In making this list of what I consider to be some of the best art journals, I want you to know I personally have tested at least 45 different notebooks, sketchbooks, and journals in the past 5 years.
Every single one of these recommendations comes from experience.
Yeah, I’m a crazy notebook addict like that!
These are the journals that have proved to do well in all sorts of situations. They work great for regular everyday use, but they are also good choices for long trips and traveling.
I took several factors into consideration to ensure a well-rounded assortment of notebooks. I want to make sure these journals can meet the needs and creative dreams of almost anyone who enjoys art journaling – no matter how experienced you may be or what type of art supplies you like to use.
No matter which of these journals in my top list you pick, I promise you it is one I really put through some harsh conditions. Some of them I used before I even really understood what to do with things like gesso and matter medium.
If you take a look at some of my art journal failslike the one below, you’re sure to understand I’ve really put the different notebooks and journals to the test!
In testing some of these I’ve done everything wrong. Thankfully, doing everything wrong is how I know which ones are really truly the best ones to pick!
My dog when she was a puppy even decided to try and eat one. She didn’t do much damage to the journal, only a couple of small bite marks, which is more than I can say about other books she tried to eat or about 25 pairs of my kids shoes…
Needless to say, the ones I am recommending are really the journals that stand up to the test of time and some pretty harsh conditions!
Understanding What Matters Most When Buying an Art Journal
Before I go straight into sharing my favorite art journals, I think it is important to understand on what to look for in a good art journal.
This way, if you happen to be looking for a new art journal, you know what features to look for!
Hopefully once you understand these things, you will be able to tell very quickly whether a notebook will work for art journaling.
I know I am always tempted by new notebooks anytime I see them at the store. Understanding what makes one a good choice can really save you some headaches down the road.
These details all influenced which journals made the cut and which ones did not.
So let’s talk about what matters when you are picking an art journal. Any journal can work, but if you’re going to buy a journal, it helps to know what to look for.
It’s very helpful to know what is going to work. This way you can make less mistakes and make more art that you enjoy creating.
Here’s what I consider when looking at an art journal to buy:
1. Size: Small, Medium or Large?
For myself as well as many artists I know, size is a very important matter. Too smallof an art journal, and you might find yourself feeling limited.
Too bigof an art journal, and you might find it bulky to carry around or travel with easily.
I tend to like the “just right” size of somewhere in-between, but I know this can vary between one person to another.
For this reason, I’ve noted in each journal description if more than one size is available. Many journals are excellent options simply because they do offer multiple sizes and shapes to work in!
2. Paper Quality: Can it Withstand Paint, Glue and Ink?
This is a huge consideration when choosing an art journal. You need paper that can handle things like paint, ink and glue!
In the past, I have bought journals that claimed to be able to withstand some light watercolors, only to learn the pages were not suitable for any sort of water or paint.
If you don’t mind wrinkled pages or work mostly in collage layers, thin paper may not bother you. For me, high quality paper that is able to withstand the test of watercolors, acrylic paint, and glue without wrinkling is essential.
3. Binding Method: Spiral bound or sewn binding or something else?
It’s a long debated topic amongst people who love to art journal, although most of us love all journals enough that we’ll likely try them all within our lifetime anyways!
Spiral bound journals can allow for more flexibility in moving around the pages. Sewn sewn binding journals can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
4. Price Point: What’s the Best Value for Your Budget?
When I first started art journaling as a teenager, I had a zero dollar budget. I think the benefits of art journaling are so immense, it is something that should be easily accessible to everyone, regardless what their price and budget might be.
While I do list a couple of really nice options that are in the higher price ranges, I also made sure to include several that are typically available for under $15.
5. Personal Experience: Do They Pass the Test of Time?
Each and every one of these journals are ones I have personally tried and loved. The ones I recommend and share below are ones that have stood up to the test of time.
Most of them have even survived a curious hungry puppy and a couple of art journaling loving cats who live here!
I also took into consideration some of the opinions of my friends who love art journaling as much as I do, as well as average customer reviews and ratings.
This helps me take into consideration factors I might not necessarily think as “must have criteria” but ensures a well rounded viewpoint that is not completely biased.
These are My Top Picks for The Best Art Journals
#1: Dylusions Art Journals
FEATURES:Multiple Size and Shape Options Available, Heavy duty quality paper, Sewn binding, Pocket folder for ephemera and collage materials, Elastic closure, Heavy duty chipboard cover
#2: Moleskine Artist Plus Sketchbook
FEATURES: 96 pages of 110lb acid free paper, three notebook size options, accordion notebook pocket, elastic closure, hard cover
#3: Canson XL Mixed Media Pads
FEATURES: Heavy weight slightly textured paper for acrylics and light watercolor applications, Spiral Binding with Tearable Sheets, Affordable Price Range
