Choosing the right sketchbook starts with choosing the right paper. This guide breaks down the Artgecko paper types available across our sketchbook ranges, from lightweight cartridge paper for dry media and pen to heavier acrylic, hybrid and watercolour papers for painting and mixed media. Whether you have a favourite medium or enjoy experimenting with everything, find a sketchbook that supports the way you create.

Sketchbooks can be used in all sorts of ways. You might use one for an art course, coursework or structured studies, or simply as a place to capture ideas, practise techniques and let your creativity develop.

With so many options available, choosing the right sketchbook can feel like a project in itself. You need to consider paper weight, surface texture, size and orientation — and then there is the question of binding.

Two of the most popular formats are casebound and twin wire. Both offer distinct advantages, depending on how and where you like to work. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each format and look at which Artgecko Classy sketchbook could be the best fit for your creative practice.

Paint markers are a brilliant tool for bold, colourful artwork, but they can take a little practice to master. If you want to improve your paint marker sketches and create cleaner, more confident results, the good news is that a few simple techniques can make a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll share five easy ways to level up your paint marker art, from choosing the right paper to planning your colour palette before you begin.

For anyone unfamiliar with their potential, paint markers can feel like magic. They deliver bold, opaque colour with minimal effort and work across a wide range of surfaces - from paper and wood to glass and metal. However, when it comes to using paint markers on paper, the results can vary depending on your technique and, importantly, your choice of sketchbook.

In this guide, we’ll cover what paint markers are, how artists use them, and how to get the best results when working in a sketchbook.

Travel sketchbooks are one of the simplest ways to make your trips feel more memorable. They give you a space to slow down, notice the details around you, and capture moments in a way that photos alone often cannot. Want to learn more about how and why this is? Keep reading to explore the world of travel sketching and how best to start.

Sketching is often seen as a static activity - something done at a desk, in a studio, surrounded by tools and carefully curated inspiration. While that setup has its place, it can also lead to creative blocks, especially when your environment starts to feel repetitive.

That’s where sketching on the go comes in. With just a sketchbook and a pen, you can completely shift your creative mindset and open yourself up to new ideas, perspectives, and energy.

Keep reading to learn how sketching on the go can improve and reframe your creative practice for the better.

Learn more about the newest sketchbook to the Artgecko range, the Classy Gecko with Gecko Guards. This isn't any old sketchbook, it is reinforced with extra protection to avoid media spills, allowing you to make the most of every page of your sketchbook. Read on to learn more!

Sketchbooks are wonderful things. They’re a place to let your imagination roam free and a space to switch off from the world while building your creative skills.

That works perfectly when your setup is static, tucked into one dedicated space. But the moment you want to sketch on the train, head to your local park, or take your creativity on the go, keeping all your supplies in one place can quickly become a challenge.

Well, not anymore!

Introducing Artgecko Book Bands! These are an easy, practical solution designed for artists who want to create anytime, anywhere. These elastic sketchbook bands feature three secure loops and slip effortlessly on and off your sketchbook. They stretch to accommodate expanding pages, while also keeping loose sheets neatly tucked inside.