The distinction between a writing notebook and a drawing notebook is largely one of paper weight and ruling. For writers who sketch alongside their notes — or artists who write in their sketchbooks — a notebook that bridges both functions is the most useful single object. This guide covers the best options across that spectrum.
What drawing requires from paper
Different drawing media make different demands. Graphite and coloured pencils work on most papers, including standard notebook stock. Fountain pen ink (for linework and sketching) needs low-feathering surface treatment, ideally smooth. Water-based wash effects — brushing over fountain pen ink with water — require paper that can absorb moisture without pilling or cockling. Watercolour requires significantly heavier paper than any standard notebook provides.
For writers who sketch with pen and pencil (the most common use case): any of the fountain pen-optimised notebooks in this guide work. For more serious mixed-media work, heavier specialist paper is needed.
Best for fountain pen drawing: Midori MD Notebook Thick
The MD Notebook Thick uses the same lightly textured MD Paper as the standard MD Notebook but at the heavier weight used for the standard notebook's flyleaves — significantly more robust than the standard paper. It handles fountain pen ink, pencil, coloured pencil, brush pen, and light watercolour washes without pilling. Thread-bound, lies completely flat. Available in A5 and A5 Square in blank ruling only.
For writers and illustrators who use fountain pens for sketching and want a minimalist, beautifully made object to work in: the MD Thick is the natural choice.
Best for mixed writing and sketching: Midori MD Notebook (standard)
The standard MD Notebook in blank ruling handles fountain pen, pencil, and light pen sketching well enough for most writers who draw occasional illustrations alongside text. Lighter than the Thick, better for extended writing, adequate for pen sketching. The slight texture provides good pencil grip without fighting the fountain pen nib.
Best versatile sketchbook-notebook: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook
Leuchtturm makes a 150gsm sketchbook in the same format as their Classic notebooks — elastic closure, ribbon bookmark, and the characteristic feature set — in A5 and A5 Landscape orientations. At 150gsm, it handles dry media (graphite, coloured pencil), fineliner pen, and fountain pen, and accepts light ink washes without distorting. Not watercolour-ready for heavy wet work, but excellent for mixed pen-and-pencil practice.
Best for the Hobonichi Techo user who also draws
The Hobonichi Techo's Tomoe River paper is thinner than most dedicated sketchbook paper, but many artists use it deliberately — the thinness allows ghosting effects, and Tomoe River's surface shows fountain pen ink at its most expressive. The A5 Cousin format provides more space for illustration than the A6 Original. For daily drawings alongside journal entries, the Hobonichi is uniquely suited to the combination.
Best for pocket sketching: Traveler's Notebook with Blank Refill
The Traveler's Notebook system with a blank MD Paper refill creates a genuinely pocketable sketchbook — compact enough to carry anywhere, filled with quality paper, and customisable to your preferred size (Regular or Passport). For writers who want to capture visual impressions alongside written notes when travelling, this combination is ideal. The Sketch Paper Refill is an even more robust option — heavier watercolour-grade paper in the same format for more serious wet-media work.
Best for serious illustration: MD Notebook Cotton
The MD Notebook Cotton uses 20% cotton pulp paper — whiter, thicker, and more cushioned than standard MD Paper. It handles heavier ink applications, washes, and wet media better than the standard or Thick versions. Available only in A5 Square in blank ruling. For illustrators who want a minimalist notebook for serious work: the Cotton is the most capable MD option.
Choosing by use
- Fountain pen sketching + occasional writing: Midori MD Notebook Thick (A5, blank)
- Mixed writing and sketching equally: Midori MD Notebook (standard, blank)
- Daily journal with illustrations: Hobonichi Techo A5 Cousin
- Pocket sketching while travelling: Traveler's Notebook + Blank MD Refill
- Serious illustration with wet media: Midori MD Notebook Cotton
Browse drawing and sketching notebooks at The Journal Shop, including the full Midori MD range, Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbooks, and Traveler's Notebook refills.
Where to start: browse our notebooks and fountain-pen-friendly notebooks at The Journal Shop.
