Put Pen or Paint to Paper With These Notebooks for Journaling and Art

A good notebook isn’t just a place to jot things down — it’s a companion, a safe house for your weirdest thoughts and the occasional cryptic note that future you will have zero context for. Over the years, I’ve burned through more notebooks than I can count, chasing that perfect mix of paper feel, design, and overall vibe. Some were instant favorites. Others got tossed into the pile of abandoned notebooks that I swear I’ll get back to someday. Whether you need a sketchbook that can take a beating, a journal that makes writing feel effortless, or something that can survive the chaotic depths of your bag, I’ve got you covered. These are the ones I keep coming back to. So grab your pens, pencils, or paints, and get to work. Your next masterpiece is waiting.

_{Prices are accurate as of April 17, 2025. Subject to change.}

Moleskine Art Sketchbook

There are notebooks, and then there’s Moleskine. The Art Sketchbook is a classic for a reason. The paper is thick and smooth, ready for pencil, pen, or even a light wash of watercolor. It lays flat — because nothing kills inspiration faster than fighting with a stubborn spine — and the hardcover makes it tough enough to take anywhere. If you want a notebook that just works, this is it. Also of note, stickers stick and peel off of the cover nicely, so it’s a good one to decorate.

Leuchtturm1917 Medium Hardcover Notebook

For the obsessively organized (or those trying to be), Leuchtturm1917 is a dream. The pages are numbered (bless), the paper is smooth but not too slick, and the built-in index makes finding past entries less of an archaeological dig. Plus, it comes in enough colors to match your aesthetic, your mood, or just your other notebooks — because we both know you’re not stopping at just one.

Strathmore 400 Series Sketchbook

For artists who need a sketchbook that can keep up, Strathmore’s 400 Series is a tank. The 60lb paper handles everything from delicate graphite to bold ink, and the spiral binding means you can flip pages all the way back — no awkward bending required. If your art leans toward dry media, this one should already be on your desk.

Rhodia Webnotebook

Fountain pen users, this is the one. Rhodia’s Webnotebook is absurdly smooth — ink glides over it like a figure skater on fresh ice. No feathering, no bleed-through, just crisp, clean writing. It’s got a soft leatherette cover that feels just luxe enough, without being so precious that you’re afraid to actually use it. If you want your journaling experience to feel a little indulgent, this is the pick.

Canson XL Mixed Media Sketchbook

Watercolor one day, ink sketching the next — Canson’s XL Mixed Media Sketchbook can handle it. The paper is thick enough to take a little abuse, but still smooth enough for detail work. It’s affordable, durable, and makes experimenting feel low-risk. If you like to mix things up, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

Midori MD Notebook

Minimalist heaven. Midori MD notebooks strip things down to the essentials: buttery smooth paper, no distractions, and a lay-flat design that invites you to fill every page. Writing in one is effortless. If you love clean aesthetics and premium paper that makes pens glide, this one is pure joy.

Stillman & Birn Beta Series Sketchbook

If you paint, the Beta Series is it. The thick, textured pages take watercolor, gouache, and ink like a champ — no warping, no bleeding, just gorgeous color payoff. It’s pricier than some, but if you want a sketchbook that respects your work as much as you do, it’s worth it.

Field Notes Expedition Notebook

Tiny, tough, and borderline indestructible. The Expedition Notebook is waterproof, tear-resistant, and ready for whatever wild conditions you throw at it. If you’re journaling in the rain, sketching on a hike, or just prone to spilling coffee on everything (same), this one’s got your back.

Tomoe River Notebook

Tomoe River paper is legendary in the fountain pen world. The pages are impossibly thin, yet somehow hold ink like a dream — no feathering, no smudging, just crisp, delicate lines. It’s lightweight, elegant, and addictive to write on. If you love smooth, effortless writing, this is the endgame notebook.

Fabriano Ecoqua Plus Notebook

Eco-friendly, lightweight, and seriously smooth, Fabriano’s Ecoqua is an underrated gem. The recycled paper has just the right amount of texture to make pencil and ink work feel organic, and the softcover keeps it flexible and easy to carry. If you want something simple, functional, and good for the planet, grab one of these.

Feature Image Credit: acob Lund/ Adobe Stock