For graphite drawings with a moderate degree of realism a drawing paper like strathmore series 400 is a good place to begin.
Best paper for graphite portraits.
I used strathmore 300 series bristol board pads 9 x 12 velum for this graphite drawing.
It s called charcoal or pastel paper.
It will have the texture you want.
To achieve an even shade it is necessary to surround the peaks paper texture with graphite from all angles.
It will give you good results without breaking the bank.
Either get two pads one in each size or just get the larger size and work on half the page for graphite drawings if you want to get conservative.
Canson mi teintes drawing paper this paper has a very pronounced laid texture.
Canson mi teintes canson ingres strathmore 500 series and fabriano tiziano are popular choices.
Usually printing paper is too soft for pencil drawing and arches cover is no exception.
A good overall choice in my opinion is strathmore bristol smooth 400.
In video 2 of sarah becktel s graphite series see her tips for selecting the right paper for graphite.
It does not hold graphite well at all.
The best paper for graphite drawing should be over 80 lbs.
I used strathmore 300 series bristol board pads 9 x 12 smooth for this ink drawing.
Thinner paper will tear easier and ruin your work.
Textured paper surface should be thought of as being a 3 dimensional surface with peaks and valleys not unlike a mountain chain.
This not only produces an even shade but it is easier to achieve and has greater depth of tone.
Again my recommendation is the same here.
Most drawing paper has a coarse texture and that will work against you.
Strathmore 400 series drawing or strathmore s 400 series bristol vellum surface paper is perfect for charcoal.
Printer copying paper generally has a weight of 20lbs 75 gsm.
The heavier weight is better for drawing since it can take more erasure and can handle the constant pressure from the pencil better.
Ink drawing day to day sketching.
The pencil drawing paper recommended in this video can be purchased from a link on my website here.
A pressed paper will be even smoother than smooth the pressed or smooth bristol papers are the best for pencil drawings in which you need to blend the graphite to a very smooth look for drawing human skin etc.