Things You'll Need:
- Art supply store
- Lightbox (optional)
- Trial and error
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Step 1
Analyze all steps in your drawing process. Do you quickly create your pencil roughs on any type of drawing surface available? Do you ink your finished drawing on a separate drawing surface from your rough? Do you do several roughs on tracing paper before tackling that finished drawing? Do you also use media beyond pencil and pen and ink, such as watercolors or charcoal?
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Step 2
Don’t order anything online. Go to an artist supply store and take your time to examine paper pads right in the store.
Is the paper color bright enough?
Touch one of the pages in the pad. Is the surface smooth enough, or does it have enough texture for the media that you use?
I would recommend buying several different types of paper to test receptivity to your drawing style and the types of media that you most often use.
A hot press or plate surface paper is smoother and more receptive to markers and pen and ink.
A cold press or vellum surface has more texture than hot press, and is more receptive to softer media like charcoal and pastels.
There are also more economical so-called all purpose paper choices that are supposedly receptive to all media, such as Borden & Riley Paris Bleedproof Paper for Pens.
A growing fad among younger artists with an affinity for Japanese manga (comics) is Deleter paper with its pre-ruled pages and supposed receptivity to all media including pencil, pen, and marker. -
Step 3
You’ll only figure out what your paper preferences are through trial and error. And the more you draw the greater the chance that your style and paper preferences will change over time.
