All artists know that the foundation of a brilliant masterpiece is good-quality materials. While the saying goes “a bad workman blames his tools”, the reality is that poor art supplies can genuinely hinder your practice. From coloured pencils that snap every 15 minutes to markers that bleed across the page instead of blending, we feel your pain.

With so many options available, finding the right supplies for your work can be a lengthy and frustrating process. That’s why we’ve pulled together this handy guide, breaking down each of our paper types to help you find the right grade and texture for your art style. It should also make choosing the best sketchbook for your needs a whole lot easier.

Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s September, the next you’re knee deep in wrapping paper, half written lists, and a calendar full of social plans. It’s brilliant, but it’s a lot. This is exactly why, every year, more people reach for a sketchbook, some craft supplies, or even a fresh A4 sketchbook as a way to slow down and make the season feel a little more thoughtful.

Read on to find some inspiration to get creative this Christmas whilst balancing the busy times of the season.

Rethinking “Eco-Friendly” in Art

When many artists see the term “eco-friendly,” they think of flimsy papers, muted colours, or sketchbooks that won’t survive serious experimentation. The idea that sustainability equals lower quality is a complete myth, however that’s easy to dispel.

Eco-conscious choices don’t limit your creativity, they expand it. Subtle variations in recycled paper, tiny flecks in pages, or repurposed materials can turn even familiar media into something new and unexpected.

The key is mindset: sustainability encourages you to see materials differently, experiment more, and engage creatively with what’s at hand.

Discover sketchbook ideas, tips, and exercises for artists at every level. Learn how to experiment with mixed media, organise pages, and make the most of high-quality 150gsm paper in ArtGecko’s Classy Gecko sketchbooks.

Think you’re too busy to sketch every day? Think again! Building a daily sketching habit doesn’t mean hours of work - just a few minutes with your favourite sketchbook. Whether it’s quick doodles in your A5 travel sketchbook or bold ideas in your A3 all media book, those small moments add up to big creative growth.

Take a read of this blog for our tips, tricks and more on getting into the routine of a daily sketching habit and up your creative skills.

Struggling with first-page fear? Learn how to confidently start your artist sketchbook with these creative tips. Explore Artgecko’s best sketchbooks for beginners and professionals!