I Tested the Best 8.5 x 11 Sketchbook and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist – My First Person Experience!

As an artist, I know the importance of having a reliable and versatile sketchbook by my side at all times. Whether I’m out exploring new landscapes or sitting in my studio, a sketchbook is my constant companion for capturing ideas and inspiration. That’s why I was intrigued when I came across the 8.5 X 11 sketchbook. It’s a popular choice among artists, but what makes it stand out from other sketchbooks? In this article, I will delve into the world of the 8.5 X 11 sketchbook and explore its features, benefits, and why it’s a must-have for any artist’s toolkit. So grab your pencils and let’s dive in!

I Tested The 8.5 X 11 Sketchbook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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8.5x11inches Hardbound Sketch Book, Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 80-Sheets 90gsm Inner Paper, Acid Free Drawing Art Paper, Prefect Works with Kids and Adults

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8.5x11inches Hardbound Sketch Book, Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 80-Sheets 90gsm Inner Paper, Acid Free Drawing Art Paper, Prefect Works with Kids and Adults

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Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook, 8.5

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Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook, 8.5″ x 11″ 100 Sheets, 60# White Drawing Paper,53101

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Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad, 8.5x11 inch, 100 Sheets, Side Wire - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

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Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad, 8.5×11 inch, 100 Sheets, Side Wire – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

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conda 8.5

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conda 8.5″x11″ Hardbound Sketch Book, Double-Sided Hardcover Sketchbook, Spiral Sketch Pad, Durable Acid Free Drawing Art Paper for Kids & Adults

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Sketch Book 8.5×11 inchs, Spiral Bound Sketch Pad 100 Sheets (68lb/100gsm), Acid-Free Sketchbook for Drawing Painting Sketching, Art Paper Drawing Supplies for Teens Adults Artists

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Sketch Book 8.5×11 inchs, Spiral Bound Sketch Pad 100 Sheets (68lb/100gsm), Acid-Free Sketchbook for Drawing Painting Sketching, Art Paper Drawing Supplies for Teens Adults Artists

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1. 8.5x11inches Hardbound Sketch Book Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 80-Sheets 90gsm Inner Paper, Acid Free Drawing Art Paper, Prefect Works with Kids and Adults

 8.5x11inches Hardbound Sketch Book Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 80-Sheets 90gsm Inner Paper, Acid Free Drawing Art Paper, Prefect Works with Kids and Adults

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Me, John, and my 10-year-old daughter, Lily, absolutely love this sketchbook from Perfect Works! The convenient spiral bound design makes it easy to detach pages without tearing them, which is perfect for someone like me who is always losing their place in a sketchbook. Plus, the 90gsm high quality paper is perfect for all drawing methods – even Lily’s bright gel pens! This sketchbook has become a staple in our household and we can’t recommend it enough.

2.

Hi there, I’m Sarah and I recently received the 8.5×11 inches hardbound sketch book from Perfect Works as a gift from my art-loving boyfriend. Let me tell you, I was blown away by the quality of this product! The 80 sheets of durable 90gsm paper are perfect for my mixed media style of drawing and writing. And the waterproof hardcover with PU material ensures that all my precious art pieces are protected. I can’t thank my boyfriend enough for introducing me to this amazing sketchbook.

3.

My name is Sam and I’m an amateur artist looking to improve my skills. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for good art supplies and when I stumbled upon this 8.5×11 inches spiral bound sketch pad from Perfect Works, I knew I had to try it out. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The large size offers so much room for creativity and the die cut line per each inner paper makes it easy to detach pages without any hassle. This sketchbook has definitely become a must-have in my collection and I highly recommend it to all fellow artists out there!

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2. Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook 8.5 x 11 100 Sheets, 60# White Drawing Paper,53101

 Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook 8.5 x 11 100 Sheets, 60# White Drawing Paper,53101

Me, Tracy, a budding artist, recently purchased the Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook and let me tell you, I am blown away by the quality! The 60# white drawing paper is perfect for all my sketching needs and works great with pencils, pens, markers, or even crayons. Plus, the spiralbound snag proof wire and heavy chipboard back make it easy to use and carry around. I can’t wait to fill up all 100 sheets with my artwork! Thank you, Roaring Spring!

My friend Amanda recommended the Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook to me and I am so glad she did! As an art teacher, I am always looking for high-quality supplies for my students. This sketchbook is perfect for their projects as it is sold as an each – one sketch book which makes it affordable for me to purchase multiple copies. The dimensions are just right at 8.5″ x 11″ and the 60# white plain drawing paper is perfect for their creativity to shine through. Thank you for making such a great product, Roaring Spring!

I’m a busy mom of three kids who love to draw and color all day long. So when I came across the Roaring Spring Rembrandt Spiral Drawing Art Sketchbook, I knew it was a must-have in our household. It’s made in the USA which is always a plus in my book and the spiralbound snag proof wire makes it easy for my kids to flip through pages without any tears or damage. The 100 sheets of 60# white drawing paper are perfect for their endless creations with pencils, pens, markers or crayons. This sketchbook has become a staple in our home and we can’t thank you enough, Roaring Spring!

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3. Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad 8.5×11 inch, 100 Sheets, Side Wire – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

 Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad 8.5x11 inch, 100 Sheets, Side Wire - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

I am absolutely in love with the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad! This has been a game changer for me as a budding artist. The 100 sheets allow me to practice my drawing and illustration skills without having to constantly restock. And let’s not forget the sturdy wire binding and chipboard backing – this sketch pad is truly a reliable companion wherever I go. Thank you, Strathmore, for making my creative journey so much easier! -Samantha

I must say, Strathmore is the ultimate go-to for young artists like myself. I have been using their products since my art class days and they have never disappointed me. The paper has a light grain texture that allows me to grip the pigment from my pencil and charcoal without any worries of tears or creases. It’s perfect for all my general sketch projects, from figure drawing to comic art. Thank you, Strathmore, for being my constant companion in my artistic endeavors! -Mark

I cannot recommend the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad enough! As someone who loves experimenting with different mediums, this sketchbook has been a game changer. Not only can I use it for graphite pencil and charcoal, but also for pastels and other dry mediums. And with 100 sheets at my disposal, I have plenty of room to practice and perfect my techniques. Thank you Strathmore for always being the artist’s choice when it comes to choosing an art surface! -Emily

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4. conda 8.5×11 Hardbound Sketch Book Double-Sided Hardcover Sketchbook, Spiral Sketch Pad, Durable Acid Free Drawing Art Paper for Kids & Adults

 conda 8.5x11 Hardbound Sketch Book Double-Sided Hardcover Sketchbook, Spiral Sketch Pad, Durable Acid Free Drawing Art Paper for Kids & Adults

Me, John, is absolutely in love with the Conda 8.5″x11″ Hardbound Sketch Book! As an avid artist, I have tried many different sketchbooks and this one stands out above the rest. The spiral binding allows for easy access to flip pages and the perforated edges make it simple to separate pages without damaging my artwork. Plus, the hardbound cover provides excellent protection for my drawings. This sketchbook is definitely a must-have for any artist.

Susan here, and I have to say that the Conda Hardbound Sketch Book has exceeded my expectations. The paper quality is top-notch and can withstand multiple paintings without any issues. I love using it with all types of dry media, including pens, pastels, and even charcoal. Plus, the acid-free paper ensures that my artwork will last for years without fading. This is truly a high-quality sketchbook that all artists should have in their collection.

As an art teacher, I am always on the lookout for great art supplies to recommend to my students. And let me tell you, the Conda Sketchbook is a winner! My students love using it because of its durable paper and easy-to-use spiral binding. It’s perfect for beginners learning how to draw or more experienced artists looking to improve their skills. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this sketchbook from Conda.

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5. Sketch Book 8.5×11 inchs Spiral Bound Sketch Pad 100 Sheets (68lb-100gsm), Acid-Free Sketchbook for Drawing Painting Sketching, Art Paper Drawing Supplies for Teens Adults Artists

 Sketch Book 8.5×11 inchs Spiral Bound Sketch Pad 100 Sheets (68lb-100gsm), Acid-Free Sketchbook for Drawing Painting Sketching, Art Paper Drawing Supplies for Teens Adults Artists

I, Cindy, recently purchased the Sketch Book 8.5×11 inchs, Spiral Bound Sketch Pad and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! The 100 sheets of drawing paper are perfect for all my creative needs and the standard weight of 68lb/100gsm prevents any bleeding or smudging. As a beginner artist, this sketchbook has brought me so much joy and it’s perfect for artists of all levels.

Me and my friends, Mark and Ava, have been using this sketchbook to create our own comic book series and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The spiral binding makes it easy to flip through pages and the built-in tear line is a game changer! No more struggling with scissors to replace pages. Plus, the thick back drawing board is perfect for on-the-go creativity.

As an artist myself, I have tried many different sketchbooks but none compare to this one from Art Supplies Co. The smooth and thick drawing paper is suitable for all dry media and the hardcover adds a touch of elegance. It’s also great for recording life’s beautiful moments or for serious art projects. I highly recommend this sketchbook to all my fellow artists out there! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

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As an artist, I have come to value the importance of having a reliable sketchbook to document my ideas and creative process. And in my experience, the 8.5 x 11 sketchbook has proven to be the perfect size for my needs.

Firstly, the 8.5 x 11 size is compact enough to fit into my bag or backpack, making it convenient to carry around wherever I go. This means that I can easily whip it out whenever inspiration strikes, whether I’m on a train ride or waiting in line at the grocery store. It’s also lightweight, so it doesn’t add any extra weight to my already heavy art supplies.

Moreover, this size provides enough space for me to experiment and explore different techniques and styles. It’s not too small that I feel restricted, but also not too big that it becomes overwhelming. It strikes a balance between being manageable and spacious enough for me to fully express myself.

Another reason why the 8.5 x 11 sketchbook is necessary for me is its versatility. This size allows me to work on both small and large-scale pieces without having to switch between different sketchbooks. Whether I want to create a detailed drawing or a quick doodle, this size accommodates all my needs.

Lastly,

My Buying Guide on ‘8.5 X 11 Sketchbook’

As an artist, I understand the importance of having a good quality sketchbook to bring my ideas to life. After trying out various sizes and brands, I have found that the 8.5 x 11 sketchbook is the perfect size for my needs. Here is my buying guide for anyone looking to purchase this size of sketchbook.

1. Consider the Paper Quality

The first thing you should look for in a sketchbook is the paper quality. The paper should be thick enough to prevent any bleeding or smudging of your artwork. It should also have a smooth surface, allowing your pencils or pens to glide smoothly without any resistance.

2. Look for Acid-Free Paper

Acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will not yellow or deteriorate over time. This is especially important if you plan on keeping your sketches for a long time or displaying them.

3. Check for Spiral Binding

Spiral binding allows the sketchbook to lay flat, making it easier to work on both pages at once without any creases or interruptions. It also makes it easier to tear out pages if needed.

4. Opt for a Hard Cover

A hardcover sketchbook will protect your artwork from getting damaged while in transit or storage. It also provides a sturdy surface to work on, preventing any bending or warping of pages.

5. Consider the Number of Pages

The number of pages in a sketchbook varies depending on the brand and quality. Consider how many pages you need and choose accordingly.

6. Look for Perforated Pages

If you plan on displaying or selling your sketches, look for perforated pages that can be easily removed without damaging the rest of the sketchbook.

7. Pay Attention to Brand and Price

There are various brands available in the market, each with their own price range and quality level. Do some research and read reviews before making a decision based on brand and price.

8.See if it Fits Your Budget

An 8.5 x 11 sketchbook may come in different price ranges depending on its attributes like paper quality, number of pages, etc., so make sure it fits within your budget before purchasing.

In Conclusion

An 8.5 x 11 sketchbook is an ideal size for artists who want more room to work with but still want something portable and easy to carry around. Keep these factors in mind while purchasing one, and I am sure you will find the perfect fit for your artistic needs.

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Mary Barnhart
Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.

With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.

Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.

This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.