10 Best Sketchbooks in the Philippines 2023 | Moleskine, Monologue, and More

Moleskine is a brand that consistently tops sketchbook and notebook lists. This classic art sketchbook has a sleek and elegant design that makes it perfect for sketching on the go. With its rounded corners, you can slip this into your bag with no worries about getting them bent. It also has an elastic closure to keep your sketchbook organized.

The paper is quite smooth and obviously designed for pencil or pen sketchers. The thickness makes it feel almost like card stock paper and can absorb most micron pen strokes and even fountain pen inks. 

It can also accommodate a bit of watercolor, but only to a minimum. After all, it is not meant to be used with wet media, so if you work with watercolors, take care not to do extremely wet techniques. Otherwise, this sketchbook is a prime choice for working with pencils and ink. 

Monologue is known for their quality Italian acid-free paper, and this sketchbook from the Grandluxe Sketch Pad series certainly does not disappoint! With a bright red suede cover, it feels rich and velvety to the touch. 

Unlike most hardcover sketchbooks, its front cover isn't glued to the first page and can be flipped all the way back, a really handy feature when you're sketching on the go. The paper is treated with vegetable gel, and the end result is a rough surface suitable for a variety of techniques. You can use pencil, graphite, charcoal, chalk, and other types of dry media.

It also handles ink really well with no bleeding or feathering. However, depending on the wetness or strength of your strokes, some faint ghosting may occur on the other page. So, if you intend to scan your artwork, it's best not to draw on both sides of the page. 

Bristol is a type of paper with a surface tooth that can accommodate lots of layering and shading. This sketchbook from Strathmore offers pencil artists high-quality and heavyweight Bristol paper that's perfect for fine detail work.

Because it is made of two-ply Bristol, it can also take a beating from non-pencil mediums like pens, inks, and markers. However, it is not recommended for traditional watercolor techniques, as the paper might warp or buckle.

The glue binding is sturdy, but you can easily detach a page if you need to. The paper is acid-free but not archival. Because it is of such high quality, even professional artists use this for final renderings and commissioned work. 

As the name indicates, this sketchbook is quite versatile. It features a heavyweight, fine-textured paper that can absorb both wet and dry media. It is a really affordable choice for people who enjoy exploring different types of mediums.  

The paper has a parallel grain that may enhance or distract from your artwork, depending on your purpose. For instance, with watercolor or pencils, it may be a bit distracting, but with other mediums like pen and ink, it works really well and provides some depth and texture to the artwork.  

The heavy paper gives it even more versatility because it can be used for purposes beyond sketching. Some artists use it to make collages or daily journals, where they put stickers or dried leaves and flowers that they collect. This is why this sketchpad has a broad audience and is popular across a variety of art approaches. 

From its appearance alone, you can already tell that the Etchr Lab sketchbook is a high-quality product. With a hardbound cover that has a cute little Llama logo at the corner, you will definitely feel the heft of this sketchbook. Some artists say that it is actually too nice to be used for ordinary, everyday sketching, so they tend to reserve it for special sketches.

Even if it is hardbound, the pages surprisingly open flat, so you can work conveniently. This is actually a watercolor sketchbook, since the acid-free cotton paper is thick and built to withstand heavy washes, but you can also use it for pen sketches with heavy ink washes. 

However, some people find that the white cover can easily turn grubby or dirty. A solution to this is to paint over it with watercolor. Yes, you can paint on the cover! That's pretty unique for a sketchbook. Aside from that, it has a full-size expanding pocket at the back, an elastic strap, and a page marker. 

Designed primarily for urban sketching, the Sennelier Urban Sketchbook is in a class of its own. Featuring an accordion-fold design, it offers long panels per side for your sketches and illustrations. If you are into sketching landscapes or panoramic scenes, this is a delight to use, as you can spread the pages out and lay them flat as you draw. 

The paper is extra strong and rough-grained, suitable for use with wet media like watercolor and gouache. On top of that, the rough finish also makes it a good surface for a variety of dry media such as pens, pencils, and oil pastels.  

When you're done with the sketch, you have the option of opening it and propping it up on a shelf or mantel. The elegant black cloth cover embossed with the Sennelier logo gives it a final touch of class as a tabletop display. 

At first glance, this sketchbook from Limelight looks expensive. The hardcover is padded and lends it a sturdy and luxurious feel. And yet, when you look at the price, it's a super affordable sketchbook. 

The pages are creamy and smooth, making it the ideal surface to practice calligraphy strokes. It's perfectly able to handle pen or pencil sketches and even light watercolor washes, too. You can also use wetter types of pens like gel pens, brush pens, or markers with very minimal ghosting on the other side of the page. 

There is also an elastic lock so you can keep your sketchbook closed when in transit. It also has a ribbon marker to help you go back easily to where you left off. At the back cover, a storage pocket is available to tuck in your photos, stickers, notes, or anything you would like to keep. 

If you want a sketchbook that is a keeper yet won't break the bank, this one from Tokyo Finds might be just what you're looking for. Each sketchbook feels solid and well-made and shows good attention to detail. For instance, even though it already comes in spring binding, it still has perforations, so you can tear off the paper in a straight line.  

Another plus is its dual surface finish. One side of the page has a smooth finish, while the other side has a rough texture. This versatility makes it a great choice for those who want to have the best of both worlds and explore both wet and dry media. And at its affordable price, you'd be surprised to find that the paper is acid-free, too!

If you work exclusively with dry media, this sketchbook is perfect for you. It is ideal for both light and dark media such as pencil, graphite, charcoal, chalk, and pens. The paper is also thick enough to accommodate markers and gel pens. What's more, is that it is acid-free, so your sketches won't turn yellow and will stay pristine for a long, long time. 

Within the 400 series, Strathmore offers toned paper in gray, black, and tan shades. This specific variant is gray, and it's wonderful for practicing shading and studying values. The paper tone works well with colors and requires less blending. The thickness of the paper also allows it to withstand hard strokes.

Even if it is a paperback-type of sketchbook, it does have a hard cardboard backing. This makes for convenient drawing, even when you are not working at a desk. And because it is perforated, you can tear out your pages as you wish. 

This sketchbook is a staple in an art student's kit for many good reasons. First, it is inexpensive and can be used by those who need to practice their art skills. With lightweight 90 gsm pages, you are free to scribble and doodle away with no worries about costs.

The size is pretty standard for someone who is only beginning to learn about drawing from scale and from different perspectives. The paper is smooth with just the right texture to accommodate layers and layers of pencil shading. For kids, students, or art newbies, this is the perfect product for you!