We were often asked what makes Koval Sketchbooks different from others. Let us get into more details on how each of the sketchbooks was made.

Most sketchbooks available today on the market are made on production lines for notebooks and calendars. Manufacturers would simply replace pre-printed pages with blank sheets but with the same covers, finish, even the thin elastic band to keep the book closed. That’s why a lot of sketchbooks look like planners.

I got these samples of different watercolor papers from “Koval” who make beautiful sketchbooks for watercolor and gouache, and I decided to test these papers with gouache, my favourite painting medium. First, I thought I would just make a few brushstrokes on each of these strips, using gouache, but then I decided to use the strips to do tiny master copies of the paintings of some of the artists I admired. It was such a fun task!

Five of the six papers that I tested were cold pressed and one of them (Fabriano 5, 50% cotton paper) was hot pressed.

Our main goal is to produce high-quality and cruelty-free products. Creating Premium sketchbooks means making sure that we’re acquiring the best possible materials and that our clients know exactly what has been used to bring their sketchbooks to life.

Transparency is our domain. We’re not a corporation, so there’s no secrecy; we’re always happy to share the components of our sketchbooks; from paper through threads to glue and covers. There are very specific reasons behind our choices: all the elements come from manufacturers with a long history and experience in their field. The fact that our suppliers meet strict ecological requirements as well as ensure an ethical environment means a great deal to us.

We’re attaching all the components that we use and the description of the brands, below.

And how to choose right weight of cotton paper?

Before you make this decision it’s crucial to understand the difference between cotton and cellulose paper. Many people that have had experience with cellulose paper would consider the 200gsm cellulose as unsuitable for their needs. The thing is, it's not only the paperweight and the thickness that differs. Most of all, it's about the quality of paper and its hardness. To put it simply, 200gsm cellulose is not the same as 200gsm cotton and you would be able to feel that difference.