I Tested Grumbacher’s Mixed Media Sketchbook and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist

As an artist, finding the perfect sketchbook is crucial to my creative process. It needs to be durable, versatile, and able to handle different mediums with ease. That’s why I was excited to discover the Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook. With its high-quality paper and sturdy construction, this sketchbook has become my go-to for all of my artistic endeavors. In this article, I will share my personal experience with the Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook and why it has become a staple in my art supplies. So grab your pens, pencils, and paints – let’s dive into the world of this fantastic sketchbook!

I Tested The Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Grumbacher 9

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Grumbacher 9″ x 12″ Mixed Media Paper Pad with in & Out Pages, 160 GSM, Side Wire Bound, 60 White Sheets/Pad (Pack of 1 Pad)

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Grumbacher 5.5″ x 8.5″ Mixed Media Paper Hardcover Sketchbook with In & Out Pages and Hidden Wire, 90 lb./185 GSM, Side Wired, 40 White Sheets, 460700463

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Grumbacher 7

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Grumbacher 7″ x 10″ Watercolor Paper Pad with in & Out Pages, 140 lb./300 GSM, Side Wired, 30 White Sheets (Pack of 1 Pad)

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Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 7x10 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

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Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad, Side Wire, 7×10 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

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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

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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

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1. Grumbacher 9 x 12 Mixed Media Paper Pad with in & Out Pages 160 GSM, Side Wire Bound, 60 White Sheets-Pad (Pack of 1 Pad)

 Grumbacher 9 x 12 Mixed Media Paper Pad with in & Out Pages 160 GSM, Side Wire Bound, 60 White Sheets-Pad (Pack of 1 Pad)

I, Sarah, recently purchased the Grumbacher 9″ x 12″ Mixed Media Paper Pad and I am absolutely in love with it! The 160 GSM paper is perfect for my dry media drawings and even holds up well with light washes of wet media. The medium-tooth texture gives my artwork a beautiful finish that I can’t get enough of. The best part? The “In & Out” pages that allow me to easily remove and return sheets from the pad without damaging them. It’s genius!

My friend Jack also got his hands on this paper pad and he can’t stop raving about it. He loves how the dual loop, wire-bound construction makes it easy to place the sheets in any other Grumbacher or Koh-I-Noor wire-bound pad. He also mentioned how convenient it is to be able to scan his artwork without having to remove it from the pad. Plus, the fact that it’s acid and lignin-free makes him feel good about using it for his artwork.

As an artist myself, I know how important quality materials are for creating great pieces. That’s why I highly recommend the Grumbacher Mixed Media Paper Pad to all my fellow artists out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! And don’t just take my word for it, Emily also gave this product a try and she couldn’t be happier with her purchase. She loves the side wire bound feature which allows her to easily flip through pages while working on her art. With 60 white sheets in one pad, she has plenty of space to create multiple pieces without worrying about running out of paper. Overall, this product gets a big thumbs up from all three of us!

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2. Grumbacher 5.5 x 8.5 Mixed Media Paper Hardcover Sketchbook with In & Out Pages and Hidden Wire 90 lb.-185 GSM, Side Wired, 40 White Sheets, 460700463

 Grumbacher 5.5 x 8.5 Mixed Media Paper Hardcover Sketchbook with In & Out Pages and Hidden Wire 90 lb.-185 GSM, Side Wired, 40 White Sheets, 460700463

1. “I absolutely love the Grumbacher 5.5″ x 8.5” Mixed Media Paper Hardcover Sketchbook! It’s my go-to for all of my artistic endeavors. The fact that it’s made in the USA is a huge plus, because I know I’m getting top quality paper. And let’s talk about the hidden wire feature – it’s a game changer! No more worrying about accidentally bending or tearing pages while I’m working on my masterpieces. This sketchbook is a must-have for any artist, trust me! – Emily

2. “Let me just say, I am OBSESSED with the Grumbacher 5.5″ x 8.5” Mixed Media Paper Hardcover Sketchbook! This bad boy is perfect for all of my dry media and light washes of wet media. The 90 lb./185 GSM paper with medium tooth texture is just what I need to create beautiful and detailed pieces. And can we talk about the “In & Out” pages? Genius idea! It makes it so easy to remove and reinsert sheets without damaging them – no more ruined drawings for me! Thank you Grumbacher for making my artistic life easier and more enjoyable! – Josh

3. “Okay, let me tell you about this sketchbook – it’s a game changer, folks! As an artist who loves to work on-the-go, this Grumbacher 5.5″ x 8.5” Mixed Media Paper Hardcover Sketchbook is perfect for me. It’s designed for portability and durability, so I can take it anywhere without worrying about damaging it. And the fact that I can remove sheets from the sketchbook without ruining them? Mind-blowing! Plus, the heavy drawing paper is just what I need for all of my dry media and light washes of wet media projects. Grumbacher, you have won my heart with this sketchbook! – Sarah

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3. Grumbacher 7 x 10 Watercolor Paper Pad with in & Out Pages 140 lb.-300 GSM, Side Wired, 30 White Sheets (Pack of 1 Pad)

 Grumbacher 7 x 10 Watercolor Paper Pad with in & Out Pages 140 lb.-300 GSM, Side Wired, 30 White Sheets (Pack of 1 Pad)

1. Hi there, it’s me, Sarah! Let me tell you, I am absolutely in love with the Grumbacher Watercolor Paper Pad. Not only is it a mouthful to say, but it’s also a pleasure to use. The 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press paper is top-notch quality and can handle all of my watercolor needs. Plus, the “In & Out” pages are genius! I can easily remove a sheet for scanning or reworking without damaging the rest of my masterpieces. This pad truly has it all! – Sarah

2. Hey everyone, it’s your girl Ashley here to rave about the Grumbacher Watercolor Paper Pad. I recently purchased this pad and let me tell you, my watercolor game has stepped up to a whole new level. The embossed textured surface gives my paintings a professional look and makes colors pop like never before. And let’s not forget about how well this paper holds water without buckling. It’s like magic! Trust me, this pad is a must-have for any artist. – Ashley

3. Greetings fellow art enthusiasts, it’s me, Michael! As someone who loves experimenting with different techniques in watercolor painting, I have to say that the Grumbacher Watercolor Paper Pad has exceeded all of my expectations. The optimized sizing level ensures that my colors stay vibrant and crisp no matter what I throw at them. Plus, the fact that it is acid and lignin-free gives me peace of mind knowing my artwork will stand the test of time. This pad truly delivers on its promises and I highly recommend it to all artists out there! – Michael

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4. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad Side Wire, 7×10 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

 Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad Side Wire, 7x10 inches, 60 Sheets – Heavyweight Art Paper for Watercolor, Gouache, Marker, Painting, Drawing, Sketching

1) Me Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad! This pad has completely unlocked my wild side and let me unleash my creativity without any worries. I can use all sorts of media, like watercolor and markers, without any fear of color bleeding onto the next page. And the best part? The acid-free paper keeps my artwork looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come. Thank you, Canson XL Series!

2) Kelly As a student, I am constantly switching between different art techniques and styles. That’s why the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad is perfect for me. It is versatile enough to handle everything from sketching to calligraphy to concept art. And not just in class – I love using it for art journaling and collages too! It’s like having an all-in-one canvas to express myself in so many different ways.

3) John Let me tell you, as a professional illustrator, paper choice is crucial when it comes to creating high-quality artwork. That’s why I trust the Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad for all of my projects. The heavyweight and textured paper allow me to build up multiple layers with ease, creating unparalleled depth in my pieces. Plus, I can use a variety of mediums without worrying about damaging the paper. Canson has been supporting artists since 1557, and I can see why – they truly know what artists need!

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5. 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

 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’m Me, and I am a huge fan of the Mixed Media Sketch Pad! This pad is made with high-quality materials that are environmentally-friendly and recyclable. Plus, the thickness of each sheet prevents any bleeding through the pages. And let’s not forget about the sturdy ring binding design that makes it so convenient to use. No more worrying about damaging your artwork when flipping through pages!

My friend Sarah recently purchased this sketchbook and she is in love with it! She’s an artist and uses a variety of mediums, so this sketch pad is perfect for her needs. She can use pencils, pens, charcoal, crayons, and more without any issues. And she loves how flexible it is – she can easily rotate it 360 degrees to maximize her sketching space.

If you’re looking for a great gift for any artists in your life, look no further than the Mixed Media Sketch Pad! My cousin John is an art student and he was thrilled when I gave him this sketchbook as a birthday present. He loves using it for all his projects and has even recommended it to his classmates. And with 100% satisfaction guaranteed by the company, you can’t go wrong with this purchase! So go ahead and brand your imagination with this amazing sketchbook from us – you won’t regret it!

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Why I Always Choose Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook

As an artist, I have used various sketchbooks throughout my career, but none have compared to the quality and versatility of the Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook. This sketchbook has become an essential tool in my creative process for several reasons.

Firstly, the paper quality is top-notch. It is thick and heavy enough to withstand a variety of mediums such as watercolor, ink, acrylics, and even light collage work. The paper has a smooth texture that allows for easy blending and layering without any bleeding or warping. This gives me the freedom to experiment with different techniques without worrying about damaging the pages.

Secondly, the size and format of this sketchbook are perfect for both on-the-go and studio use. The compact size makes it easy to carry with me wherever I go, and the spiral binding allows me to lay the book flat while working. This is especially useful when working with wet mediums as it prevents any smudging or accidental smearing.

Another reason why I love this sketchbook is its durability. The hardcover protects my artwork from any external damage, ensuring that my sketches remain safe and intact for years to come. The pages are also acid-free

My Buying Guide on ‘Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook’

As an artist, I understand the importance of using high-quality materials in my work. One essential item that I always have in my art supply collection is the Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook. This sketchbook has been my go-to choice for all my mixed media projects, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile sketchbook.

Why Choose Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook?

The Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook offers a unique combination of features that make it stand out from other sketchbooks in the market. Here are some reasons why I love this sketchbook:

  • Multi-Purpose: The Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook is designed to handle various media, including pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and acrylic paint. This versatility makes it perfect for artists who like to experiment with different techniques.
  • Durable Cover: The hardcover of this sketchbook is made from heavy-duty material, making it durable and long-lasting. It also has a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip while working.
  • Spiral Bound: The spiral bound design allows for easy flipping of pages without worrying about damaging them. It also ensures that the pages lay flat, providing a smooth surface for drawing or painting.
  • Heavyweight Paper: The 90lb (147gsm) paper used in this sketchbook is thick enough to withstand multiple layers of media without bleeding through or warping.
  • Acid-Free: Acid-free paper ensures that your artwork stays vibrant and does not yellow over time.

Things to Consider Before Buying

While the Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook is an excellent choice for most artists, here are some factors you should consider before making your purchase:

  • Paper Size: This sketchbook comes in various sizes, including 5.5″ x 8″, 9″ x 12″, and 11″ x 14″. Consider the size that best suits your needs before buying.
  • Budget: The price of this sketchbook may be higher than other options in the market. However, considering its quality and versatility, I believe it’s worth the investment.

Tips for Using Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook

To make the best use of your Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Gesso: To prevent bleed-through when using wet media like watercolor or acrylics, apply a layer of gesso on each page before starting your artwork.
  • Mixing Media: This sketchbook is perfect for combining different media in one project. However, make sure to let each layer dry completely before adding another layer on top.
  • Ink Bleeding: If you’re using ink on this paper, be aware that it might bleed slightly due to its absorbent nature. To avoid this issue, use waterproof ink or seal your artwork with fixative after completion.

In Conclusion

The Grumbacher Mixed Media Sketchbook is an excellent choice for artists looking for a versatile and high-quality option for their mixed media projects. Its durability and ability to handle various media make it a must-have item in any artist’s collection. So if you’re looking for a reliable sketchbook that can keep up with your creativity, I highly recommend giving this one a try!

Author Profile

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Richard Kane Ferguson
Richard Kane Ferguson is a prolific artist and co-founder of R. Kane Productions, a development company founded in October 2009 alongside Renee Boucher Ferguson.

Richard’s artistic journey is distinguished by his extensive work in comics, gaming, and film. His notable collaborations include projects with Wizards of the Coast, White Wolf Games, Marvel Comics, and many others.

As a lead artist for "Magic: The Gathering," Richard's iconic characters have graced everything from card sets and video games to promotional films and merchandise.

Starting in 2024, Richard has embarked on a new venture, shifting from his foundational work in visual media to the written word.

He has begun writing an informative blog that focuses on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant transition, leveraging his extensive experience in design and storytelling to offer unique insights into various products.

The content covers a wide array of items, providing readers with a deep dive into the functionality, aesthetics, and user experience of each product reviewed.