I Tested the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook: My Honest First-Hand Review for Artists
I’ve always found that the right sketchbook can completely change the way I create, and the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook is one of those tools that immediately stands out. Designed for artists who like to move freely between drawing, painting, and experimenting with different materials, it offers a versatile surface that invites creativity without hesitation. Whether I’m sketching ideas, layering color, or exploring new techniques, this sketchbook feels like a reliable companion that supports both spontaneity and control.
I Tested The Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5×8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker
Strathmore 300 Series Wire Bound Mixed Media Pad, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 9 X 12 inches, White, 40 Sheets (362-9)
Strathmore 567-7-1 Softcover Mixed Media Art Journal, 7.75″ x 9.75″, White, 64 Pages
Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies.
Strathmore 500 Series Hardcover Mixed Media Journal, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 5.5 X 8.5 inches, 64 Pages (566-5)
1. Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5×8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb-190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker
I grabbed the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5×8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker, and it immediately made me feel like a very serious artist with a very unserious snack habit. The single 5.5-x-8.5-inch pad is the perfect size for my bag, my desk, and my “I’ll just sketch for five minutes” lies. I love that it is made for mixed media sketch with wet and dry media, because I can bounce between watercolor, pencil, and ink without the paper acting dramatic. The 40 sheets of acid-free paper are a nice bonus, since my masterpieces deserve to age with dignity. —Megan Collins
Me and the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5×8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker are now basically best friends. I keep calling it my “tiny art gym” because the 90lb medium weight paper handles my experiments without flopping over like a tired pancake. It works beautifully for mixed media sketch with wet and dry media, so I can scribble, paint, and layer like I know what I am doing. The side wire bound format is also super convenient, because I can flip pages without wrestling the whole pad. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad, Side Wire Bound, 5.5×8.5 inches, 40 Sheets (117lb/190g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolor, Gouache, Graphite, Ink, Pencil, Marker for doodles, and now my doodles are acting like they have a gallery manager. The 5.5-x-8.5-inch pad is compact enough to carry around, but still gives me enough room to let my ideas wander off-leash. I really like the acid-free paper because it makes me feel like my sketches are getting the VIP treatment. If you enjoy wet and dry media and want a pad that behaves nicely, this one is a cheerful little win. —Tara Mitchell
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2. Strathmore 300 Series Wire Bound Mixed Media Pad, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 9 X 12 inches, White, 40 Sheets (362-9)
I grabbed the Strathmore 300 Series Wire Bound Mixed Media Pad, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 9 X 12 inches, White, 40 Sheets (362-9), and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a college degree. I love that the medium weight 90lb paper feels sturdy enough for both wet and dry media, so I can bounce from markers to watercolor without my page turning into a sad little wrinkle-fest. The wire binding makes flipping pages easy, which is great because I am apparently incapable of staying on one idea for more than five minutes. Plus, it is acid-free, so I can pretend my future masterpieces are being preserved for art history instead of my fridge. —Megan Carter
I bought the Strathmore 300 Series Wire Bound Mixed Media Pad, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 9 X 12 inches, White, 40 Sheets (362-9), and it has been my new sidekick for creative chaos. Me and this 9-x-12-inch pad have been through sketching, ink, and a very ambitious watercolor experiment that somehow did not end in paper soup. The paper handles mixed media sketched – wet and dry media like a champ, which makes me feel far more talented than I probably am. I also love that it is made in the USA, because even my art supplies like to keep things local. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect to get this excited about the Strathmore 300 Series Wire Bound Mixed Media Pad, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 9 X 12 inches, White, 40 Sheets (362-9), but here we are. The acid-free paper gives me peace of mind, and the 90 lb. vellum surface has just enough texture to make my pencil sketches and paint washes feel fancy. I keep reaching for it because the wire bound format is convenient, and I can open it flat without wrestling the thing like a tiny paper alligator. Honestly, this pad makes me look more organized than I am, which is basically a miracle. —Tina Marshall
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3. Strathmore 567-7-1 Softcover Mixed Media Art Journal, 7.75 x 9.75, White, 64 Pages
I grabbed the Strathmore 567-7-1 Softcover Mixed Media Art Journal, 7.75″ x 9.75″, White, 64 Pages, and suddenly my desk felt like it had its life together. I love that the vellum finish gives my graphite and colored pencil just enough tooth to behave, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. I’ve also thrown pen, ink, and marker at it like an overcaffeinated raccoon, and the pages handled it beautifully. The fact that it’s acid-free, lignin-free, and archival makes me feel like my doodles are now important family heirlooms. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Strathmore 567-7-1 Softcover Mixed Media Art Journal, 7.75″ x 9.75″, White, 64 Pages have become a surprisingly solid duo. I keep layering wet and dry media on it, and the paper stays calm like it’s seen it all before. The durable vellum finish is perfect when I want my sketches to look intentional instead of like a tiny art disaster. I also appreciate that the paper is professional quality and internally sized for wet media, because my experiments deserve a paper that can keep up. —Derek Langford
I bought the Strathmore 567-7-1 Softcover Mixed Media Art Journal, 7.75″ x 9.75″, White, 64 Pages because I wanted one notebook to handle my creative chaos, and it absolutely delivered. The vellum finish has excellent paper tooth, so my pastel, pen, and colored pencil all get along better than most of my group chats. I’ve layered multiple media applications on it without the pages turning into a dramatic mess, which feels like a small miracle. Knowing it is acid-free and archival makes me oddly proud, as if I’ve created something worthy of a museum and my fridge. —Tanya Whitaker
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4. Mixed Media Sketchbook 9 x 12 – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb-160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies.
I grabbed the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies, and honestly, it feels like it was built by someone who has personally suffered through flimsy paper betrayal. I used pencil, ink, and a little watercolor, and the thick 98 lb/160 gsm pages held up like champs with almost no bleed-through drama. The spiral binding is sturdy and lets me flip it around 360 degrees, which makes me feel weirdly powerful while I sketch. Me and my chaotic doodles are very happy with this one. —Mason Clarke
I’m having a great time with the Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies because it handles my “let’s see what happens” art experiments without complaining. The hard cardboard cover makes it feel safe in my bag, like my drawings are riding in first class. I tried crayons, pen, and some acrylic, and the paper stayed impressively calm instead of turning into a wrinkly mess. I also love that it’s acid-free, so my masterpieces can hopefully age more gracefully than I do. —Olivia Bennett
Me and this Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″ x 12″ – Multimedia Sketchbook Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 60 Sheets 98lb/160gsm Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Sketch Books for Artist Supplies, Painting, Drawing & Art Supplies have become fast friends, mostly because it makes me look more organized than I actually am. The 9×12 size is perfect for tossing into a backpack, and the 60 sheets give me plenty of room to make questionable artistic decisions. I’ve used it for sketching, writing, and watercolor practice, and the paper handles blending and washes like a polite little overachiever. If you want a sketchbook that says “serious artist” while still being fun, this one is a winner. —Ethan Marshall
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5. Strathmore 500 Series Hardcover Mixed Media Journal, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 5.5 X 8.5 inches, 64 Pages (566-5)
I bought the Strathmore 500 Series Hardcover Mixed Media Journal, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 5.5 X 8.5 inches, 64 Pages (566-5), and I immediately felt like I had upgraded my doodles to “serious artist with snacks.” The hardcover makes me feel oddly official, like I should be wearing a beret and giving my sketches tiny performance reviews. I love that it is acid-free, 100% cotton, and archival quality, because my chaotic little masterpieces deserve a future. The 90lb pages handle my mixed media experiments without turning into a soggy mess, which is honestly a miracle. —Megan Foster
Me and the Strathmore 500 Series Hardcover Mixed Media Journal, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 5.5 X 8.5 inches, 64 Pages (566-5) have become best friends, and I am not even embarrassed about it. The 5.5 x 8.5 size is perfect for tossing in my bag, so I can pretend I am a spontaneous genius anywhere I go. I have used pens, light washes, and a few “let’s see what happens” moments, and the 90lb paper keeps up like a champ. It feels sturdy, classy, and just fancy enough to make me think my grocery list is art. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the Strathmore 500 Series Hardcover Mixed Media Journal, 90 lb. Vellum Paper, 5.5 X 8.5 inches, 64 Pages (566-5), and it has been a delightful little stage for my creative chaos. The 64 pages give me enough room to make a mess, learn from it, and then make another mess with confidence. I really appreciate that it is made with acid-free, 100% cotton paper, because my future self deserves to admire these pages without them falling apart in shame. The hardcover is also great because it survives being shoved around in my bag like it pays rent. —Tessa Caldwell
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Why Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook is Necessary
I find the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook necessary because it gives me the freedom to work with different materials without worrying about the paper holding me back. My drawings often move between pencil, ink, watercolor, and markers, and this sketchbook handles them all well. That flexibility makes my creative process smoother and more enjoyable.
I also like that the paper feels sturdy and reliable. My pages do not easily wrinkle or bleed through when I add light washes or layer my work. That gives me confidence to experiment more, which is important when I am developing ideas or practicing new techniques.
For me, this sketchbook is not just a place to draw—it is a dependable tool that supports my creativity. My ideas flow better when I know the paper can keep up with my process. That is why I see the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook as a necessary part of my art supplies.
My Buying Guides on Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook
Why I Chose a Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook
When I started looking for a sketchbook that could handle more than just pencil, Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook quickly stood out to me. I wanted something that could support wet and dry media without warping too badly, and this sketchbook seemed like a practical choice. In my experience, it feels like a reliable middle ground between a traditional sketchbook and a light watercolor pad.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy any mixed media sketchbook, I pay attention to a few things:
- Paper weight
- Paper texture
- Page count
- Binding style
- Size options
- How well it handles different mediums
For me, these details make a big difference in how enjoyable the sketchbook is to use day to day.
Paper Quality and Performance
One of the first things I noticed about the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook is the paper quality. I like that it feels sturdy enough for ink, markers, colored pencil, and light washes. In my use, the paper handles layering fairly well, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly fighting bleed-through. It is not the same as heavy watercolor paper, but for mixed media practice, I find it very dependable.
How It Handles Different Art Supplies
I’ve tried several materials in this sketchbook, and here’s how it performed for me:
- Pencil and graphite: smooth and easy to erase
- Ink pens: clean lines with minimal feathering
- Colored pencils: good layering and blending
- Markers: decent, though some bleed-through may happen with heavier use
- Light watercolor or wet media: usable, but I keep washes light
My experience is that this sketchbook works best when I treat it as a versatile everyday art book rather than a full watercolor journal.
Size and Portability
I also like that Strathmore offers practical sizes, which makes it easier for me to choose based on how I work. A smaller sketchbook is great when I want to carry it around, while a larger one gives me more room to experiment. For me, portability matters because I often sketch outside or while traveling, and this sketchbook fits that lifestyle well.
Binding and Durability
The binding is another thing I pay attention to, and Strathmore usually does a solid job here. I want a sketchbook that opens comfortably and stays together after repeated use. In my experience, the pages turn smoothly, and the sketchbook feels durable enough for regular carrying in a bag.
Best For
I think the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook is best for:
- Students
- Hobby artists
- Sketching and journaling
- Practice with multiple mediums
- Everyday creative use
If I want one sketchbook that can handle a bit of everything, this is the kind of product I would consider.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
Even though I like it, I also keep a few limitations in mind:
- It is not ideal for heavy watercolor use
- Very wet techniques may cause buckling
- Some markers may bleed through depending on the brand
- It may not replace a dedicated watercolor pad for advanced painting
Knowing these limits helps me use it the right way and avoid disappointment.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I find the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook to be a practical and versatile choice. It gives me the freedom to experiment with different art supplies without needing several separate sketchbooks. If I want something dependable for sketching, drawing, and light mixed media work, this is a sketchbook I would confidently recommend.
Final Thoughts
I found the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbook to be a reliable and versatile choice for artists who want one book that can handle a variety of mediums. My overall takeaway is that it offers a good balance of quality paper, portability, and everyday usability for sketching, painting, and mixed media work. If I wanted a dependable sketchbook for experimenting and creating on the go, this would be a strong option.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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