NPS Sketchbook Club

A question we often hear is: why do we distinguish between sketchbooks and drawing books? Aren’t they essentially the same? Image Courtesy of Tt Pen The answer is no—there is an important distinction. Sketch paper is designed for practice, experimentation, and quick studies. Drawing paper, on the other hand, is meant for refined, finished artwork  and supports a wider range of techniques. They simply serve different moments in the creative process. Drawing Book (Versatile & Durable): Made for Finished Art:  The substantial weight and durability allow for extended work, repeated erasing, and fine detail. Superior for Dry Media:  Its "toothier" surface grips graphite, charcoal, and pastels brilliantly, enabling richer darks, greater depth of color, and more dramatic contrast. Handles Light Washes:  While not a dedicated watercolor paper, its weight and treatment can support light ink work, markers, and light acrylic or watercolor washes for mixed-media pieces. Form...

Why Paper Texture Matters (More Than Most People Realise) You are struggling with graphite that won't go dark or coloured pencils that just won't layer. The issue is likely your paper's texture, not your skill. Every sheet of paper has a “personality,” and that personality is defined by its tooth. Tooth therefore determines how well the paper “holds” the medium you’re using.  Understanding this one concept helps you stop blaming your skills and start choosing paper that actually supports your style of art. Let’s Break It Down: What Is “Tooth”? Tooth, simply explained is,  the paper’s grip. More tooth = rougher texture → holds more pigment, creates depth Less tooth = smoother texture → clean lines, crisp detail, predictable flow The Three Main Paper Textures (and When to Use Each) If you’ve been following our Art Paper Series, you know we’ve been exploring different paper textures in the last two posts. Here’s a quick, friendly recap to bring you up to speed:  1. Hot Pres...

GSM Unpacked: It’s Simpler Than It Sounds! If you’ve ever bought paper and later wondered why your pencil felt wrong, why your watercolor buckled, or why your ink bled through, the answer often comes down to one thing: GSM. Today, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing but important things in the art world: GSM. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly what GSM means, why it matters, and how to choose the "right" paper for your style. So… What Exactly Is GSM? GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre. GSM is simply the weight of that single paper square in grams. It measures how heavy and thick a sheet of paper is. Lower GSM means lighter, thinner paper Higher GSM means thicker, stronger paper A Simple Breakdown of Paper Weights Let’s look at each weight category more closely. 1. Lightweight (70-110 GSM): Best for sketching and notebooking Typical Papers: Tracing paper, newsprint, lightweight sketch paper. The Feel: Sheer, translucent, or soft. It might crinkle...