Moleskine

[Smoke]

I'm thinking about getting a moleskine sketchbook, but I'm not sure if I will be able to justify using it. I mean, my artwork isn't exactly fantastic by any means.

Would you wait until you are comfortable with your art before using a moleskine, and practice using generic sketchooks until that point? Or shall I just dive right in?

[kennygeeze]

The appeal of moleskin to alot of the people in my illustration class seems to be on the type of paper and the way it reacts with their instruments... for example one girl i know does a ton of sketching in ballpoint pen and according to her "the pen slides around like butter" on the moleskin... which she likes.

I don't think you should worry about whether or not your drawings are 'good' enough for the book.

Doesn't moleskin use make alot of claims like famous celebrity artists used moleskin as journals or something? I think that's just the marketing side of it. They're just trying to encourage certain hobbiests to buy their product.

I looked at your sketchbook and I think your drawings are plenty good enough for moleskin :) :) :) hahah.

[blackplasma]

Can someone tell me what is moleskine and why is it special.
sorry for such a noob question?

[RogerAdams]

Hey Smokey,

There is nothing like getting an expensive sketchbook and then just freeze up because you don't want to mess it up with "a bad" drawing. You don't need anything fancy to sketch with and when you use a cheap sketchbook the pressure's off. You don't even need a bound sketchbook. I used regular copy paper, you know the 500 sheets for a couple bucks, attached to a clipboard. I still use regular copy paper to sketch with.

With that said, they make a nice sketchbook. I personally don't like the heavy stock they use in the Sketchbook version. I like the Cahier version they've come out with because the paper is light and good for graphite. And they are a lot cheaper than the regular Moleskines.

roger

[chaosrocks]

they aren't particularly expensive
especially not compared to the custom ones I make for myself, treat yourself and don'tbe scared to draw in it

[tensai]

well, i love nice paper or pens or materials as much as the next guy or girl but i go through a sketchbook like that in 3 or 4 days. i tried it with moleskine once, but just rather have more paper than a really nice booklet or whatever. so i buy local normal paper ones of the same size for 1/5 of the price and sketch like mad. to each his own of course.

[Malaveldt]

Moleskine sketchbooks are nice. They'll fit in your pocket easily and won't get trashed or give you a lesion on your thigh in the process. I guess some people use them as fashion accessories and try to front with them. These people should be killed, but it doesn't mean that they aren't good sketchbooks. It's a little like drawing on bristol, so don't use something that smears easily.

[Wooly ESS]

The sketchbook itself can be a piece of art, regardless of what you put in it. I'm kind of a book freak, and like the Moleskines as a unique, quality product. I have several of them and use them for various purposes. You don't have to be at a certain level of proficiency to use them. If you like 'em buy 'em.

By the way, chaosrocks, tell us about your handmade sketchbooks. Perhaps a short tutorial would be in order!