Sketchbooks for mixed media is an artist’s ultimate accessory. It is a versatile journal that can handle most types of media. This specific sketchbook is ideally suited for journaling and sketching.
Sketchbooks for mixed media is specially designed to suit both dry media and wet media, all at the same time. We bet you never expected that twist! It is similar to saying, ‘it is raining and the sun is shining all at the same time’. But this is how this sketchbook is designed to function – it will handle two contrasting media.
Here are the most popular and highly recommended sketchbooks for mixed media. It will give you the inspiration you need, plus it provides sure value for your money.
Canson XL Mixed Media Pad
You will appreciate the spiral binding in this acid-free sketchbook. The binding in this high-quality pad doesn’t take any space away from the book. It weighs 160gsm and is incredibly sturdy enough to handle any media. This sketchbook incorporates many professional performance characteristics – one of which is the ability to work simultaneously in different media.
Canson XL Mixed Media Pad contains sixty easy-to-erase sheets. The sheets allow blending without any deforming. Even if you were to use one side of the sheet, this sketchbook will last long.
This fine-toothed paper is also micro-perforated. Its price is relatively better than the rest considering it is a value pad specifically designed according to expert consultations from art professors. You will enjoy using this sketchbook for collaging, drawing, sketching, and water coloring – a few of the many arts you might want to try out on such a fine surface.
Pros
- It is highly durable.
- Its papers are acid-free.
- It is a heavyweight paper that mixes media and maintains its integrity at the same time.
- It allows zero to very minimal bleeding.
- Its spiral binding takes minimal space from the pad.
- It offers a large space.
- It is a fine-toothed paper.
- Designed with consultations from professors.
- The sheets allow blending without crinkling.
- It is incredibly sturdy and can survive all media.
- It has micro-perforated sheets.
Cons
- Ink can bleed through the paper.
- It needs a glassine barrier for dry media.
- It is not heavy enough for gesso/oil.
Strathmore Hardbound 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal
This is a very handsome sketchbook that offers artists more choices in a hardbound format. It is a professional quality art journal that perfectly lays flat when open. It is lignin-free and archival. It works excellently with watercolors, gouache, and acrylics.
You can never go wrong with this art journal. It is perfectly heavy with very durable binding. The Smyth-sewn binding makes the sketchbook very easy and comfortable to work on. Its quality paper is perfectly acid-free.
Its 32 pages are contained in a gorgeous construction that is tightly bound with internal sizing. It is love at first sight when you lay your eyes upon the matte dark brown cover. The pages are adequately protected from any external threats and damages. You will love carrying this sketchbook as it is both beautiful and portable.
Pros
- It is made from 100% cotton paper.
- It is both gorgeous and portable.
- The pages lay flatter for easy use.
- Its surface is really good and well textured.
- It is easily erasable.
- It doesn’t pebble.
- The cover is beautiful and durable.
Cons
- Pages are sewn too tightly are sewn.
- Alcohol-based markers bleed through it.
- It is very pricey.
- The surface texture is smooth but not HP-smooth.
Global Art Handbook Artist Journal
The 130gsm heavyweight sheets will give you an experience you have never had before with any other sketchbook. It is both attractive and functional with acid-free pages. Its durable elastic closure makes it a perfect travel companion.
The heavyweight sheets accept all media you can think of. The pages are also light and has a toothy surface that lays flat enough for comfortable use. Its hardcover design is very stylish. Plus, the elastic closure appropriately safeguards your art.
Pros
- It is durable.
- The design is stylish and elegant.
- It is very easy and safe to carry.
- It has an elastic closure for convenience and safety.
- It is receptive to all media.
- It comes with a clear plastic envelope to hold your documents.
- Its surface is light and toothy.
- It washes without buckling.
Cons
- The paper wrinkles too much.
- It does not work well with watercolor.
- The pockets don’t close well.
- It is quite expensive.
Stillman & Birn Archival Sketchbooks Beta Series
This premium sketchbook is both elegant and functional. It comes with a variety of choices for the artist in terms of weight, shade, and surface. You can never go wrong with this sketchbook as it allows repeated erasing and is ideal for multimedia rendering.
This 52-page sketchbook is rugged enough to safeguard your art. The sewn binding holds together the PH-neutral paper that has a substantial tooth which is lignin and chlorine-free. The white pages are cold-pressed to allow ease and comfort while working.
Pros
- It is rugged to keep your art well protected.
- It comes in various weights, shades, and surfaces.
- Best suited for mixed media.
- Available in wire-bound format.
- It has a substantial tooth.
- It has enhanced wet strength and tear strength.
- It is both lignin and chlorine-free.
- It is PH neutral.
Cons
- It does not work well with watercolors
- It falls apart when used with a loaded brush.
- It is quite costly.
Canson Artist Series Mix Media Books
This sleek modern-looking book holds 30 high-quality sheets. This sketchbook allows almost every media and techniques in its acid-free white pages. It is versatile with no brightening agents incorporated during production.
The micro-perforation in Canson Artist Series Mix Media Book makes it easy to tear out pages without interfering the rest of the pages. It also has a removable bookmark. It is smudge-free thus allowing anything on it to be easily erased.
The true-sized sheets are encased in a hardcover secured with a double wire binding. It can be widely used with both wet and dry media.
Pros
- It is erasable.
- It can be used with every media technique.
- It has a double wire binding to hold the sheets in place.
- The cover is hard and durable.
- It has micro-perforations.
- It has a removable bookmark.
Cons
- Pages are not strongly glued together.
Bienfang Mixed Media Pad
This is excellent for experimenting with techniques. Bienfang mixed Media Pad can work with a range of media. It can work with collage, acrylics, pastels, pens, and pencils. It is not choosy with the media it allows on its pages. Plus, it can also accept watercolors.
This sketchbook contains 40 sheets of mixed media papers that can be easily erased. It is suitable for felt nib markers and is ideal for illustrating comic strips, manga, and more. The sheets have heavy coverage so they cannot easily bleed through.
It is a bit indestructible and is still workable even with a spill. If you want to do preliminary work before moving your work to a better surface, this is a perfect platform to begin with. The smaller sizes of this sketchbook make it easy to transport and carry around.
Pros
- It is portable.
- It is not easily destructible and remains good even after a spill.
- Its pages are smooth and sturdy.
- The sheets are erasable.
- It is good with felt nib markers.
- It is relatively affordable.
- The sheets cannot easily bleed through.
- It can work with a range of media.
- It accepts watercolor.
Cons
- It can easily puncture.
- Sizing and surface quality are not that great.
- The paper absorbs pigments thus making the images dull.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, getting a quality sketchbook for mixed media is important. A sketchbook will make your art more professional and intriguing. Look for an easy-to-use, durable and portable pad.
Also, if you need to buy something for an artist friend, a sketchbook is a very creative idea. Sketchbooks come in varying sizes, surfaces, and colors. Picking something unique and attractive shouldn’t be a hustle if you have done thorough research.
When buying a sketchbook, consider the kind of media and techniques you are going to use. The thickness and the weight of the sheets can tell you a lot about the sketchbook. The cover and the binding matter a lot too because you would want your art to be secure and safe whenever you are in transit.
Go for something with a strong signature binding. A sewed hand-bound cover or the ones with spiral bounds are excellent especially if the binding itself does not take a lot of space from the book. This will ensure that the sheets of your sketchbook lie flat on the table for maximum comfort during work.
When you are a professional artist, you want everything around you to be aesthetically pleasing. Looking for a beautifully designed hardcovered sketchbook is a plus. Some of these sketchbooks are even gorgeously designed and texturized in the inside and out.