Discover why toned paper is perfect for sketching. Learn how tan and grey toned sketchbooks create depth, highlights, and expressive artwork with graphite, charcoal, and ink.

Sketchbooks get a lot of love. We talk about paper weight, cover feel, binding type, and whether it can handle a cheeky watercolour wash. But there’s one small accessory that quietly makes everything work better: the book band.

It’s easy to overlook. It doesn’t look as glamorous as a new set of pens or a limited-edition sketchbook. Yet once you start using one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

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.

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.

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.

In the world of art, the tools and surfaces you choose can transform the way you create. Acrylic paints are one of the most versatile mediums available to artists, students and hobbyists alike. Pair them with the right sketchbooks, pads and canvases, and they become a powerful way to explore bold colour, texture and mixed media. In this article, we’ll walk through top tips for using acrylic paints with confidence, and show how the right Artgecko surfaces help you get the very best from every brushstroke.

That moment when you finish a sketchbook brings a mix of emotions. Delight, relief, excitement, inspiration… and then a little dread. Questions start racing through your mind:

"What will go in my next sketchbook?"
"Which media should I choose?"
And most importantly… "what size and format should I pick?"

After a quick online search, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Conflicting advice, endless sketchbook brands, and format debates make choosing your next book, way harder than it needs to be. That’s why we’ve put together this guide! Created to explore why thinking outside the rectangle and going for square as your next sketchbook, could be the creative refresh you didn’t know you needed.

We are thrilled to announce that we have just launched a brand new product to the range! Meet the Extra Classy Sketchbook. With a name like that, you might be wondering what makes it so special. Keep reading for a closer look at this sketchbook and discover why it truly earns the name “Extra”.