Do you ever ask yourself how some artists can turn a piece of graphite on a piece of paper into a masterpiece? In addition to talent and technique, the choice of material may be decisive for such works. There are many types of paper, and among all these choices, artists have a favorite known as cartridge paper, especially when sketching.
But what makes this paper one of the favorites? Its smooth, tough, and flexible surface gives the artists a perfect opportunity for creativity without compromise. Artists, from amateurs to professionals who want to polish themselves, come back to cartridge paper as it has certain benefits.
No matter what medium you use, be it graphite, charcoal or ink, cartridge paper can contribute enormously to your work quality. Let us look into 5 persuasive reasons for cartridge paper being the best sketching medium.
1. Compatible Texture for Dry Mediums
Texture is another word for “tooth,” and it is one of the most essential determinants in any paper. So, whether or not the texture is rough or smooth can greatly affect how it interacts with drawing materials and the way the medium is absorbed.
Similarly, cartridge paper falls somewhere in the middle of grainy papers and is best suited to dry media such as graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, and pastels.
The thickness of this paper is a result of its texture. It is substantive enough to pick up pigments from pencils and charcoal without much drag. So, it can allow you a surface for easy, controlled strokes. It is especially appropriate if you sketch with loose, hasty strokes and refined, thin lines.
2. Durability
Cartridge paper can be described by its thickness and density, commonly measured by the grams per square meter (gsm). It is thicker and more durable compared to usual computer print or note-taking paper.
This thickness means that the paper can easily withstand the back-and-forth erasing and drawing, which is typical of sketching. It is because artists tend to tweak something as they draw, whether it’s refining a curve, erasing an incorrect proportion, or scraping off the entire area.
Regardless, cartridge paper is strong enough to accommodate such variations without getting spoilt or worn out often. Its durability also makes the paper somewhat more compatible with graphite or pressure while sketching.
Must Read: Fintechzoom PLTR Stock: Analyzing Palantir’s Market Performance
3. Versatility
The other reason artists prefer cartridge paper is due to its versatility. Although it can work well with dry media, it is possible to work with other media as well. You can incorporate both liquid and compressed materials such as ink, markers, a light wash of watercolor, and more.
For instance, fine-liner, brush pen or dip pen, and ink-based sketch complement cartridge paper because of their smooth texture and the way they soak ink. You can even write on the paper as it will not blot, smudge, feather, or bleed through to the other side of the page.
Moreover, the considerable capacity of ink retention reduces the formation of large pools or blotting on the surface. It is quite essential for artists who create complicated drawings.
4. Availability in Various Sizes
Cartridge paper can be bought in several formats, from A5 sketch pads to A0-sized paper, making it adequate for different needs and techniques.
It can also be found in the form of rolls and a set of sheets. So, as an artist, you can choose the most suitable format for this paper that you are comfortable with. You can carry it easily in a sketchbook or keep the big roll of cartridge paper in your studios.
This aspect of liberal format and size is an added advantage for fast and freehand sketching, case studies, and detailed drawings. For instance, A2 or A1 sheets are convenient when developing massive plans, scale models, or full-scale layouts.
Meanwhile, the A4 and A5 sketchbooks remain popular because of their portability. It is convenient to take them outdoors for sketching, going on a trip or a business journey. In this way, the versatility of this paper with regard to its size ensures that artists of any stage of development can utilize the product.
5. Cost-Effectiveness with Quality
Despite such high quality from the point of view of texture, thickness, and versatility, cartridge paper remains rather affordable. So, its affordability does not mean that you have to compromise on quality.
This makes it an attractive option for professional artists who need large volumes of paper and hobbyists looking for quality paper within their budget. Furthermore, the balance between cost and quality allows you to practice and experiment freely without concern.
Since you don’t have to worry about how much each sheet will cost, you can use it for several retries before finalizing your artwork without worrying about wasting the paper. Also, cartridge paper is easy to find since it is available at most art supply stores or online retailers.
Therefore, the wide availability of this paper, added to its low price, makes it popular among professional commissions and casual sketches.
Conclusion
Cartridge paper is one of the favorite papers chosen by artists for sketching due to its texture, durability, versatility, and relatively low cost.
In this type of paper, the medium grain allows you to control dry media. As a result, techniques such as shading, blending, or detailing can be effectively achieved.
Moreover, its thick paper formulation enables you to repeat erasing and apply a range of substances like ink, watercolor, etc. It also comes in different sizes and forms and, therefore, can be prepared in a way that will be most suitable for your use.
Last but not least, as they are affordable, you can use them for your art or craft without issues.
