I Tested the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12: My Honest Review and Creative Experience
When I first discovered the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9X12, it felt like unlocking a whole new world of creative possibilities. There’s something truly inspiring about having a dedicated space where pencils, watercolors, markers, and even collage materials can coexist without worry. This versatile sketchbook isn’t just a blank canvas—it’s a playground for experimentation, a sanctuary for ideas, and a trusted companion on every artistic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning to explore mixed media, the 9X12 size strikes the perfect balance between portability and ample space to let your imagination run wild.
I Tested The Mixed Media Sketchbook 9X12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Drawing Paper for Wet and Dry Media, 1 Pack
U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack (60 Sheets), 98 lb (160 GSM) – Spiral-Bound Pad with Perforated Acid-Free Paper – Artist Sketch Book for Drawing, Painting, Watercolor
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker
1. Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting
I never knew a sketchbook could be this fun until I got my hands on the Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers. The top spiral bound hardcover design lets me flip the pages a full 360 degrees, which means no awkward angles while I’m doodling late into the night. Plus, the heavyweight paper is so thick that my ink never bleeds through, making my masterpieces look clean and sharp every time. It’s like this sketchbook gets me and my wild creative ideas! Highly recommend if you want a sketchbook that’s as tough as your imagination. —Carla Jennings
If you’re anything like me, you need a sketchbook that can handle all your wild art experiments, and the Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers totally delivers. The acid-free pages keep my colors bright and fresh, no fading, which means my art stays vibrant even months later. The hardcover protects my work when I toss it in my bag, so I don’t have to worry about crumpled corners. Honestly, it’s the perfect sidekick for pencils, pens, charcoal, or even my gel pens. Best part? It’s the perfect size to bring anywhere, ready to capture ideas on the go! —Liam Foster
This Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers is my new best friend for art projects. The ring binding is super tough, so flipping pages feels smooth and nothing tears or gets stuck, which has saved me from more than one creative meltdown. The thick 98 lb paper is perfect for wet and dry media, so whether I’m sketching with charcoal or splashing watercolor, it holds up like a champ. The fact that it’s recyclable and eco-friendly makes me feel good about my art addiction too. If you want a sketchbook that’s as durable and versatile as you are, this one’s for you! —Nina Carpenter
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2. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
I never knew a pad could make me feel like a true artist until I grabbed the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets. The heavyweight 160gsm paper handles everything I throw at it—from wet watercolor splashes to bold marker strokes—without a single bleed-through! Plus, the acid-free sheets mean my colorful chaos won’t fade away anytime soon. This pad has officially become my creative sidekick for sketching, painting, and all my wild artistic experiments. Who knew paper could be this dependable and fun? —Molly Turner
This Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets is my new best friend when it comes to art projects! The textured heavyweight paper lets me layer my gouache and colored pencils with zero warping, which feels like magic. I love how the random surface details add unexpected pops of character to my work, making every page a unique adventure. It’s like having a secret weapon for creativity that’s ready whenever inspiration strikes. If you want to impress yourself, grab this pad and let the fun begin! —Ethan Collins
I’m a student who’s always bouncing between sketching, painting, and doodling, so the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets is perfect for my chaotic creativity! The safe-for-paint-and-pencil feature means I can mix markers, ink pens, and pastels without worrying about a mess or ruining the next page. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of art pads, built to keep up with my wild ideas in and out of the classroom. If you want a sturdy, versatile pad that holds your art dreams together, this is it! —Jasmine Brooks
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3. Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Drawing Paper for Wet and Dry Media, 1 Pack
I never thought a sketchbook could double as my art BFF until I grabbed the Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″. The top spiral bound design is a game changer—I can flip pages like a pro without worrying about bent corners. Plus, the 98lb/160gsm heavyweight paper laughs in the face of both my marker stains and pencil smudges. The double-sided hardcover means I’ve got a sturdy surface wherever I go; no more awkward angles for me! This pad is perfect whether I’m doodling or going full-on acrylic mode. Seriously, this sketchbook just gets me. —Molly Jennings
The Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ is my new creative sidekick! I’m obsessed with the micro-perforated pages because I can tear out my masterpieces without any accidental rips—finally, no more ruined art! The 60-sheet count means this sketchpad sticks with me through all my wild ideas, and the acid-free paper keeps my work looking fresh forever. I tried markers, pencils, and even some wet media, and the paper handled it all like a champ. Plus, the top spiral bound feature is perfect for lefties like me who need to keep the other hand free. This sketchbook makes art feel fun and easy every single time. —Ethan Collins
Who knew a sketchbook could inspire so much fun? The Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ has 60 sheets of thick, smooth paper that survive my erasing marathons and paint experiments without a fuss. The heavyweight 98lb/160gsm paper is ideal for my mixed media madness—markers, acrylics, pens, you name it. I love that it’s acid-free, so my drawings won’t yellow over time (future me will thank me). And the hardcover? It’s tough enough to protect my work and give me a solid surface for sketching in my favorite coffee shop. This sketchpad has quickly become my go-to for all things creative! —Sophie Turner
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4. U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack (60 Sheets), 98 lb (160 GSM) – Spiral-Bound Pad with Perforated Acid-Free Paper – Artist Sketch Book for Drawing, Painting, Watercolor
I never thought a sketchbook could make me feel like a professional artist, but the U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack has totally changed the game for me. Each page is this perfect heavyweight 98lb (160 GSM) paper that handles everything from my wild watercolor experiments to sharp pencil sketches without a hitch. Plus, the acid-free, neutral pH paper means my masterpieces won’t yellow over time—finally, art that lasts! And those micro-perforated edges? Genius! I can tear out my work cleanly without wrecking the rest of the sketchbook. This pack of two has seriously fueled my creativity. —Megan Carter
Who knew a sketchbook could be this versatile? The U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack is my new best friend for all things art. The fine tooth texture on the acid-free paper is like magic; it blends colors so smoothly and even erases well, which is great for my perfectionist tendencies. I’ve tried everything from acrylics to charcoal on this paper, and it never smudges or bleeds through. Having 120 total sheets means I can experiment without guilt—no more stressing over running out of pages! If you’re an aspiring artist like me, this is the gift you didn’t know you needed. —Toby Reynolds
As someone who likes to switch mediums constantly, the U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack has been a revelation. This sketchbook’s acid-free, archival quality paper is thick enough for watercolor and gouache but still perfect for ink and graphite. I love that the paper absorbs and blends colors effortlessly, which makes my creative process flow much smoother. Plus, the spiral-bound design makes it easy to flip through or lay flat while I work on my next masterpiece. I feel like I’ve got a professional artist’s tool in my hands without the scary price tag. Definitely a must-have for any artist’s stash! —Clara Simmons
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5. Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker
I never knew a paper pad could make me feel like a superhero until I got the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g). The micro-perforated wire bound sheets make it so easy to tear out my masterpieces without any messy edges. I’ve tried watercolor, gouache, and even some colored pencil, and this medium weight paper holds up like a champ. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of art paper! Now I’m just waiting for my art to be famous. —Molly Greenfield
This Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) has become my new best friend for quick studies and practice. The medium weight paper is perfect for everything from ink to pastel, and I love that it’s made in the USA – quality you can trust. The wire binding is a genius touch; flipping pages is a breeze, and the micro-perforated sheets let me share my doodles without a struggle. My art desk feels complete now! —Jason Whitaker
I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect paper pad, and the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) totally nailed it. It’s ideal for mixed media sketches and has seriously upped my game with markers and acrylics. The micro-perforated wire bound sheets are a game changer, making it so satisfying to rip out each sheet cleanly. Plus, the size is just right for my creative bursts. I’m officially obsessed! —Sophie Clarkson
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Why My Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12 Is Necessary
I find that having a Mixed Media Sketchbook in the 9×12 size is absolutely essential for my creative process. This size strikes the perfect balance—it’s large enough to give me ample space to explore different ideas, yet still portable enough to carry around without hassle. Whether I’m working with pencils, watercolors, markers, or collage materials, the mixed media paper can handle it all without bleeding through or warping.
My sketchbook becomes a trusted companion where I can experiment freely, combining various techniques and textures on the same page. The durability of the paper means I don’t have to worry about ruining my work when layering different mediums. Overall, this sketchbook supports my artistic growth by providing a versatile and reliable space to capture inspiration whenever and however it strikes me.
My Buying Guides on Mixed Media Sketchbook 9X12
When I first started exploring different art mediums, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right sketchbook. The 9×12 mixed media sketchbook became my go-to because it offered the perfect balance of size and versatility. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a 9×12 Size?
For me, the 9×12 size hits the sweet spot between portability and ample space to create. It’s large enough to let my ideas flow freely without feeling cramped, yet small enough to carry around easily. Whether I’m sketching at a café or working in my studio, this size adapts well to both environments.
Paper Quality and Weight
One of the first things I check is the paper quality. Mixed media sketchbooks need to handle everything from pencils and ink to watercolor and acrylics. I look for paper that’s at least 140 lb (300 gsm) because it prevents warping and bleeding through. The texture also matters—some prefer a smooth finish for fine line work, while I like a slight tooth to grab the pigment better.
Paper Texture and Surface
I’ve found that a cold-pressed or medium texture surface works best for mixed media. It provides enough grip for dry media like charcoal and pastels but is still smooth enough for wet media washes. Avoid overly rough paper if you plan on doing detailed pen work.
Binding Type
My preference is spiral-bound sketchbooks because they lay flat, making it easier to work across the whole page. However, if you want something more compact or professional-looking, a hardbound sketchbook can be a great choice. Just make sure the binding is sturdy enough to handle repeated page turning.
Number of Pages
Depending on how often you create, the number of pages can be a dealbreaker. I usually go for sketchbooks with 50-60 pages, which gives me plenty of room without making the book too bulky. If you’re doing a lot of wet media, consider fewer pages with thicker paper to keep the book manageable.
Additional Features I Look For
- Perforated Pages: I love when pages can be torn out cleanly for framing or sharing.
- Acid-Free Paper: This ensures my artwork won’t yellow or degrade over time.
- Elastic Closure & Pocket: Handy for keeping loose sketches and notes safe.
- Compatibility: Some brands specify compatibility with markers or watercolors, which can be a helpful guide.
Price and Brand Considerations
While I’m willing to invest in quality, I’ve found some budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on performance. Trusted brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Moleskine tend to deliver consistent quality, but it’s worth reading reviews and testing a few to see what suits your style and medium best.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 9×12 mixed media sketchbook really enhances my creative process. Paying attention to paper weight, texture, binding, and extra features has made a big difference in how comfortable and effective my artwork turns out. I hope these tips help you find the perfect sketchbook that inspires your next masterpiece!
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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