Remember the Pepsi Challenge1?
My friend Min Lee and I created our own version so we could make smart paper choices!
Disclaimer
I’ve created some of my best art on a $3.99 paint pad meant for kids, and had a fantastic time drawing on food packaging. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have fun drawing, but nicer paper will hold up better under repeated experimentation.
These are the papers we tested:
Canson Fluid Mixed Media (250 grams per square meter) - Smooth, sturdy, and recommended by Kyle Beaudette.
Caran d’ache Mixed Media Paper (250 gsm) - This is a new one for me. Min and I were both surprised that it had a bit of tooth to it, because it’s labeled “hot pressed.” It was my 2nd pick, because it feels nice to touch.
Pith Oroblanco (200 gsm) - I like how paint sits on this paper and it has a lovely, satiny feel.
Canson XL Cold Press (300 gsm) - Grain level is high on this one, but she’s sturdy.
Fabriano Mixed Media Paper (300 gsm) - This one has a strange grain pattern. If you joined us in this session, you likely remember my excitement when I finished it!
Blick Hot Press Watercolor Block (300 gsm) - I really don’t like this paper. It’s grainy and feels cheap.
Speedball Printmaking Paper (245 gsm) - I like this but it’s kinda pricey, so I don’t use it a lot because I get precious with the fancy paper.
Prompt: Have a paper testing party with us!
Cut or tear strips of all your different kinds of paper, labeling one side with the paper type.
Flip them over, so you can’t see the type of paper.
Swatch your favorite materials.
Choose your top two or three papers.
Flip them over to reveal which ones you loved most!
💬 Tell us about your paper preferences:
What kind of paper do you make your best drawings on?
Tell me your favorite fancy paper and your favorite cheap paper!
Which brand of paper do you dislike the most? Why?
