ETCHR Sketchbook Review... How Good Can They Be? |

Рет қаралды 13,714

3 жыл бұрын

ETCHR products are usually geared to artists who paint landscapes and outdoor scenes. But, for an indoor artist, like me, how good can their sketchbooks be? Well, take a peek from the perspective of an illustrator who uses a variety of books.
As for the backstory, I mention in the video that my friend, Nan Schifris, who lives on the other side of the United States, generously sent me these sketchbooks to try out, suggesting that she thought I'd really like them. Well, I share my reaction in the video which may surprise you.
Either way, I'm tremendously grateful to Nan for her kind gift and for being a constant source of inspiration for me and hundreds of followers on social media. I love her simple compositions that are alive with a fresh, organic sense of movement. Her work often reminds me to stop and think what I'm doing, and to resist the urge to over-detail a piece when it doesn't need it. Anyhow, you can check out Nan's work at the link below. Thank you, Nan, for all your kindness, generosity, and support. I'm grateful beyond words! :)
Nan Schifris Instagram: / _nans_art_
PRODUCTS IN VIDEO: (I'm not paid by any company. These are products I actually use)
• ETCHR Cold Pressed Sketchbook A4 (11.4 x 8.3 inches)
• ETCHR Cold Pressed Sketchbook A5 (8.3 x 5.9 inches)
• ETCHR Field Case (for paintbrushes)
• CANSON Montval Coldpressed Sketchbook (7 x 10 inches)
• FIELD ARTIST Cold Pressed Sketchbook (5 x 5 inches)
• HAND•BOOK Panoramic Cold Pressed Travelogue Journal (8.3 x 3.5 inches)
• HAND•BOOK Travelogue Multimedia Journal A4 (11.4 x 8.3 inches)
• HAND•BOOK Travelogue Multimedia Journal A5 (8.3 x 5.9 inches)
• Raphael Kaerell #10 Round Synthetic Watercolor Brush
• Windsor & Newton Cotman #4 Round Synthetic Watercolor Brush
• M. Graham Watercolors
• Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
MUSIC:
“Still Fall (instr)” by M.D. Campbell © 2020 M.D. Campbell • All rights reserved
Blog: www.markdcampbell.com/the-9-li...
Instagram: mdcampbellart
Facebook: m.d. campbell
The intent of my channel is to bring videos of useful content to help fellow artists and art students with insightful information, as well as bring consumers real-world reviews on the products we're likely to buy and use every day.
I'm always grateful for feedback to help improve my channel, so please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Thank you for your time watching! Cheers! ~ Mark
#_nans_art_
#etchrsketchbook
#etchrlabs
#mdcampbellart
#mdcampbell
#mgrahamwatercolors

Пікірлер: 77

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

For the full review, check out the entire video. To jump to the REVIEW click 1:25 or to jump to the DEMO click 9:45 ... I hope this one is helpful and thank you for watching! ~ Mark

@crisprat2604 3 жыл бұрын

This is very very helpful

@BeckyTregear 3 жыл бұрын

What a generous gift! I've really enjoyed my Etchr sketchbooks, and I like the texture of the paper very much. I think I read that it is 240gsm? Holds soooo much water and paint without 'cauliflowering'. I like these books a lot! 💜

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the books I was given are 230 gsm. Not sure what the actual weight of them is, so I can only guesstimate about 90-100lbs. But yes, they do hold a lot of water!

@xypaisb8026 2 жыл бұрын

Is the hot press really smooth or more like a vellum surface?

@ChristinaTodd1970 3 жыл бұрын

I have one medium size Etcher sketchbook and it’s in second place to my homemade Arches sketchbook that I had sewn myself. I do like it and wish I had gotten the larger size. That said, they are so darn expensive!! Will I buy another? Yes. But I will probably bind another Arches 8x8 like the one I just finished before I buy another Etcher.

@nou257 3 жыл бұрын

it's so much cheaper to bind arches, but so difficult for me😭

@ChristinaTodd1970 3 жыл бұрын

@@nou257 Awww ☹️. Try watching @Sea Lemon. She does a really good Coptic stitch tutorial and that's the one I used for my homemade sketchbook. My one recommendation is to bind tighter than you think you need. Mine turned out a little floppsy mopsy but who cares? It's Arches!

@nanschifris8734 3 жыл бұрын

My Friend!! I’m so glad you enjoyed trying out the sketchbook! Etchr really does a nice job putting together a quality product that’s fun to use. Thank you for your kind & gracious words - they are truly appreciated. Your words & work inspire me often! Many blessings for a wonderful holiday with your family. 🎄nAn

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, as well, Nan. This was a treat to put together and so glad to be able to mention you and your work! All best blessings for you and your family, as well! ~ Mark

@micheleblackburn2345 6 ай бұрын

Awesome friend ❤

@MDCampbell 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@stephaniepaints 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked these etchr sketchbooks. I really do too!!! :) I haven't tried the bigger sizes but I got a small one and it's such a joy to use. I'm not a big sketchbook person but this sketchbook really calls me to use it when I see it sitting there on the table lol

@MirandaWatsonArt 3 жыл бұрын

Such a great gift! I have all three sizes and I absolutely love them.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I love finding a product that is new to me and finding out that other people enjoy it. Kind of validates it even more! Thank you, Miranda Watson! ~ Mark

@ismailabdelhamid7114 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark for sharing this experience, it is awesome.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, ismail abdelhamid! I hope you are well!

@skersavage 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review, Mark! I’ve been considering getting one of these for sometime, so seeing your review really helps me understand the paper better! Cheers!

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Scott Kersavage! A bit on the expensive side, but I find it worth the price. :)

@otterystchocolat9071 3 жыл бұрын

The piece is really cute, I love all the characters and the designs. Lovely work.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ottery St Chocolat! I really appreciate your kind feedback. I'm thrilled you enjoyed this one! Cheers! ~ Mark

@MPetrovich23 3 жыл бұрын

This is an awesome review i’ve never seen their watercolor paper sketchbooks these are very nice!!! Good quality books, I like them a lot. The next time I’m in the market to purchase a few sketchbooks I'm going to grab a few of these instead of the illos one that I'm currently using. I like my illos sketchbook for my pencil and ink drawings but for wet mediums, I like a heavier paper so these will work. Great video, Happy Holidays 🎄 to you and your family. Stay safe.

@HeyItsEmilyLove 2 жыл бұрын

I just love your videos. You speak clearly, you’re thoughtful and your art is so pretty. I’m glad I found your channel. It’s my favorite art related channel

@MDCampbell 2 жыл бұрын

That really makes me happy, Emily Love, and believe me when I say that it's feedback like yours that makes me want to do these videos. As I've said before, I don't do it for money or a job, I do it because I simply enjoy it! If anybody else likes it to, well, then there's the blessing for me! Again, thank you for your kindness. It really means a lot! ~ Mark

@HeyItsEmilyLove 2 жыл бұрын

@@MDCampbell Awe I love that. I’m happy I can give something, because you inspire me a lot. I think the art you make is wonderful and I always love to see what you create. A friend recently loaned me an iPad that has procreate on it, so now I get to practice the things you teach, on there. It has me quite excited. You’re very welcome and thank you for all the great information and inspiration you give! 😊

@cleopatra22222222 3 жыл бұрын

You are so talented ! I love your art ! Thank you ! God bless!🙏🏼🥰

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your kind words, cleopatra22222222! Thank you!

@dillonsmith3633 3 жыл бұрын

This video was very wholesome thank you

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Dillon Smith!

@essietangle9931 3 жыл бұрын

Good to know on the review, I have one, but haven’t used it. Guess I’m saving it for Christmas, better start planning. Merry Christmas, please send a special Merry Christmas to your son for us. Happy calm New Year.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Essie Tangle, especially with regard to my son. I appreciate that! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and yes, a happy _calm_ New Year, as well! lol!

@nou257 3 жыл бұрын

ooh id love to hear your thoughts on it. i have this and i must say it's really good, but their perfect sketchbook line is definitely much better. their cold press is too rough for me

@yasao_art 3 жыл бұрын

I really liked this painting, especially the areas where you worked wet-in-wet :) And I can relate, I really like working on Fabriano Hotpressed Watercolor paper (and Saunders Waterford is great, too) - it's wonderful for both, my character art, as well as my landscapes ♥

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Yasao Kenshi! That means so much! I’m like you with the Fabriano paper, though I haven’t tried the other and will definitely check it out!! Stay well and happy holidays!!

@maureenhummel8001 3 жыл бұрын

Well, now you've done it! I have been looking at these sketchbooks for some time, but was unsure about laying out the cash on a fairly expensive sketchbook and have it turn out to be disappointing. Now I have no excuse not to go buy some of them. As if I really need more sketchbooks. LOL Seriously, though, I really appreciate your thoughts on these.

@ArtistJane 3 жыл бұрын

I love the demo artwork you created! You’re so talented and I love your style. Thank you for doing this review because I wasn’t sure if I should grab one or not. With my portrait work, I like to layer and blend so I’m not sure entirely if it’ll work for me. What do you think? I may get one anyway for other styles. Great video!

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, my friend! I know exactly what you mean regarding your style. I found that reactivating and moving paint around was a lot harder than, say, Arches hot press paper or paper that is well-sized. I love Fabriano for it's high absorbency, and this reminded me of that. It is so fun to play with, that I can only recommend trying it out - especially with your range of skills. I don't think you'll regret it; however, if you need it to perform a very specific way, then maybe just get it for fun and keep your main go-to in play. Thank you so much for checking this one out! Happy New Year!! ~ Mark

@hannahcrumley3103 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate this- I’ve been wanting to get one but didn’t want to spend the money not knowing if I’d like them.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I felt the same way and can see me purchasing in the future, once I finish out these ones.

@huskytail 3 жыл бұрын

The black ones are even better! 😍 300 gsm paper. You can drench it, multiple times and it gets everything like a champ. I adore them!

@carolynapappas 3 жыл бұрын

I have these sketchbooks and I really like them. Etchr did come out with a limited edition "perfect sketchbook" in Fabriano Artistico hotpress but it sold out in 45 minutes. I had to set a timer so I could get a chance to buy one. I hope they make more. It is beautiful.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not at all surprised that it sold out so quickly. I'm sure people scooped up multiples. Would love to try it! :)

@stevesidare2493 Жыл бұрын

In converting 300 gsm to 140 lb, subtracting 53% seems to be a decent conversion. So, 230 gsm - 53% = 108 lb. The reviews I've been watching all point to these as great w/c travel sketchbooks!

@C0raBr0wn 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a helpful review and demo. The price is a problem for me. Almost twice as much as my favorite Moleskine watercolor album, I'd be reluctant to use it unless I'm sure I'm going to create a masterpiece. I have been making my own sketchbooks from Fabriano Artistico hot press paper.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I am right there with you, my friend. Price is always an issue. I have an upcoming review of Fabriano, so I’m excited for that! I used to use Moleskin and Stillman & Birn, but always felt a bit guilty about using them on doodles and tests. That’s why I picked up the Hand•Book journals because I can really bang then around and I don’t worry so much. These Etchr books will be treated well! lol! Happy holidays to you and yours!! ~ Mark

@PuppetMaster8707 3 жыл бұрын

I have recently gotten into watercolor myself been doing it for a few months now and I'm still learning how to put down a good wash

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Keep at it, matt Marshall! If you haven't already, I recommend visiting my friend, Steve, at The Mind of Watercolor on KZfaq. He's got some amazing tutorials and demos.

@PuppetMaster8707 3 жыл бұрын

@@MDCampbell oh yes I am a subscriber I love his tips and advice on painting now I never intend on doing amazing works of art like he does but I just want to at least get better at coloring in my cartoons with watercolor

@crisprat2604 3 жыл бұрын

You are very nice thank you for thisvid

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@mjpete27 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review I would like to see a more wide range of use in a review but you do what you do right? Right. I enjoy Land/Sea Scapes for demo's as you can show a lot of techniques that can be used in many different kinds of paintings. I respect your point of view and will consider these books next time I am looking for one to buy!

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that feedback, mjpete27! I figure there’s already a lot of reviews from the traditional view, so perhaps an alternative view may be helpful, as well. You’re right, I wanted to show different techniques, like masking, dry brush, etc but there’s only so much time! lol!! Thank you for your time checking this out and the feedback. It helps me learn!!

@ellenbecker7102 3 жыл бұрын

I think this sketch book is also available in hot press.

@edzejandehaan9265 3 жыл бұрын

Nice sketchbook, but I think the lack of a good sizing is a dealbreaker for me. If I'd go to the expense of buying a high end 100% cotton paper sketchbook I want it to work really well with wc, allowing me to lift, blend on paper, move paint. My goal is landscape/wildlife painting. It seems this book is not the best choice for that. (But it is kinda satisfying to see the paint literally sink into the paper after each brush stroke). Thanks for a great review.

@meghanstanley1765 3 жыл бұрын

Steve Mitchell/The Mind of Watercolor is a landscape paper and I think he really likes these sketchbooks? I think he has a review up on his channel if you want to check it out.

@edzejandehaan9265 3 жыл бұрын

@@meghanstanley1765 I follow his channel, but somehow missed that, I will look it up, thanks.

@nou257 3 жыл бұрын

you might like the perfect sketchbook line! i use it for landscape paintings and i always enjoy the result.

@edzejandehaan9265 3 жыл бұрын

@@nou257 Thanks for the tip. I will look into those. (Only thing, completely unrelated to the properties of such books, such relatively expensive and nice books make me rather apprehensive to actually use them, and when I do I am too carefull. There is a freedom in knowing you can just bin a screw up without having to tear a page out...).

@jeaniejean8200 2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried granulating watercolors? I'm just wondering with the absorbancy of the paper, how would it affect granulation...

@MDCampbell 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great question, Jeanie Jean! Yes, I've used the Lunar Black on these pages and it granulates very well. The water and pigment soak into the paper nicely while the granules dry atop to create their unique effects. I don't generally use granulating paints because they don't reproduce well in print, especially with the more glittery varieties. But, I sure love playing with them!! Cheers! ~ Mark

@cheralynn4417 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review - can you paint on the backside of the pages? Does it buckle much? Thank you.

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the pages seem to be similarly treated on both sides, and there is buckling if the paper isn't tapes or prepared. Cheers!

@cheralynn4417 3 жыл бұрын

@@MDCampbell Thank you :)

@priyankakakarla4358 3 жыл бұрын

I do really like hot press paper but I don’t prefer it. Luckily Etchr has both and I’m so grateful I have the money and time to use both on a daily basis :)

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

I agree, Priyanka Kakarla. That's one of the benefits of being older is that you work and have the ability to fund interests and hobbies. lol!

@priyankakakarla4358 3 жыл бұрын

@@MDCampbell yes :)

@priyankakakarla4358 3 жыл бұрын

@@MDCampbell or you’re like me and your spouse works to fund your art addiction

@MadebyDawn23 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Mark, thank you for your video. I heard so much about Etchr but at the moment I am into making my.own sketchbook, have ever tried putting together your own handmade watercolor sketchbook?