Same crayons, different paper - and suddenly, the artwork has a whole new personality.
Every artist has that moment of curiosity and wonders how much paper really affects the outcome. In my “Swatch It Happen” blog, I mentioned what kind of surface suits crayons best. This week, I decided to put that theory to the test by comparing two popular options: Fabriano Tiziano Pastel Paper and the Stillman & Birn Alpha Sketchbook. Let's take a look at their differences.
Fabriano Tiziano: Expressive Texture
I used Fabriano Tiziano pastel paper for a Monstera Leaf Study. Initially, I was a little sceptical about how it would turn out, but in the end, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique result.
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| Monstera leaf study on Fabriano Tiziano |
This paper has a strong visible texture (or tooth), which becomes even more noticeable when the crayon is applied lightly. The texture gives the drawing an expressive, painterly look, especially suitable for organic subjects like leaves.
The tooth helped me create soft edges and smooth colour transitions in this drawing without overblending. I relied heavily on burnishing, which flattened the texture just enough to bring out richer, more saturated colours. After several layers, the surface also held up well for scratching and lifting wax to create highlights and fine details.
Fabriano Tiziano works beautifully when you want a mix of soft diffusion and crisp accents, perfect for subjects that benefit from both texture and control.
Stillman & Birn Alpha: Refined Control
For the Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook, I created a Yellow Rose Study (as shown in “Where Colours Meet”). This paper is designed for mixed media and is suitable for dry materials, light washes, and ink. Its medium-grain surface is smoother than Fabriano's.
The smoother texture allows for seamless layering and effortless burnishing, creating soft, natural gradients. It also handles multiple layers of colour very well, making it easier to achieve that luminous, blended look.
However, with its subtle tooth, burnishing requires a little care; too much pressure can cause wax buildup. The trade-off is that fine details and scratching techniques are easier and cleaner on this smoother surface.
Overall, the Alpha gives a refined, polished finish, making it ideal for subjects that call for delicate transitions and precise control.
The Budget-Friendly Option
Lastly, if you’re working on a smaller budget, I wanted to share another paper you can use. While it’s not high-end quality, I've had good results with it: the humble generic visual diary often marketed as "cartridge paper."
The texture is slightly smoother than the Stillman & Birn paper, yet still has enough tooth to hold multiple layers. I use it as my everyday, guilt-free sketchbook. It's perfect for daily practice, colour tests, or relaxed drawings where you don’t have to worry about “ruining” expensive paper.
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| Seagull on simple visual diary paper |
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both papers have their own charm. Fabriano Tiziano shines when you want texture and character, while Stillman & Birn Alpha offers control and polish. The key is to understand how each surface responds, then let its strengths expand your creative versatility. And if all else fails, grab that everyday visual diary, because what really matters is that you keep drawing, experimenting, and enjoying the process.
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