The best art supplies for mixed media need to handle layering without falling apart — and my top pick, the SuFly Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12, earns that spot with 60 sheets of 98lb/160gsm heavyweight paper that shrugs off wet media like acrylic and watercolor while staying affordable. If you want a complete kit rather than just a surface, the KINGART 175-Piece Mixed Media Art Set bundles pencils, pastels, paints, and brushes in one purchase, while the Colour Block 181-Piece Set in a Wooden Case is the standout gift option. The core tradeoff in this category is simple: sketchbooks give you quality surfaces but no supplies, while big sets give you supplies but often weaker paper. Budget, skill level, and whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift all shift the answer. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all eight options.
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Key Takeaways
- Paper weight is the single biggest differentiator among the five sketchbooks reviewed — the 98lb/160gsm options (SuFly and MOFUNY) survive wet media, while lighter pads buckle under watercolor and acrylic washes.
- Quantity doesn’t equal value: the U.S. Art Supply 2-pack wins on cost per sheet, but the SuFly’s 60-sheet single pad offers better paper consistency for serious layering.
- The two large art sets (KINGART 175-piece and Colour Block 181-piece) are best treated as starter or gift kits — their individual supplies are serviceable but don’t match buying dedicated tools separately.
- The Colour Block wooden case justifies its higher price as a gift and storage solution, while the KINGART set is the better pure value for someone who just wants supplies to practice with.
- Not every pick is a supply: Ever After is an instructional project book that pairs well with any sketchbook here, making it the smartest add-on for beginners who don’t know what to make yet.
| SuFly Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12, 60 Sheets, 98lb/160gsm Heavyweight Paper |  | Best Overall Sketchbook | Size: 9×12 inches | Paper Weight: 98lb/160gsm | Sheets: 60 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″x12″ – 30 Sheets |  | Best for Beginners and Gifts | Size: 9″x12″ | Sheets: 30 | Paper Weight: 98lb/160gsm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| U.S. Art Supply 9×12 Inch Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack |  | Best Value for Volume | Size: 9×12 inches | Sheets: 60 per sketchbook, 120 total | Paper Weight: 98 lb (160 gsm) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prang (Formerly Art Street) Mixed Media Journal |  | Best Budget Classroom Pick | Size: 8.5″ x 11″ | Binding: Spiral bound | Backing: Heavy chipboard | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KINGART Ultimate Series 175 Piece Mixed Media Art Set |  | Best All-in-One Media Set | Total Pieces: 175 | Watercolor Cakes: 36 standard + 8 metallic | Colored Pencils: 24 (+6 watercolor pencils) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Colour Block 181-Piece Mixed Media Art Set in Wooden Case |  | Best All-in-One Kit | Number of Pieces: 181 | Included Mediums: Watercolor, acrylic, watercolor cakes, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels, sketching pencils, charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, charcoal sticks | Tools: Natural hair and synthetic brushes, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, sharpener, blending stumps, sanding block, color wheel, theory guide, wooden manikin | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ever After: Create Fairy Tale-Inspired Mixed-Media Art Projects to Develop Your Personal Artistic Style |  | Best for Skill-Building and Inspiration | Format: Paperback instructional book | Focus: Fairy tale-inspired mixed-media projects | Skill Goal: Developing personal artistic style | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12, Drawing Paper Pad 60 Sheets, 98lb/160gsm |  | Best Everyday Mixed-Media Paper | Size: 9×12 inches | Sheets: 60 | Paper Weight: 98 lb / 160 gsm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| art supplies for mixed media | Size | Binding | Paper Weight | Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SuFly Mixed Media Sketchbook 9 | 9×12 inches | Side spiral bound | 98lb/160gsm | 60 |
| Mixed Media Sketchbook 9"x12" | 9"x12" | Spiral | 98lb/160gsm | 30 |
| U.S. Art Supply 9×12 Inch Mixe | 9×12 inches | Spiral-bound | 98 lb (160 gsm) | 60 per sketchbook, 120 total |
| Prang | 8.5" x 11" | Spiral bound | — | — |
| KINGART Ultimate Series 175 Pi | — | — | — | — |
| Colour Block 181-Piece Mixed M | — | — | — | — |
| Ever After: Create Fairy Tale- | — | — | — | — |
| MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook | 9×12 inches | Ring binding, 360-degree rotation | 98 lb / 160 gsm | 60 |
More Details on Our Top Picks
SuFly Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12, 60 Sheets, 98lb/160gsm Heavyweight Paper
This SuFly sketchbook earns the top spot because it balances page count, paper weight, and protection better than anything else in this lineup. The 98lb/160gsm sheets handle layered work — pencil under acrylic, ink over watercolor washes — without bleeding through, and the hard covers give it a durability edge over the chipboard-backed Prang journal, which relies on a softer back for support. Compared with the U.S. Art Supply 2-pack, you get the same sheet count in a single, more travel-friendly book, though you sacrifice the value of a second pad. The perforated, spiral-bound format means pages lay flat and detach cleanly for framing or gifting. The tradeoff is portability: at 9×12 with stiff covers, this is a desk-and-studio book rather than something that slips into a bag.
Pros:- Heavyweight 98lb/160gsm paper resists bleed-through across multiple media
- Hard covers protect finished pages better than soft or chipboard backs
- 60 perforated sheets offer plenty of room for layered experiments
- Spiral binding lays flat for comfortable, hands-free working
Cons:- Bulkier and heavier than soft-cover pads for plein air or commute sketching
- Paper weight may feel too thick for delicate, light pencil studies
Best for: Mixed media artists who layer wet and dry media and want one durable book that survives a backpack
Not ideal for: Artists who work small or on location — the size and hard covers make it awkward to carry everywhere
- Size:9×12 inches
- Paper Weight:98lb/160gsm
- Sheets:60
- Binding:Side spiral bound
- Cover:Hard cover
- Paper Type:Mixed media
Our verdict“If you want a single do-everything mixed media book that outlasts rough handling, this is the one to buy.”
Mixed Media Sketchbook 9″x12″ – 30 Sheets
Half the sheet count of the SuFly, at what is typically a friendlier price — and that’s exactly the point. This pad makes the most sense for younger artists and first-timers who are still figuring out which media they like, because a 30-sheet commitment feels far less intimidating than a full 60-sheet book. The acid-free, bleed-resistant paper still performs well with watercolor and acrylic, so beginners aren’t punished with buckling or ghosting while learning. Perforated edges let promising pages come out cleanly for the fridge or a portfolio. The drawbacks are real: compared with the U.S. Art Supply 2-pack, you’re getting a quarter of the total paper, and the lightly textured surface won’t satisfy anyone chasing hyper-detailed rendering. Skip it if you already work daily — you’ll burn through it in weeks.
Pros:- Bleed-resistant, acid-free paper handles wet media despite the entry-level price
- Perforated pages detach cleanly for sharing or displaying work
- Spiral binding lays flat for easy use at a desk or table
- Low sheet count lowers the stakes for experimenting
Cons:- Only 30 sheets, so ongoing projects may need multiple pads
- Light texture limits performance for fine, detailed drawing
Best for: Kids, students, and newcomers sampling mixed media without a big upfront commitment
Not ideal for: Frequent or project-based artists — 30 sheets disappear quickly during extended work
- Size:9″x12″
- Sheets:30
- Paper Weight:98lb/160gsm
- Binding:Spiral
- Perforated Pages:Yes
- Material:Acid-free, fade-resistant paper
Our verdict“A low-risk starting point or gift for a young creator — not a long-term studio staple.”
U.S. Art Supply 9×12 Inch Mixed Media Sketchbook, 2 Pack
When the goal is paper per dollar, nothing else here competes: 120 total sheets across two pads, versus 60 in the SuFly or 30 in the beginner pick. The fine tooth surface is the distinguishing feature — it grips graphite and pastel nicely while still accepting light washes, making this pair a smart choice for practice-heavy artists who go through paper fast. The micro-perforations tear out cleanly, matching the SuFly’s convenience. Where it falls short is durability: the spiral binding is more vulnerable to rough handling than SuFly’s hard-cover design, so pages can work loose if the pad lives at the bottom of a tote. Compared with the MOFUNY 60-sheet pad, the two-book format also means splitting work across volumes — an annoyance if you like keeping a project in one place.
Pros:- 120 total sheets deliver the lowest cost per page in this roundup
- Fine tooth surface blends dry media well and accepts light wet media
- Micro-perforated pages remove cleanly for presentation
- Two separate books let you dedicate one to wet media and one to dry
Cons:- Spiral binding is less durable under rough handling than hard-covered options
- Work is split across two pads, which complicates single-project organization
Best for: High-volume artists, students, and teachers who need lots of practice paper at a low cost per sheet
Not ideal for: Artists who carry work in crowded bags — the spiral binding won’t survive rough commutes
- Size:9×12 inches
- Sheets:60 per sketchbook, 120 total
- Paper Weight:98 lb (160 gsm)
- Material:Heavyweight, acid-free paper
- Binding:Spiral-bound
- Perforations:Yes
- Surface:Fine tooth
Our verdict“The smart buy for anyone who fills sketchbooks quickly and cares more about quantity than rugged construction.”
Prang (Formerly Art Street) Mixed Media Journal
The Prang journal plays a different role from every other pad here: it’s the notebook-sized, classroom-ready option built for volume buying rather than premium performance. At 8.5″ x 11″, it matches standard notebook dimensions, so it fits in backpacks and classroom storage in a way the 9×12 SuFly simply can’t. The chipboard back doubles as a drawing surface, which matters for students working at desks without a board — a thoughtful touch the spiral-only competitors lack. Prang’s replacement guarantee, backed by the Dixon Ticonderoga family, adds reassurance for school purchases. The tradeoffs are clear: this is a lighter-duty journal, not a heavyweight workhorse, and artists doing heavy acrylic layering will be happier with the 98lb paper in the SuFly or U.S. Art Supply pads. Treat it as a reliable everyday journal, not a showcase surface.
Pros:- Standard 8.5″x11″ notebook size fits easily into backpacks and classroom organizers
- Heavy chipboard back provides drawing support on any surface
- Acid-free and recyclable paper suits classroom sustainability goals
- Brand replacement promise reduces risk for school and bulk orders
Cons:- Lighter-duty construction than dedicated heavyweight mixed media pads
- Fewer mixed media-specific features — no perforated pages listed for clean removal
Best for: Teachers, classrooms, and students who need an affordable, portable journal in bulk quantities
Not ideal for: Artists applying heavy wet media — lighter paper can’t match the 98lb pads for layered washes
- Size:8.5″ x 11″
- Binding:Spiral bound
- Backing:Heavy chipboard
- Paper:Acid-free, recyclable
- Intended Use:Sketching, drawing, painting
- Brand Family:Prang / Dixon Ticonderoga
Our verdict“Buy it by the stack for students and everyday journaling; reach for a heavyweight pad when the work gets wet.”
KINGART Ultimate Series 175 Piece Mixed Media Art Set
This is the only product in the lineup that answers a different question: instead of “which paper,” it solves “which supplies.” With 36 watercolor cakes, 24 oil pastels, 24 colored pencils, 12 acrylic tubes, brushes, palette knives, and 47 sheets of paper, it’s a complete studio in a box — ideal for someone discovering mixed media for the first time or rebuilding a kit from scratch. Compared with the Colour Block 181-piece set, KINGART trades a wooden case for included paper and palette trays, which makes it more immediately usable and less display-oriented. The included 12 mixed media sheets pair well with the wet and dry tools provided. The honest downside: quality is spread thin across 175 pieces, and experienced artists will outgrow the pigments and brushes quickly. It complements rather than replaces a dedicated pad like the SuFly — buy both if the budget allows.
Pros:- Covers watercolor, acrylic, oil pastel, pencil, and charcoal in a single purchase
- Includes both mixed media and drawing paper, so it’s usable out of the box
- Palette knives, trays, and brushes round out a functional starter studio
- Wide media variety encourages genuine cross-media experimentation
Cons:- Breadth over depth — individual pigments and brushes are starter-grade
- 175 pieces can overwhelm absolute beginners deciding where to start
Best for: New mixed media artists, returning hobbyists, and gift-givers who want every medium in one purchase
Not ideal for: Experienced artists with established preferences — the generalized tools won’t match dedicated supplies
- Total Pieces:175
- Watercolor Cakes:36 standard + 8 metallic
- Colored Pencils:24 (+6 watercolor pencils)
- Oil Pastels:24
- Acrylic Paint Tubes:12
- Brushes:6 nylon hair
- Paper Sheets:12 mixed media + 35 white drawing (9″x12″)
Our verdict“The right first purchase for someone exploring mixed media from zero — but pair it with a serious sketchbook like the SuFly for best results.”
Colour Block 181-Piece Mixed Media Art Set in Wooden Case
For buyers who want every major medium in one purchase, this 181-piece set delivers watercolor, acrylic, oil pastels, soft pastels, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, charcoal, and graphite, all organized in a wooden storage case. Compared with the KINGART Ultimate 175-Piece Set, it edges ahead on breadth — adding watercolor pencils, a color wheel, and a wooden manikin that make it feel more like a portable classroom than a supply box. The tradeoff is depth: individual components are serviceable but not professional-grade, so a painter who already owns quality brushes and paints will find most of this redundant. It also costs more than a standalone pad like the MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook, though it includes a watercolor pad of its own. This pick makes the most sense as a single-box starting point rather than an upgrade.
Pros:- Covers nearly every dry and wet medium in one organized case
- Wooden case keeps supplies sorted and travel-ready
- Includes learning aids like a color wheel, theory guide, and manikin
- Watercolor pad included, so it’s usable straight out of the box
Cons:- Individual supply quality is entry-level, not professional
- Redundant and expensive for artists who work in a single medium
Best for: Beginners, students, and gift-buyers who want to experiment across many mediums without assembling supplies piecemeal
Not ideal for: Artists already established in one medium — the variety becomes clutter, and the quality won’t match dedicated supplies
- Number of Pieces:181
- Included Mediums:Watercolor, acrylic, watercolor cakes, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels, sketching pencils, charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, charcoal sticks
- Tools:Natural hair and synthetic brushes, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, sharpener, blending stumps, sanding block, color wheel, theory guide, wooden manikin
- Paper:Watercolor pad included
- Case:Wooden storage case
- Skill Level:All skill levels
Our verdict“Buy this if you want a complete mixed-media toolkit in one purchase; skip it if you already own quality supplies in your main medium.”
Ever After: Create Fairy Tale-Inspired Mixed-Media Art Projects to Develop Your Personal Artistic Style
Every other item in this roundup is a supply; this book is the instruction layer that supplies alone can’t provide. Ever After walks readers through fairy tale-inspired projects designed to help develop a personal artistic style, which distinguishes it from technique-reference books that only teach isolated methods. Paired with something like the Colour Block 181-Piece Set, it gives a beginner a curriculum to work through; paired with a quality pad like the MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook, it supplies the ideas and the paper separately. The honest limitation is that it’s not a supply at all — you’ll still need paints, pencils, and paper to do anything with it, and the project instructions assume you’ll source your own materials rather than specify them. It’s a companion purchase, not a standalone one.
Pros:- Structured projects help artists move from copying to developing a personal style
- Fairy tale themes give a concrete creative starting point instead of a blank page
- Covers a diverse range of mixed-media techniques in one volume
Cons:- No materials included — requires a separate supply purchase
- Theme may feel narrow for artists uninterested in fairy tale aesthetics
Best for: Self-taught mixed-media artists who have supplies but want guided projects and help finding a distinctive personal style
Not ideal for: Anyone expecting a product they can create with immediately — this delivers zero materials, only guidance
- Format:Paperback instructional book
- Focus:Fairy tale-inspired mixed-media projects
- Skill Goal:Developing personal artistic style
- Techniques:Multiple mixed-media methods
- Materials Included:None — instructional only
Our verdict“A smart add-on for artists who have the supplies but not the direction; pointless for anyone still needing paints and paper.”
MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12, Drawing Paper Pad 60 Sheets, 98lb/160gsm
For most mixed-media work, the paper matters more than the paint set, and this pad gets the fundamentals right: acid-free 98 lb/160 gsm paper that resists fading and bleed-through across pencil, ink, charcoal, and light watercolor. Against the nearly identical SuFly 9×12 Mixed Media Sketchbook (same size, weight, and sheet count), the differentiator is the 360-degree rotating ring binding, which suits plein-air work and easel-free setups. Compared with the U.S. Art Supply 2-Pack, you give up the per-pad value of buying two at once but gain a binding style that handles single-page projects without a stiff spine. The weight is the real constraint: 160 gsm handles washes acceptably, but heavy wet media, thick acrylic layers, or heavy collage will warp or buckle the sheets. It’s a daily-driver pad, not a watercolor block.
Pros:- Acid-free paper resists fading and bleeding across mediums
- 360-degree ring rotation makes it comfortable for outdoor and lap work
- Handles a genuinely broad range: pencil, ink, charcoal, and light watercolor
- Lightweight and portable at 9×12 inches
Cons:- 160 gsm is too light for heavy washes or textured media
- Ring binding can loosen or tear with heavy use
- Only 60 sheets, which runs out quickly for daily sketchers
Best for: Students and sketching-focused artists who bounce between dry media and light watercolor in one affordable pad
Not ideal for: Heavy wet-media painters — the 160 gsm weight will buckle under saturated washes or thick acrylic
- Size:9×12 inches
- Sheets:60
- Paper Weight:98 lb / 160 gsm
- Binding:Ring binding, 360-degree rotation
- Paper Type:Recyclable, acid-free mixed media paper
- Compatible Media:Pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolor, light acrylic
Our verdict“The most sensible default pad for everyday mixed-media sketching — just upgrade to heavier paper if your work is wash-heavy.”
How We Picked
Every product here was judged through one lens: how well it supports mixed media work specifically. For sketchbooks, that meant prioritizing paper weight and wet-media resistance over sheet count or price alone — a 60-sheet pad of thin paper is worth less to a mixed media artist than a 30-sheet pad that handles gesso, acrylic, and collage. I also weighed sheet size consistency, binding durability (does it survive being worked flat?), and cost per usable sheet.
For the art sets, the criteria shifted to variety, supply quality relative to price, and storage. A 175-piece set full of filler tools loses to a smaller set with genuinely usable media. Finally, I considered buyer context: some picks rank high because they suit beginners or gift buyers, not because they’re the most professional option. That’s why a project book and a wooden-cased set sit alongside dedicated sketchbooks — the ranking reflects different buyers, not a single ‘best for everyone’ formula.
| art supplies for mixed media | Binding |
|---|---|
| SuFly Mixed Media Sketchbook 9 | Side spiral bound |
| Mixed Media Sketchbook 9"x12" | Spiral |
| U.S. Art Supply 9×12 Inch Mixe | Spiral-bound |
| Prang | Spiral bound |
| KINGART Ultimate Series 175 Pi | — |
| Colour Block 181-Piece Mixed M | — |
| Ever After: Create Fairy Tale- | — |
| MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketchbook | Ring binding, 360-degree rotation |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Art Supplies For Mixed Media
Choosing mixed media supplies comes down to matching your working style to the right surface and tool combination. These are the factors that actually change how your finished pieces turn out.Paper Weight: The Number That Matters Most
Most disappointment in mixed media traces back to one spec: paper weight, measured in lb or gsm. Paper under 90lb/160gsm will buckle, pill, and sometimes tear when you add wet layers like watercolor washes or acrylic gesso. Heavier paper lets you build layers — dry media first, wet media over top — without the surface fighting you. A common mistake is buying a general-purpose sketch pad and assuming it will handle paint; most won’t. If you plan to work wet at all, treat 98lb/160gsm as your floor, not your target. If you mostly draw with occasional light washes, you can save money with lighter stock. Remember that heavier paper usually means fewer sheets per pad at the same price, so decide whether you’d rather have quantity or survivability.
Sketchbook vs. Art Set: What Are You Actually Missing?
Buyers often conflate two different purchases. A mixed media sketchbook solves the surface problem — it’s the right choice if you already own paints, pencils, and pastels. A large art set solves the supply problem — right for beginners or someone returning to art after years away. What neither solves alone is the complete picture, which is why many buyers pair one of each. Be honest about your inventory before buying: if you have a drawer full of half-used acrylic tubes, a 175-piece set mostly duplicates what you own. Conversely, if you’re starting from zero, the sketchbook-first approach means weeks of owning nice paper and nothing to put on it. The gift calculus is different again — sets in cases read as more generous on the recipient’s end.
Sheet Count and Cost Per Sheet
A 2-pack of 30-sheet pads and a single 60-sheet pad can look identical in listings while differing in real value. Calculate cost per sheet before comparing prices, and check whether the sheets are actual sheets or counted with backing boards, which some brands do. Multi-pads suit artists who produce a lot of studies and don’t need every page gallery-worthy. Single thicker pads make sense if you work larger, slower, or want a consistent surface across an entire project series. One overlooked factor: mixed media work is punishing, and you’ll lose some pages to experiments that fail. Budget for that loss rate — a cheaper pad you’re willing to ruin teaches you faster than expensive paper you’re afraid to touch.
Binding and How You Like to Work
Binding affects your process more than most buyers expect. Spiral-bound pads open completely flat and fold behind themselves, which suits table work and lets you tear out failed pages cleanly. Hardcover journals hold up better in a bag, look better on a shelf, and often include expandable signatures that absorb the swelling caused by glued collage and paint layers. If you plan to add heavy collage or dimensional media, a thin perfect-bound pad may crack at the spine after a dozen wet pages. Think about where you work too — journal-style formats travel better, while large studio pads assume you have a desk. Neither binding is objectively better; the wrong one for your habits is what causes regret.
Instruction May Be Worth More Than Supplies
Beginners routinely buy excellent supplies and then stall because they don’t know what to make. A project-based book with guided exercises often delivers more skill per dollar than upgrading any tool. This is the one category where spending less on materials and more on instruction genuinely improves results, because technique — layering order, drying times, adhesive choice — drives mixed media outcomes far more than brand names do. Books also structure practice in a way that a blank pad can’t, which matters for anyone who finds open-ended creation intimidating. If you’re buying for a teen or a true beginner, pairing an instructional book with a mid-range sketchbook usually beats one expensive set. The supplies can always be upgraded once the habit sticks.
When to Pay More: Gift Value and Presentation
There’s a real difference between supplies that perform well and supplies that feel like a gift. A wooden case set commands a premium not because the contents are dramatically better, but because presentation, storage, and the unboxing experience carry genuine value for the recipient. The mistake is paying that premium for yourself when you’d rather have the raw supplies plus a cheap storage box. Similarly, avoid gift-oriented sets if the recipient is already experienced — the individual components in bundled sets rarely match what a working artist would choose independently. Pay more for presentation only when the person opening the box matters as much as what’s inside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use watercolor and acrylic in a regular mixed media sketchbook, or do I need watercolor paper?
Heavyweight mixed media paper (98lb/160gsm and up) handles watercolor and light acrylic layers well, but it’s a compromise surface rather than a substitute. Watercolor paper at 140lb/300gsm is sized differently — it absorbs washes more evenly and rewets without damage, while mixed media stock can develop dry spots or pill if you work very wet. Acrylic actually performs fine on mixed media paper because acrylic sits on the surface rather than soaking in. My practical rule: if watercolor is your primary medium 70% of the time, buy watercolor paper. If you layer everything and watercolor is one voice among many, mixed media paper’s versatility wins. The SuFly and MOFUNY pads in this roundup sit right at the threshold where wet work is reliable without pushing into dedicated watercolor-pad pricing.
Is a 175-piece or 181-piece art set actually good quality, or is it mostly filler?
Honestly, sets at this price point are a mix of both, and that’s okay if you buy with the right expectations. The pencils, pastels, and paints are serviceable student-grade materials — pleasant to use, perfectly fine for learning and practice — but a serious artist would replace each category individually within a year of getting serious. What you’re really paying for is variety and convenience: trying eight media types for the price of two professional products. The filler tends to be in the accessories, like plastic erasers and thin blending stumps, which wear out quickly. If you already know you love oil pastels specifically, skip the set and buy quality pastels alone. Sets earn their keep for beginners, gift recipients, and artists who want everything in one box for a vacation or a class.
Which is the better buy: two 30-sheet pads or one 60-sheet pad at the same price?
Two pads give you portability and redundancy — you can keep one in a studio and one in a bag, and a coffee spill only ruins half your paper. One 60-sheet pad usually wins on consistency, because both pads in a 2-pack should match, but batch variation between production runs occasionally means slight texture differences. For artists working on a themed series, one continuous pad keeps every piece on identical stock, which matters if you ever display or scan the work together. There’s also a subtle psychological factor: a fat 60-sheet pad invites experimentation because failure feels cheap, while a 30-sheet pad can make you cautious. Price per sheet should be close to identical in a fair market, so base the decision on your workflow, not the math.
Is a mixed media project book worth it if I can find free tutorials online?
Free tutorials teach techniques in isolation; a structured book teaches a progressive skill sequence where each project builds on the last, and that structure is what most self-taught artists are missing. A book like Ever After also commits you to a theme, which solves the blank-page problem that stalls so many beginners — free content scatters your attention across unrelated styles. Books tend to include supply lists, troubleshooting notes, and process photos at consistent quality, while free tutorials vary wildly in completeness. That said, if you’re disciplined and know your artistic direction already, a book may feel restrictive. The strongest case for a book is when you’re new to mixed media specifically: layering order, adhesives, and drying behavior are things most free videos mention in passing but books explain properly.
What should I buy first if I’m on a tight budget?
Buy the best paper you can afford before anything else, because bad paper sabotages even decent supplies. A single mid-range heavyweight mixed media pad plus a basic set of acrylics or even just a graphite pencil and one gel pen will teach you more than a giant set on flimsy paper. Wet media exposes cheap paper immediately — buckling and bleed-through waste the supplies you just bought, which is the most expensive mistake beginners make. Skip the premium wooden-case sets until you know which media you actually gravitate toward; plenty of artists discover they hate oil pastels only after buying 40 of them. A reasonable first-month budget splits roughly: half on paper, a quarter on one wet medium, a quarter on one dry medium. Upgrade the tools you use most, not the ones a set told you to own.
Conclusion
The right pick here depends entirely on what kind of mixed media artist you’re buying for. For best overall, the SuFly Mixed Media Sketchbook 9×12 is the strongest combination of paper quality, sheet count, and price — it’s the pick I’d hand most people. The U.S. Art Supply 2-pack takes best value for artists who burn through paper and want the lowest cost per sheet. For beginners, the KINGART 175-Piece Set delivers every major medium in one box so you can discover what you love before investing seriously. Best premium goes to the Colour Block 181-Piece Wooden Case Set, which earns its price through presentation and storage — the right call for gifts. And for a specific need, the Ever After project book is the smartest companion purchase for anyone with supplies but no direction. Whatever you choose, prioritize paper weight if you work wet, and prioritize supplies if you’re starting from zero — everything else is refinement.
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