Stillman & Birn Zeta Series Wirebound Sketchbook, 9" x 12", 270 gsm (Extra Heavyweight), White Paper, Smooth Surface

I haven't had a chance to use this sketchbook yet so I'll have to update this review later. For now this review will be aesthetic and cosmetic. I purchased the 9 x 12 inch size sketchbook. Lots of page real estate to work with and if I decide to do a two page spread then there's a lot more space! :-D If I scan or take a picture of a two page spread I'll have connect them with the image software, but it's worth the trouble to be able to fit so much detail into a very large space. The covers are very nice and are a pleasure to look at and feel. They're very sturdy. They're like having a built in clipboard. The wire binding is sturdy as well. Lets the book lay completely flat. The surface of the paper is very smooth. There is however a very small amount of tooth on the back side of each sheet. The back side is still very smooth as well. Just something to be aware of.

I love Stillman and Birn. They are a great company and they produce great products.The books are pricier than most but is the only brand I will actually pay the extra amount for because it is definitely worth it. So far it is the only brand that offers sketchbooks in 100lb and 180lb versions. This makes wet media look and feel astounding. Worth the money but definitely more specialized in the media that can/should be used.This particular series (Zeta) is uber smooth and takes ink work VERY nicely. The nicest I've ever seen. The sizing on the pages is just incredible. It takes watercolor like nothing else.I specifically like using Micron pens on this paper. It has taught me that the right paper can make anyone an artist.

This is a very sturdy watercolor journal. The paper is thick although if I use too much water the page will buckle a little. The spiral bound pages turn and fold back easily. I’m very happy with this purchase.

Well packaged for shipping. Arrived promptly.

This sketchbook came wrapped in plastic as if it was new but was damaged on one page. One of the corners was lifted and peeling on the last sheet. The back cover also has black markings on it. The front page had a small black mark on her top corner. I’m going to keep it because I waited so long for its arrival. I probably just got a bad sketchbook that slipped through QC.The sketchbook in general is made of very heavy and thick paper. The paper is smooth as advertised for the Zeta series. I don’t think it’s 100% cotton paper but it is archival quality. I tried doing a little research on their website but there was no mentioning of the paper being cotton or any information about the paper’s actual composition. Regardless, I purchased the book anyways know that it’s probably not cotton. I’m still very excited to try this out. The 6x8 is perfect for traveling. I’ll update after a few uses to see if it’ll hold up to watercolor.

Paper is thick enough for water coloring and does not warp while drying. Once the picture is dry, I just close the book and put something slightly heavy on it and any edge curling gets flat. The paper is not porous so although it hold water colors nicely, there is not much absorption and not the same texture as water color paper. Great for any similar kind of medium, pen and ink, pencils, marker, etc. Very happy with the size. If I am trying a technique out or just want a smaller picture. The spiral binding is great, every page lays flat. Excellent value.

This was recommended by a watercolor artist as a great sketchbook for watercolor journaling and it has lived up to its reputation.

Was recommended this sketchbook for a realistic watercolor class I am taking. Very good weight and hasn’t wrinkled when adding water to the paper. Paints go on smooth and it reacts well to minor scrubbing.