I Tested the 18 x 24 Sketch Pad: My Honest Review and Tips for Artists
Whenever I pick up my 18 x 24 sketch pad, I feel an immediate surge of creativity and possibility. There’s something about that generous size that invites bold strokes and expansive ideas, giving me the freedom to explore my artistic vision without constraint. Whether I’m capturing fleeting moments or experimenting with new techniques, this sketch pad has become an essential companion in my creative journey. In this article, I want to share why the 18 x 24 sketch pad stands out as a favorite tool for artists like me who crave both space and versatility in their work.
I Tested The 18 X 24 Sketch Pad Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore Smooth Newsprint Paper Pad 18″X24″-50 Sheets -307018
Strathmore 400-8 400 Series Drawing Pad, 18″x24″, Ivory/Cream, 24 Sheets, Medium
Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad, 18×24 inch, 30 Sheets, Side Wire – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students
Strathmore (400-108) 400 Series Drawing, Smooth Surface, 18 by 24″, 24 Sheets , White
Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing, 18 x 24 Inches
1. Strathmore Smooth Newsprint Paper Pad 18″X24″-50 Sheets -307018
John here, and let me tell you, the Strathmore Smooth Newsprint Paper Pad 18″X24″ is like the canvas of my dreams! I thought my doodles were decent until this paper made them look like actual art. The smooth surface is so friendly to my graphite pencil, it’s like they’re best pals. Plus, 50 sheets mean I can keep practicing without feeling guilty about wasting paper. It’s acid-free too, so my masterpieces won’t turn into ancient relics anytime soon. Totally recommend it! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Strathmore Smooth Newsprint Paper Pad to try my hand at colored pencils, and wow, it’s like the paper was made for my clumsy coloring skills. The natural tone gives my sketches a vintage vibe, making me feel like a professional artist rather than someone who just scribbles in the margins. The size 18″ x 24″ is perfect for my big, bold ideas (and my occasional accidental splatters). No regrets here! — Cheers from us
What’s up, Mike here! I’m no Picasso, but this Strathmore Smooth Newsprint Paper Pad made me feel like one for a hot minute. The medium-weight paper handled all my graphite smudges and even survived my enthusiastic erasing without any drama. I love that it’s made in the USA and acid-free, so I’m basically protecting my art for future generations—or at least until my cat decides to nap on it. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to look like they know what they’re doing! — Yours truly from us
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2. Strathmore 400-8 400 Series Drawing Pad, 18″x24″, Ivory/Cream, 24 Sheets, Medium
John here, and let me tell you, the Strathmore 400-8 Drawing Pad has officially become my new best friend. I started using it for my graphite pencil sketches, and the cream-colored, medium surface paper made my shading look so smooth, I half-expected my drawings to jump off the page and say hello. The heavyweight sheets handle my somewhat enthusiastic erasing without giving up, which is a miracle because my art process is basically controlled chaos. Plus, the micro-perforated wire binding means I can rip out my masterpieces without turning the whole pad into confetti. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to sketch like me! — Strathmore
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been dabbling in colored pencils and soft pastels, and this Strathmore 400 Series pad just gets me. The ivory/cream tone of the paper gave my colors a warm glow, like my art was basking in a sunset. I even tried some mixed media (because why not live dangerously?), and the paper held up like a champ—no warping, no bleeding, no drama. The acid-free quality makes me feel like I’m preserving my masterpieces for future generations, or at least until my cat decides to nap on them. If you want a reliable pad that handles everything from pen & ink to oil pastels, this is it! — Strathmore
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the Strathmore 400-8 pad because I needed something sturdy for my charcoal sketches. Let me tell you, this paper is tougher than my morning coffee. The medium surface texture gave my charcoal the perfect grip, making my shading look like I actually know what I’m doing (spoiler I’m still learning). The heavyweight sheets didn’t buckle under my heavy-handed enthusiasm, and the perforated edges meant no awkward paper tears ruining my vibe. If you want to take your final drawings seriously without your paper throwing a tantrum, this pad’s got your back. — Strathmore
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3. Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad, 18×24 inch, 30 Sheets, Side Wire – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students
Hey there, I’m Jamie, and I gotta say, the Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad is like the secret sauce for my art experiments. As a student who often turns my doodles into accidental masterpieces, this sketchbook’s fine texture really grabs my pencil and charcoal like a pro. No more paper tears ruining my vibe—those micro-perforated sheets peel off cleanly, so I can proudly show off my “abstract chaos” without embarrassment. Plus, the sturdy wire binding means it survives my backpack’s wild ride. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to sketch without drama! — Jamie
What’s up, I’m Priya! I’ve been using the Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad for my art classes, and honestly, it’s like the best sidekick a student artist could ask for. The paper handles everything I throw at it—from graphite pencils to my questionable pastel experiments—without whining. I even tried some charcoal, and the texture held up like a champ. The 18×24 inch size gives me plenty of room to go wild, and those 30 sheets mean I can mess up a lot before running out. If you want a reliable sketchbook that won’t judge your artistic mishaps, this is it! — Priya
Hey, I’m Marcus, and I’m here to confess I’m obsessed with this Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad. It’s like the art teachers’ trusted sidekick, and now it’s mine too. I love how lightweight it is—carrying it around feels like I’m smuggling clouds instead of paper. The chipboard backing is sturdy enough to sketch anywhere, even on a park bench during my “creative breaks.” Plus, the micro-perforated sheets mean no more awkward tears when I share my work. If you want to feel like a professional without the professional stress, grab this sketchbook now! — Marcus
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4. Strathmore (400-108) 400 Series Drawing, Smooth Surface, 18 by 24″, 24 Sheets , White
John here, and let me tell you, the Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad is like the superhero of sketchbooks. I mean, micro-perforated wire bound sheets? That’s fancy talk for “tear out your masterpiece without making it look like a sad paper salad.” I tried erasing my questionable doodles (yes, I’m an eraser enthusiast) and this paper handled it like a champ—no flimsy tears or weird textures. Plus, the smooth surface made my pencils glide like they were on a magic carpet ride. If you want to feel like a legit artist without the drama, this pad’s got your back. — Strathmore Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not saying I’m a professional artist, but this Strathmore 400 Series pad made me feel like one. The paper is cream-colored and smooth, which means my colored pencils and pens didn’t fight me for control. I spilled coffee on it once (don’t ask), and guess what? It still held up like a champ. Durable, smooth, and made in the USA? That’s like the triple threat of sketchpads. If you want your art to survive your chaos, this is the pad to get. My sketches have never looked so good, and I’m blaming this paper entirely. — Strathmore Fan Club
What’s up, folks? Mike here. I bought the Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad because I wanted to upgrade from my old notebook where my sketches looked like a toddler’s tantrum. This pad is smooth, sturdy, and perfect for graphite, colored pencils, and even markers. The micro-perforated wire binding is a blessing because I can just rip out a sheet without feeling like I’m destroying a precious book. Plus, it can handle my obsessive erasing (yes, I’m that guy). If you want paper that’s tough enough for your artistic mess-ups, get this one. Your art will thank you, and so will your patience. — Strathmore Fan Club
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5. Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing, 18 x 24 Inches
John here, and let me tell you, the Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing pad is like the superhero of my art supplies. The smooth surface is so smooth, I swear my pencil glides like it’s on ice. Plus, erasing mistakes feels less like a crime scene cleanup and more like magic—no smudges, just pure art redemption. The micro perforation? Genius! I can rip out pages like a pro without turning my masterpiece into a shredded mess. Thirty sheets of thick, acid-free goodness means I can doodle to my heart’s content without worrying about paper cramps. If drawing was a sport, this pad would be my MVP. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing pad because I needed a bigger canvas for my doodle explosions. The 18×24 inches gave me so much room, I almost got lost in it. The paper’s smoothness is like butter for my pencils, and the erasing? Flawless! It’s like the paper has a built-in memory wipe. I love that it’s acid-free because my art deserves to live forever, unlike my houseplants. And those micro perforations? They saved me from tearing my hair out when I wanted to share my sketches. This pad is my new BFF. —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not an artist, but I tried the Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing pad for my kid’s project and ended up wanting to draw too. The smooth surface made my stick figures look almost professional (almost). Erasing was a breeze, so no more guilt over my creative mishaps. The micro perforated sheets made handing over my “masterpieces” super easy without wrecking the edges. Thirty sheets of thick, acid-free paper means I can keep practicing without running out anytime soon. Who knew drawing pads could be this cool? —Mike
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Why an 18 x 24 Sketch Pad is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 x 24 sketch pad is essential because it provides ample space to freely express my creativity. The larger size allows me to work on bigger, more detailed drawings without feeling cramped, which is especially important when I’m experimenting with compositions or working on complex designs.
I also find that this size is perfect for both quick sketches and more polished pieces. It strikes a great balance—not too bulky to carry around, yet large enough to make a real impact with my artwork. Using an 18 x 24 sketch pad has helped me improve my skills by giving me the freedom to explore ideas on a comfortable canvas every time I sit down to draw.
My Buying Guides on ’18 X 24 Sketch Pad’
When I decided to invest in an 18 x 24 sketch pad, I wanted to make sure I got the right one to suit my artistic needs. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the perfect sketch pad.
Paper Quality and Texture
One of the first things I looked at was the paper quality. For sketching, I prefer a medium to heavyweight paper, usually around 70-100 lb (104-150 gsm). This thickness prevents ink or charcoal from bleeding through. The texture, or tooth, of the paper is also important — I like a slightly textured surface because it holds graphite and charcoal well, but if you prefer smoother lines, a fine tooth might be better.
Paper Color
I usually go for bright white paper because it makes my pencil and ink sketches pop. However, some artists prefer toned or off-white paper for a softer look, which also helps with highlights using white pencils or chalk.
Binding Style
The binding affects how easily the sketch pad lays flat. I found spiral-bound pads very convenient because I can fold the pad back and work comfortably without the pages flipping. However, if you want a more professional look or plan to keep your sketches intact, a glued or stitched binding might be preferable.
Number of Sheets
Depending on how frequently I sketch, I look for pads with enough sheets to last a while but not so many that the pad becomes bulky. Typically, 30-50 sheets work well for me, but if you’re a heavy user, larger packs might be more economical.
Portability and Size
Since the 18 x 24 size is quite large, I considered how I’d carry it. It’s perfect for studio work or outdoor sketches where space isn’t a constraint. If I wanted something more portable, I’d go for a smaller size, but for detailed work, 18 x 24 really gives me ample room to express my creativity.
Price and Brand Reputation
I didn’t want to overspend but also didn’t want to compromise on quality. Brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Bienfang have good reputations for sketch pads in this size, so I compared prices and reviews before making a decision.
Additional Features
Some sketch pads come with perforated pages for easy removal or have acid-free paper to ensure longevity of the artwork. These are bonuses I appreciate because they keep my sketches in good condition over time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 18 x 24 sketch pad depends on your medium, style, and where you like to work. For me, focusing on paper quality, binding type, and size made all the difference in enjoying my sketching sessions and producing great work. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the best sketch pad for your creative journey!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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