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.

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.

If you've ever tried watercolour on standard paper you’ll know the frustration; paint pooling in strange places, colours drying flat, and pages buckling before you’ve even finished your first wash. It’s easy to blame your technique, but more often than not, it’s the paper. Watercolour isn’t just about paint and brushes - the surface you work on plays a huge role in how everything behaves. And once you experience the difference, it’s hard to go back.

Painting with acrylics can be a fun and hugely creative process for a wide range of artists of all levels and skill sets. The medium supports textural and colour exploration, and it is also a great way to experiment and learn more as you go.

When starting with acrylics, we always recommend focusing on which paper or surface the paint will be applied to. In fact, in our previous blog post, we go into detail about this, so if you'd like to learn more, you can read that here. In short though, high quality acid free cartridge paper is a great starting point. The higher the gsm, the better - 240 gsm textured acrylic paper or 300 gsm smooth papers are brilliant for this media.

But what about when it comes to putting paint to paper? Well, in this blog, we share our top ten acrylic techniques that you can try, to build upon your acrylic skill set. So without further ado, lets get into it!

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.