Best choice for a new art journal

by Cindy
(Mokena, IL)

Mixed Media Art Questions

Just curious, was thinking of dedicating a little money for an honest art journal. Was wondering if you had any recommendations on what type of paper or a particular brand of journal. I see lots of writing journals, but the paper seems so thin. I'm guessing I would need something with a substantial paper thickness to hold any painting or gluing I may be doing.

Thanks for your input :)
Cindy

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Mixed Media Art Questions answered by Milliande

Thanks for your questions

~ Art Journals come in a variety of options pre-bought...it really depends on what type of art supplies you are hoping to use in your art journal that determines the best paper to use

~ Lets say you want to do Pen and Ink drawings , then color them in with acrylic inks or watercolor ..then a hot pressed watercolor paper that can be light weight would be suitable ..

~ If you want an all round art journal for heavy mixed media use as well as more delicate drawings like me ... I prefer a heavyweight hot pressed fabriano watercolor paper but cannot often find that in an art journal --- these can easily be bound by hand though

~ So I compromise and go for a smooth heavy grade cartridge paper that can withstand water media ( ie will not buckle when applying water etc)

~ For a travel sketching art journal I like moleskine journals... but just for pen and ink and color pencil sketching work as the paper is too thin ... they do however also have a lush watercolor moleskine journal ... but for me the watercolor paper is a bit rough ( not hot pressed and I do a lot of pen and ink work which does not like the buckley surface )

~ I am lucky enough to live near a paper factory that makes paper art journals for the Tate Modern in London ..so get my art journals from there... so I cannot recommend a particular brand ... if you are in the UK let me know and I pass on the details of where I get mine from

Hope this helps

..milliande
Mixed Media Artist