Sketchbooks are marvellous things. They are spaces to let imagination roam free, art skills to improve and places for confidence to build within creative practice. Ideal for daily doodles, support artistic studies, or even be submitted for exam assignments. This is why ensuring that they stay in the best possible condition is super important.

We have pulled together this handy guide on how best to care for your sketchbook, whether you are a school, art student or art fanatic.

Storage Tips

• Keep sketchbooks flat wherever possible, especially A3 and A2 sizes, so they stay neat and avoid bent corners or warped covers.
• If sketchbooks need to be stacked, place them flat on top of each other and alternate the spine direction so the weight is spread more evenly.
• Store sketchbooks upright only when flat storage is not practical, and make sure they are properly supported.
• Try not to overcrowd shelves, drawers, or trays, as too much pressure can damage covers and pages.
• Keep sketchbooks away from sinks, paint areas, wet tables, and floors where they might get spilled on, stepped on, or knocked over.
• Use clear labels for storage so sketchbooks are easy to find and return to the right student.

Handling Tips

• Carry your sketchbook with two hands, especially larger ones, to help prevent bending or damage.
• Keep in a protective folder, sleeve, or cover, especially if you are a student who takes their sketchbooks home.
• Don't carry the sketchbook in a bag loosely that has any water bottles, lunch boxes, or other heavy items.
• Larger sketchbooks such as A3 and A2 should be carried flat whenever possible.
• Keep sketchbooks away from food, drinks, pets, and younger siblings at home.
• If you are a student, make sure to return your sketchbooks regularly to school or college so they are not left in unsuitable places for too long.
• Label each sketchbook clearly with the student’s name, class, and year group to reduce mix-ups and unnecessary handling.
• Store sketchbooks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to help protect the pages and covers over time.
• Turn pages carefully from the outer edge rather than dragging fingers across finished work.
• Remember that sketchbooks are working books and personal records worth looking after.

Creating Tips

• Make sure to place sketchbooks on clean, dry surfaces before starting working.
• Use clean hands before handling a sketchbook, especially after painting, glue, charcoal, or pastel work.
• Try not to press too hard on the spine when opening a sketchbook, as this can weaken the binding over time.
• Avoid stacking heavy materials on top of sketchbooks during lessons or art sessions.
• Let paint, glue, and ink dry fully before closing the book.
• Use a spare sheet of paper between pages when working with wet media, collage, or soft pastel to help prevent transfer and smudging.
• For very wet work, keep the page open until it is fully dry.
• Try not to overfill pages with bulky materials, as this can make the book difficult to close and may damage the binding.
• If work is especially wet or textured, it can help to finish it separately first and add it into the sketchbook later.

Need any more advice or tips? Feel free to give us a call, email or even DM us on social media. Enjoy your new sketchbook!

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Drawing Sketchbooks education pink pig Sketchbooks

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