The Art Paper Series: GSM Explained for Every Artist (The Paper Weight Guide)

-

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.


Artist paper guide Kenya

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 easily.
  • Best For: Quick idea sketches, planning compositions, practicing lines and light doodling.
Not great for:
  • Wet media (it will likely warp)
  • Heavy shading

2. Medium Weight (120-220 GSM): An Artist Favourite

This range is a favourite for many artists.
  • Typical Papers: Most drawing pads, multi-media papers, professional artist-grade sketchbooks.
  • The Feel: Has a satisfying substance. You can draw firmly and erase without tearing. Holds up to light washes.
  • Best For: This is the sweet spot for most beginners and daily sketchers. It’s perfect for graphite, charcoal, ink, colored pencils,
Above 200–220 GSM:
You can comfortably use soft pastels, markers, gouache, and acrylics. These sheets can handle moisture without immediately giving up.

3. Heavy Weight (250-400+ GSM): Built for Bigger Ideas

This paper is sturdy, textured, and built to last.
  • Typical Papers: Watercolor paper, printmaking paper, fine art papers.
  • The Feel: Substantial, stiff, and often has a beautiful textured surface. It feels like a destination for a special piece.
  • Best For: Watercolor, acrylic, ink washes, wet mixed media and any other layering technique.
The 300gsm Benchmark: This is the golden standard for watercolor. It absorbs water beautifully and resists buckling, even with layered washes.

Choosing Your Paper: A Guide for Your Unique Hand

Choosing the "right" paper is deeply personal. The "right" paper isn't a universal standard. It's the one that feels right for you.

To start that discovery, ask yourself:
  • What tools do I use most?
  • Do I prefer smooth lines or textured strokes?
  • Do I care more about detail or expression?
  • Do I want to be able to erase multiple times?
  • Above all, ask: "What feeling am I chasing when I create?''
And once you have an answer to that, your paper becomes a partner, not a hurdle.

A Gentle Note on Quality

Your art deserves paper that supports you, not fights you. When the GSM is right, creating feels easier, freer, and more enjoyable. If you’re looking for quality sketch and drawing books made with:
  • the right weight
  • the right materials
  • artist-friendly textures
  • and acid-free durability

…you’re welcome to explore the Nanyuki Paper Shop collection, crafted with artists, learners, and everyday creators in mind.



Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sketchbook Myths That Are Killing Your Creativity: The Truth About A Brand New Sketchbook

-
Image
  Hey tribe, Let’s be a little honest today, few things are as intimidating a brand new sketchbook. How many of you have a beautiful, brand-new sketchbook sitting on a shelf, its pages still utterly new? You pick it up, feel the potential, and then… a wave of pressure hits. You put it back down. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. The problem isn’t you; it’s the myths we’ve been told about what a sketchbook should be. It’s time we bust them wide open. Myth #1: “Every Page Has to Be Perfect” This is the big one, the creativity killer. No, it doesn't! The Truth: Your sketchbook is a lab and not a museum. It’s where you make the messy, "failed" experiments that lead to your breakthroughs. That smudged charcoal drawing? It taught you about light. The color palette that turned to mud? It showed you what doesn’t work. Embrace the messy sketchbook. This is the core of developing a daily drawing habit without pressure. The goal is progress, not perfection. Try ...
Read more

Confessions of a Portrait Artist Paid With ''Exposure''.

-
Image
Today, we tell the story of our longtime friend and client, Tony. Last year, we had not heard from him for a while, so of course we had to check in.  Tony begun his arts career in 2022 as a charcoal portrait artist. Back then, he'd sit for hours creating portraits of prominent persons, perfecting every strand of hair, every dimple, every eyelash, all for “exposure.” The man was running a full-time portrait artist hustle on a diet of ''thank you, bro'' . Others with big social media profiles, promised to tag him on Instagram and that would, ''guarantee him more clients''. The tag, however, never came. After a few years of being “paid in appreciation,” as you'd imagine, the joy started to fade. The creative burnout hit- the quiet, sneaky kind that makes even your favourite pencil feel heavy. He was officially in a creative lull, and his sketchbook was gathering dust in a corner. How His Sketchbook Saved Him One random afternoon, out of sheer bored...
Read more

The Art Paper Series: Understanding Paper Qualities & How to Choose the Right Art Paper

-
Image
Why Paper Matters More Than Most Artists Realise and What You Need to Know We see this a lot. Beginner artists blaming their “lack of skill”, for results that were actually caused by using the wrong paper?  And countless of artists frustrated because their colours kept dulling, their sheets kept buckling, or their drawings looked different the next day.  Most thought they were doing something wrong. But the truth often lay in the paper and not the technique. Today’s post is here to change that. Whether you’re an upcoming artist, a hobbyist sketcher, or someone rediscovering art in adulthood, understanding paper is one of the most empowering steps you can take.  This week, as part of our commitment to supporting our growing art community,  we begin  a series breaking down the foundations of paper, in a way that is simple and practical for everyone wanting to improve their paper options. T his blog series will go deeper than a quick Google summary, as we will ...
Read more