Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, the importance of drawing paper pads cannot be overstated. Whether you’re an architect working on a new design, an illustrator creating a popular children’s book, or a student tackling an art assignment, the right paper pad can significantly improve the quality of your work. However, with the vast array of options available, choosing the most appropriate one can be somewhat challenging. It’s crucial to take into account factors like the paper’s weight, texture, and how well it works with different media.
Bearing in mind that your choice of drawing paper can either enhance or hinder your creative process, we have carefully examined and tested various drawing paper pads to guide our audience in making the most beneficial selections. In this article, we will provide our valuable insights on the top drawing paper pads based on our extensive testing and practical use. By the end of this article, you will have all the pertinent information that will assure you of optimal artmaking conditions tailored to your specific artistic style and media preferences.
Best Drawing Paper Pads
Choosing the right drawing paper pad is key to expressing your artistic vision fully. The ideal paper pad should be compatible with the medium you use, feature a texture that complements your style, and be thick enough to handle a variety of techniques without any bleed-through. The selection process can be daunting, given the plethora of options. But worry not, for here, we have curated a list of the best drawing paper pads, based on multiple trials, tests and regular usage, to guide and assist you in making the right decision.
9 x 12 inches Sketch Book, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 1 Pack 100-Sheets (68lb/100gsm), Acid Free Art Sketchbook Artistic Drawing Painting Writing Paper for Kids Adults Beginners Artists
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that is perfect for both beginners and professionals, the 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book by Ucreate is a great choice.
Pros
- The sketchbook has a top spiral binding that allows for easy sketching and painting without the pages tearing or bending.
- The paper is acid-free, which means your artwork will last longer and won’t yellow over time.
- The sketchbook comes with 100 sheets of paper, which is perfect for those who want to practice their skills or create multiple pieces of art.
Cons
- The sketchbook’s pages are pre-numbered, which may not be a big deal for some people, but it could be a downside for those who prefer unnumbered pages.
- The paper may not be thick enough for some heavy-duty painting techniques, which could cause the paint to bleed through to the next page.
- The sketchbook is not suitable for those who prefer a specific color or design, as it is only available in black.
The Ucreate 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book is a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their drawing and painting skills. The top spiral binding allows for easy sketching and painting, while the acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will last longer. Additionally, the 100 sheets of paper provide plenty of space for creating multiple pieces of art.
The only downside to this sketchbook is that it may not be suitable for those who prefer unnumbered pages or who plan to use heavy-duty painting techniques. However, for those who are looking for a high-quality sketchbook that is perfect for both beginners and professionals, the Ucreate 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book is definitely worth considering.
Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set, Spiral Bound, Pack of 2, 200 Sheets (100g/m2), Acid-Free Drawing Paper, Ideal for Kids, Teens & Adults
If you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook set for your artistic endeavors, the Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 200 sheets of paper in each sketchbook are thick and durable, making them perfect for various mediums including pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels, acrylics, and watercolors.
- The spiral binding of the sketchbooks allows for easy and comfortable use, and the books lie flat when opened, making it convenient to draw and write.
- The sketchbooks are acid-free, ensuring the longevity of your artwork and preventing the paper from yellowing over time.
Cons
- The sketchbooks are 9×12 inches, which may not be the ideal size for some artists.
- The set only comes with two sketchbooks, which may not be enough for some users.
- The price point may be a bit high for some buyers.
We’ve used the Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set for a few weeks now, and we’re very impressed with its quality and performance. The thick and durable paper is perfect for various mediums, and the spiral binding allows for easy and comfortable use. We also appreciate the fact that the sketchbooks are acid-free, ensuring the longevity of our artwork.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sketchbooks are 9×12 inches, which may not be the ideal size for some artists. Additionally, the set only comes with two sketchbooks, which may not be enough for some users. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some buyers.
Overall, we highly recommend the Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set for anyone looking for a high-quality sketchbook set that can handle various mediums and will ensure the longevity of their artwork.
Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad, 9×12 inch, 100 Sheets, Tape Bound – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that is perfect for drawing, sketching, and painting, then the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The paper is acid-free and 100% cotton, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
- The pages are numbered, which is great for keeping track of your progress.
- The tape binding allows for easy opening and closing of the book, and also keeps the pages from falling out.
Cons
- The book is wire-o bound, which may not be as durable as tape binding over time.
- The paper is only 90lb, which may not be heavy enough for some artists.
- The book is only 20 pages, which may not be enough for some projects.
We’ve used this sketchbook for a variety of projects, and we’ve been really impressed with its quality. The paper is smooth and easy to draw on, and it doesn’t bleed or warp, even when we use wet media. We also appreciate the fact that the pages are numbered, which makes it easy to keep track of our progress.
One thing to keep in mind is that the book is wire-o bound, which may not be as durable as tape binding over time. However, we haven’t had any issues with the binding yet, and we think it’s a minor concern.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook that is perfect for drawing, sketching, and painting, then the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering. It’s durable, easy to use, and produces great results.
Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) – 50 Sheets, 3-Pack – Coloring Art Pads For Kids, Toddler Sketch Pads For Ages 3+
If you’re looking for a drawing pad that is perfect for toddlers and young children, then the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad is a great option.
Pros
- The pad comes with 50 sheets of drawing paper, which is enough for your child to draw and create to their heart’s content.
- The paper is suitable for both wet and dry media, which means your child can use crayons, markers, colored pencils, and even watercolor paints without worrying about the paper tearing or bleeding through to the next page.
- The pad is perfect for travel, as it comes in a convenient three-pack that includes three pads of paper. This means your child can draw and create wherever they go, whether it’s in the car, on a plane, or at a friend’s house.
Cons
- The pad is only 9 x 12 inches, which may not be large enough for some older children or adults who are looking for a drawing pad.
- The pad is only suitable for ages 3 and up, which may limit its use for older children or adults.
- The pad may not be suitable for professional artists or those looking for a high-quality drawing pad.
Overall, the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad is a great option for parents who want to encourage their child’s creativity and love for art. The pad is durable, easy to use, and perfect for travel. However, it may not be suitable for older children or adults looking for a more professional-quality drawing pad.
Pacon 4746 Art1st Sketch Pad, 60 lbs. Heavyweight Drawing Paper. 9 x 12, 50 Sheets
If you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook that can handle heavy drawing and painting, the Pacon 4746 Art1st Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The heavyweight paper (60 lb) of this sketchbook is perfect for various mediums, including charcoal, colored pencils, markers, and acrylic paint.
- The spiral binding of the sketchbook is strong and durable, allowing for easy and comfortable use.
- The paper is acid-free, which means your artwork won’t be damaged by the paper over time.
Cons
- The sketchbook only has 50 sheets of paper, which may not be enough for some users.
- The pages of the sketchbook may still show some bleed-through or ghosting when using wet media.
- The sketchbook is only available in a 9 x 12 size, which may not be ideal for all users.
We’ve used this sketchbook for a variety of projects, and we’re impressed with its quality and durability. The heavyweight paper is thick enough to prevent warping or buckling, even when using heavy paint or marker strokes. The spiral binding is also a nice touch, as it allows for easy flipping of pages and comfortable use.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sketchbook only has 50 sheets of paper, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, while the paper is great for most mediums, it may still show some bleed-through or ghosting when using wet media.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook that can handle a variety of mediums and is built to last, the Pacon 4746 Art1st Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best drawing paper pads, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various options to identify the ones that offer the best quality, durability, and value.
Paper Quality
The quality of the paper is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a drawing paper pad. High-quality paper will provide a smooth surface for drawing, prevent bleeding and smudging, and allow for easy erasing. Look for paper that is made from high-quality materials and has a smooth finish.
Size and Format
The size and format of the drawing paper pad is another important consideration. The size of the pad should be large enough to allow for comfortable drawing, but not so large that it takes up too much space. The format of the pad should be suitable for your needs, whether it is landscape or portrait orientation.
Binding
The binding of the drawing paper pad is also an important factor to consider. The binding should be strong enough to keep the pages in place, but not too tight that it makes it difficult to remove pages. Look for binding options such as spiral or saddle-stitch, which are commonly used for drawing paper pads.
Price
Finally, the price of the drawing paper pad is an important consideration. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it is important to invest in a high-quality product that will last. Look for options that offer good value for money, without compromising on quality.
In summary, when buying a drawing paper pad, it is important to consider the paper quality, size and format, binding, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a product that meets your needs and provides a satisfying drawing experience.
