The surface you draw on is just as important as the tools you use. A good drawing pad can elevate your work, while the wrong one can hold you back, no matter how experienced you are. Whether you're sketching daily, planning a detailed illustration or experimenting with new media, the type of drawing pad you choose plays a big part in your creative process.
At ArtStore Online, we offer a range of drawing pads to suit different techniques, materials and artistic goals. This guide will help you understand the features that matter and how to pick a pad that works with your preferred medium and style.
Drawing pads are collections of drawing paper bound together for convenience and portability. They come in many sizes, textures and paper weights, making them suitable for everything from light pencil sketches to mixed media projects. The type of drawing pad you choose depends on what and how you like to draw.
Unlike loose sheets or sketchbooks, drawing pads allow you to work flat and remove pages cleanly if needed. Most include either a glue or spiral binding, and some are designed to be flipped, laid flat or hung up for display. Many artists prefer pads because they’re practical for travel, studio sessions and on-the-go inspiration.
Drawing pads also differ from sketch pads in that they’re often made with heavier paper and designed to handle more pressure, layering or media variation. That means if you’re working with charcoal, graphite or ink, a dedicated drawing pad will offer more structure and support.
There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to drawing paper. Knowing what to look for in terms of surface, weight and binding style will help you narrow down the best pad for your needs. Each type offers its own advantages, and understanding the differences can help you get better results from your materials.
Smooth paper, often referred to as hot-pressed, has a sleek finish that’s great for clean line work and detail. It's particularly good for technical drawing, ink and fine pen work. Smooth pads are often preferred by artists who use mechanical pencils, pigment liners or light washes.
Textured paper, sometimes called cold-pressed or rough, has a more tactile surface. This tooth helps grab onto graphite, charcoal or pastel and allows for richer, deeper marks. It also adds a bit of visual interest and depth, especially when shading or layering.
The texture of a drawing pad influences how media behaves, from how it spreads to how it blends. If you're unsure, try a few different textures and see how they feel under your hand.
Paper weight refers to the thickness and density of the sheet. Lighter weights like 100 gsm are suitable for dry media and quick sketches. Heavier papers such as 160 gsm and above can handle erasing, layering and light wet media without buckling.
If you often use heavy graphite, charcoal or blending techniques, a thicker paper will offer more durability and prevent tearing. For dry techniques like pencil or coloured pencil, lighter pads can still give excellent results.
Binding type also plays a role. Spiral-bound pads allow pages to lie flat, which is helpful for extended work sessions or two-page spreads. Glued or tape-bound pads offer cleaner page removal, which is great for presentation or framing.
Consider how you work and where. If you like to draw outdoors, a pad with a sturdy backing and durable binding is ideal. In studio settings, any binding works as long as the pad stays stable while you draw.
Choosing the right pad depends not only on your medium but also your technique. Each medium interacts with paper in its own way, so picking a pad that complements your materials helps you get better results with less effort.
For graphite and general sketching, a smooth to lightly textured surface works best. It allows for clean lines while still offering enough grip for subtle shading. Medium weight paper is usually sufficient for most pencil work, especially if you’re not pressing too hard.
Pads in the 110 gsm to 150 gsm range are perfect for everyday sketching, layout drawing and tonal studies. These are also ideal if you do a lot of layering or light blending with tools like stumps or tissue.
Charcoal and pastel need a bit more tooth to hold the pigment in place. A textured surface is essential for achieving depth and preventing smudging or loss of detail. Heavier weight papers are also recommended, as both media can be dusty or require multiple layers.
Look for pads with at least 160 gsm and a visibly textured surface. These are well suited to expressive mark making, blended tone and even mixed media layering with fixatives.
Ink and pen work needs a smooth surface to avoid bleeding and feathering. Hot-pressed paper offers the best support for brush pens and fine liners. It ensures crisp lines and a clean edge, especially when working with black or coloured ink.
Markers work best on bleed-proof paper with a coated or semi-smooth finish. A pad designed for ink will reduce blotting and allow for layering or blending without tearing the surface.
If you like to mix pencil with light washes, ink or collage, choose a pad labelled for mixed media. These often use heavier weight paper that can handle a bit of water or glue without warping. They’re especially good if you shift between dry and wet techniques in a single session.
Artists who like to experiment often keep a few pads on hand with different textures and weights, making it easier to test new styles or switch between tools.
ArtStore Online offers a wide variety of drawing pads for every kind of creative project. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your professional practice, you’ll find options that match your materials and support your ideas from sketch to final work.
Find the perfect drawing pad for your artwork and make every mark count.
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