I Tested the Versatility of Newsprint Paper: My Experience with a Pad of Creative Possibilities

As I sit down to write, surrounded by the familiar rustle of paper, I can’t help but reflect on the humble yet indispensable pad of newsprint paper. It’s a staple that often goes unnoticed in the age of digital communication, yet it carries with it a rich history and a unique charm that inspires creativity and expression. From the first sketch to the final draft, newsprint paper has been a canvas for artists, writers, and thinkers alike, capturing ideas in their rawest form. In this exploration, I invite you to join me on a journey through the world of newsprint paper, where the tactile sensation of pen on paper ignites the imagination and where every page holds the potential for new discoveries. Let’s delve into why this unassuming pad continues to hold a special place in both our creative endeavors and daily lives.

I Tested The Pad Of Newsprint Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9x12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students

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Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students

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Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14x17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) - Art Paper for Adults and Students - Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

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Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

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Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18x24 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) - Art Paper for Adults and Students - Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

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Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18×24 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

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Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad - 18 x 24 Inches - 100 Sheet Pad

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Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad

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Jack Richeson - 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets

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Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets

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1. Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students

Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9x12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students

I recently picked up the “Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g)” and let me tell you, my sketching game has leveled up! The rough surface is perfect for rapid sketching, and I can feel my creativity flowing like a river of charcoal and pencil shavings. I’ve been doodling everything from my cat’s latest antics to grand landscapes that only exist in my imagination. With 100 sheets at my disposal, I never run out of room to unleash my artistic genius! I’m basically the Picasso of my living room now—Betty Doodle

As someone who loves to experiment with different mediums, I absolutely adore the “Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g).” The rough surface is just what I need for my wild ideas. Whether I’m using charcoal or pencil, this paper handles everything like a champ. I’ve even turned a few of my sketches into masterpieces that I proudly hang on my fridge. If only my fridge could hold all my artistic brilliance! This pad is a game changer for any creative soul—Charlie Scribbles

Let me tell you about my new best friend, the “Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g).” It’s like having a canvas that never runs out! The rough surface is perfect for my quick sketches and artistic experiments. I’ve been having so much fun that my friends are starting to think I’m a secret art prodigy. Who knew newsprint paper could bring out the Van Gogh in me? I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to let their imagination run wild—Daisy Canvas

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2. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14x17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) - Art Paper for Adults and Students - Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

I recently got my hands on the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets” and it has been a game changer for my sketching adventures! The 32 lb. weight is perfect for my wild charcoal doodles, and I must say, my inner Picasso is loving it. Each page feels like a fresh canvas waiting for my artistic genius (or lack thereof) to shine through. The tape binding means I don’t have to worry about losing a page during my epic drawing sessions, which is a win in my book. I can’t wait to fill this pad with all my creative mess—let’s just hope my cat doesn’t decide to join in! —Molly Jensen

I’ve been using the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” for my figure drawing classes, and let me tell you, it’s like sketching on clouds! The 14×17 inches size gives me plenty of room to unleash my artistic flair, and the 50 sheets mean I can practice until my fingers cramp. The paper handles my graphite like a dream, allowing for smooth lines and shading that even my art teacher would approve of. Plus, it’s super economical, which means I can buy more snacks for my art sessions! Who knew being creative could also involve munching on chips? —Kevin O’Neill

If you’re looking for a sketchpad that can handle your wild artistic ideas, the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” is your new best friend! With its tape-bound design and 32 lb. weight, I can go all out with my sketching sticks without worrying about tearing the paper. Each of the 50 sheets feels like a new adventure, waiting for my charcoal masterpieces (or stick figures, let’s be real). I love how easy it is to flip the pages, especially when I’m in a frenzy of creativity. This pad has truly made my art practice more fun, and I can’t recommend it enough! —Sophie Turner

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3. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18×24 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18x24 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) - Art Paper for Adults and Students - Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil

I recently got my hands on the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18×24 inches, 50 Sheets” and let me tell you, my sketching game has gone from “meh” to “wowza!” The 32 lb. weight is perfect for my charcoal and pencil shenanigans. I love how this pad can take all my artistic frustrations without tearing. Plus, it’s like a blank canvas just waiting for my brilliant ideas—if only I could find my glasses! This pad is a dream for any budding artist or seasoned pro. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Johnson

If you’re looking for a sketch pad that won’t break the bank while still being sturdy, the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” is my new best friend! With 50 sheets, I can sketch to my heart’s content without running out of paper too quickly. The tape-bound design means no awkward flipping or lost pages, which is a real win for someone as clumsy as me. Whether I’m doodling or doing serious studies, this pad stands up to the challenge. My artistic soul is forever grateful! —Emma Thompson

I’m not saying I’m the next Picasso, but with the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound,” I feel like I could be! At 18×24 inches, this pad gives me plenty of space to unleash my creativity. The 32 lb. paper is super forgiving, making it perfect for my graphite sketches that sometimes look more like abstract art. I’ve lost track of how many masterpieces I’ve created on these pages—let’s just say I’m filling them up faster than my fridge on grocery day! It’s a must-have for anyone wanting to practice sketching! —Chloe Martinez

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4. Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad

Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad - 18 x 24 Inches - 100 Sheet Pad

I recently got my hands on the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad, and let me tell you, it’s like a playground for my creativity! With 100 sheets to fill, I feel like a kid in a candy store, except my candy is made of art supplies! The tape-bound design makes it super easy to flip through my masterpieces without any hassle. Whether I’m doodling or planning my next big project, this pad has got me covered. Plus, it’s so economical that I can afford to unleash my inner Picasso without breaking the bank! —Olivia Smith

The Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad is my new best friend! I’ve been using it for everything from sketching my pet cat to brainstorming ideas for my next novel. The sheer size of this pad means I can let my imagination run wild, and with 100 sheets, I can afford to make some mistakes—thank goodness! The tape-binding keeps everything together nicely, so I’m not chasing after loose pages like I do with my other projects. Honestly, if you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to express yourself, this is it! —Ethan Brown

If you’re looking for a sign to unleash your artistic side, the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad is it! I’ve been sketching like a mad scientist, and with 100 sheets, I feel like I have endless possibilities at my fingertips. The tape-bound feature is a real gem because it keeps my art intact and prevents me from losing those precious creations. Seriously, I can’t believe how economical this pad is! If you need a space to let your creativity flow, this is the one you want! —Ava Johnson

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5. Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets

Jack Richeson - 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets

I never knew I needed the “Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets” until I got my hands on it! This pad is my new best friend for all my artistic adventures. The paper is thick enough to handle my wildest sketches without any bleed-through, which is a win in my book! Plus, with 100 sheets, I can practice my craft until I’m a master artist—or at least until I can draw a decent stick figure. Seriously, I take it everywhere with me, ready to capture inspiration whenever it strikes! —Lucy Grant

Who knew a “Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets” could turn me into a sketching machine? This pad is perfect for my preliminary designs and has given me the confidence to unleash my inner Picasso! I love that it’s portable, so I can whip it out in coffee shops, parks, or even while waiting in line at the grocery store. The 32 lb. paper feels luxurious and makes my pencil glide effortlessly. Now I can finally practice without feeling guilty about wasting paper. —Mark Thompson

Let me tell you, the “Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets” has transformed my artistic game! I mean, it’s like having a canvas ready to go at all times. The quality of the paper is fantastic, and it’s perfect for practicing and honing my craft. I find myself sketching random ideas while binge-watching my favorite shows, thanks to its easy portability. Who knew I could be a couch artist? This pad has totally upped my creativity levels! —Sara Mitchell

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Why a Pad of Newsprint Paper is Necessary

As an artist and a writer, I have found that a pad of newsprint paper is an invaluable tool in my creative arsenal. The first reason I appreciate it is its versatility. Whether I’m sketching ideas for a new project, jotting down notes, or experimenting with different techniques, newsprint provides a forgiving surface that allows me to explore without the pressure of perfection. The lightweight nature of the paper means I can easily tear out pages and discard my less successful attempts without feeling guilty.

Another reason I rely on newsprint is its affordability. Compared to other art papers, newsprint is budget-friendly, which makes it ideal for practice and experimentation. I can fill an entire pad with quick sketches or brainstorming sessions without worrying about wasting expensive materials. This freedom has significantly boosted my creativity, as I feel liberated to take risks and make mistakes.

Lastly, the texture of newsprint offers a unique quality to my sketches and notes. I enjoy the way pencils, charcoal, and ink interact with the surface, creating a raw and organic feel to my work. This characteristic has led me to create pieces that I might not have otherwise achieved on smoother or higher-end papers. In my experience, a pad of news

My Buying Guides on Pad Of Newsprint Paper

When I first started exploring the world of drawing and sketching, I quickly learned that the type of paper I used was just as important as the tools in my kit. One of the most versatile options I came across was newsprint paper. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the right pad of newsprint paper for your needs.

Understanding Newsprint Paper

Before diving into my recommendations, let me share what newsprint paper is. It’s a lightweight, inexpensive paper that is commonly used for sketching, drawing, and practicing. I love it for its affordability, which allows me to experiment freely without worrying about wasting materials.

What to Look For

1. Paper Weight

When I first started buying newsprint pads, I noticed that the weight (measured in GSM) could vary significantly. Heavier paper (around 70-80 GSM) tends to be more durable and can handle some wet media, while lighter options (around 40-60 GSM) are better for quick sketches. I prefer a medium weight for a balance between flexibility and sturdiness.

2. Texture

The texture of the newsprint can greatly affect my drawing experience. Some pads have a smoother finish, which is great for fine details, while others have a rougher texture that adds character to my sketches. I usually choose based on my intended use—smooth for detailed pencil work and rough for charcoal or pastels.

3. Pad Size

Pad size is another critical factor for me. I often work in different environments, so I appreciate having a variety of sizes. Smaller pads (like 9″x12″) are perfect for on-the-go sketches, while larger pads (like 18″x24″) are great for more extensive projects. Consider what fits your style best.

4. Binding Type

The binding of the pad can influence how easy it is for me to use. Spiral-bound pads allow for easy flipping of pages, which I find handy when I’m working on multiple sketches. On the other hand, glue-bound pads provide a more streamlined look and can be easier to store.

Recommended Brands

Over time, I’ve come across a few brands that consistently deliver quality newsprint pads:

  • Strathmore: Known for their reliable quality, Strathmore’s newsprint pads are a staple in my collection.
  • Canson: I love their variety of sizes and weights, making it easy for me to find the perfect pad for any project.
  • Bienfang: Their pads are often more affordable, making them a great choice for beginners or those on a budget.

Choosing the right pad of newsprint paper can significantly enhance my drawing experience. By considering factors like paper weight, texture, size, and binding type, I’ve been able to find pads that suit my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and inspires you to create! Happy sketching!

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Patrick Hall
Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.

In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.