21 Jun 2022Mont Marte

It's a great feeling, opening a new page in a fresh sketch book. But what’s the best paper for your next project and what’s GSM mean? Take a leaf out of our book and find your perfect creating companion, with this guide to Mont Marte sketch books and papers.


Choosing your thickness

GSM refers to the thickness and weight of the paper. The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper, so you can expect watercolour paper to be around 300gsm and tracing paper to be 60gsm. GSM simply stands for ‘Grams per Square Meter.’ This is because paper is made from wood, so the higher the GSM, the more wood pulp that is needed. Keep in mind, copy/printer paper is around 80 – 100gsm and a good-quality business card is around 300gsm.

Choosing your size and orientation

Firstly, consider what you’d best like to create. If you’re wanting to create on the go, a smaller sketch book like an A5 (5.8 x 8.3 inches) or A6 (4.13 x 5.83 inches) might be your best bet. An architectural drawing is better suited to a landscape orientation. Alternatively, if you’re just wanting to quickly sketch something then maybe a sketchpad might be better for you.

Visual art diary with sketch pad on top of each other.

Sketchpads 

Great for carrying wherever creativity takes you, sketchpads vary in a range of sizes so you can upscale your ideas. Our sketchpads come in a range of sizes from 25, 30, 50 and 100 sheets and because these pads are bound with tape, page removals are super easy. If markers are your forte, try one of our bleed proof marker sketchpads and scribble to your heart’s content. Or if you’re just starting out, our signature sketchpads also feature drawing tips on the inside cover, winning!

  • Ranges:
    Signature
    Discovery
    Premium

  • Types:
    110gsm
    150gsm

  • Sizes:
    Jumbo (229mm x 305mm)
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

Sketch books 

Sketch out your ideas with a Mont Marte sketch book. Like our sketchpads, these are great for portable creating and vary in size, from A2, A3 and A4s. Plus, the spiral bind will hold your sketches neatly together. Or take it up a notch with an A4 100-page signature sketching diary, great for sketching, doodling and watercolour painting.

  • Ranges:
    Signature
    Discovery

  • Types:
    110gsm
    150gsm

  • Sizes:
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)
    A2 (420 x 594 mm)

Sketch block

Sketch blocks are great for holding together your sketch drawings. If you’re looking for a crisp combination of warm and cool white paper, this signature hard cover sketch block has you covered. Great for sketching and journaling, this sketch block features both warm, natural white paper on one side and a separate block of cool white paper on the other side.

  • Ranges:
    Signature

  • Types:
    110gsm

  • Sizes:
    A4 (210 x 297mm)

Hardcover Pads and Papers

Keep your sketches and ideas protected with a hardcover Mont Marte sketch book. These durable sketch books will keep you creating for longer thanks to their sturdy hardcovers. If you’re looking for something a little lux, give the Croc Finish sketch book a go, this crocodile-look cover is a stylish addition that you’ll want to carry everywhere. 

  • Ranges: 
    Signature

  • Types:
    110gsm
    150gsm

  • Sizes:
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

  Visual art diaries
Visual art diaries of different sizes and colours laying on top.

It’s no secret that a good visual art diary is an artist’s companion. These diaries come in a variety of colours so you can find your new found favourite. Backed by heavyweight card, they each have a sturdy surface and being spiral bound, they’ll keep your ideas all together.

  • Ranges: 
    Signature

  • Types:
    110gsm
    140gsm

  • Sizes:
    A6 (105 x 148 mm)
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

Watercolour Paper
Watercolour paper of various sizes laying on top of on another.

No matter where you are on your creative journey, you’ll be able to find your perfect paper match with our Mont Marte watercolour paper. If you’re new to the watercolour game, try our Watercolour Pad Premium A3, it features practical tips and techniques to help give you a hand before diving in. Otherwise, our Premium watercolour pads are made from German paper with a rough-tooth, texture to hold your watercolour washes. Or try a cotton watercolour paper, this thick paper is not only wonderful for watercolours but can also be used for gouache and ink too.

  • Ranges:
    Artiste
    Premium
    Signature
    Discovery

  • Types:
    180gsm
    190gsm
    200gsm
    300gsm

  • Sizes:
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

 Watercolour Block

If you’re looking for watercolour paper than our Mont Marte watercolour paper block might be a good option for you. Our premium watercolour paper blocks are made from a quality cotton so they can be used for both watercolour painting and ink drawing. This block has gummed edges so you won’t have to worry about warping when it comes to wet washes and the cotton makes them resistant to pilling. Once done and dried, simply use a palette knife to keep your pages separate.

  • Ranges:
    Premium

  • Types:
    300gsm

  • Sizes:
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

Pastel Pads
Pastel pads of different sizes laying on top of another.

Have a play with pastels and try a pastel pad. These pads feature a fine-tooth paper making them suitable for soft, hard and oil pastels as well as charcoals, graphite and coloured pencils.
Inside you’ll find an assortment of a light cream, gold, green and pink paper so you can choose which colours will best harmonise your tools. And, because they’re tape bound, you can easily tear each sheet off.

  • Ranges:
    Signature

  • Types:
    180gsm

  • Sizes:
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

  Black paper sketchpads
Black paper sketchpad A3, A4, A5 all laying on top.

Create works that are uniquely yours with a black paper sketchpad. If you’re a beginner or yet to give black paper a try, why not give our black paper sketchpads a whirl. Open the inside cover and you’ll find practical tips to help you begin. Featuring a fine-tooth paper, these are suitable for soft pastels, hard pastels, white charcoal and metallics.

  • Ranges:
    Signature 

  • Types:
    140gsm

  • Sizes:
    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper A4 and A3 laying on top of one another.

Kraft paper is great for charcoal, pencils, ink and pastels. Not to be confused with craft paper, this Kraft paper is a brown paper similar to the colour of a carboard but much lighter in weight. Sketch your heart out and watch your highlights and shadows pop on this type of paper. 

  • Ranges:
    Signature

  • Types:
    115gsm

  • Sizes:
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

Tracing Paper
A4 and A3 Mont Marte tracing paper on top of one another.

Save time by using tracing paper to easily copy your designs and drawings before laying them onto a canvas. Our tracing paper is made from a light yet durable 60gsm paper, so light can easily travel through the paper without compromising the durability of the paper. You won’t have to worry about erasing any mistakes and risking tears.

  • Ranges:
    Signature

  • Types:
    60gsm

  • Sizes:

    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)

Coloured Paper

A stack of Mont Marte coloured paper, construction paper and Fluoro card.

You can easily add a bunch of fun to brighten up your arts and crafts game with some funky coloured paper. Our fluro art card makes for a great choice for scrapbooking, journaling, card making and craft projects. Or try your hand at origami with our construction paper or coloured paper.

  • Ranges:
    Signature

  • Types:
    90 gsm
    230gsm

  • Sizes:

    A5 (148 x 210mm)
    A4 (210 x 297mm)
    A3 (297 x 420 mm)


Grab one of our Mont Marte sketch books or papers and create something totally new. We’d love to see what you come up with. Share it with us, using the #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. Or check out our latest projects.