™s find your perfect match.

Note: This post has affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products that I really believe in. Thanks so much for supporting The Merrygold Project!

Not all journals are created equal. While any old paper surface technically works (yes, even a recycled cereal box if youโ€™re feelinโ€™ rebellious), thereโ€™s something extra satisfying about flipping open a real art journal. One that doesnโ€™t fall apart mid-doodle or curl up like a lasagna sheet when it touches water!

Art Journaling Supplies_funny lasagna

So, letโ€™s break down the four things youโ€™ll want to consider before choosing your art journal.

1. The Paper Weight or Thickness:

Paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm), and it basically tells you how tough your page is under pressure.

Standard art journal paper weights include:

90lb (170 gsm): Suitable for light watercolor, pencils, and ink
140lb (300 gsm): Excellent for most watercolor art journaling techniques and mixed media
160 lb+ (350+ gsm): Professional-grade for heavy wet media application and heavy markers

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of pros & cons to help you figure out what paper weight is the best fit for you:

ย  โœจย Lightweight Paper Journals (90-110 lb/150-190 gsm)

Lightweight Paper Art Journals
This paper is as light as a cloud โ€“ lovely for pens, but will cause rainfall (will warp) if it becomes heavy with water! (not great for watercolors)

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly.
  • Great for dry media like pencils, pens, and light markers.
  • Usually contain more pages (yay, more space for ideas!)
  • Are lightweight โ€“ throw it in your bag and go.

Cons:

  • Warps easily with anything wet (watercolors, Iโ€™m looking at you!)
  • Heavy markers or paints might show through to the other side.
  • Tears easily if youโ€™re a littleย tooย passionate with your eraser.
  • Not ideal for layering.

Recommended for:ย those trying out dry media doodles, pen sketches, collage art journaling, and anyone starting out.

Recommended Products:

ย  โœจย Medium Weight Paper Journals (120-140 lb/190-250 gsm)

Medium Weight Paper Art Journals
Like a sturdy piece of toast โ€“ not too floppy, not too tough. The Goldilocks paper: Just right for almost everything.

Pros:

  • They are versatile โ€“ the โ€œsweet spotโ€ for mixed media work.
  • Handles light to moderate watercolor washes like a champ.
  • Can take layering and collage (not too fragile, not too stiff)
  • Versatile without being bulky.

Cons:

  • Might warp slightly with heavy wet media
  • Pricier than lightweight journals
  • Fewer pages per journal due to thicker paper.

Recommended for:ย Mixed media lovers, beginners who want to experiment with different techniques, art journalists who use both wet and dry media, light watercolor washes, and moderate collage work.

Recommended Products:

ย  โœจย Heavy Weight Paper Art Journals (160+ lb/300+ gsm)

Heavy Weight Paper Art Journals
The paper equivalent of that fit friend who can lift any weight like a pro – will take all wet & dry media without any trouble.

Pros:

  • Basically waterproof (okay, not really, but close!)
  • Stands up toย allย the layers and chaos
  • Can handle multiple layers of paint, ink, and collage.
  • Feels luxe and professional

Cons:

  • Significantly more expensive
  • Fewer pages (but theyโ€™re THICC!)
  • Heavier to carry around โ€“ not exactly purse-friendly
  • Pages may be stiffer and harder to turn
  • A little overkill if youโ€™re just doodling with pens

Recommended for:ย Watercolor enthusiasts, heavy mixed media work, artists who use lots of water or acrylic mediums, advanced techniques involving multiple heavy layers, and those who donโ€™t mind paying more for high quality sketchbooks.

Recommended Products:

  • Etude Butterfly Sketch Book Hardcoverย (230 lb/500 gsm) โ€“ Premium paper for any technique
  • tumuarta Watercolor Art Journalย (140 lb/300 gsm) โ€“ Minimal buckling even with wet techniques
  • Arches Watercolor Paper (300 lb/640 gsm) โ€“ This isn’t a journal but a pack of watercolor paper sheets. Including these here because of their professional-grade quality for heavy watercolor work. These are one of the best papers I’ve found for watercolors.

Choosing the right paper weight for your art journaling style will save you frustration and help you achieve better results. If youโ€™re just starting out, a medium-weight journal gives you the most flexibility to try different techniques while you discover your personal style.

If you are a total beginner and feel a bit clueless about where to start, you can check out this post first –ย 

2. Size of the Journal:

Size of the Art Journal
A bite, a snack, or a meal?

In this case, sizeย totallyย matters! Ask yourself these questions:

a) Do you prefer lots of on-page room or a cozy little page?
If a blank page makes you feel too anxious, then start small. If you want lots of room to experiment and create freely, then go big.

b) Where are you journaling?
At a desk with candles and cozy playlists? Or in a cafรฉ with limited table space and a croissant in one hand? If you plan to carry it with you, then itโ€™s best to use a medium-sized journal that will comfortably fit in your bag.

c) How much time do you have?
Tiny journal means you finish in 20 minutes. Big journals are perfect if you have time or donโ€™t mind coming back to it later.

Standard journal sizes include:

  • Mini Art Journals: Can be as small as your palm.
  • Pocket-sized (A6/4″ร—6โ€ณ): Extremely portable but limited space
  • Medium-sized (A5/5.8″ร—8.3โ€ณ): Versatile balance of portability and working space
  • Large-sized (A4/8.3″ร—11.7โ€ณ): Generous space for detailed work.

Hereโ€™s a more detailed breakdown of pros & cons to help you figure out what journal size is the best fit for you:

ย  ๐ŸŒŸ Mini Art Journals (2.4โ€ณ x 2.4โ€ณ to 5โ€ณ x 5โ€ณ)

Mini Art Journals
For the tiniest sparks of creativity – perfect to use as your travel art journal.

Pros:

  • Fits literally anywhere – pocket, wallet, secret treasure box!
  • Adorable. Like, painfully cute.
  • Zero pressure. Itโ€™s hard to feel intimidated by a three-inch square.
  • Great for quick mood sketches, color swatching, or visual journaling on the go.

Cons:

  • Extremely limited space, if that wasn’t obvious!
  • Not ideal for detailed illustrations or layered collage work.
  • You may run out of pages fast if you’re on a roll.

Recommended for:
Mini sketchers, daily doodlers, color testers, spontaneous idea collectors, and anyone who wants a low-commitment way to spark creativity. Also, people who are obsessed with tiny things. You know who you are!

Recommended Products:

  • Rionaty Mini Watercolor Sketchbook (2.4โ€ณ x 2.4โ€ณ) –ย Tiny but mighty! These square sketchbooks come in a pack of two and are perfect for quick sketches and color swatches on the go. Each comes with 40 pages of 300 gsm textured watercolor paper that holds up beautifully to wet media. Pocket-sized, fabric-bound, and ideal for artists who love cute and compact creativity.
  • Owevvin Mini Watercolor Notebook (3.9โ€ณ x 3.9โ€ณ) – This ultra-portable sketchbook features 30 sheets of 300 gsm textured watercolor paper, perfect for quick sketches and on-the-go creativity. Comes in a pack of three, Fits easily into pockets or bags, making it ideal for artists who enjoy painting wherever inspiration strikes.
  • Mifuner Mini Sketchbook (5โ€ณ x 5โ€ณ) โ€“ With 80gsm paper and a beautiful fabric hardcover this is a palm-sized powerhouse perfect for those who love a cute canvas with serious paper quality. Bonus: It comes with an elastic band and feels fancy despite its size.

ย  ๐ŸŒŸ Small Art Journals (3.5โ€ณ x 5.5โ€ณ to 5 x 8โ€ณ)

Small Sized Art Journals
Perfect for on-the-go doodles, coffee shop scribbles, or tiny experiments!

Pros:

  • Easily fit in purses or big pockets making them the perfect travel art journals.
  • Less intimidating for beginners facing a blank page.
  • Can be completed in shorter time periods (15-20 minutes)
  • More affordable than larger journals.
  • Great for daily practice and building confidence.

Cons:

  • Not much space for detail or big ideas
  • Restrictive if you love layering

Recommended for:ย Beginners, travelers, on-the-go artists, daily practice, quick entries, and those who prefer intimate, contained work.

Recommended Products:

ย  ๐ŸŒŸ Medium Art Journals (7โ€ณ x 10โ€ณ to 9โ€ณ x 12โ€ณ)

Medium Sized Art Journals
A cozy in-between – not too big, not too small. Ideal for everyday journaling or experimenting with mixed media, without feeling overwhelmed by too much blank space.

Pros:

  • Versatile โ€œgoldilocksโ€ size that works for most techniques
  • Balances portability with adequate working space
  • Comfortable for most hand sizes and drawing motions
  • Enough room for moderate detail and composition
  • Can still be used easily in coffee shops or away from home

Cons:

  • May still be limiting for artists who prefer expansive movements
  • Takes more time to fill a page than smaller journals
  • More expensive than pocket-sized options
  • Requires a larger bag for transport

Recommended for:ย Most art journalers, mixed media artists, those who want balance between detail and overview, and creators who value versatility.

Recommended Products:

ย  ๐ŸŒŸ Large Art Journals (11โ€ณ x 14โ€ณ and larger)

Large Sized Art Journals
For the โ€œI need all the spaceโ€ kind of days. Great if you love full-page spreads, multiple layers, or just letting your creativity stretch its legs.

Pros:

  • All. The. Space.
  • Perfect for storytelling, scrapbooking, and vision boards
  • Can accommodate multiple scenes or story elements on one page.

Cons:

  • Can be intimidating for beginners (lots of white space to fill)
  • Takes longer to complete a full page
  • Not great for backpacks or minimalists
  • More expensive than smaller formats
  • Takes up your whole table and then some

Recommended for:ย Experienced artists, studio-based creators, those with large workspaces, artists who enjoy freedom of movement, and detailed storytellers.

Recommended Products:

Remember that thereโ€™s no perfect size for everyone. Your ideal journal size may change depending on your project, location, or even your mood.ย 

โœจย Cozy tip:ย Start with a medium size if youโ€™re new to art journaling โ€“ itโ€™s a comfy sweet spot that wonโ€™t intimidate you, but still gives your ideas room to play.

3. Binding Style of the Journal

Letโ€™s talk about how your journal holds itself together. (Literally.) The binding style can totally change how you use your journal.

Standard binding styles include:

Spiral Bound Journals: Opens flat and allows for page removal
Hardcover Journals: Durable with a professional look
Softcover Journals: Lightweight & flexible but less durable

Hereโ€™s a more detailed breakdown of pros & cons to help you figure out what binding style is the best fit for you:

ย  ๐Ÿ’› Spiral-Bound Art Journals

Spiral Bound Art Journal
Lays flat like a dream and lets you flip pages easily. Perfect if youโ€™re a paint-splasher, lefty, or someone who just loves a drama-free page turn.

Pros:

  • Lay completely flat for easy working across the entire page
  • Can be folded back on themselves for working in small spaces
  • Easy to tear out pages for framing or sharing artwork
  • More forgiving if you make mistakes (just remove the page)
  • Often more durable for heavy mixed media applications
  • Allow 360ยฐ rotation for comfortable hand positioning

Cons:

  • Spiral binding interrupts double-page spreads
  • Metal coils can sometimes catch on clothing or other items
  • Cannot create seamless panoramic layouts across two pages
  • Generally considered less โ€œprofessionalโ€ in appearance
  • Pages may tear out accidentally if caught on something
  • The spiral can become misshapen with rough handling

Recommended for:ย Mixed media artists who use heavy wet media, painters who need pages to lay completely flat, artists who like to remove and display completed works, and travelers who need flexibility in cramped spaces.

Recommended Products:

ย  ๐Ÿ’› Hardcover Art Journals

Hardcover Book-Bound Art Journals
Usually prettier and feel more like a โ€œbook.โ€ These hold up really well over time, but might not lay fully flat unless you break them in gently (a.k.a. lovingly squish them open).

Pros:

  • Creates a seamless surface across two pages.
  • More traditional and professional appearance
  • Provides better protection for your artwork when closed
  • Generally more durable for long-term preservation
  • Often includes additional features like ribbon markers or pockets

Cons:

  • Doesnโ€™t lay completely flat without breaking the spine
  • May require clamps, clips, or weights to hold pages down while working
  • Cannot easily remove pages without damaging the binding
  • Center crease can interfere with some techniques
  • Usually more expensive than spiral-bound options

Recommended for:ย Artists creating narrative or sequential work, those who value aesthetics and presentation, long-term journalers who want to preserve their work in book form, and creators who enjoy working across two-page spreads.

Recommended Products:

ย  ๐Ÿ’› Soft-Cover Art Journals

Soft Cover Art Journal
Nice and tidy, like a paperback novel. Great for writing and sketching, but can get a little grumpy with thicker paint or heavy layering.

Pros:

  • Often the most affordable option
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Can eventually lay reasonably flat with use
  • Minimalist aesthetic appeals to some artists
  • Easy to slip into smaller bags
  • Good for trying new techniques without a big investment

Cons:

  • Less durable than hardcover options
  • Provides less protection for artwork
  • The binding may break with heavy use
  • Can feel less substantial or special
  • May not stand up to heavy mixed media techniques

Recommended for:ย Budget-conscious beginners, artists who prefer lightweight journals, minimalists, and those who go through journals quickly.

Recommended Products:

โœจย Cozy tip: If you plan to do a lot of mixed media or need easier access to your pages, choose spiral-bound. If you want a journal that looks great and feels luxe, then hardbound is your answer.

๐Ÿ“— Best Journals for Art Journaling by Medium

Your journal should match your vibe, right? The way you plan to use it plays a big role in what kind of journal will actuallyย workย for you. These are a few of the most common art journaling styles. Letโ€™s match the medium to the mood (and the paper that can handle it without curling up like a sad tortilla chip). Go over them to figure out which techniques feel the most โ€œYOUโ€

โญ Best Watercolor Art Journals

Finding Your Own Creative Rhythm
For the art journalers who love using soft washes of color, paired with cute illustrations, or other mixed media.

Recommended Journals:

1. Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Art Journal

Specifications: 140 lb/300 gsm Heavyweight Cold-Press Paper. 44 pages. 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: This is a journal with thick pages and sturdy paper that works well with watercolor washes while remaining strong. It is perfect for collages and mixed media projects. The journal also provides good value for the price, making it a great choice for beginners.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. Arteza Watercolor Journal

Specifications: 110 lb/230 gsm Cold-Press Watercolor Paper. 64 pages. 8.3 x 11.7 inches in size.
Why I love it: It is a great budget-friendly option for beginners with its nice linen cover and cold-press paper that works well for light watercolor washes and mixed media without buckling or warping.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. Moleskine Hardcover Watercolor Art Notebook

Specifications: 200 gsm Cold-Pressed Paper, Hardcover Journal, 72 pages. 5 x 8.25 inches in size.
Why I love it:ย  It is a beautifully made, sturdy, high-quality journal that comes in a size convenient enough to fit in handbags. Paper is thick enough to handle most mediums, so you can use both sides of a page making this one of the best notebooks for art journaling.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

โญ Top Mixed Media Journals

Mixed Media Journaling
These journals can handle it all – paints, markers, collage elements, and more, making them perfect for experimental art journalers.

Recommended Journals:

1. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad

Specifications: 114 lb/185 gsm Textured Mixed Media Paper, Spiral Bound Art Journal. 50 sheets, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: Sturdy, durable journal well suited for both wet & dry mediums, with thick pages that work well with markers, watercolors and mixed media. Good value for money and a convenient perforated line for ripping out pages. You can also use it as a junk journal.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. Ohuhu Square Mix Media Pad

Specifications: 120 lb/200 gsm Medium Texture Heavyweight Paper, Square Hardcover Journal. 78 Sheets/156 Pages, 8.3 x 8.3 inches in size.
Why I love it: The square shape is perfect for mixed media art journaling. The paper quality is one of the best and gives value for money. It works well with all wet & dry media
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. Strathmore 500 Series Visual Mixed Media Journal

Specifications: 90 lb/190 gsm, 100% Cotton Vellum Finish Paper, Spiral Bound Art Journal. 34sheets/68 pages, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: It has medium-weight, high-quality paper that works well with wet & dry media like watercolor, acrylic, markers, colored pencils, crayons, charcoal, and collage, making it a go-to journal for both beginners and experts. They also have a hardbound journal with the same specifications; check it out here.

โญ Scrapbook & Collage Art Journals

Collage Journaling or Scrapbooking
Collage Journals for those who love to use magazine clippings, stickers, photos, and little treasures to layer and create beautiful pages.

Recommended Journals:

1. Strathmore 500 Series Visual Mixed Media Journal

Specifications: 90 lb/190 gsm, 100% Cotton Vellum Finish Paper, Spiral Bound Art Journal. 34sheets/68 pages, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: It has medium-weight, high-quality paper that works well with wet & dry media like watercolor, acrylic, markers, colored pencils, crayons, charcoal, and collage, making it a go-to creative journal for both beginners and experts. They also have a hardbound journal with the same specifications.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. ARTEZA Mixed Media Sketchbook

Specifications: 110 lb/180 gsm Micro-Perforated Spiral-Bound Art Journal. 60 sheets, 5.5 x 8.5 inches in size.
Why I love it: It’s budget-friendly and the size is perfect to carry in a handbag. It’s a good starting journal for beginners wanting to experiment with light wet media,ย  on-the-go art journaling, or junk journaling.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. Acro Mixed Media Sketchbook

Specifications: 120 lb/200 gsm Thick Watercolor Paper, Square Spiral-Bound Journal. 60 Sheets, 8.11 x 8.5 inches in size.
Why I love it: The paper is good quality for the price and is suitable for most wet & dry media. Has perforated pages that easily lay flat and is a good size to carry in any purse or handbag
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

โญ Doodle, Sketch & Drawing Journals

Doodle & Sketch Journaling
For the journalers who love creating fun hand-drawn doodles, creative lettering, quick sketches, and drawings.

Recommended Journals:

1. Soucolor Artist Sketchbook

Specifications: 68 lb/100 gsm, Spiral Bound Art Sketchbook, 100 Sheets, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: It is good value for money with high-quality paper that is perfect for using with all types of pencils, soft oil pastels, or crayons. The pages are micro-perforated, allowing you to easily tear it away.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. Moleskine Art Sketchbook

Specifications: 111 lb/165 gsm, Hard Cover Art Sketchbook, 104 Pages 5 x 8.25 inches in size.
Why I love it: The quality is like no other, and it’s known to be one of the best sketchbooks for art journaling. It’s the one to get if you really want to indulge in your art. Perfect for ink and colored pencils, but be warned – it’ll be hard to go back to your old sketchbook once you’ve tried this!
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. Leuchtturm1917 – Medium A5 Hardcover Sketchbook

Specifications: 150 gsm, Hard Cover Art Sketchbook, 112 Pages 5.75 x 8.25 inches in size.
Why I love it: Has thick premium-quality paper that holds most generic media well. Also comes with a guested pocket, some label stickers, and 2 ribbon markers along with a durable elastic closure band.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

โญ Best Dot Grid & Bullet Journals for Artists

Best Dot Grid & Bullet Journals for Artists
These dot grid and bullet journals for creatives and artists blend structure with creativity, while offering the perfect canvas for sketches, layouts, and organized artwork.

Recommended Journals:

TIEFOSSI Dotted Journal Hardcover Notebook

Specifications: A5 size (5.8″ x 8.3″), 190 numbered pages, 160 gsm acid-free paper, 5mm dot grid journal.
Why I love it: The luxurious hardcover with intricate designs is both elegant and durable. The thick, no-bleed paper is ideal for various media, and the flat-lay binding enhances usability.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. SeQeS Bullet Dotted Journal

Specifications: A5 size (5.75″ x 8.25″), 160 pages, 160 gsm bleed-proof paper, 5mm dot grid journal.
Why I love it: The minimalist hardcover looks beautiful and is available in a variety of designs & colors. The high-quality paper prevents ghosting, and it also comes with a mini metal stencil bookmark, two clips, aย  grid spacing guide, stickers, two ribbon bookmarks, a pen loop, and a larger pocket.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. String & Space Dot Grid Art Notebook

Specifications: A5 size (5.75″ x 8.75″), 160 pages, 170 gsm paper, 5mm dot grid journal.
Why I love it: Looks gorgeous with its rose gold edges, star doodles and minimalist hardbound vegan leather cover. Can withstand most pens, markers, and even watercolor and water-based paints without bleed through.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

๐Ÿ“™ Best Art Journals by Budget

Best Art Journals by Budget
Because letโ€™s be real, your creativity shouldnโ€™t have to wait for payday. Whether youโ€™re splurging or saving, thereโ€™s an art journal out there with your name on it.

๐Ÿ‘‘Budget-Friendly Art Journalsย 

Perfect for beginners, casual creators, and anyone wanting to experiment without fear of ruining pricey paper. While some cheap art journals have low-quality paper, these three that I recommend offer good quality at affordable prices. The journals listed below usually cost less than $15, but prices may change..

1. Acro Mixed Media Sketchbook

Specifications: 120 lb/200 gsm Thick Watercolor Paper, Square Spiral-Bound Journal. 60 Sheets, 8.11 x 8.5 inches in size.
Why I love it: The paper is good quality for the price and is suitable for most wet & dry media. Has perforated pages that easily lay flat and is a good size to carry in any purse or handbag
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. Soucolor Artist Sketchbook

Specifications: 68 lb/100 gsm, Spiral Bound Art Sketchbook, 100 Sheets, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: It is good value for money with high-quality paper that is perfect for using with all types of pencils, soft oil pastels, or crayons. The pages are micro-perforated, allowing you to easily tear it away.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. ARTEZA Mixed Media Sketchbook

Specifications: 110 lb/180 gsm Micro-Perforated Spiral-Bound Art Journal. 60 sheets, 5.5 x 8.5 inches in size.
Why I love it: It’s budget-friendly and the size is perfect to carry in a handbag. It’s a good starting journal for beginners wanting to experiment with light wet media or on-the-go art journaling
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

๐Ÿ‘‘ Mid-Range Art Journals

Mid-Range Art Journals
These will usually give you better paper quality and durability. Great for more committed journaling and experimenting with mixed media.

The below recommendations are usually between $15โ€“$25, but prices may change.

1. Strathmore 500 Series Visual Mixed Media Journal

Specifications: 90 lb/190 gsm, 100% Cotton Vellum Finish Paper, Spiral Bound Art Journal. 34sheets/68 pages, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: It has medium-weight, high-quality paper that works well with wet & dry media like watercolor, acrylic, markers, colored pencils, crayons, charcoal, and collage, making it a go-to journal for both beginners and experts. They also have a hardbound journal with the same specifications.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad

Specifications: 114 lb/185 gsm Textured Mixed Media Paper, Spiral Bound Art Journal. 50 sheets, 9 x 12 inches in size.
Why I love it: Sturdy, durable journal well suited for both wet & dry mediums, with thick pages that work well with markers, watercolors and mixed media. Good value for money and a convenient perforated line for ripping out pages.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. Moleskine Art Sketchbook

Specifications: 111 lb/165 gsm, Hard Cover Art Sketchbook, 104 Pages 5 x 8.25 inches in size.
Why I love it: The quality is like no other – it’s the one to get if you really want to indulge in your art. Perfect for ink and colored pencils, but be warned – it’ll be hard to go back to your old sketchbook once you’ve tried this!
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

๐Ÿ‘‘ Premium Art Journals

Premium Art Journals
For serious art journalers who want top-tier paper, high quality sketchbooks and all the luxe feels.

1. Stillman & Birn Zeta Series Sketchbook

Specifications: 80 lb (270 gsm), 52 pages, available in multiple formats (hardcover, softcover, spiral)
Why I love it: Ultra-thick, smooth paper that handles advanced wet media techniques, including watercolors, ink, and heavy layering. It is supposed to be durably crafted for mixed media making it feel like a professional grade art journal.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

2. Ohuhu Square Mix Media Pad

Specifications: 120 lb/200 gsm Medium Texture Heavyweight Paper, Square Hardcover Creative Journal. 78 Sheets/156 Pages, 8.3 x 8.3 inches in size.
Why I love it: The square shape is perfect for mixed media art journaling. The paper quality is one of the best and gives value for money. It works well with all wet & dry media
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

3. LEUCHTTURM1917 Square Hardcover Sketchbook

Specifications: 150 gsm, 112 pages, square format (8.85โ€ณ x 8.85โ€ณ), hardcover
Why I love it: The square layout is perfect for balanced spreads and the thick 150 gsm paper is ultra-smooth and handles pens, markers, and light watercolor with no ghosting making this one of the best high quality sketchbooks.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check on Amazon

๐Ÿ“’ How to Choose the Right Art Journal for You

Here are some last tips before I wrap up this post. Not all art journals are created equal – and thatโ€™s a beautiful thing!ย Before you commit to your next sketchbook soulmate, here are a few things to consider to help you find the one that actually fits you.

  • Reflect on your art style: Are you scribbling ideas, painting full scenes, or layering collages?

  • Match your supplies to the paper: No sense using alcohol markers on thin paper unless chaos is the goal.

  • Blank vs. dotted: Some love dot grids journals, others prefer blank page journals. Try both and see what sticks.

  • Test first, commit later: Donโ€™t be afraid to swatch, scribble, or test pages before committing to one particular journal.

Your art journal is more than just a notebook; itโ€™s your personal creative haven! Itโ€™s a place where you can express yourself and let your imagination run wild.

When it comes to choosing a journal, think about what makes you excited to create. Whether youโ€™re just getting started or you have a whole collection of visual diaries, the right journal can make all the difference. Pick one that inspires you, and the creativity will come flowing out!

๐ŸŽจ Are you ready to find your perfect creative journal? Check out some of these amazing options and start your journaling adventure today โ€“ you totally deserve it!

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