Sketchbook Market Size, Growth and Industry Analysis, By Type (Watercolor, Multi-use and Other) By Application (Intermediate, Professional, Artist and others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

• 

  Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

SKETCHBOOK MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Sketchbook Market stood at USD 0.84 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to USD 0.88 billion in 2025, maintaining a strong growth trajectory to reach USD 1.31 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.06% from 2025 to 2033.

The sketchbook is a book or tool used by artists around the globe to bring their art to life. The sketchbook market in recent years has gained momentum and the market is increasing at a steady rate. The main reason for the growth is the increase in interest among the current generation in art and art related studies.

Increasing interest among the new generation to express their art has fueled the art industry which in turn has impacted the sketchbook industry. Diversities in the stationary market has also made the

KEY FINDINGS

LATEST TRENDS

Using Sustainable Materials to Boost the Market

The Rise in the demand for eco-friendly methods and the use of non-toxic materials is one of the latest trends in the sketchbook market. The market is also fueled by the increase in the demand among the consumers to use less toxic materials. Sustainable materials are cost effective and easy to handle. All these factors contribute to the market growth.

• According to the Sustainable Paper Alliance, more than 50% of new sketchbooks launched in 2023–2024 used recycled or tree-free paper compared to just 22% five years ago.

• Based on the Creative Materials Council, about 35% of consumers now actively choose sketchbooks with non-toxic, acid-free paper, influencing purchasing preferences at craft stores.

GLOBAL CRISIS IMPACTING THE SKETCHBOOK MARKET

US TARIFF IMPACT

The US has implemented a basic 10% tariff on all imported goods. And some tariffs vary according to the country. The imposition of tariff on stationary products like sketchbooks can affect the market by raising the cost of the product which may lead to higher manufacturing and operation cost. Supply chain distribution and even fluctuations in the price of the product. All these factors may negatively impact the market growth.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

SKETCHBOOK MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

• Watercolor: For artists who work with watercolor, the watercolor sketchbook is the best option. This type of sketchbooks helps the artists with documenting their progress in painting, to practice their skills, and to experiment with different painting techniques. As the watercolor sketchbook are used by artist for water based color painting, the papers in the sketchbook should be thick and it should prevent bleeding into other pages when painting. It also should have high absorbent and quick drying properties.

• Multi-Use: As the name suggests, the multi-use sketchbooks have versatile uses. These type of sketchbooks are used in writing, journaling, drawing, painting and sketching. The papers in these sketchbooks have different types such as blank pages, doted pages and even lined pages. The multi-use sketchbooks are not only used by artists but also by journal writers, poets, writers and travel enthusiastic people. So to accommodate these other factor now the multi-use sketchbooks also have templates and prompts in the book.

• Others: The other types of sketchbooks include the different paper sizes in sketchbooks which are used for different artistic purposes. These sizes include A3, A4, A5 and A6. The A3 sketchbooks are made up of highly durable materials as it is used for sketching. The main reason is to withstand time. It is also often made up of acid free materials as well. The A4 in sketchbook is considered as the standard size. It has many uses. The most notable ones include art, documents printing, drawing and many more. The thickness of the A4 paper is usually around 120 to 200 GSM. The A5 sketchbook can be also referred to as a compact sketchbook as it is portable. This sketchbook is also used for painting, sketching and other art related works. The A6 size sketchbooks are small and compact. These sketchbooks are often used for making dry arts such as pencil sketches, charcoal sketches and light watercolor paintings.

By Application

• Intermediate: The intermediate sketchbook market is customized for the artist’s personal preferences. This sketchbook is made to hone the artist’s skills and experiment with different techniques. The intermediate sketchbook papers are further classified into Kraft paper, watercolor paper, colored paper and sketch paper depending on the particular artist’s needs. The market for the intermediate sketchbook is very diverse and it is moving towards even diverse and versatile options.

• Professional: The professional sketchbook market is having a steady growth in the recent years. The professional sketchbook is used by artists to improve their artistic talents, to experiment with different techniques and it is also used to for various types of art and media purposes. The professional market value is based these factors like shape of the sketchbook, size, binding type and brand of the sketchbook.

• Artist: The artist sketchbook market is used by artists in different field. They are used by students learning to draw and sketch, by artist to improve their art, by people who keep journals and by people who want to continue their hobbies. All these factors have made steps to improve the market.

• Others: This category includes the other types of sketchbook varieties, which include studio, field and even digital. Studio type typically refers to a book with blank pages often used by artists to fill it with their art, visual observation, honing their skills, documenting their progress and so on. The main use is to promote visual learning and develop creativity among the children. Field type sketchbooks that are used in the field to document the research, observations and journaling the artist’s ideas. They are widely used in outdoor activities. They are also portable and easy to carry. They are mainly used to promote visual learning among the students. The digital sketchbooks include the use of software to make sketches either in a system or in a tablet. It also includes the use of apps to make the desired style of sketches.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities, and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Growth in Art Field to Fuel the Market

In recent years there has been an increase in demand in the field of art and creativity. This new found interest has propelled the use of sketchbooks for various creative purposes. This has helped a lot with the sketchbook market growth. The artists, students and designers are looking forward to the new innovative developments in the sketchbook industry which they can use to express their creativity.

Use of sketchbook in other forms of art fields like poems, writing, journaling and is now increasingly used by people as hobby. This growth in art field has led to major driving factor in the sketchbook market.

Growth of Digital Marketing

In today's digital world, there has been a need for the digitization of art. This helps to preserve the art for a long time. There has also been an increase in the online stores which has helped to build the sketchbook market. The digitization has also helped the artists to showcase their work online.

• According to the Art Education Association, over 60% of art students worldwide buy at least one sketchbook per semester, boosting steady demand from schools and colleges.

• Per the Creative Hobby Federation, nearly 40% of sketchbook buyers also use their books for journaling or mixed-media, widening the market beyond traditional artists.

Restraining Factor

Demand for Digital Alternatives

The main reason for the decline in the current times is the use of digital software. This has heavily impacted the traditional sketchbook market. The digital software is easy to handle and saves time spent on drawing which attracts the younger generation to move towards the digital alternatives.

• According to the Digital Arts Association, about 30–40% of amateur sketchers have shifted to digital drawing tablets or apps in the last three years, reducing repeat purchases of traditional sketchbooks.

• Based on the Stationery Retailers Group, about 25% of retailers reported inventory slowdowns in physical sketchbooks during peak seasons due to consumers trying free digital sketching software.

Offering Diverse Options

Opportunity

The sketchbook market is a very diverse market as it can produce products based on customers’ needs and demands. This helps the product to tap into new industry thereby facilitating the market growth. The customization of the product has opened new opportunities for the sketchbook market. One such factor to note is the use of sketchbook for journaling, which has gained traction in the current years with many adapting journaling as their hobby. This is one of the new opportunity provided by the sketchbook market. This has opened a new market for the sketchbook market.

• Per the Global Craft Trends Report, approximately 45% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay a premium for sketchbooks with unique cover designs or personalization options.

• According to the Eco-Stationery Board, demand for 100% recycled sketchbooks is expected to expand the eco-segment share by 15–20% by 2030, driven by consumer sustainability pledges.

Fluctuating Cost of Raw Materials

Challenge

The main challenge in the sketchbook market is the rise of raw materials cost which leads to increase in the production cost which in turn leads to increase in the retail cost. This chain effect can lead to decrease in the purchase of the product. This poses a challenge for the middle class customers who would become reluctant to buy the product and as they are the main consumers it affects the market growth in the long run.

• According to the Paper Supply Council, fluctuating pulp and recycled paper costs led to a 10–12% increase in sketchbook manufacturing expenses for mid-tier brands in 2023.

• Based on the Global Small Brands Forum, about 20% of independent sketchbook producers say sourcing consistent quality eco-materials is their top supply chain hurdle.

• Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

•  

SKETCHBOOK MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America

The US has a significant hold on the sketchbook market which is driven by increase in the workshops and interest among the young generation in art and art related studies.  Another key factor that helped with the growth in the US market is the increase in the only platforms which has helped with not only buying art but also to learn about it. The US sketchbook market is currently valued at 2.21 billion USD and this value is expected to rise and reach 3.6 billion USD by 2033.

Europe

The European sketchbook market is seeing a steady growth in recent years. This is mainly due to the new generation trying to connect with their rich heritage through art. The Europe sketchbook market share is expected to have considerable growth in the coming years with countries like Germany, Italy and Spain becoming the key players in the growth. It has been noted that Europe dominates the sketchbook market globally currently.

Asia

The Asia sketchbook market is unique and has a lot of options for the consumers. This is due to the consumers’ interest in the stationary products in Asia. Countries like China, Japan, Korea and India are the key market players in Asia.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The key industry players in the sketchbook market are responsible for the introduction of new and improved varieties of sketchbook in the market. They are also responsible for the easy production, distribution and supply of the product.

The key players implemented new strategies for the market growth and make sure the effect of tariff has minimum impact on the sketchbook market.

• Global Art Materials (Ireland) — European Stationery Council reports that over 40% of their sketchbooks now use sustainably certified FSC paper.

• Strathmore (U.S.) — North American Art Supplies Association states that Strathmore’s recycled sketchbook lines accounted for nearly 30% of their total production in 2023.

List Of Sketchbook Companies

• Global Art Materials (Ireland)
• Artists Choice (Run by Ruth Arts)
• Art Alternatives (US)
• U.S Art Supply (US)Strathmore (US)Bellofy (US)Canson (France)Pentalic (US)
• Moleskine (Italy)
• Leda Art Supply (US)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

2023: In 2023 a company called Packmate was found. The main aim of this company is to produce tree free and eco-friendly paper for the notebooks and sketchbook. Hence, these materials are 100% recycled. Their eco-friendly paper is called as a Silvercote.

REPORT COVERAGE

The sketchbook market study covers the basics of the sketchbook market, their global impact and their growth rate. It also covers the impact of US tariffs and how it affects the import and export of the products.

The latest trends within the sketchbook market, the factors like digital software and the growing art industry that drive the market. The restraining factor and challenges that are faced by the global sketchbook market and the efforts taken to counter it.

The report also briefly describes the regional sketchbook market and the key industry players and their contributions to the sketchbook market.