A sketch pad or a journal is more than just a cover and paper sheets for an artist; it is a keeper of ideas, a canvas to get creativity started, and to have a pulse on personal style. Whether it is about rough sketching or fine paintings, everything starts from a crude point. Like everything with art and the artist, having a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing sketch pad goes a long way.
Leather sketch pads have always been a staple among masters. It has its unique smell of an organic being, a warm touch, and a portal to the muse.
This post will cover the reasons why you should go with a leather sketch pad, some top picks from Pikore, how to pick the right one, pros and cons of leather sketch pads, and more!
Why Choose a Leather Sketch Pad
There are more than a handful of reasons why you should get a leather-bound sketch pad, but for the sake of argument, only three will suffice.
Durability and Long-Term Value
You want to keep your art away from the elements so it can last a long time. Also, you want to invest in accessories that enhance the value of the artwork. Leather covers both, as it is durable enough to endure the wear and tear of an artist’s life while holding things together for the next generation.
Protective and Elegant Appearance
Leather is always in style, and when you dress up your generic sketch pad with a solid covering, it shows a character that can be a part of your personality as an artist. You are not just protecting your work but giving it a pleasing appearance that will make the onlookers excited about what’s inside.
Development of a Unique Patina Over Time
Leather has a life of its own. As you journal your journey as an artist on the inside, the leather will go through thick and thin with you, developing a unique patina over time. The smooth edges, where you hold onto it for long periods of time, might have a lasting print on your work.
Top Leather Sketch Pads from Pikore Worth Considering
Enough with the praises of the material that has only been a staple for kings and monarchs for presents and to preserve scrolls of decrees and treaties. Now that we have laid a solid foundation to convince you why a leather artist sketchbook should be your next buy, here are some amazing suggestions from Pikore’s collection.
Leather Custom Sketchbook
We are starting off our list with a bestseller, and it is so for all the right reasons. The Leather Custom Sketchbook is the ultimate tool in your arsenal as an artist. It has a sleeve where your sketchbook goes on one side of the leather flap. The other side has pockets and compartments for stationery, including pencils, colors, and more. All of these things are tied down and secured with a leather strap that gives the sketchbook its rustic and vintage look.
Binder Cover Notique
Another bestseller from Pikore, the Binder Cover Notique is the perfect companion for writers and artists who want to jot down new ideas and sketches when they are on the go. It has a sleek and stylish design with a minimalist footprint. You have binder rings on one side of the book with holders and compartments for essentials on the other side. The closed book features a solid button to ensure everything stays in place.
Document Folder
Since we are dealing with premium, handcrafted, genuine leather sketch pads for artists, how can we leave the coveted Document Folder aside? Think about a classic folder with ample space to keep your masterpieces and all the tools to make them! Just like other items on the list, it comes in different colors, each one more iconic than the last. The folder is tied down with a cord so your beloved work stays intact.
Binder Cover Sable
Work gets a lot harder when you are on the move, be it a coffee run where you connect with other artists or aboard a train across the country. However, with the Binder Cover Sable, you can have all the sheets, pencils, pens, and other relevant accessories in one sturdy cover with a button on top. The piece makes a perfect gift for yourself or for a friend who wants something reliable on the go.
Journal Cover Wander
When you need something truly minimalist and practical, the Journal Cover Wander steps up and takes center stage. A genuine leather marvel that can keep all your drawings and sketches in place, along with the coveted tools. The footprint is sleek, so when you tuck it inside your backpack, it disappears until you retrieve it. Available in five amazing colors, including brown, black, and cognac, this journal makes a perfect gift for a loved one who happens to be an artist.
How to Choose the Right Leather Sketch Pad
The process of choosing the best leather sketchbooks can be tricky. But when you jot down the basics, it is fun and exciting.
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Paper Quality and Texture: Always consider the paper quality and texture of the sketchbook because your real work depends on it.
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Size for Portability Needs: The size should strike a perfect balance between size and portability, being small enough to carry around while sizable enough to make art.
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Binding Type and Flexibility: Hard backbone binding holds a big part of the sheet, which could be a hindrance. Ring binders provide all the flexibility.
Things to Consider Before Buying Leather Sketch Pads
There are countless leather sketch pads for artists to choose from on the internet, but not all are made equal. Here is a snapshot of the pros and cons to keep in mind before making the purchase.
Pros
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Resilient Material: Leather is extremely durable and resilient thanks to its organic structure. It can withstand elements for a long time.
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Aesthetic Points: Leather has a special place in the accessories world, often chosen for the high-end, excellent pieces.
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Personalization Galore: The personalization options for leather are unlimited. You can get initials, name, dates, or custom messages that resonate with you as an artist.
Cons
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Comparatively Expensive: Leather, when compared to card, paper, and other materials for sketchbook covers, is expensive. In some cases, it is 100x.
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Hefty to Carry Around: Many consider leather to be heavy and a nuisance to carry around.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Leather Sketch Pads
Having a leather-bound sketchbook is all good, but you need to take care of it so it can keep looking good for a long time. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind.
Cleaning
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Use a gentle soap solution and a lint-free cloth for cleaning.
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Never use harsh chemicals, acidic or basic, on leather.
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Spot clean immediately after getting a stain. Do not let it sit for long.
Conditioning
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Use a relevant conditioner or leather oil to condition the material.
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Apply the conditioner in short and deep circular motions.
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Let it rest for a while and then buff to restore shine.
Storage
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Always use a breathable bag to store your leather artist sketchbook.
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Use tissues or paper to keep the shape intact.
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Never store in direct sunlight or any other heat source.
Is a Leather Sketch Pad Right for You?
The answer is simpler than you think. Whether you are an established artist with a solid workflow and funds or a newbie just starting and testing the waters, investing in a premium leather sketch pad could be the right push for your career. We have covered all the bases in the blog, from cleaning tips, pros and cons, as well as some top suggestions from your favorite brand.
Pikore has been a partner of artists since its inception. Combining the goodness of genuine leather with exceptional artisanship, the handcrafted leather accessories cannot get any better than this. Place your order now!
