GSM Explained: Why Paper Weight Matters for Art Journaling
For art journalers, the choice of paper is as crucial as the paints and brushes they use. The paper’s weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), significantly impacts the outcome of your creative endeavors. Understanding GSM (GSM paper) will help you choose the best journal for art journaling.
Understanding GSM in Art Journaling
What is GSM?
GSM, or grams per square meter, indicates the density of paper and serves as a measurement of its weight. A higher GSM value signifies a thicker, heavier paper. For instance, consider these common examples:
- Standard printer paper typically has a GSM of around 75.
- Quality papers, such as watercolor paper, can range from 140 GSM to 300 GSM or even higher.
When selecting a notebook or sketchbook, it’s important to consider the GSM to ensure it aligns with your chosen medium.
Importance of Paper Weight
Paper weight is super important because it determines how well the paper can handle different media. A heavier GSM can withstand wet media like watercolor, ink, and acrylic paint without buckling or bleeding through. Lighter GSM papers are more suitable for dry media such as pencils, charcoal, and pastels. Think about the art supplies you will be using in your art journal.
How GSM Affects Your Art Journal
GSM impacts the overall functionality and aesthetic of your art journal. A higher GSM allows for mixed media techniques, including collage and layering, without the paper deteriorating. A journal that can lay flat is preferable to many art journalers and is commonly found in a bound journal. When using wet and dry media, GSM is important to the quality paper inside of your journal.
Choosing the Best Journals for Art Journaling
Top Features of Best Art Journals
When selecting the best art journals for your creative endeavors, several features stand out. The GSM of the paper inside is crucial, especially if you plan to use wet media like watercolor or acrylic paint. Look for a journal that can lay flat, which is ideal for creating across two pages. The best art journals often have a hard cover for durability and protection. Consider the different sizes available to suit your artistic style and needs.
Best Art Journals for Mixed Media
For art journaling and mixed media, choosing the right notebook is essential. The best art journals for this purpose typically feature a higher GSM, ensuring the paper doesn’t buckle or bleed when using wet and dry media. Look for journals that can handle collage, ink, and different art supplies without deteriorating. Some popular choices include journals with a spiral binding that allows them to lay flat, making the creative process smoother for art journalers.
Comparing Strathmore and Canson
When considering quality paper for art journaling, Strathmore and Canson are two leading brands. Both offer a range of sketchbooks and notebooks suitable for mixed media, but they have distinct characteristics. When selecting between the brands, remember that each one stands out in different ways:
- Strathmore often provides excellent texture, especially their cold press watercolor paper, making it ideal for watercolor.
- Canson, known for its versatility, offers paper that works well with both wet and dry media.
Art journalers should evaluate which brand best suits their medium preferences.
Different Types of Art Journals
Watercolor Journals
Watercolor journals are specifically designed to handle the unique demands of watercolor techniques. These notebooks feature heavier GSM paper, often around 140 GSM or higher, to prevent bleed-through and buckling when using watercolor. Many art journalers find that the texture of the paper, such as cold press, enhances the watercolor medium. Consider a watercolor journal if you frequently use watercolor or other wet media in your art journaling practice, and it’s important to choose quality paper.
Sketchbooks vs. Junk Journals
Sketchbooks and junk journals serve different purposes in art journaling. A sketchbook is generally used for drawing, sketching, and experimenting with dry media. Junk journals, on the other hand, are creative journals made from recycled materials, collage elements, and various paper types. While a sketchbook might use smoother paper, a junk journal embraces texture and layering. Art journalers can use both to express different facets of their creativity, so they have different art and journaling and mixed media needs.
Visual Journals Explained
A visual journal is a type of art journal that emphasizes visual expression over written words. Art journalers use visual journals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through images, colors, and textures. These journals often incorporate mixed media techniques, collage, and various art supplies. The choice of paper, including media paper or colored paper, depends on the artist’s preferred medium and style. A visual journal can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and creative exploration, in both bound journal and sketchbook formats.
Tips for Art Journaling with Different Mediums
Using Watercolor in Your Art Journal
For art journalers keen on using watercolor, selecting the right watercolor paper is paramount in the best art journal. Look for a watercolor journal with a GSM of at least 140 to 300 to prevent the watercolor medium from bleeding through. Consider the texture, such as cold press, which enhances the flow and absorption of the watercolor medium. Experiment with different sizes to find one that suits your artistic style, noting that quality paper will vastly improve your artwork. With the right notebooks and journals, your art journaling endeavors using watercolor will be greatly enhanced.
Incorporating Mixed Media Techniques
Incorporating mixed media into your art journal opens up a world of creative possibilities. To achieve the best results in journaling and mixed media, use a notebook with a higher GSM, ensuring the paper doesn’t buckle under layers of collage, ink, and acrylic paint. The best art journals are the bound journal types that can handle both wet and dry media without deteriorating. This means that art journalers can seamlessly blend different art supplies and techniques, creating rich and textured artwork. Look for quality paper when using mixed media art supplies.
Choosing the Right Notebook for Your Medium
Selecting the appropriate notebook is crucial for your chosen medium. For wet media like watercolor or acrylic, the best journals for art journaling feature a high GSM to prevent bleed-through. If you primarily use dry media such as pencils or pastels, a lower GSM might suffice. For mixed media, ensure the paper is versatile enough to handle different art supplies. Consider the size, binding, and paper texture to match your artistic style. Art journalers often find that a journal that can lay flat enhances their creative process, regardless of the medium used.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Art Journal
Personal Preferences in Paper Weight
Choosing the ideal paper weight often comes down to personal preference. Different artists have varying needs and preferences, which can be seen in:
- Some art journalers prefer a lighter GSM because it’s more flexible and better for dry media.
- Others choose a higher GSM to handle wet and mixed media techniques effectively.
Experimentation is key to discovering which paper weight complements your unique style and chosen mediums. Finding this balance will ensure your art journal performs optimally for your creative pursuits, perhaps even using a Moleskine art book journal.
Exploring Your Love for Art Journaling
Art journaling is a journey of self-expression and creativity. Exploring different types of journals, from sketchbooks to media journals, can deepen your love for this art form. Experiment with various mediums, techniques, and styles to find what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to try something new and embrace the imperfections that make your art uniquely yours. Art journalers often find that the process of creating is just as rewarding as the final product, whatever the different art that is created.
Final Thoughts on the Best Journals for Art Journaling
In conclusion, choosing the best journals for art journaling involves understanding GSM, considering your preferred medium, and embracing your creative style. Whether you prefer watercolor paper, mixed media paper, or something in between, there’s a journal out there that’s perfect for you. A hard cover journal is preferable for many art journalers. Remember to prioritize quality paper and features like a journal that can lay flat. Exploring a visual journal, junk journal or even sketchbooks is important to your art process. Happy art journaling!