Decoupage vs. Paint?

[0ctoberrain.livejournal.com]

Hi there.

I bought my boyfriend a large artist's sketchbook, hardbound with a black cloth cover for Christmas. I want to decorate it to reflect his interests with either a decoupaged collage or a painting, in a wraparound style on the front and back covers. I know he's going to be using it *a lot* and he's not exactly easy on his sketchbooks, so I want to make sure the decorations won't get all crumply or crack and fall off. To that end, which of these decorating methods is sturdiest? And what steps do I need to take to keep whichever artform firmly attached to the cover?

Thanks for any help,
Miranda