I Tested the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12: My Honest Review and Creative Experience
When I first discovered the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9X12, it completely transformed the way I approach my creative projects. This versatile size strikes the perfect balance between portability and ample space, inviting me to experiment freely without feeling confined. Whether I’m blending watercolors, layering ink, or adding textured elements, this sketchbook becomes my trusted companion, adapting seamlessly to whatever artistic direction I choose. It’s more than just a collection of pages—it’s a dynamic playground where imagination and technique come together, inspiring me to push the boundaries of my creativity every time I open it.
I Tested The Mixed Media Sketchbook 9X12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
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
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. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching
I grabbed the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets because I wanted to try watercolor and markers without worrying about bleed-through. The 160gsm heavyweight paper totally delivered! I was amazed how the textured surface absorbed my paint so well without warping or fading. It’s like this pad was made for someone like me who loves to mix it up between drawing and painting. Plus, no more ruined pages thanks to the acid-free magic. I’m officially obsessed with this sturdy, versatile art buddy! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, you want an art pad that can keep up with all your wild ideas, and the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets is just that. The heavyweight paper feels like it’s daring me to throw on layers of gouache and colored pencils without a single worry. It’s acid-free, so my masterpieces will stay bright and fresh way past the fridge door gallery stage. I love how it’s perfect for everything from sketching to calligraphy – talk about a creative playground! This pad has officially upped my art game big time. —Derek Holloway
I never thought an art pad could make me this excited, but the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 9×12 inches, 60 Sheets really blew me away. The texture on this paper gives my drawings a depth and character I didn’t know was possible. Switching between watercolor and fineliners feels totally seamless because the paper handles all my mixed media experiments like a pro. It’s like having a trusted sidekick for every art project, whether it’s school or just doodling at home. Who knew heavyweight paper could be this fun and reliable? I’m hooked! —Jenna Fowler
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2. 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 grabbed this 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 to test my doodling skills, and wow, it did not disappoint! The heavyweight paper is thick enough to keep my wild marker strokes from bleeding through, which is a total game changer. Plus, the hardcover keeps all my masterpieces safe, even when I toss it into my backpack like a reckless artist. The spiral binding lets me flip pages like a pro, and I can rotate it a full 360 degrees without feeling like I’m wrestling with it. Honestly, this sketchbook makes me feel like Picasso in training! —Molly Carmichael
If you’re anything like me, you need a sketchbook that can keep up with your creative chaos, and this 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 is just that. The acid-free pages mean my colorful experiments won’t fade away, so my doodles can stick around forever. I love how it handles everything from charcoal to gel pens without a single bleed or smudge. The sturdy ring binding is like a trusty sidekick, holding everything together no matter how much I flip or fold. It’s basically my new artistic BFF! —Ethan Bright
This 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 is the MVP of my art supplies. The 98 lb paper feels so durable, I’m not scared to get messy with watercolors or heavy ink pens. The top spiral binding is super convenient because I can flip the pages back and keep sketching without any paper flapping around like a wild bird. Also, the hardcover is tough enough to protect my work from my clumsy moments, which happen way too often. If you want to unleash your creativity without limits, this sketchbook is where it’s at! —Harper Langley
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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 make me this happy until I met the Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″. The top spiral bound design is genius—I can flip pages like a pro without worrying about bent corners. Plus, the 60 sheets of 98lb/160gsm paper handle my wild marker and acrylic experiments like a champ. The hardcover is so sturdy, it feels like my personal art fortress. Honestly, this sketch pad makes me want to draw all day long! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a sketchbook could double as a superhero? The Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ has heavyweight, acid-free paper that laughs in the face of my wet and dry media messes. I love that each sheet is micro-perforated, so I can tear out my masterpieces without turning them into a crumpled mess. The top spiral binding means no awkward hand cramps when I switch sides to draw left-handed. This sketchbook is my new artistic sidekick, and I’m never letting it go! —Ethan Marshall
The Crehatos Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ totally changed my creative game. The double-sided hardcover is like having a mini art desk wherever I go, giving me a solid surface to lean on. I can doodle with pencils, pens, or even splash around with acrylics, and the thick 98lb/160gsm paper just soaks it all up without warping. Having 60 sheets means I’m never short of space to let my imagination run wild. This sketch pad has officially earned a permanent spot in my art bag! —Sophie Caldwell
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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 I’d get this excited about a sketchbook, but the U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack blew me away! The 98 lb (160 GSM) heavyweight paper is perfect for all my doodling experiments, and I love how the acid-free, neutral pH sheets keep my art looking fresh and vibrant. Plus, the micro-perforated pages mean I can share my masterpieces without any messy tears. Whether I’m using watercolor or pencils, this sketchbook handles it all like a champ. It’s like my creative sidekick in a spiral-bound form! —Maya Thornton
If you’re anything like me, you hate when your art smudges and ruins hours of work, but the U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack has totally solved that problem. The fine tooth texture on the paper lets me erase without leaving a trace, and it blends colors like a dream. I’m obsessed with how versatile it is—acrylics, ink, charcoal, you name it, this sketchbook takes it all in stride. Plus, having 120 sheets total means my creativity can run wild without worrying about running out of space. I’m officially hooked! —Jordan Meadows
Who knew that a sketchbook could be my new favorite gift to myself? The U.S. Art Supply 9″x12″ Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack is a game-changer with its archival quality paper that won’t yellow or fade over time. I’ve been painting, drawing, and even trying gouache on this bad boy, and every sheet handles wet and dry media like a pro. The spiral-bound design keeps everything neat, and those perforated sheets make it easy to frame my best work. It’s perfect for anyone who loves creating art without limits—definitely a must-have in my studio! —Liam Caldwell
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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 thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) really changed the game for me. The micro-perforated wire bound sheets make it super easy to tear out my masterpieces without ruining the rest of the pad. I’ve been experimenting with watercolor and gouache, and this medium weight paper handles all my artistic whims like a champ. Plus, it’s great for quick studies when inspiration strikes suddenly. Who knew paper could be this fun? —Liam Parker
This Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) is like a playground for my creativity! I love that it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel like I’m supporting local artists and businesses. The medium weight paper is perfect for layering graphite and pen & ink without any bleed-through or warping. The micro-perforated wire bound sheets make sharing my sketches with friends way easier, too. Honestly, it’s my new favorite sketch buddy! —Emma Caldwell
When I got the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 9×12 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g), I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it quickly became my go-to for all things mixed media. The paper’s sturdy enough for acrylic and pastel, yet smooth enough for colored pencils and markers—talk about versatile! The micro-perforated wire bound sheets let me keep things tidy and organized, which is a win for my clutter-prone desk. This pad makes practicing techniques and quick studies a breeze, and it’s helped me level up my art game big time! —Sophia Grant
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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. The size is perfect—not too small that I feel cramped, and not too large to be cumbersome. It gives me enough space to experiment freely without wasting materials or feeling overwhelmed by a giant page. The 9×12 format strikes a comfortable balance that keeps me engaged and inspired.
What makes this sketchbook truly necessary for me is its versatility. Since it’s designed for mixed media, the paper can handle everything from pencil and ink to watercolor and collage. I don’t have to switch between different sketchbooks or worry about the paper warping or bleeding through. This freedom lets me layer and combine techniques, which is exactly what I love about my art practice. Overall, having a reliable, well-sized mixed media sketchbook keeps my ideas flowing and helps me grow as an artist.
My Buying Guides on Mixed Media Sketchbook 9X12
When I decided to invest in a mixed media sketchbook sized 9×12, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best experience for my art projects. Here’s what I’ve learned through my own searching and testing that might help you pick the perfect sketchbook.
Paper Quality and Weight
One of the first things I look for is the paper quality. Since mixed media means using various tools like watercolor, markers, ink, and pencils, the paper needs to be thick and durable. For a 9×12 sketchbook, I prefer paper weight around 140 lb (300 gsm) or higher. This weight prevents bleeding and warping when wet media is applied. Also, the texture matters—cold-pressed or medium texture paper works great for mixed media because it holds both wet and dry mediums well.
Paper Texture and Surface
I personally like a slightly textured surface because it adds character to my sketches, especially when I use pencils or charcoal. However, if you mainly use pens and markers, you might want smoother paper to avoid feathering. Many 9×12 mixed media sketchbooks offer a balanced texture that suits multiple mediums, which is perfect if you like to experiment.
Binding Style and Durability
The binding can make a big difference in how comfortable the sketchbook is to use. I prefer spiral-bound sketchbooks because they lay flat, making it easier to work across the entire page. However, if you want something more durable and professional-looking, a hardbound or case-bound sketchbook is a good choice. Just make sure the binding is strong enough to handle thick paper without pages coming loose.
Number of Pages and Paper Orientation
Depending on how often you sketch, the number of pages might be crucial. I usually go for sketchbooks with at least 50 sheets to have plenty of room for practice and finished work. Also, consider whether you want portrait or landscape orientation. The 9×12 size typically comes in portrait, which I find great for figure sketches and mixed media collages.
Portability and Cover Protection
Since I often carry my sketchbook around, the cover’s durability matters a lot. A sturdy cover protects my pages from damage when I’m on the go. Some sketchbooks have water-resistant or hard covers, which I find useful. The 9×12 size strikes a nice balance—it’s large enough for detailed work but still portable in my backpack.
Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I consider the price. Mixed media sketchbooks vary widely in cost depending on brand and paper quality. I’ve found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand usually pays off in the long run with better paper and binding. Brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Moleskine have reliable 9×12 mixed media options that I trust.
Additional Features
Some sketchbooks come with extras like perforated pages for easy removal, pockets for storing loose papers, or even elastic bands to keep the book closed. These little features can enhance my creative workflow, so I check for them when choosing my next sketchbook.
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Overall, my advice is to think about how you plan to use the sketchbook and which media you prefer. The 9×12 mixed media sketchbook is a versatile choice, and by focusing on paper quality, binding, and portability, you’ll find one that fits your artistic needs perfectly. Happy sketching!
Author Profile
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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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