Strathmore Sketchbook 400 Series
This is a simple front cover for a sketchbook by Strathmore Paper Company. The company was founded by Horace Moses and has been around since 1892. They make fine paper designed for artists to use, and this book of sketch paper, circa 2000, is one of their products. The series number, 400, indicates the fineness of the paper. Unfortunately there isn't much I could find on Strathmore's team, or even who designs their book covers. However, it is noted under the center art piece that Anna Fox Ryan was the creator of this particular sketch.
While a sketchbook may be a little on the nose for a piece of graphic design, I believe it's important to archive things that may have helped creators in their designing endeavors. The simplistic serif font with the detailed artwork in the center creates an overall classier feel for this cover. It pushes forward Strathmore's brand identity as a stylish paper company. I particularly enjoy the muted color scheme, which not only plays into the aforementioned classiness', but the dullness gives the feeling it can be added on to, as you would with a sketchbook. The sketch chosen to be on full display pushes this idea as well, as it is formless and abstract, made to be molded. Compared to other sketchbooks around the same time period, and even from before this books era, you'll notice they seem to follow a similar look. Sketchbooks throughout history have been rather straightforward, as they have a great emphasis on function. These books were designed to be added on to, so the simplistic exterior helps invoke that feeling. However, the drawing present on this one, which is a trend amongst other Strathmore sketchbooks, helps it stand out a little amongst the rest.
“The History of Strathmore Artist Papers - Strathmore Artist Papers.” strathmoreart. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.strathmoreartist.com/about.
“Amazon.Com: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 11x14 Inch, 100 Sheets - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students : Arts, Crafts & Sewing.” amazon. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.amazon.com/Strathmore-455-4-Sketch-Bound-Sheets/dp/B000KNJTBI.
“Strathmore Series - Strathmore Artist Papers.” strathmoreart. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.strathmoreartist.com/series-landing.
Gillespie, Gary. “A Brief History of Sketchbooks.” Leda Art Supply, December 11, 2023. https://ledaartsupply.com/blogs/news/a-brief-history-of-sketchbooks?srsltid=AfmBOoo0Sba7ze-3krRyOIMIz9CZia0zUa1r2I1AGpqsMHWq_2D9pxGg.
Lexington, Trek. “A Brief History of Sketchbooks.” Medium, February 12, 2019. https://thebluereview.net/a-brief-history-of-sketchbooks-79d88825f10b.
