Art course sketchbook size recommendation

I have finished my GCSES this june and starting an art course (then A-levels next year) and do not know which sketchbook size to use. I have an option of either A3 or A4.

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post by Inesasiz0808

I have finished my GCSES this june and starting an art course (then A-levels next year) and do not know which sketchbook size to use. I have an option of either A3 or A4.

I would recommend a4 because it’s easier to carry around with you! If you wanted to do something slightly bigger you could always keep some a3 paper handy in your room somewhere and then take a photo of your work and stick it into your sketchbook (this is what I do). However, if you used a4 at gcse and found it limiting maybe you could try a3 but that’s a lot of empty space and id personally find that quite intimidating! Then again im not an expert as I’ve also just finished my GCSEs, best of luck for result day :smile:

Reply 2

ArtsUniPlymouth

Official Rep

15

Original post by Inesasiz0808

I have finished my GCSES this june and starting an art course (then A-levels next year) and do not know which sketchbook size to use. I have an option of either A3 or A4.

Hi @Inesasiz0808

I started with A4 but then changed to A3 as my work got bigger. It is a pain to carry an A3 around, but I found a tote bag that it fit in nicely, and a cheapy carrier bag to put it inside when it was raining.

I did a lot of printing on paper & textiles and found in the A3 sketchbook better. Also, my mind maps started getting big and were easier to read on A3.

Like the other posted said, you can always insert A3 sheets to fold out.

Hope that helps.

Andrea - Fine Art Student.
Arts University Plymouth Rep
Aup.ac.uk
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Reply 3

Inesasiz0808

OP

2

Original post by DerDracologe

I would recommend a4 because it’s easier to carry around with you! If you wanted to do something slightly bigger you could always keep some a3 paper handy in your room somewhere and then take a photo of your work and stick it into your sketchbook (this is what I do). However, if you used a4 at gcse and found it limiting maybe you could try a3 but that’s a lot of empty space and id personally find that quite intimidating! Then again im not an expert as I’ve also just finished my GCSEs, best of luck for result day :smile:

Thank you, I was unsure as A4 is much easier to carry but A3 could just have more detailed work but I didn’t think about taking a picture of bigger work and putting in my sketchbook, good luck for your results too😊

Reply 4

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

Lots of colleges will either provide you with a sketchbook to start with or have specific requirements.

I would always recommend anyone interested in art has an A5 or A6 sketchbook to keep on hand for drawing/sketching/ideas when you’re out. You can always then cut out pages from this and stick into a larger book to develop ideas but having something small and handy is a good idea

Reply 5

thelilyopela

8

My school normally gave me A3 so I could get multiple ideas on the same page, but an A4 might be easier to use as it's smaller, so easier to fill up quicker.

Art course sketchbook size recommendation

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