(Part 3) Best paper & printable media products according to redditors

Uni-Ball Signo 0.2mm on an Ampad 22-157. The 0.2mm gel is the only pen that I've found that works with my southpaw microscopic lettering.

Uniball 0.2mm 207

Ampad 22-157

And a LPT for young engineers: Get in the habit early on of keeping engineering/laboratory/patent notebooks.

Amazon has them for $60
Edit: for anyone els who wants it here is a link.
https://www.amazon.com/sheets-Omoshiroi-Convenience-Stickers-Creative/dp/B07DZWQMNT

https://www.amazon.com/sheets-Building-Convenience-Stickers-Creative/dp/B07DZWQMNT

https://www.amazon.com/sheets-Omoshiroi-Convenience-Stickers-Creative/dp/B07DZWQMNT

Sorry about the list, Reddit does not like links to Instagram.

List:

• Light - Frosted Titanium BOSS 70 and a silver Warrior clip by Steel Flame but with tritium vials for eyes instead
  
  
• Prybar - [Raptor Bird of Pry in ATI-425-MIL "strike plate" titanium] (http://vosofferyn.bigcartel.com/product/raptor-bird-of-pry-3-week-preorder) with a Berlin Ti Works timascus Beadbomb Vol. 4, w/3 green tritium vials
  
  
• Pen - Fellhoelter Fluted Tibolt in Battleground Finish with a black timascus clip from Adam Purvis
  
  
• Watch - Lum-Tec Combat B (the non chrono version is sold out) with a strap made out of an old baseball glove by Diaboliq Straps
  
  
• Knife - Spyderco Paysan that's been re-ground (and detent fixed) by MSCustomKnives on Instagram, with an Adam Purvis timascus clip
  
  
• Traditional Knife - Northwoods Fremont Jack in green micarta
  
  
• Handkerchief - Hanks By Hank Murky Waters
  
  
• Wallet - Georgia Brown Pickers Wallet with a David Maxim Micic Jim Dunlop Tortex pick (comes with sketchbook)
  
  
• Cologne - Musk and Hustle. I'm usually rockin Nitro Musk 291 with a Slate Grey sleave
  
  
• Notebook - Leather Travel Journal
  
  
• Bourbon - Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
  
  
• Guitar - Martin D-16RGT
  
  
• Hatchet - Hults Bruk Almike

This paper, while expensive, is totally worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/Northbooks-Notebook-Journal-Square-Sheets/dp/B015JQZS2O


https://www.amazon.com/Graph-Paper-Notebook-Flowers-Journal/dp/1546498206


https://www.amazon.com/Field-Notes-Cherry-Graph-3-Pack/dp/B00ORZFPWC


https://www.amazon.com/Clairefontaine-Wirebound-6X8-25-Assorted-colors/dp/B002TDO07A


https://www.amazon.com/Graph-Paper-Notebook-Watercolor-Notebooks/dp/1542724147


https://www.amazon.com/Get-Shit-Done-Professionally-Designed/dp/1546612548

The most important thing you can do is to set yourself up an environment conducive to working, where the chance of becoming distracted is as low as possible. Make it comfortable and enjoyable so that entering that environment doesn't feel punishing. Bring yourself some drinks and snacks so that you don't end up with excuses to get up and wander around, and good headphones for listening to motivating music (and drowning out environmental distractions). Wear comfortable clothes. Make sure to have plenty of pens or pencils (with plenty of lead and erasers) and a good notebook for scratchwork (even we professionals tend to work a lot of stuff out on paper). Finally, and probably most importantly, go in with some kind of plan so you don't just end up dicking around on reddit.

Sidenote: As a software engineer, I highly recommend:

• the Five Star Flex binder
  
  • the covers are durable, somewhat flexible plastic
    
  • the edge is bound with some tough synthetic cloth like nylon
    
  • the rings are durable, flexible rubber that won't eat your hand
    
  • it's the best goddamn binder I've ever had
    
  • I recommend adding a stiff cardboard insert to allow you to write when you don't have a suitable writing surface, since this thing is not especially rigid.
    
• decent-quality reinforced notebook paper
  
  • holes are reinforced for tear-resistance
    
• and (optionally, but very useful) an engineer's computation pad
  
  • front writing/drawing area is blank
    
  • back side is graph-ruled and is faintly visible on the front when writing
    
  • this lets you draw or write on the front of the page, using the faint ruled lines as visual guides, while keeping your notes and drawings nice and legible. Very very handy for drawing legible algorithm and data structure visualizations
    
  • also great for math classes
    
  • if you get the computation pad, I'd also recommend a thin, durable straight edge and a shape-drawing tool (has drawing guides for various-sized circles, rectangles, squares, and triangles) to keep your lines and shapes nice and neat. Not especially necessary, but shitty hand-drawn shapes are one of my personal pet peeves in my notes.

The idea was inspired by this, however, I didn't want to pay $15 for something he would grow out of in a week, so I just bought a cheap, plain, onesie and printed the image myself with iron-on transfer paper.

I'm thinking I may print another next year on his birthday with increased stats ;)

Hello, I like your selection. The grey Kakuno is so cool! I recommend you this nice A4 notebooks. Are made by the French brand Rhodia. The price is very fair. Rhodia Wirebound Notebook 8.8 X11.75 Inches Black Grid, Satin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DCBMQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Jw8Xzb7TG5XFS

This is what I use. I love them! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C4KL8I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02

Call me low class, but I use military memo books. No feathering or bleeding issues from a LAMY Safari or Vac 700 running Parker Quink. Cheap and damn durable too. Use them for years per and no damage besides the covers bending from carelessly shoving them in my pocket.

Muji B5?

https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Notebook-6mm-Rule-30sheets/dp/B00I6XY068/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542484885&sr=8-1&keywords=muji+b5

Campus B5?

https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Todai-Pre-Dotted-Notebook/dp/B002C4KL8I/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1542484860&sr=8-7&keywords=campus+b5

I find that it really helps to have a piece of paper, both blank and graph, handy. (This is perfect) then to work out a smaller version of the problem by hand, then automate the process via program.

[Engineering Paper. Lots of it.] (http://www.amazon.com/National-Computation-Inches-Sheets-42382/dp/B0007LTJO0/ref=pd_sim_op_3)

A dry erase board (at least 3' x 2') with thin tipped different color dry erase markers for homework. One or two people in my engineering dorm had one, pretty soon everyone had one and we'd pooled some money together to put a full classroom sized on in our common room. It's super helpful.

I have quite an extensive collection of yard and shop tools that I use for their specific tasks and there are several great resources on what you should have in your shop and shed on both youtube and here on reddit. The items below are things I use daily on my homestead and would suggest looking into for yours as well.

Taking from the popular EDC EveryDay Carry folks, I propose HSC, HomeStead Carry:

• A pen, I like the Pilot G2
  
  
• A notepad I use the Rite-in-the-Rain style I am coming to realize that my ADHD brain while quite good at remembering things, sometimes forgets to remember when I am at the Hardware Store, or Feed Store about that one item that I saw I needed last week.
  
  
• A good pocket knife. (I don't want to get into which one, I have seen too many debates on this.)
  
  
• A good pair of leather work gloves. Costco has this 3 pack for under 20 bucks, in store, that are great. I have only worn through one of the 6 gloves so far. If only I could stop forgetting where I put my left hand gloves.
  
  
• I love my Klein's Linesman pliers.
  
  
• Zip ties These items are very helpful at temporarily fixing things and come in a variety of sizes for different uses. I have at least one of these bags at all times, and try to keep several larger sizes in stock as well. I will admit to using these to put up a "temporary" wire fence while I am building my cedar fence, they have lasted for over a year. Makes for quick fence moving and it is lighter to carry 25 of these than a roll of bailing wire.
  
  
• I also try to carry one of these multi-bit screw/nut drivers with me as it saves trips back to the shop for something you didn't know you needed.
  
  
• While on the homestead I am usually wearing a pair of double-front carpenter pants from Carhart with a pair of suspenders to keep them up with all of the items I carry, these allow for working in all circumstances and offer good protection against scrapes and pokes.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Have some stuff Muji coming in as well but decided to post now :)

List of items - Uni Kuru Toga Roulette: https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Kuru-Toga-Roulette-Mechanical-Pencil-0.5-mm-Gun-Metallic-Body/pd/6547

Tombow Mono Graph: https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Mono-Graph-Shaker-Mechanical-Pencil-0.3-mm-Black/pd/16825

Arch Eraser: https://www.jetpens.com/Sakura-Arch-Foam-Eraser-60-Black/pd/18452

Shitajiki Writing Board: https://www.jetpens.com/Kyoei-Orions-Clear-Shitajiki-Writing-Board-B5/pd/19479

Pilot Hi-Tec-C Maica: https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-Maica-Gel-Pen-0.4-mm-Black/pd/10197

Pilot G-Tec-C Gel Pen: https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-G-Tec-C-Gel-Pen-0.25-mm-Black/pd/4561

Mono Eraser: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFXJSW0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Kokuyo Campus Loose Leaf Paper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017JWQ5H8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Stalogy A6 Editors Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TYDSQS2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Kokuyo Campus Notebook Set: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C4KL8I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rotring 600: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AZWYUA4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Kiki’s Delivery Service Kuru Toga Pencil: https://www.amazon.com/Mitsubishi-Delivery-Ballpoint-KURUTOGA-Guchokipanya/dp/B01LYDYVZE

Pilot Hi-Tec-C: https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-Gel-Pen-0.25-mm-Black/pd/41

Link for those interested:
DIY Indispensable US Military Memo Books

Apple iPhone 6

Nite Ize Locking S-biner

Big Skinny Compact Sports Bi-Fold Wallet

Moleskine Cahier Pocket

Zebra F-701

Leatherman Sidekick

Johnny Cupcake hankekchief

1. Wreck This Journal ($8.92) Avery T-Shirt Transfer Paper ($7.97)
   
2. Jesse Pinkman or Walter White Funko ($10.12)
   
3. William Morris Notebook ($1.35)
   
4. Harry Potter Golden Snitch Pendant Pocket Watch Necklace Wings Chain Gift ($3.56)

If you're willing to try a slightly different style of notebook, I found I prefer Rhodia's paper over Leuchtturm. Rhodia has a wirebound notebook that is larger, but at a good price. I've tried many notebooks, but keep coming back to Rhodia. I even got some coworkers onto them as well. I work in academia, so we use a lot of notebooks. Rhodia uses Clairfontaine paper, and they make notebooks as well. Something similarly sized/shaped as the Leuchtturm is their clothbound notebook.

You can buy them on amazon! That’s where I got mine. It’s yellow, hardcover and has dotted pages. :)

Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FWQXVS0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

>A paper memo pad that excavates objects as it gets used

Not for the points, the person above led to the find but here is a direct amazon link
https://www.amazon.com/sheets-Building-Convenience-Stickers-Creative/dp/B07DZWQMNT

I can swear by [Black N' Red notebooks] (https://www.amazon.com/Black-Red-Hardcover-Casebound-D66174/dp/B00015YOR4). They are 5-7 bucks, and they work great for all my pens.

It's "engineering paper".

https://www.amazon.com/sheets-Building-Convenience-Stickers-Creative/dp/B07DZWQMNT

What is your journal for exactly?


This is the journal that I use for my investments that I make I write about every little detail. Such as what im thinking and why I made purchase's/ sales. also the prices and market prices.

This is the journal I use for My websites. I carry it to my workplace every day now. If i get an idea for a blog post or recipe I want to try, then I write it down and later add details to it. Then eventually its transfered to my actual blog.


I guess what im trying to convey is that depending on the type of journal, you should perhaps bring it too your work? I am comfortable leaving mine un-attended at times. I trust my co-workers to not take it. They may have gone through it, but they wouldnt take it. Even so, they wont understand shit about my website journals becuase it doesnt state its for a website. Its just a list of random shit that pops into my mind.

Anyways... I think the answer to your question would be solved if you bring your journal to work. Perhaps take a 15 mintues break at the end of your shift and write? Of course you can do it durring, but you may not be able to depending on your workplace.

I work in kitchens, so people think my book is for recipes and I can get away with writing in it for a bit of time if im not slammed.

Hope I helped!

From left to right.

Trashed Acer netbook running Kali

Wifi pineapple. https://www.wifipineapple.com/pages/nano

Moleskin notebook. https://www.amazon.com/dp/8883701135/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.kyHAbDE2KYS4

Gerber harsey air ranger fine point aluminum body classic style (discontinued. You can still buy shitty versions of the same thing)

Amity bifold wallet. (Discontinued. From the 70's)

Chessex black d20. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00115WV6O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RpyHAb07FH723

Sharpie for graffiti. Stolen.

OnePlus 3 phone case. Phone not pictured. https://oneplus.net/3

King of spades. Found.

Sparrows lockpick set with added bypass tool. Kit includes picks from multiple different sets.
http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/scon.htm

http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/mj.htm


Keys. Nothing super interesting besides an o-ring between each key which muffles jingling and can be used to replace the o-ring on my flask.
There's also a Gerber shard from when they were made of titanium.
Ring is from https://www.etsy.com/shop/RomasBanaitis

I use Rhodia Webnotebooks and haven't turned back.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TEADOS/

Rhodia Wirebound Notebook 8.8 X11.75 Inches Black Grid, Satin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DCBMQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wXABzb83KM4Z8

So long as you're not looking for perforated paper, I like the Kokuyo Campus notebooks. They're fountain pen friendly (though I've never tested them with anything larger than medium nibs), have different colors, and have a very convenient "dotted-ruled" layout.

I think that’s the same one I bought! On amazon it’s the travelers journal by Wanderings. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01C6MRKLG?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

I was going to buy this Minimalism Art notebook instead of buying an expensive Leuchtturm notebook for $20. thanks for the answer

Front left pocket:

• Rite In The Rain Leather Cover with 3x5 All-Weather Memo Book
  
• Zebra F-701 with Fisher Space Pen Fine Point Refill
  
  ---
  
  Front right pocket:
  
  
• House key keychain with EDCgear Pocket Hanger (originally from eBay — link is to same exact rebranded hardware
  
• Car key keychain with TEC Glow Fob
  
• Sriracha2go with Blair's After Death Hot Sauce — the contents of this change every time I refill it. It will probably be Melinda's Trinidad Scorpion next time.
  
  ---
  
  Back right pocket:
  
  
• Fossil Flip ID Wallet — I don't think this is sold individually. It's actually a wallet insert that came with a larger wallet, but it's the perfect size to hold the bare necessities.
  
  ---
  
  Back left pocket:
  
  
• LG V10 with OBLIQ case
  
  ---
  
  Also pictured:
  
  
• UTG Tacticool Messenger Bag
  
• Gerber Suspension
  
• 27-ounce Classic Stainless Steel Klean Canteen with Sport Cap
  
• Smith & Wesson Galaxy 12 — my version is an older model that uses 2 CR123As and only has white LEDs and a regular bulb

I do the traveler’s notebook system. I bought this cover from Amazon and I have minimal complaints. I think the elastic is a little loose, but it works and if it gets too annoying I can always replace it easily. The cover itself is leather and does mark up, but I like it when my leather does that. I like the look.

I filled the inside with Moleskine Cahier journals, the 3 sets. Only complaint about those is that they don’t seem to sell mixed sets. So they don’t sell a ruled, a dotted, and a blank together in one set, just 3 of one type. They take ink well and are easy to source. I got mine at Target. I put all three in the cover along with a smaller notebook I had kicking around with some additional elastic. Look on YouTube for “Midori traveler journal setup” for tips on how to do that.

I personally like A5 sized journals because they have a good balance of space for writing and overall size, but if that’s too big for you look at Field Notes and find a cover for them. I’ve seen lots of covers for sale for those as well, but found those a bit too small for my needs.

Alternatively you can make your own cover with some leather and an awl to punch holes. Traveler journal covers are just a rectangle of leather with some holes to thread elastic through so if you have the source for some good leather it could be easy to make your own.

My friend uses this for AP calc: https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Wirebound-Notebook-X11-75-Inches/dp/B001DCBMQK/ref=sr_1_5?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1495688883&sr=1-5&keywords=rhodia+graph+notebook. It's quite pricey but the paper is amazing.

I'm not the best artist...and when I do artistic things, I use acrylic paints, however, in order to give you first-hand advice, I did my drawing using an ink pen. [Here is it] (http://i.imgur.com/tFoet3O.jpg).

Now that I've drawn with ink, I can for sure tell you that you're going to want a fine-tip pen. Maybe [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-Pigma-Sensei-bullet-fiber/dp/B00DUGZE7A/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1415657750&sr=1-5&keywords=fiber-tip+pen). It has a fiber tip which is good according to my research.

I also like to keep a Moleskine notebook handy for ideas and doodles.

Oh, and based on my little foray into pen and ink, you're going to want [bleed-proof paper] (http://www.amazon.com/Paris-Paper-For-Pens-9X12/dp/B0007PC9C0/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1415658228&sr=1-1&keywords=bleedproof+paper) for sure!

Happy drawing :)

Kokuyo Campus notebooks.

https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Todai-Pre-Dotted-Notebook/dp/B002C4KL8I/ref=sr_1_1

Hi. For math/physics, I used a computation notebook.

https://smile.amazon.com/Ampad-Computation-Ruled-Sheets-22-157/dp/B000DZEA2G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1500007199&sr=8-5&keywords=computation+notebook

I really liked it.

Field Notes OR Leuchtturm 1917. ^(There's going to be a dedicated Leuchtturm Bullet Journal design released some time next year.)

Leatherback Writer 2 ^(PM me your email address if you want a $5 discount referral code.)

Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen ^(Pick a pen that you'll enjoy using.)

Keep it simple and portable because you'll want it on you all the time in order to rely on it.

>and am determined to start using this method and journaling January 1st, a resolution of sorts I guess.

The cool thing about bullet journaling is that you can start anytime, and you should! It took me a few days to adapt it to my own needs, so don't wait till Jan 1st. Do it as soon as you get your notebooks!

Not *exactly what you're looking for, but I'm very happy with my system. I have a Saddleback Leather notebook cover filled with a Rhodia Webnotebook.

these boyz. Check out the view of the inside with the graph. Good for sketching out things like this bc the grid is already there (plus I love the feel and texture of moleskines! They're my fave tbh

Moleskine notepads aren't as great with fountain pens. Rhodia notepads are among the best, but ink may take a little longer to dry on them (also depends on the ink you choose to use).

Black 'n Red notebooks are what I would recommend--very affordable, good looking, and they work great with most fountain pen ink.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B0F33W/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00015YOR4/

I've heard good things about Scribbles that Matter notebooks (I'm thinking about getting one for my new journal), though those are a little on the expensive side.

The journal I'm currently using is a Minimalism Art A5. It's not the fanciest, but I think it's really good quality for less than $10. I would recommend it because I think it hits all your criteria.

It doesn't bleed as long as you're not too heavy with your markers (I've even been able to use light watercolor without any bleeding - just some slight buckling).

There is some ghosting, but again as long as you're not heavy on it with the markers or pens, it's hardly noticeable.

It comes in a range of sizes, has a bookmark, and comes in a variety of pretty colors. The only thing it doesn't have is the pen loop, but I don't think it would be hard to add one yourself if you really wanted to.

EDIT: To add more info cuz I hit submit too soon 😅

I would advise Moleskine. Extremely good quality, at a pretty decent price.

So I started a year ago (feb 2018) and I found that I was so bad at keeping at it for the first 3 months. I had to remind myself to write my tasks and stuff but eventually I got the hang of it and started enjoying writing everything in my bullet journal.

I’m on my second bujo (bullet journal) now and love it so much. I track my mood every day like this. I do weekly plans with different themes.

Some tips I have to get started is to view other examples online of bujo weekly spreads. Instagram’s #bujo and #bulletjournal is really helpful!!! To keep consistent, I just say that takes time.

For tools, I recommend you use a bullet journal that has good paper. Thicker paper is ideal so your pen or markers don’t bleed through. The Leuchtterm 1917 Dotted is a popular bullet journal and it is amazing. This Minimalism Journal is also a really inexpensive and good option. The only bad thing is that it’s a little skinnier/less wide than the leuchtterm. The paper is still great. It was my first bullet journal. I think Michaels also has a journal that is the least expensive. The one I’m using now is from Michaels—it’s a Canvas Art dotted journal (i got it as a gift, but I also have a leuchtterm for next year :)

As for pens and markers, if you’re very interested in lettering and stuff, I can give you suggestions for that. For basics, any waterproof pen is good. Sharpie pens (the no bleed ones) are waterproof and good. This is good because you can highlight them or color over them and they don’t bleed at all. Staedler’s color fine tip pens are also good but they tend to bleed/blend when colored over. Zebra Mildliners are good pastel highlighters that can double as markers too. Those are great.

Overall, you could use crayola’s basic markers and any waterproof pen/pens you have. You don’t need anything super fancy! I also recommend washi tape from michael’s. They have a 3-for-$1 deal with assorted washi tapes (don’t get the expensive packs!!!) and can be found near the front / wherever the dollar/cheap goods section is.

Whoo! That was a lot. I hope I didn’t scare you off >.<

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B018YH76BG/ref=pd_aw_sim_229_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WBM5DY4KHRB7E34CN7DZ&dpPl=1&dpID=81Ekkn0BVjL

Two years ago I used to think the same thing, with enough practice (the right kind of practice) you can very likely get to this point to in about the same amount of time. Of course, once you do get to this point you'll see much better drawings and think "I wanna be able to draw like this", it's a never ending cycle haha

If you want to try and get better at it, here's something that will help:

1- stick to ink, ditch the pencils. It won't give you a chance to fix mistakes and spend hours trying to refine and adjust a sketch until it's "perfect". You'll just have to live with the result and improve it in the next drawing.

2- look at other people's art you like until your eyes fall out. Why do the trees look the way they look? How did they do their crosshatching? How loose are their marks? Why does the composition work? If you want to learn to do something, replicate it in your own way (see: doing studies)

3- don't spend longer than 5 minutes on your sketches. Obviously that applies to sketches you do for practice, if you have a commission you're working on or want to do a very refined drawing, then spend as much as needed on a sketch, but when sketching to learn (be it figure studies, landscapes, objects, etc) do it quickly. As a beginner you need to get into the habit of just drawing a lot, and often. If you see a drawing as this event that could take up half your day, you'll be much less likely to put pen to paper than if you knew you could do a sketch while waiting for your gas tank to fill up.

4- draw everywhere. Get the cheapest sketchbook you can find (I have a 5.5x8.5 Canson sketchbook that I think was around $6), and ideally some pocket sketchbooks as well (I like [Moleskine cahier journals] (https://www.amazon.com/dmp/8883704940/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_a7sLDbCE838VM] a pack of 3 is around $7). The regular sketchbook you can use at home or wherever you can carry it, the pocket ones you can just put in (you guessed it) your pocket so you can draw literally anytime and anywhere.

Then just draw what's around you and do some imaginative stuff too. Just keep at it, keep adding drawings, and you will improve. You'll also start having questions on techniques and such, at that point you can seek out classes, tutorials, videos, etc to help you out.

That was a lot of type in reply to one sentence lol but hopefully it'll help you or someone else interested in getting into it :)

I love the design! I don't own a 3D printer so I can't be sure, but using printable iron-on sheets like these might be cheaper!

As an engineering grad (well, over 30 years ago) I've been using these for a couple decades: Ampad 22-157

• Square ruled
  
• Numbered pages
  
• Green-ish paper (easy on the eyes)
  
• You can store your pen inside the spiral when carrying it
  
• Lays flat on your desk/bench/launch gantry
  
• \>\>\>Big enough that you can print out letter size pages and tape them inside. Could be a print out of your test plan, data, results, restaurant menu, whatever.
  
  Production of these moved a few (?10) years ago, and the paper is not as heavy as 'in the old days', but I keep a stash for other engineers who realize I'm not all crazy.

This past Spring, I was playtesting a Cypher system campaign I've been writing, and I bought a three-pack of those little Moleskin notebooks without planning how they'd be used. I was only running two players through the early content, and it was mostly to tweak the nebulous storyline.

Well, my buddies are both artists, and they also balk at any hint of railroading, so things went to uncharted territory almost immediately. I was coming up with new towns, new characters, and new artifacts/oddities/cyphers on the fly, left and right.

We decided to use those notebooks to chronicle their encounters/progress. I took the first and started it as an in-game/out-of-game primer for travelers to my OC recursion (a fictional world concept from The Strange) called "The Quickened's Guide to Kell." They began adding to it immediately, taking sketches of towns, NPCs, and general plot stuff, adding notes here and there. The second became a Bestiary, starting with the one PC's pet - a wolf/snake hybrid we dubbed a 'capalisk.' (Portmanteau of some canid-related taxonomy term and basilisk.) And the third became a catalogue of artifacts they found or crafted. I gave them a bow that has a random effect (d20 table) that they would fill in as it was used.

All in all, it became a fun addition to the game, and my players took turns chronicling their adventure through the world. Everything we made up and put down has become canon. When I run/playtest this campaign again, the players will be given these books, as they canonically exist outside of time and space. The Strange is great for that sort of thing.

I like the Leuchtturm1917 hardbacks. There's lots of colors and sizes.

I remember looking for one a while back, and the only thing I could find was the crappy blue Moleskin that's 3.5" x 5.5".

I ended up ordering a Rhodia Webnotebook from Amazon. They're pretty nice. The pages are a little smooth for my taste but they handle pen and ink pretty well. They've also got a webbed sleeve in the back for holding misc.

The Leuchtturm 1917 is also very popular for dotted notebooks.

If you're patient, I believe you can also find TN-like notebooks that are made such that there is no (or at least minimal) knots. I believe the "wanderings notebook" has its elastics arranged to avoid the knots.

The official website seems down now, but you can find them on amazon.

The Black n' Red Business Notebook seems to meet your requirements (although I can't tell the width of the ruling):


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00015YOR4/ref=psdc_490756011_t2_B0006HVGSC

I found this, this, and this. They're each very close to A5. I've no idea where you can find exactly A5 unless you're buying a Moleskine, at least near the price range we're looking at.

I keep one but I don't have any real structure to it. It's just my thoughts and ramblings. A few doodles, too. I don't have a schedule or anything. There are entries where I wrote every day and then nothing for a few weeks. I didn't want to see it as a chore so I write when I want to and don't write when I don't feel like it! I use field notes journals because they are small and convenient for me to keep with me all the time.

These are my favorite: Field Notes Cherry Graph 3-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ORZFPWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XfFqxbZETVW0G

When I fill one up I start another! I did this before pregnancy, too.

There seems to be good reviews of this TN clone here on Reddit. ZLYC Leather Travelers Notebook - no affiliation. You could then print out your own inserts if you want to go the TN route.

5x8" = A5 size, roughly. Jet Pens has the most comprehensive notebook buying guide. It and Goulet have a notebook search with the "size=A5" filter that would be a great way to see what's out there.

I got my brother a Leuchtturm 1917 and he thinks it's pretty nice. Dot grid with page numbers too. You'll hear a lot of people say it's inferior paper for fountain pens compared to the Rhodia Webnotebook, but it does absorb and dry ink quicker so when you have to close the book and go, the ink doesn't smear onto the opposite page. I personally love my webnotebook but it does take a little while before I'm comfortable flipping onto the next page. The ultimate A5 notebook is the Nanami Seven Seas Writer with 480 pages of Tomoe River paper (the fountain pen holy grail paper), but it always sells out when it comes on sale. I just checked their website and they're restocking "Late May" which could be any time in the next couple of weeks, so keep your eye out!

Edit: didn't see your college budget: Black n Red notebooks are budget- and fountain pen-friendly. They're $6-7 a pop, available in twin-wire or hardcover, so go hog wild.

If you want the really good stuff, here it is. It's the best quality engineering paper I've found.

This was so much fun! Thanks for posting :)

1 [Something Blue](Playshoes 408566 Girl's Rain Coat Blue 5-6 Years https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001PDN1O8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-CR5AbJ14TEGH). In Scotland April Showers don’t just finish in April! At all points of the year we can expect anything from a light drizzle to torrential rain!

2 Something that says summer. Watermelons totally make me think of summer, and sippy cups are perfect to keep bugs out of your drinks in the summer!

3 food related. A carrot sharpener! I saw these in a local store and couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of someone wanting a really sharp carrot.

4 a gift for someone else. My fiancé is obsessed with this album and I recently bought him a record player so I think he would love having it in this format too!

5 book suggestion. So I don’t know what types of books you are into but this is a YA Fantasy. It follows three sisters who were each born with a power. Now that they are of age, they must use their powers to kill their other sisters and become queen! It’s pretty kick ass :)

6 under $1. Okay so I’m from Scotland and I don’t know if this actually works out to be less than $1 but it is less than £1 so I hope that counts!! And they are really cute :)

7 Doggo related. My spaniel loves things like this! And I think it would work for any dog :)

8 useless but awesome. I’d love for my cats to wear this around Christmas!! Although they’d probably break it within a second haha.

9great movie The LOTRs! Great friendships, a lot of laughs and just a fab story. My all time favourite films!

10Zombie attack. I’m going to be the type of person who hides during the apocalypse and hope for the best! So I think if I find somewhere with some water nearby I could kinda camp out for a while!

11 complete goals. My main goal right now is to be more organised, and to do more creative things. I want to have fun and do more hobbies. So I think a diary where I can be creative and plan all my spare time would be great!

12 add on. WHY ARE PENS ALWAYS ADD ONS????!!!!

13 fandom. This would match my Alice tattoo! And who doesn’t need a purse :)

14 super expensive Jesus!! Who knew you could buy such expensive rings on amazon??

15 sharks or unicorns. Shark cat bed! I can only imagine how my two would react this this haha!

16 wonderful smell. I love this candle! Probably my favourite smell ever!

17 cool toy. I couldn’t find the game I always wanted as a kid, mostly because I couldn’t really remember what it was called! Although here is a Jared Funko pop that I’ve been eyeing up for months!

18 helpful for writers. I thought this was kinda cool. It gives tips on how to get out of writers block as well as mix up characters!

19 current obsession. Musicals are my currently my favourite obsession (see what I did their RHPS fans?)!

20 weird!. I’m just really not sure why these would ever be needed but at the same time I really want a pair haha!

Rhodia Wirebound Notebook 8.8 X11.75 Inches Black Grid, Satin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DCBMQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_VJXH7pKspugUb

Unfortunately, several companies sell the comp pads with no on-page branding. I'm guessing from the first image that you're looking for a green pad but some companies offer a buff pad using the same paper, tan with a brown grid. Might be an alternate option to use while searching.

If Ampad isn't to your liking, you might also look into

• TOPS pads (https://www.amazon.com/TOPS-Engineering-Computation-Punched-35500/dp/B001J87JTM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KOPVWX11NN3R)
  
• National Brand pads (https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-Brand-Computation-Sheets-42389/dp/B0007LTJO0/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3KOPVWX11NN3R)
  
• Roaring Spring pads (https://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Spring-Engineering-Green-sheets/dp/B005UOGBKO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3KOPVWX11NN3R)
  
• Staedtler pads (https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Engineering-Computation-Grid-Sheets/dp/B0006OM7RE/ref=sr_1_1?)
  
  edit: formatting

tomoe river loose sheets


Is this what you use?

Yep. I just finished engineering school this spring, and I've gone through my fair share of pads.

Green Paper is by far the most commonly used engineering paper. It's fairly thin, a little less than printer paper. I mostly used this paper for scratch calculations and everyday homework.

Buff is a bit thicker, but still has the same layout. I liked using this when doing hand calculations that would be included in reports or labs.

For notebooks, look for a Lab Notebook or Engineering Notebook. There are a few options out there, and it depends if you want a spiral or bound book. Computation Notebooks held up very well, and helped preserve my notes.

Kokuyo Campus B5 semi dotted

No bleed through. Minimal ghosting. Paper thin and smooth Japanese paper goodness. And well priced. 10/10 would recommend.

These.

Lots of pages. Doesn’t deteriorate. Affordable. I hate taping notebooks back together or having the covers gradually deteriorate into a slaw of papery crap that ends up in my pockets, which, absurdly, is still an issue for many designer pocket notebook brands.

I had this same question a few months back. Ive found that any paper with higer gsm is better and 100% cotton is also a major plus. My current top 3:

• After suggestions I received from here, I tested out the Stillman & Birn Nova Series which I ended up really liking but I didn't love it. It got the job done, the toned paper was a nice effect, but I felt like it made my gouache works look more like watercolor paintings - Specifically, I think the paper it was too absorbent for gouache (made my washes look thin and translucent even though I use M.Graham and Windsor Newton and Holbein) and it had slight buckling. But id still suggest it because it's very different from other books, it lays flat because the pages are sewn and it is highly durable - I thought id destroy mine but it held up very well. I even used acrylic paint on certain pages and there was no bleeding or weird reactions.
  
• I just recently bought the small pocket-sized version of the Moleskine Watercolor sketchbook. I love the style and look of the sketchbook, its very trendy. The size is nice. However, the quality of the paper is okay. Id rates it about 7/10 because of the thickness and texture. It can sometimes feel very thin when I'm working with a lot of layers but I believe it because it is made for light watercolor washes, its its only 200 gsm. I've found that it doesn't do well with repeated strokes or reactivation of old washes of paint - it can react like its been overworked/look crumbly. Id still recommends you give it a try, everyone should have one Moleskine experience just for the opportunity to try different brands paper.
  
• Cost effective and attractive design. I highly recommend trying the Strathmore Watercolor Art Journal. I have this journal, I bought it from my local Michaels Arts & Crafts supply store. It is just as good as the Moleskine if not better because of the unique shape options and price. The only downside to this journal is the softcover - its made of bristol board or some type of thick cardstock type paper. Other than that, I love the way the paper reacts to the gouache. It has minimal warping and does not bleed. It is also 300 gsm which is better.

Knife - CRKT squid $17.99

Wallet - Recycled firefighter $19.00

Light - ThruNite T01 $9.95

Multitool - Leatherman Style PS $24.95

Pen - Fischer space pen bullet $19.67

Notebook- Rite in the rain $5.98

Lighter - bic mini $1 gas station

Total $98.54

Hard mode just get the knife wallet and light

List is as follows:
Watch - Casio Forester
Notebook - Field Notes Cherry Graph
Pen - Fisher Space Pen kept in fold of wallet
Wallet - Fossil Omega Bifold
Flashlight - ThruNite T01
Keychain - Lucky Line Twist
Keychain - NiteIze DoohicKey

Not Pictured: Samsung Galaxy Note5

All kept in a my father flor de las antillas box when I get home

Edit: formatting

Yeah, you are right about the paper, I thought it was a bit bigger. The only thing to keep in mind is usually the bigger/nicer paper only has 10-20 sheets, which doesn't give you many chances to learn anything.

This seems like a good choice

This one is fun for kids because you can make little postcards for people, but they aren't very large.

I have this one sitting in front of me now, Its the larger version of the one I linked you yesterday.(Which is what I thought I was sending.) It seems pretty nice, and the journal seems to just stay open on its own btw.(Watercolor takes awhile to dry, so thats a good thing)

As far as quality paper, I've never had an issue with Srathmore or Canson brands.

Oh, and in regards to paint, this set might be worth considering as well. I've always really like koi stuff.

I hope that helps. Also, good on you for being charitable, I'm sure she will love whatever you decide to get her. Once again, let me know if you have any questions I might be able to answer.

On amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tomoe-River-Loose-Sheets-TMR-A4P-W/dp/B00S66EYNE/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_pm?ac_md=2-0-VW5kZXIgJDI1-ac_d_pm&keywords=tomoe+river&pd_rd_i=B00S66EYNE&pd_rd_r=5baf5dee-dd88-4f66-8e51-e3cc644f6b56&pd_rd_w=4IRQf&pd_rd_wg=vrayx&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=X8K65CKRBRRG9GACGK34&psc=1&qid=1570849781

If you order is over 25 dollars you get free shipping, so order 2 or 3 packets and you can get free shipping. Each packet has 100 pages.

I have to second the good paper recommendation and/or a nice watercolor book. I love these hard cover Moleskine books. My bf got me one for Valentine’s Day this year and I’m almost finished with my second one.

Linkamazon link

How much wear is it going to get? One option is to make a tag with printable iron-on transfer paper, like this- http://www.amazon.com/Avery-T-shirt-Transfers-Printers-03271/dp/B00006B8FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449862939&sr=8-1&keywords=iron+on+transfer+paper+clear

Rhodia makes graph paper notebooks. Not the paper OP has, but still graph paper. I'm curious too as to what OP is using, as I would like to try it out.

https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Wirebound-Notebook-X11-75-Inches/dp/B001DCBMQK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520070875&sr=8-2&keywords=rhodia+grid+notebook

Ring

Streamlight Stylus Pro

Bose

Sanrenmu Stonewashed 710

Zebra F-301

Cheap Card Holder

Moleskine

UAG S6 Case

This squared Moleskine notebook is my crack. I freaking love these notebooks. They are really classy, they come in different colors (make sure the notebook is the 'squared' type) and are just a lifesaver for me in terms of documenting everything that I need/want to do. DO IT.

You've gotten excellent advice on inks, and some on notebooks. You mentioned being overwhelmed by the choices, but wanting a sturdy notebook that can handle fountain pen ink. There are a few choices mentioned in here, but perhaps I can help summarize this. Key thing you will want is a high gsm (Grams per Square Meter), since a high gsm means thicker paper.

• Red and Black: 96 sheets, standard ruling, 90gsm, casebound, hardcover. Personally, no experience with this, but I've heard there's no bleed through with fountain pens.
  
  
• Seven Seas "WRITER" A5 Journal: 240 sheets, ruling is 7mm, 52 gsm Tomoe River paper, thread-bound for binding, cover is impregnated cloth (but you can buy a leather cover). Also no experience with this either.
  
  
• Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size Hardcover A5 Notebook: 125 sheets, ruling can be either lined/graph/dot grid, 70 gsm, thread-bound, hardcover with some sort of leather covering. I've been using these since 2013, and in my first notebook, my handwriting hasn't changed from the day I had written in it with Diamine Ancient Copper. You would still want sturdier ink than what I had used. The paper is cream colored, and smooth. Bleed through is rare.
  
  
• Rhodia Webnotebook A5: 80 sheets, ruling can be either lined/graph/dot grid, 90 gsm, thread bound, leatherette hard cover. I've always enjoyed Rhodia paper, and while I haven't used this particular product, the paper is much smoother than the Leuchtturm1917, and there's less ghosting. The paper also appears whiter to me than the Leuchtturm1917.
  
  
• Rhodia Goalbook A5: 112 sheets, ruling is dot grid, 90gsm, thread bound, leatherette hard cover. Throwing this in the options list, since you get a few more sheets. Also wanted to point out that the cover appears to be flexible.
  
  
• Scribbles That Matter, Pro: 100 sheets approx, ruling is dot grid, 100gsm, thread bound, vegan leather hard cover. The sheets are smooth, and a bit brighter than the Leuchtturm1917, but a bit more ivory than the Rhodia. Great paper, and the cover feels more durable and pleasant than the L1917. With fountain pens, I have yet to bleed through this paper, and the ghosting (seeing what is written on the other side of the sheet) is very minimal. If I push you towards any notebook, it'll be this one. It also comes with a penloop that is not useless, unlike the L1917.
  
  
• Lemome Thick Classic Notebook with Pen Loop A5: 90 sheets, ruling is either dot grid or lined, 90 sheets, 125 gsm, thread bound, leatherette cover. Just got this the other day, and the pages are thick and smooth so far. No bleed through or ghosting with fountain pen ink yet.
  
  
• Lemome Hardcover A5 with Pen Holder: 92 sheets, ruling is dot grid, 100g, thread bound, leather hardcover. Just an option to put in here, it has a pen loop, and the paper seems to be slightly less thick than the prior Lemome notebook.
  
  Wishing you and your daughter the best during these hard times.

I’m new as well but I’ve done lots (maybe too much) research. What is your budget? From what I understand Windsor & Newton Cotman paints are a good student/hobby grade paint. They sell them in nifty little 12 pan kits that pretty much provide all the colors you need to make good mixes.

Here is a travel set for about $13:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qq8Tzb8SY82G3

If you are willing to spend a little more on paint for artist grade I hear excellent things about these: St Petersburg White Nights Watercolour : NEW 12 Pan Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006FHNE3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Gt8TzbT5PD01H

I’ve seen these really cool portable brushes: High-end art travel painting brush Synthetic Sable Round Hair Short Handle Brush for Acrylic Oil and watercolor painting 3Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3VMDED/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5r8TzbVV97JR3

Or you can use a water brush: Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, Pack of 3 (FRHBFMBP3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX31TZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Os8TzbN7TW9AQ

As for Paper, I really want one of these myself: Moleskine Watercolor Album Sketchbook - 5"x8" (Spanish Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/8883705629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vz8TzbWWMHY1M


I hope this helps! :)

I'm not at work, so I can't tell you which exactly, but it's a computation book. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Ampad-Computation-Ruled-Sheets-22-157/dp/B000DZEA2G

But they do...

I'm measuring 6.2mm (it's a 22-157 notebook, so a nominal 1/4"?)

I've heard that Black and Red notebooks are fountain pen friendly but reasonably priced. Worth a shot.

Black n' Red Casebound Hardcover Notebook, 11-3/4 x 8-1/4, Black/Red, 96 Ruled Sheets (D66174) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00015YOR4

Oooh this is a fun game:

https://www.amazon.com/MEEDEN-Empty-Watercolor-Palette-Paint/dp/B01MRYR1VI/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303405&sr=8-40&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Water-Studio/dp/B000XYHYI4/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303405&sr=8-43&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Field-Artist-Watercolor-Journal-Hardbound/dp/B075ZN6XT3/ref=sr_1_66_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303688&sr=8-66-spons&keywords=watercolor&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Artify-Watercolor-Miniature-Carrying-Flannelette/dp/B078SQT3NW/ref=sr_1_72?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303688&sr=8-72&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Smith-285610005-Essentials-Introductory/dp/B00WT5VRF6/ref=sr_1_94?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303776&sr=8-94&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Watercolor-Album-Sketchbook-Spanish/dp/8883705629/ref=sr_1_107?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303816&sr=8-107&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Paint-Brush-Brushes-Watercolor-Painting/dp/B00ZO90S1I/ref=sr_1_114_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303816&sr=8-114-spons&keywords=watercolor&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Block-Cold-Press-X12/dp/B0007XDHGO/ref=sr_1_115?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303859&sr=8-115&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Ph-Martins-400262-XXX-Watercolor/dp/B005TFSDF0/ref=sr_1_147?ie=UTF8&qid=1526304003&sr=8-147&keywords=watercolor

sorry for stupid long links

Isn't it just cheaper to buy a notepad for 6$?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J535NY6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1468202793&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rite+in+the+rain&dpPl=1&dpID=41CM%2BDc3zIL&ref=plSrch

You would have to cut the paper in half, but otherwise... https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B00S66EYNE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=AEKS62ZGHS8RI&psc=1

The Moleskine watercolor albumare a good starter notebook. I have also started to use the Stillman & Birn - Beta Series and I really like the paper in that sketch book and prefer the soft cover. Stillman & Birn has more choices when it comes to different papers and binding options in their different Series. Hope this helps!

Check out the second listing. Some items are shipped and sold by Amazon, but Amazon will default to showing third-party listings if they are cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00S66EYNE/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

After I've spent a little more time cutting and gluing, this will look perfect. I could even put some grip on the top cover such that it works as a stand.

I used this notebook for $12: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8883701143/

You can find them on Amazon for $4. I just ordered one for myself.
Link

Does she like to draw? Would she like to learn to draw? Get her some architect-y drawing supplies!

For example:

• Freehand Sketching by Paul Laseau
  
• Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Extra Fine
  
• Moleskin Watercolor Notebook
  
  If she enjoys that, next up is maybe a set of watercolors or copic markers. Also, JetPens has all sorts of good stuff. Check out things like 2mm lead holders, Pentel Sign Pen (and similar), any of the fine roller ball type pens, etc.

I made them all (Except the star made of guns, that's from and Anti-Flag Show) Though I feel like I did cheat a little bit and used printable iron-on transfers to make the patches rather than screen printing them.

and duh, a kick ass notebook to doodle in with your amazing new pens. might i suggest this https://www.amazon.com/Leuchtturm1917-Medium-Hardcover-Dotted-Notebook/dp/B00FWQXVS0/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1483934671&sr=1-1&keywords=leuchtturm1917+dotted

make sure you get the grid lines, because those make you tingle. im really into office products.

National Brand Computation Pad, Plain and 5 X 5 Quad On Back, 8.5 x 11 Inches, Green Paper, 100 Sheets (42382) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007LTJO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_3fMUKPwE3UxRP

Amazon!

Amazon, Moleskine, or Leuchtturm1917 are the popular ones and are available online. But most bookstores or stationary stores will carry them (or the Moleskine journals at least).

I have used www.vistaprint.com or you can buy printable iron on labels you make at home like these from Avery.

Get this and a grey t-shirt. and save yourself 10 bucks

I've had a lot of luck with "Black n' Red" hardcover notebooks. No feathering or ghosting with any inks I've used so far. Also theyre pretty cheap and you can get them online or at most office supply stores.

Amazon link

Hey there! It's a Minialism Art journal in yellow. I really do like it, it lays flat better than my old favorite, the Moleskine. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y3N8NN

I got a Rhodia spiral bound grid ruled notebook recently and it has nice margin/header format too. The paper is smooth (not too smooth though) and bright. Bleed through hasnt happened yet. Using medium Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pens.

Close:

Field Notes Cherry Graph 3-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ORZFPWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TH8aAbRKAQS4R

Good post.

Maybe a good direction to take this thread would be the what can I get a lot of for cheap? direction.

Like stack_cats said, you can get printer paper reams and be set for a while.

Sketch books for practice?

• Blackbooks are mid priced. Cool to have $6 bucks at Walmart 192 pages. Not sure about the weight.
  
• Moleskins cost just as much but are generally smaller. More marketing dollars, less materials. Can't even find out how many pages they have.
  
• Office Depot Sketchbook decent weight, $8 bucks 100 pages. I got one of these cause Office Depot is right next to work and the day I decided to start doing this stuff, I just walked over there and picked up random shit. I have almost filled the whole book, font-to-back, and I like it. Little bleeding, and the wire bound spine makes it easier to write near on all of the page than a more traditional book.
  
• Dickblick.com has a big list of sketchbooks that I know nothing about. Some options in here are probably better.
  
  As far as non-sketchbook writing.. I keep boxes from ordering things online and flatten them out. That's fun. Paper grocery bags work too. A big sheet of thin plywood is like $25 bucks and you can write on that forever. I've heard water on an old chalkboard is great practice too.

Haha. I appreciate that. I would be happy to teach you how to do them. It's shockingly easy. Once you have a onesie or shirt, etc:

1. Buy some of these: http://www.amazon.com/Avery-T-shirt-Transfers-Printers-03271/dp/B00006B8FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462209898&sr=8-1&keywords=avery+light+transfer+paper (If you're doing a dark shirt, buy the dark transfers, and follow those directions, they are different!)
   
2. Type up what you want on the shirt. You can copy and paste the logo or a picture into Word (or similar program) I just did a google image search for Ghost logo, found the one I wanted, saved photo to my computer, then inserted it into Word. For the non-logo font, I found some free medieval/gothic and heavy metal or horror fonts from dafont.com and chose one. The one I used is called Portcullion.
   
3. Mirror the image so it prints on the transfer sheet backward
   
4. Use a table or other non-heat absorbing surface (so not an ironing board)
   
5. Put dry iron on cotton setting, No Steam, and heat for a few minutes
   
6. Line the work area with an ironed pillowcase, then iron the onesie, shirt, etc
   
7. Place the transfer, design side down, and iron. Depending on the size of the transfer, iron from 45 for 1/4 page, to 2 minutes for full page.
   
8. Let it cool for a few minutes, then peel the transfer sheet away, and the image will remain on the fabric!

Yeah, these are awesome as you can draw or paint in them (or collage etc...). I'd get her one along with some good watercolor pencils and maybe a nice brush and a bottle of india ink.

Meet you halfway:

This is the de-facto standard. Single-Subject, spiral notebook. Tough. Functional. Available everywhere.

Two things I hate about spirals:

Crushed wires making it awkward to flip pages.
Lack of stiffness demands a table-top.

Ponder a not horribly expensive upgrade:

Black n' Red
Moleskine Extra Large Hardcover

No more spiral. Can write in your lap. Classier look.

Also available in graph-paper pages...

Flashlight - Fenix RC20

Watch - Timex Expediton Chronograph

Walkie - Midland T77VP5 X-Talker

Notes - Field Notes Cherry Graph

Phone - Samsung Galaxy s7

Pen - Don't know, got it for free in the mail.

Not Pictured - Burts Bee's - Pomegranate

This is similar

National Brand Computation Pad, Plain and 5 X 5 Quad On Back, 8.5 x 11 Inches, Green Paper, 100 Sheets (42382)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007LTJO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z1NCAbZGSMMRX

If you like the cahier-type journals, check out some Japanese notebooks. There are various size, colors and line styles but here are some examples:

Apica CD:
https://www.jetpens.com/Apica-CD-Notebook-CD11-A5-7-mm-Rule-Navy/pd/10946

Life Pistachio:
https://www.jetpens.com/Life-Pistachio-Notebook-B6-Lined/pd/13367

Kokuyo Campus:
https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Grade-Paper-Notebook/dp/B002LRU6VS/ref=pd_sim_229_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002LRU6VS&pd_rd_r=GVF7FAW426X7TV33C0AB&pd_rd_w=ARCwC&pd_rd_wg=Yg6KN&psc=1&refRID=GVF7FAW426X7TV33C0AB

https://www.amazon.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Todai-Pre-Dotted-Notebook/dp/B002C4KL8I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495837335&sr=8-2&keywords=Kokuyo
(These are the equivalents of composition books in Japan, but better paper than most comp books.)

Wanderings on Amazon is a guy from Victoria.

Wanderings Leather Notebook Journal - Refillable, Perfect for Writing, Gifts, Fountain Pen Users, Travelers, Professional, Diary. Classic Vintage Style https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6MRKLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cbFEzbTSYBHNQ

Edit: Name of journal, added link.

Cargo pants pocket dump:

Retractable key holder

Keychain I made

Olight tiny flashlight

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Paracord braclet I made

Casio wristwatch

Rite in the Rain Pen

Rite in the Rain Notebook

Shitty old phone

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, Ultra Conditioning with Kokum Butter, Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter

Case for my WiFi-only mobile device - Samsung Galaxy S4.

I used to get anxiety about not having my keys on me and getting locked out of my apartment, so I made the bulky key chain so I'd be able to easily feel it's mass in my pocket. Well, I was still getting anxiety, so I took the next step and bought the retractable key holder. I love this thing! I always know where my keys are (on my belt) and I'm never going to drop them or anything, it's great.

Hey,

cool, dass du dich für EDC interessierst!

Wie viele hier bereits geschrieben haben, in deinem Alter ist etwas mit einem Messer wohl eher suboptimal. In meinen Augen passt das Leatherman Style PS wohl am besten.(Alternativ ginge sicherlich auch ein Schweizer Armeemesser,. aber da weiß ich nicht, obs da welche ohne Messer aber mit anständiger Ausrüstung gibt).

Als Tasche weiß ich nicht genau, was du meinst: Einen Rucksack oder eher etwas Richtung Bauchtasche. Ich für meinen Teil nehme einfach, wenn ich mehr platz benötige, aber keinen Rucksack mitnehmen möchte, eine Molle-kompatible Tasche und befestige die einfach an meinem Gürtel. Die verlinkte Tasche könnte aber vielleicht noch etwas groß sein.

Bei Taschenlampen gibt es auch viele Sachen, auf die man achten kann, vielleicht schaust du mal in r/flashlight nach, die können dir für genau deine Voraussetzungen ne Lampe empfehlen. ich für meinen Teil komme super mit der Nitecore Tube klar, die fällt an einem Schlüsselbund kaum auf und lässt sich per micro-USB laden.

Ansonsten kann ich dir empfehlen, mal nach einem Schreibmaterial zu gucken, was dir gefällt (ich für meinen Teil habe immer einen Parker Jotter Kuli und einen Rite in the Rain Notizblock dabei).

Falls es dich interessierst, mein (etwas veraltetes) EDC findest du hier.

DIY Indispensables US Military Memo Book (3 Pack) Side Bound 3-3/8 x 5-5/8 Inch with Durable Sewn Binding College Ruled 72 Sheet 144 Page Notebook NSN 7530-00-222-0078 Made in USA

​

https://www.amazon.com/DIY-Indispensables-Military-Notebook-7530-00-222-0078/dp/B018YH76BG/

​

FLEXIBLE but DURABLE - Military spec sewn binding plus vinyl coated cover means months of daily use without breaking down.

I was recently told of Tomoe River Paper by another redditor and it is absolutely fantastic for absorbing ink! It’s very thin and smooth and I have yet to see ink feather or bleed through it. I would highly recommend!

Here's how I study:

First I need an actual study place. I'm lucky to have an office. It's just a second bedroom but it's my own space. I spent a few bucks to spring for a comfy chair. I went to office max and sat in every display chair they had and compared prices and picked the one that was most comfortable that was within a reasonable price. Having the chair makes me feel more obligated to use that space instead of trying to do HW in front of the tv. Don't ever do homework in front of the TV if you need to learn what you are working on. Same goes for listening to music. Don't put on your favorite band. If you like playing music. Pick something without words. I personally like listening to chill beats when I'm studying. I'm not distracted but I don't feel uncomfortable either like I am in a hospital or something. Having a separate comfortable space really does matter a lot.

I am also super particular about what I write in. I don't have any lined paper. I have one notebook and it is a Spiralbound Ampad Gold Fibre Computation Book. It makes soooooooo much god damn difference. I normally would never be able to keep detailed notes like this because my handwriting is horrible and I'm too lazy to organize it. However having a nice notebook makes me want to keep nice notes. I know my notes aren't like a work of art but they are miles ahead of what they looked like last year.

You might also notice that I took those notes in pen. I only use pilot g2 black ink retractable pens. They are cheap, reliable, and writing with them is less physically exhausting then writing in pencil. A $12 pack of these pens is what I asked for at Christmas. Because it makes a real difference.

So I have my office, my chair, my notebook, my pens and it feels good to have those things that I all carefully picked out so it feels good to study and take notes.

My actual method of studying is to take notes in my office while I read the chapters. I don't take notes in class during the lecture. I don't know how anybody can listen and write and learn at the same time. So I use the Cornell method. Then I do all the homework off these notes. And when I take an exam I write the important formulas over and over for about 30 minutes before each test.

Moleskine grid lined, versatile and nice size.

http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Classic-Notebook-Squared-Notebooks/dp/8883701135

Congrats on the new job! And that is awesome news. It means a lot that you are so excited for the notebook. And yes I do! You can find the Wanderings Notebook on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6MRKLG
.
Or in Canada at https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01C6MRKLG/

Sure! How old is she? I highly recommend she start with a dotted Leuchtturm A5 (https://www.amazon.com/Leuchtturm1917-Medium-Dotted-Hardcover-Notebook/dp/B002TSIMW4) and maybe some pocket notebook like the Moleskine (https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Notizhefte-Kartoneinband-3-er-Set-packpapierbraun/dp/8883704940/) ones - great for field notes! I use this setup. Also, get her some pencils and stuff to draw! Just the other day I put this in my small notebook: https://i.imgur.com/8BXh2BQ.jpg. It's about having fun!

I'd love to talk to her about it!

Here is the first listing I found of it on Amazon. May be able to find it cheaper.

Edit: just realized it isn't the exact same

These US Military Memoranda. 3 72-sheet notebooks with nice green cover for $9.79 and free prime shipping. Don't fold as flat on the back side of the page, but much more paper/heavier duty.

Agreed with the Leuchtturm1917. I just got mine & it's heavenly. Best place to purchase (if you're looking for a good variety in color) seems to be Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FWQXVS0?psc=1&smid=A1E8AJDELN2AKR

Non-affiliate-link and link to graph paper moleskins

You can get Traveler's notebooks in different sizes if you're willing to look outside Midori. I'm rather fond of the Wandering's company designs. I have the large and traveler's notebook sizes and an A5 size from another brand.

I like engineering computation paper, but I have only one pad remaining and I haven't used it since I consider it precious. However, I'm silly because I could get it on line easily, I'm just too lazy.

Get National brand. Maybe you can get them personalized somewhere.


Maybe this:https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-Brand-Computation-Sheets-42389/dp/B0017TMB64/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Engineering+Computation+Pad&qid=1574173104&s=office-products&sr=1-5

One of my favorite lab notebooks: https://www.amazon.com/Ampad-Computation-Ruled-Sheets-22-157/dp/B000DZEA2G/ref=sr_1_26?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1504571843&sr=1-26&keywords=ampad+gold+fibre

When I was in industry, they used these: https://www.eurekalabbook.com/products/green-quad-standard-lab-notebook

This OR This and these would be great for me to take notes (which I will have a lot of because of my double major), and help keep me organized! Thank you for the contest, you are so wonderful!

If you decide to pick instead of use reddit raffle, choose someone else! I'll be fine! I'm going back to school, which means I am going back to cool.

Just some general advice, I think finding what you don't like to do is just as important as finding what you do like.

Other than that, I don't have much advice for the other areas, however I can chime in on the art if you're interested in trying that out again. I apologize for the long post and if you're not interested. Just trying to showcase some options and provide a place to start, just in case.

Art school isn't all that necessary. But it can be very helpful because it provides structure and helps network you with other students and the professors who are already in their respective industries. However, it can be a lot of work and often times doesn't leave much time for you to work on what you want, and can wear you out. On the other hand, because you are required to take foundation classes, you'll experience quite a few mediums and find what you like and what you don't like.

So I'm currently going to school for Animation, however I'm currently doing my foundation classes. And I do have a recommendation. Figure drawing is extremely difficult and takes a very long time to master.

It all starts with gesture and here are two videos featuring my anatomy for the artist teacher, Steve Michael Hampton. He uses his first and middle name interchangeably so you can find him under both. Anyway, just to share his experience, he does anatomical corrections (correcting even the slightest problems with muscles, skull structure, etc.) at the big name studios. Marvel, Lukasfilm, Blizzard, etc. He also has a book available on Amazon. And a website (figuredrawing.info).

https://youtu.be/f4353W2Xqm0

https://youtu.be/mIiqgXqjWCw

So one thing you've already realized is that drawing is hard. Especially drawing the figure. And even more so drawing the figure correctly.

However, figure drawing isn't the only way to go. Try watching guys like Jake Parker, Will Terry, Brett Bean, Brandon Green and Will Terrell. They are all fabulous illustrators and character designers. Probably most well known for their children's book illustrations. And the best part about children's book illustrations is that you can let your imagination go wild. It's all about having fun.

You might also just try drawing every day and posting your stuff everywhere. Facebook. Instagram. DeviantArt. Newgrounds. Twitter. Time lapse videos on YouTube. And then tie everything in with a link to a central blog or website. You can get a free blog through Google's BlogSpot. Doing this will build your portfolio, while also amassing a following.

And this is how you land jobs. Someone who knows you knows someone looking for an artist. And they refer you. And next thing you know, you've got a connection, do a few freelance jobs for the company, and then get picked up.

Or you can remain free lance.

Or just make money through social media (most likely YouTube) and selling prints. Check out Baylee Jae, Draw with Jazza, and Sycra on YouTube.

You might also be interested in landscape so that's an area to explore.

Last thing I want to say is that you should try shape sketching. And you mind look into keeping a small sketchbook everywhere you go.

Here's a video showing what shape sketching is.

https://youtu.be/-muf3zd80KY

As for the sketchbook, I actually just bought a passport cover wallet and some 3.5x5.5" Moleskine sketchbooks. I put the Moleskine in the passport slot. It forces me to take my sketchbook whenever I take my wallet.

Passport Wallet. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GYC4KN0

Moleskine. https://www.amazon.com/dp/8883704940

Adhesive Pen Holder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J2YB64I

Hope this doesn't overwhelm you too much. I think art is a great place for people to go when they don't have anything else in mind. It's fun, and there is no right or wrong. It's what you want it to be. Some people will love your stuff. Others will hate it. Don't worry about style. Style develops when you just draw what you like.

I prefer engineering paper. http://www.amazon.com/National-Computation-Inches-Sheets-42382/dp/B0007LTJO0/ref=sr_1_6?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1382121527&sr=1-6&keywords=engineering+paper

I find a lot of comfort and catharsis in writing. I have a dot journal on my list to get me back in the habit while trying out bullet Journaling!

Thanks 💟💗

We had Ampad in school - buy it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Ampad-Engineers-Computation-Wirebound-22-157/dp/B000DZEA2G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346803182&sr=8-1&keywords=ampad+engineering+notebook

Personally I am a huge fan of Moleskine products. I have several of their journals/ notebooks and love them. They have several sizes (I'm a big fan of the A4 sized notebooks) and they are pretty darn durable, plus I love the simple black.

~ Social Work ~

Actually, in my wishlist you can find a durable sturdy journal to do exactly that. Works for drawing and work stuff.
And it has a small pocket on the end. Great for some receipts and sleeves.

You too, and congrats to your sister! I don't think I mentioned it, but you can probably glean it from the website, one of the four is light, then they range up to peaty, so she can explore her palate as well. For a cheap side gift, pick her up a Moleskin notebook so she can keep tasting notes... useful to come back and compare tastings of the same whiskey.

> Leuchturm

I just ordered one of these! I love notebooks and I normally buy all notebooks (moleskins), device covers etc. in lime green. But I'm going with the bright yellow this season! I'm a stationery addict and A5 is my favourite size. So neat.

Yes

Like this?

100 gsm I don't know what that means lol but I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077Y3N8NN?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

I just got a three-pack of these military memo books. I'm eager to find out how well they hold up.

If you're going to buy him engineering paper - which may well be a very practical present, as in my school any non-typed assignment pretty much has to be done on it - don't get Tops or Ampad. Get National brand.

Both Tops and Ampad I've had tend to come with misalignment, bad binding, and are thinner paper. National is superfantastic.

I actually just buy it loose leaf so that I can write letters on it, and I use a thin usb [light table] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EBA8ZX8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) with a sheet of dot-grid underneath so I can see the dots through the page. I actually like how you can see both sides ghost on a personal letter because it feels more literature-y. I couldn't use Tomoe for regular activities like work sketches and diagrams, journaling, note taking, or story writing. You really have to use a second sheet of printer paper to cover as you write because dry times can be an hour or more. On the bright side of things, with the light table this doesn't really matter because you can still see what you've written. It's just not especially convenient to use somewhere else than your desk at home (although it does fit next to your notepad and you can use it with an external USB battery pack like you use to recharge your phone if you're feeling particularly adventurous). People will go out of their way to talk to you about it if they see you using a fountain pen and portable light table in public, like a coffee shop. If you're interested, I could take a picture later today when I'll be writing a letter on it :)

For notes I buy a ream of copy/printer paper from the office supply store, they sell reams that are already 3-hole punched, it's not very much. I like having no lines interfering with anything I draw. Everything I lay down on the page really stands out against a pure white background. I suppose I take my time and write clearly, what simple sketches I do make, I take a second and do it clearly as well. The result is clean notes that are easy for me to review later.

I also write with .7mm pencil and use Staedtler pens in one or two colors to add emphasis.

All my homework gets done on National Brand engineering paper. ...Found a brand I liked and I stick to it I guess...

Each class has its own 3-ring binder and I load each one with a bit of this plain white paper, and a bit of my engineering paper.

The trifecta of glorious tech rabbit holes for rapidly draining your bank account is fountainpens, headphones (I’m a Bose QC35 guy), and keyboards: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanicalheadpens/
Here’s your map:

Fountain pens: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/ -> https://www.gouletpens.com/ -> http://www.andersonpens.com/ -> https://www.jetpens.com/ -> http://ipenstore.com/ -> https://www.birminghampens.com/ For paper you’ll start with a Red and Black http://amzn.to/2twmuRs and rapidly move to Tomoe River which will lead you to Hobonichi Techos https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/lineup/ (but buy it from Jet Pens).

Keyboards: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ -> https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/ -> … this hole has too many branches to continue to document. It is deep. But satisfying!

Headphones: I plead the fifth. Friendships have been lost.

Welcome to our rabbit hole.

Lot if people use Momeskin or leuchtturm1917. I personally use whatever notebook I find interesting. Barnes and Noble has a pretty good selection. The one I have now is Minimalism Art I found on Amazon. I really like it and plan on getting another for 2019.


https://www.amazon.com/Minimalism-Art-Classic-Notebook-Journal/dp/B077Y3N8NN/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538075845&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=minimalism+art&dpPl=1&dpID=41MwSXlkP%2BL&ref=plSrch

At my summer job working for World Class Electronics Company, I was introduced to National 42382. They used it to sketch out their cutting-edge designs. It's very nice stuff. I prefer to use it with a Pentel P205 mechanical pencil (link) and 0.5mm 2B lead.

But when that's not available I just grab a few sheets of copier paper and scribble with whatever Bic pen happens to be laying about.

todays chino layout (specific items can change daily):

F/L: keys (fob+housekey only), Fenix LD10 (pocket clipped), handkerchief (small 8"x8" from bonobos), Bic mini lighter.

F/R: Galaxy S3, Kersaw Chive (pocket clipped), space pen.

R/L: wallet

R/R: moleskine notebook, earbuds.

I'm completely comfortable. Clips are visible - which much of mfa would probably dislike, but it makes the knife and flashlight fit comfortably without interfering with items lower in the pocket. Only thing that might pass as a bulge is my wallet, which I've been looking for years for the perfect replacement, but it's not a Costanza by any stretch. One can also tell when I have the s3 in my pocket, but since it lays flat and slim without interference with the other items, doesn't constitute a bulge. Currently shopping for a smaller one though.

Everything else you would be hard pressed to even know I had. It helps that all my cars have integrated fob/key and I only need my housekey.

Dress code is tie-optional business casual, no denim/cargo/polo/shorts allowed, no dress down days.

Bag is an all black standard sized Timbuk2 messenger, which doesn't really match my current love affair with leather. Carries laptop, letter sized notebook, MTG cards (haven't played in over a year, but I always have some), aspirin/tylenol, extra pens, leatherman, lunch and thermos, etc.

I wear jackets/blazers regularly in the winter/fall (keys, lighter, handkerchief get offloaded there when available but that's because they belong there and not because of comfort or fit). Can't bring myself to wear that in the spring/summer.

I've found that carrying a pocket knife, flashlight, notebook, and phone is an absolute requirement for my schedule/work/play/lifestyle. Despite that, I've whittled it down to the smallest most dependable items I could find. I could almost ditch the lighter, earbuds, and handkerchief as they are rarely used but when I don't have them I want them.

On the summer weekends, when I dare to wear my "ghastly" slim fit above-the-knee cargo shorts, the wallet and phone each get their own cargo pocket. But otherwise, layout is the same 95% of the time.