Stillman & BirnAlpha Series Softcover Sketchbook, 5.5" x 8.5", 150 gsm (Heavyweight), White Paper, Medium Grain Surface

I liked that it wasn't cotton as I wanted something I didn't feel too precious about with many pages that still allowed me to do what I wanted with watercolor.It did just as I wanted. The flow wasn't as good as on cotton paper but I guess I should have expected that. You can layer very well with this paper though and I realized recently that's very important for me and usually why I don't like cellulose paper.

My last sketchbook was the 500 series hardbound mixed media in the same format size. I decided to try this sketchbook because I wanted something lighter, but still heavy enough weight paper for watercolors and mixed media. Getting used the softcover was a little tricky - especially the first few left-handed pages as the sketchbook cover doesn’t provide any real support or stability. The trade off of soft vs hardcover. But once I got used to it, it hasn’t been bad at all.I’m now about three-quarters of the way through the book, I’ve used a variety of pencils, pens and ink, watercolors, watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons, done some collage and mixed media with acrylic gel mediums. The paper is thinner than true watercolor paper, but handles wet media nicely. I’ve been able to scrub and blot my watercolors without the paper pilling, too. There’s often a little buckling, but no bleed through and the pages dry relatively flat. Flat enough that it’s easy to draw on the opposite side of each page. It’s also fairly easy to hold the book open and flat while sketching. I use binder clips to hold the pages completely flat when I’m trying to photograph pages, but don’t bother with them when I’m sketching.I’ve included photos showing a sideview of my sketchbook so you can see how the pages are holding up under two months of being carted around in a backpack, and lots of sketching. Then I included a series of photos of the interior - I started with the pencil sketches and simply flipped through the book taking photos of several successive spreads. So the watercolor of the little boy is on the backside of the pencil sketch of the screaming girl, and so on and so forth. That way you can see how the paper handles work on both sides.The only oddity I’ve had is every once in a while my watercolors will bead up on the surface of the page in spots. I’m guessing this has to do with the papers’ sizing? Sometimes it almost acts as a resist. But if I scrub a little, that issue goes away. I’ve also noticed that I have to wait a little longer for some inks to dry - including my de Atramentis black document ink. It stays wet and can smear longer than I’m used to with other papers (like the Strathmore 500 series).If you found my review useful, please click the ‘helpful’ button below. Seeing your likes really helps encourage me to keep taking crazy pictures and putting together these reviews.

Using A5 softcover - Paper is thin and plentiful enough to not be "precious" and you don't worry about wasting space.. But thick and sturdy enough to not bleed through the pages. This sketchbook can take a lot of abuse without issue.Receives pen, pencil, permanent marker, and watercolor/gouache paint well. Takes multiple wet and dry layers like a champ.Multiple wet paint layers will cause the page to wrinkle a little on the backside of the page but never bleeds through or causes a problem. (Though the book may appear a little bulkier by completion due to this)Paper is bound in six signatures, very well glued into place. Spine does not fall apart despite months and months of abuse.Primary use - watercolor paint (with lots of wet layers) - in travel paint kit, used anywhere outside the studio (indoors or out).Amazing value for the price - the high page count is great at preventing the "precious" mentality that bars artists from experimenting. And the sturdiness allows you to keep it forever, so you can get real work done with it too.Great for professional artists who just want some play space, or beginner artists just starting out. The book is slim, flexible, and sturdy. It's unbeatable in price and in durability. Cannot recommend it enough.

The color of the book is nice, so are the pages. I wanted to use it mainly for drawing with brushpens. They do not push through to the other side, but you can see dark shadows on the back side of the sheet. I will try something else next.

Stillman and Birn sketchbooks is a staple in my art arsenal and a true workhorse.These sketchbooks work well with mix media ( gouache and acrylic paint too) very durable paper and it lays flat while you create! Will be repurchasing again.

I am on my third one of these babies! As a mixed media artist, an issue that I’ve had with other sketchbooks is the bleed through. This brand is heavy weight enough that I can use BOTH SIDES!!!!!!! Something I have rarely found in bound sketchbooks. Affordable for my broke college student budget, small enough and light enough to fit in my backpack (or pocket for the smaller sizes). Overall an awesome brand and product. Highly recommend.

Really nice sketchbook. Lovely cover.

I think Stillman & Birn journals are one of the best brands for sketchbook journaling. Moleskine are also nice. I have tried lots of brands and the Stillman & Birn Alpha series is one of the best I have used, but everyone has their favorites. The paper is bright white, and heavy enough to take a light wash and cover is light weight making it perfect for quick sketches on the go. The paper is smooth, but not as smooth as a hot press paper. Having used the softcover, I think I like the hardcover style better; again just a personal preference.

This sketchbook takes quite a few layers of coloured pencils. Fabulous value.

Great sketch book highly recommended.

Great sketchbook! Perfect size.

Really like the texture of the book, although it's bit pricey.