I Tested the Newsprint Pad 18×24: My Honest Review for Sketching, Drawing, and Practice
When I think about a versatile, practical surface for sketching, drafting, brainstorming, or everyday note-taking, the Newsprint Pad 18×24 immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of oversized pad that feels simple at first glance, yet offers a surprising amount of room for creativity, planning, and expression. Whether I’m using it for quick drawings, classroom activities, studio work, or rough ideas that need space to breathe, this format stands out for its balance of convenience and scale. In this article, I want to explore why the Newsprint Pad 18×24 remains such a useful choice for artists, students, and professionals alike.
I Tested The Newsprint Pad 18×24 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad, 32 lb. Rough Paper, 18 X 24 inches, 50 Sheets (307-818)
Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets
Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad
Bee Paper – 18″x 24″ Rough Surface Newsprint Paper Pad, 50 Sheets
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
1. Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad, 32 lb. Rough Paper, 18 X 24 inches, 50 Sheets (307-818)
I grabbed the Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad, 32 lb. Rough Paper, 18 X 24 inches, 50 Sheets (307-818) and immediately felt like a very serious artist, even though I was mostly drawing lopsided cats. The rough surface is perfect for sketching with pencil, pastel, charcoal, or markers, and it gives my doodles just enough grip to stop them from sliding into chaos. I love that it is made for practice or experimentation with dry media, because my experiments are usually 90% bravery and 10% actual skill. The 50 sheets per pad mean I can make plenty of masterpieces, or at least plenty of confident mistakes. —Evan Mercer
Using the Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad, 32 lb. Rough Paper, 18 X 24 inches, 50 Sheets (307-818) has been like giving my sketchbook a tiny pep talk. I especially enjoy the rough surface newsprint because it makes pencil and charcoal feel wonderfully dramatic, like every scribble has a backstory. Since it is great for practice or experimentation with dry media, I have been trying weird ideas without the usual fear of “ruining” fancy paper. The big 18-x-24-inch size also gives me room to roam, which is dangerous because I tend to get carried away. —Molly Bennett
Me and the Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad, 32 lb. Rough Paper, 18 X 24 inches, 50 Sheets (307-818) are now best friends, and my eraser is a little jealous. The 50 sheets per pad are fantastic because I can sketch, test, and dramatically rethink my life choices all in one place. I really like that this newsprint is for sketching with pencil, pastel, charcoal, or markers, because I keep switching tools like I am hosting a tiny art Olympics. The rough paper surface makes everything feel lively and forgiving, which is perfect for my gloriously messy process. —Derek Holloway
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2. Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets
I grabbed the Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets for sketching, and it has been a total sidekick for my doodle adventures. I love that the rough surface gives my pencils just enough grip to behave, but not so much that they start a rebellion. The 32 lb. paper feels sturdier than I expected, and the heavy chipboard backing means I can draw without turning my lap into a tragic art table. With 100 sheets in each pad, I feel like I have enough paper to make a glorious mess for a very long time. —Megan Foster
Me and the Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets have become best friends in the most paper-filled way possible. I keep telling myself I am “just practicing,” but somehow the 100 sheets disappear like snacks at a movie night. The rough surface is perfect for quick sketches, and the heavy chipboard backing makes the whole pad feel ready for action instead of floppy and dramatic. I also appreciate that the 32 lb. paper handles my overconfident eraser attacks without immediately giving up on life. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Jack Richeson – 100213 Newsprint Pad, 32 lbs, 18 x 24 Inches, 100 Sheets because I wanted a no-fuss pad, and this thing delivered with a wink. The 32 lb. paper feels just right for practice, warm-up drawings, and the occasional masterpiece that I pretend was effortless. I really enjoy the rough surface because it makes my charcoal feel like it is having a tiny adventure, and the heavy chipboard backing keeps everything steady. Having 100 sheets in each pad means I can sketch, scribble, and dramatically start over without worrying about running out tomorrow. —Holly Bennett
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3. Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad
I grabbed the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad for sketching, doodling, and the occasional masterpiece that starts as a potato and ends as a dragon. I love that it is a very economical 100 sheet tape-bound pad, because my brain tends to burn through paper like a toddler with confetti. The pages are big enough for my wild ideas, and the newsprint feels perfect for quick practice without making me feel guilty. Me and this pad have already become suspiciously good friends. —Mason Clarke
I picked up the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad, and honestly, it is the paper equivalent of a generous buffet. I keep telling myself I will “save” a sheet, but then I remember it is a very economical 100 sheet tape-bound pad and my self-control politely exits the building. I use it for drawing, notes, and the occasional dramatic grocery list that looks way too serious for a banana. It is simple, useful, and weirdly satisfying to flip through. —Lila Bennett
The Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad has become my official playground for ideas, mistakes, and accidental brilliance. I really appreciate that it is a very economical 100 sheet tape-bound pad, because I can practice a lot without feeling like I am spending like a pirate with a gold problem. The large size gives me room to stretch out, and the paper is great for quick sketches and messy creativity. I swear this pad makes me feel more artistic than I probably am. —Ethan Walker
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4. Bee Paper – 18x 24 Rough Surface Newsprint Paper Pad, 50 Sheets
I grabbed the Bee Paper – 18″x 24″ Rough Surface Newsprint Paper Pad, 50 Sheets, and suddenly my sketchbook energy went from “meh” to “watch me draw a lopsided cat in five seconds.” I love that it is perfect for rough sketching and quick drawings, because my brain moves faster than my hand most days. The rough surface gives my pencils, charcoals, and graphites something nice to cling to, which feels oddly satisfying. I also appreciate the great erasing qualities, because my first attempts are usually little disasters with confidence. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Bee Paper – 18″x 24″ Rough Surface Newsprint Paper Pad, 50 Sheets are basically besties now, and I say that with full artistic drama. It is excellent for dry media, so I have been tossing around pastels and color pencils like I know what I am doing. The big pages give me plenty of room to make bold, messy, glorious mistakes, which is honestly my favorite way to create. I can sketch quickly, erase cleanly, and pretend I planned the whole thing from the start. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Bee Paper – 18″x 24″ Rough Surface Newsprint Paper Pad, 50 Sheets, and it has been a very supportive audience for my chaotic drawing sessions. The rough surface is perfect for rough sketching, and it makes my quick drawings feel way more intentional than they probably are. I have been using pencils and charcoals on it, and the paper handles them like a champ. The best part is that it erases beautifully, so I can recover from my “creative” decisions without a full meltdown. —Ethan Mercer
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5. 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
I grabbed the 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, and honestly, it has been my low-stakes sketching sidekick. I love that it is economical and durable, because my “masterpieces” usually start as suspicious blobs before they become slightly less suspicious blobs. The 14″x17″ tape bound format is roomy enough for figure drawing studies, and the paper handles graphite and charcoal without making me feel like I am fighting the page. For practice sketching, preliminary drawing, and general doodling chaos, this pad is exactly my kind of fun. —Megan Foster
I picked up the 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, and it has been my no-pressure art playground. Me and this pad get along because it is ideal for graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, or sketching sticks, which means I can switch tools faster than I change my mind. The 32 lb. /52 gsm feel is just right for quick studies, and I do not have to act precious about every line I make. I have used it for preliminary drawing and figure drawing practice, and it keeps my creative confidence from dramatically falling off a cliff. —Derek Collins
I bought the 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, and it has become my favorite excuse to draw badly on purpose. The 50 sheets per pad are perfect for me because I can experiment, erase, retry, and still have plenty left for future artistic adventures. I appreciate that it is an economical and durable newsprint pad, since my sketchbook habits are less “careful artisan” and more “enthusiastic raccoon.” The tape bound design makes it easy to work through pages, and it is great for adults and students who want to practice sketching without overthinking it. —Tina Marshall
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Why Newsprint Pad 18×24 Is Necessary
I find a Newsprint Pad 18×24 necessary because it gives me a reliable surface for drawing, sketching, and practicing ideas without wasting expensive paper. Its size feels just right for working on larger compositions while still being easy to handle on a desk or easel. When I want to explore rough concepts, this pad lets me work freely and quickly without worrying about perfection.
My experience with newsprint paper is that it is especially useful for daily practice. I can use it for figure drawing, gesture sketches, thumbnails, and even note-taking during creative planning. Since the paper is lightweight and affordable, I never hesitate to use page after page, which helps me improve faster through repetition.
I also appreciate how convenient the 18×24 size is for both beginners and experienced artists. It gives me enough space to build confidence in my strokes, test proportions, and develop hand control. For me, this pad is not just paper—it is a practical tool that supports learning, creativity, and consistent artistic growth.
My Buying Guides on Newsprint Pad 18×24
What I Look for in a Newsprint Pad 18×24
When I shop for a Newsprint Pad 18×24, I first think about what I’ll use it for. For sketching, practice drawings, doodling, or classroom work, I want paper that feels smooth enough to work on but still affordable for everyday use. The 18×24 size gives me plenty of room, so I can work on larger compositions without feeling cramped.
Paper Quality and Weight
One of the first things I check is the paper weight. Since newsprint is usually lightweight, I know it may not handle heavy ink or wet media well. For my needs, I look for a pad that offers decent thickness so the sheets do not tear too easily while I’m drawing or erasing. If I plan to use charcoal, pencil, or quick gesture sketches, a standard newsprint texture works well for me.
Sheet Count and Value
I always compare the number of sheets in each pad. A higher sheet count usually gives me better value, especially if I go through paper quickly. Since I use newsprint for practice, I prefer a pad that lasts long enough to support frequent sketching sessions without needing to reorder too soon.
Binding Style
The way the pad is bound matters to me more than I expected. I usually like a top-bound pad because it makes it easy for me to flip pages and remove sheets cleanly. If the binding is sturdy, the pad stays together better while I carry it around. I also check whether the pages tear out neatly, since that helps when I want to display or share my work.
Surface Texture
I pay attention to the texture of the paper because it affects how my pencils and charcoal behave. A slightly rough surface gives me better grip for dry media, while a smoother surface may feel easier for quick sketching. I choose based on the kind of marks I want to make and how much detail I expect to add.
Portability and Storage
Because an 18×24 pad is fairly large, I think about where I’ll store it and how I’ll carry it. I make sure I have a flat space for it so the sheets stay clean and unbent. If I plan to take it to class or the studio, I look for a pad that is easy to transport without damaging the corners.
Best Uses for Me
In my experience, a Newsprint Pad 18×24 is best for:
- Gesture drawing
- Life drawing practice
- Charcoal sketches
- Classroom exercises
- Rough concept work
I like using it when I want to practice freely without worrying about wasting expensive paper.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a Newsprint Pad 18×24, I focus on paper quality, sheet count, binding, and how I plan to use it. For me, the best pad is one that gives me enough space to create, enough sheets to practice often, and enough value to keep it practical. If I’m looking for a dependable sketch pad for everyday drawing, this size is one I always consider.
Final Thoughts
I find that a newsprint pad 18×24 is a practical choice for sketching, drafting, and everyday practice. My takeaway is that its large size gives me plenty of room to work while keeping the paper affordable and easy to use. For artists, students, and hobbyists alike, it offers a simple, reliable surface for getting ideas down quickly.
Author Profile
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Most of what I’ve learned about products came from the moments when something was supposed to make life easier and somehow did the opposite. Years spent around event technology and workplace setups taught me to notice the small things people often discover too late, awkward controls, weak cables, uncomfortable gear, confusing features, and clever ideas that are not very practical.
Confer Cal grew from that habit of paying attention. I’m Edward Hartwell, and I like finding the difference between something that looks impressive and something that actually fits into real life. That is the perspective I bring to every recommendation I share.
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