Flexi Sketch Blank Artist Journal, 4 x 6, Royal Blue, 120 Sheets

Unfortunately the low price meant low quality paper. Didn't realize how bad it would be.

I am a huge fan of these sketchbooks. I use the 9x12 daily for my work as a designer and I have tried a lot of paper for sketching. I primarily do rough sketching, ink line work, and some shading with either pen, pencil, or markers. the paper has a good tooth and takes pen and pencil really well. Pencil also erases well. I occasionally use Copic markers on it and it will bleed through the page to the other side but usually not to the next page. It takes marker well, kind of absorbs the ink, so you wont get a lot of blending. The one thing I like the best is the number of pages it has. It has more than most and the pages are not too thick. So I can use this for some time before filling it up. I have used these for the last 3 or 4 years and just purchased another one. This time I am going to try the 8.5x11. The exterior binding and cover sometimes start to fall apart but that is mostly from me putting it in and out of my bag daily. It still protects it and only once have I had to put some tape on the cover to repair it. I think it gives them character. These are my go-to sketchbooks and will remain so as long as they make them.

Two stars for the false advertising and price.The false advertising ... This sketchbook is described as "lays flat". In my experience a sketchbook that does that lays open with little breaking in to the current page without weights, clips or holding. This does not do that. There is nothing particularly unique about the glue bound pages. (Although from reading other reviews I suspect that there is variety in the actual books shipped.)The price ... I discern no difference in the quality of the paper or binding over lower priced sketchbooks from other sources. In fact the hard bound "Artist Loft" sketchbooks that I get for around $7 perform every bit as well and "lay flat" better than this $16 sketchbook that constantly wants to spring shut. I have now used both for pencil, color pencil, Pitt Pens, fountain pens and even some ink wash.In short it's a pretty ordinary glue bound sketchbook.Not that it matters much but it arrive with a creased cover and clear smudges (abrasion in shipping and wherever it was made/stored?) on the back cover.I don't care much about the state of the cover; I would have given it more stars if the binding were better, if it really lay flat for work, and if the paper were better.While this is not a Speedball product it is sold here under their name. The label on the cover clearly indicates "hand book paper co." I mention this because between this book sold under their name, together with my experience of two troublesome bottles of ink and a poor quality holder and nib set I think I will be steering clear of the Speedball brand in general in the future.

I fell in love with this sketchbook about 15 years ago after finding one at the SFMOMA. I've tried other sizes, but the 8x8 yellow is my favorite format. I love to paint, sketch and art journal in them. Excited to start a new one after so many years.

It's definitely a very thick sketchbook but pretty light. I was a little surprised by it. I mostly using it for pen/ink drawing and for watercolor sketching. I know it's not mean for watercolor, but sometimes just fun to add a bit of color. Color doesn't go to next page, which is nice. Ink not feathering or bleeding, also nice. So I'd say it's just what I m looking for. But I would not draw/paint on both sides, since pages are pretty thin.

Very good quality paper, fine tip pencil doesn't cause the paper to deteriorate like my last sketchbook did. It doesn't seem to lay completely flat but I just got it today so maybe after some use the paper will lay flat when opened more and the binding stretched. The cover came with some of the edges frayed or scratched but it just adds a little character. I'd suggest to the company to plastic wrap them so they come in a slightly newer looking condition. There is a little flap in each end of the cover that can also hold paper if you want to store loose drawings or paper in the book.

I love sketching, and this 6"x6" is the perfect size to carry around in a coat pocket. I sketch with 0.5 mm mechanical pencil using 4H, 2B, and 4H leads with 4H for the rough sketch, 2B for main details, and the 4B for initial shading. For final shading I use regular wooden art pencils in 2B, 4B, and 6B. 90 gsm paper is also not too thick for initial blocking using a light table, if that is your choice, yet thick enough to hold up well under a Mars plastic eraser. When the portraits are finished, a little hairspray keeps them from smudging. I have also done line and wash with watercolor on this paper, and it works, though others may well prefer heavier paper for that. The book is well made with sewn signatures and well priced. I will buy it again for sure.

These are my go-to notebooks for work and play.Pros:1. Completely blank paper. No lines, no numbers, no motifs.2. High quality, touchable paper that makes me want to interact with the book.3. Flexible binding allows me to keep the notebook open for long periods without a paperweight.4. Ivory paper is a more pleasing color than a bright white.5. Takes pencil, pen, watercolor pencil, marker, and eraser well. Acceptable for watercolor, though not a watercolor paper.Possible cons:1. If you have trouble controlling the size of your writing and want to fit a lot on to each page, I would recommend a book with lines instead.2. Paper is not perforated for tearing out.3. Cover may become scuffed.