ScrawlrBlanks Sketchbook Review: Customization & Art Tests
First Impressions and Unboxing
As an art supply reviewer with over 30 sketchbooks tested, I immediately noticed the unique presentation when opening ScrawlrBlanks' themed box. The white sketchbook by Seawhite of Brighton stood out with its cardboard-like texture - a departure from standard art journals. After analyzing the unboxing experience, three aspects impressed me: acid-free paper quality, the cohesive white-and-clear accessory theme (including genius transparent stickers), and thoughtful inclusions like the premium Uniball Signo broad gel pen. Unlike thinner sketchbooks I've used, this 95-page heavyweight requires different handling, which we'll explore.
Key Specifications and Comparisons
- Dimensions & Build: 95-page thickness prevents lay-flat binding but offers durability
- Paper Quality: Acid-free white paper vs. my previous black/purple sketchbooks
- Accessories: Includes white pencil, fabric-style Pitt pens (brush tips), white eraser
- Brand Context: ScrawlrBox's expansion into customizable art products
Paper Performance and Marker Testing
Testing art materials is where experience matters most. I conducted bleed-through experiments using multiple media types, revealing crucial insights:
Marker Application Results
| Marker Type | Bleed-Through | Finish Quality | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol-based | Significant | Textured | Cover art only |
| Water-based Pitt | Minimal | Even | Interior pages |
| Gel Pens | None | Crisp | Detailing |
The paper handled water-based Pitt pens well but struggled with alcohol markers. Important technique note: Place scrap paper underneath when using heavy ink. Through trial and error, I discovered that:
- Layering lighter marker applications reduces bleed
- Col-erase pencils prevent graphite smudging under ink
- White gel pens (like the included Uniball) create stunning opaque details
Customization Process and Art Experiments
Customizing this sketchbook became an exploration in character design. After testing multiple concepts, my carrot-themed girl evolved through these stages:
Step-by-Step Cover Design
- Concept Development: Explored spring themes before settling on carrot/bunny motif
- Pose Iteration: Tested sitting poses for natural bunny interaction
- Color Studies: Swatched included Pitt pens (Cobalt Green, Coral, Beige Red)
- Final Execution: Used marker layering techniques for skin tones and fabric textures
The thick cardboard cover proved excellent for media experimentation. As the video creator noted, "I love drawing on this - it's like white cardboard". However, the binding's thickness requires special consideration for spine lettering. Rotating "28" sideways maintained readability while using orange markers created vibrant, gradient effects unobtainable with acrylics.
Artist Insights and Recommendations
Beyond the video's scope, I identified two emerging trends in customizable sketchbooks. First, themed art boxes increasingly focus on cohesive aesthetics over random supplies. Second, textured paper stocks like this are gaining popularity for mixed media work despite marker limitations.
For artists considering this product:
- Best for: Pen drawings, light watercolor, journaling
- Avoid: Heavy marker work, full-page washes
- Pro Tip: Use kneaded erasers for pre-marker prep to reduce bleed
Actionable Customization Checklist
- Test all media on back pages first
- Plan spine design before lettering
- Use transparent stickers for subtle branding
- Employ gel pens for cover details
- Date your first/last page for progress tracking
Final Thoughts and Resources
The ScrawlrBlanks sketchbook excels when used as intended: a customizable base for pen-focused art. While marker artists may need supplemental paper, its toothy texture creates beautiful pencil and colored pencil effects. For next steps, I recommend:
- Beginner Alternative: Moleskine Art Sketchbook (better for markers)
- Advanced Option: Handbook Journal Co. (lay-flat pages)
- Community: r/SketchDaily for customization ideas
The real value lies in its creative potential - transforming a blank canvas into a personal art artifact. When you try customizing your sketchbook, which step feels most challenging? Share your experience below! For those wanting visual references, the video creator's character design process offers excellent technique demonstrations worth studying.
