Answer these questions to find the best journal for your visual journaling style. This quiz will guide you through size, paper weight, and other factors, plus suggest types and brands to try!
1. What size journal works best for you when carrying it daily?
(Think about how you’ll use it on the go.)
a. Compact (A6, ~4×6 inches): I need something that fits in my pocket or a small bag for quick sketches and notes.
b. Portable (A5, ~5.8×8.3 inches): I want a balance of space and portability—it should fit easily in my backpack or purse.
c. Roomy (A4, ~8.3×11.7 inches): I don’t mind a larger bag—I need lots of space to sketch and experiment.
2. What type of media will you use most?
(Your choice affects paper weight and texture.)
a. Dry media like pens, pencils, or markers: I’ll mostly use fine liners, gel pens, or colored pencils for my journaling.
b. Wet media like watercolor or ink washes: I’ll use watercolors, brush pens, or inks, and I want pages that won’t warp.
c. A mix of everything: I experiment with pens, paint, collage, and more. My journal has to handle it all.
3. How much structure do you want on the pages?
a. I love a dot grid or lined layout to keep things neat and organized.
b. I prefer blank pages for total freedom.
c. I’m open to a mix—some light structure can help, but I still want room for creativity.
4. What’s your ideal paper weight?
(Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter or GSM. Higher GSM means thicker, sturdier paper.)
a. 90–120 GSM: Great for pens, pencils, and light sketching. Minimal bleed-through but not suitable for wet media.
b. 200–300 GSM: Perfect for watercolors, inks, and mixed media. Sturdy enough to handle heavier applications.
c. Above 300 GSM: Professional-grade, ideal for bold projects and experimentation with no warping.
Results
If You Chose Mostly A’s: Lightweight, Everyday Journals
You need a portable, versatile journal for pens and pencils with smooth paper and a manageable size.
- Size recommendation: A6 or A5
- Paper weight: 90–120 GSM for easy sketching and writing.
- Suggested types: Moleskine Classic Notebook, Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5, or Rhodia Webnotebook (dot grid).
If You Chose Mostly B’s: Watercolor-Ready Journals
You love creating with wet media and need a journal that can handle water without buckling.
- Size recommendation: A5 or A4 (for larger watercolor pieces).
- Paper weight: 200–300 GSM for washes and vibrant pigment.
- Suggested types: Canson Art Book Universal, Strathmore Watercolor Journal, or Stillman & Birn Beta Series.
If You Chose Mostly C’s: Mixed-Media Journals
Your creativity knows no bounds, and you need a journal that can handle diverse techniques.
- Size recommendation: A5 or A4
- Paper weight: 250+ GSM for durability and versatility.
- Suggested types: Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media, Arteza Mixed Media Sketchbook, or the Pentalic Illustrator’s Sketchbook.
Notes on Choosing a Journal
Extras: Look for journals with pen loops, pockets, or perforated pages if those features fit your journaling needs..
Brands: Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 are ideal for dry media, while Strathmore, Canson, and Stillman & Birn cater to wet or mixed media.
Binding: Choose spiral-bound for flat-lay convenience or hardcover for durability.