My Favourite Sketchbook Journals

From Entry Monday 6th February 2017

My journal preferences

I am often asked about my journals, where I get them from and so on. When I lived in the USA I began using these for two main reasons. One, the smoothness of the paper - I didn’t want texture in the paper to influence my drawings, whether they were technical drawings, drawings or sketches. Two, I write only with refillable, waterproof Parker ink using a traditional fountain pen.

The smoothness of the paper again is important and then the hardness of the paper. I don’t want the ink to bleed.

So, anyway, here’s the thing. I asked Cristina to order a year’s supply from the only supplier which is the USA’s Barnes and Noble. She checked for delivery and asked if I was in a hurry because delivery would be March–I said, “No, but we have no choice”. She added six on Friday 3rd February and 4 days later they arrived in good condition and well packaged here in the UK - so how about that for a non-priority shipping order.

Oh, they have perforated pages too, so if on the rare occasion I want to remove one of 96 sheets (192 pages), I can do that too. The books are smith-sawn faces and have a silk ribbon page marker/locator too.

The cost of the sketchbooks? Still, after many, many years, a mere $9.95 (USD). Shipping was about the same so still good value.