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.

Beautiful quality spiral bound art paper, handles mixed media including ink and watercolor beautifully. The best there is!

Great value for your money! Drawing abilities on these are a breeze. Have bought 3 different ones now for the kids and we love these the most.

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.

Was looking for a new sketch journal and this might be the answer. The paper is thick and can truly handle whatever you throw at it. The surface is smooth as a good hot press paper should be. I did a sample page just to see how the book will fair which might help others with a purchase. Pencil is a given and comes up well. I used a kneaded eraser in the example page so a more traditional variety will pull it all off the page if you are the gouging type. Inks do well and washes hold up nicely. The paper doesn't warp a bit. Some inks are a bit wetter and can feather but thus isn't the norm. The Schreibtine ink was rather wet and out of the three I tried was the only one to bleed. The lettering was done with a dip pen and the was with a brush. Private Reserve was by far the best ink on the page. Watercolours hold up well but washes will blossom easily. So if that isn't your style, be warned. I selected three colors as you see and tried to remove the colors once dry. None of them were successful. The calligraphy metallic was not removable... I don't get much shine here but perhaps on black paper it would work better.

I absolutely LOVE this sketchbook. The paper is really substantial and has a smooth finish. I bought this for Inktober last year and it worked perfectly for my needs (enough pages, great surface, no bleed through for my ink and pencil drawings and even took some light watercolor highlights nicely). Buying another this year but going for the softcover this time. Can't wait until it arrives!

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.

Works beautifully with acrylics.

Stillman and Birn sketchbooks are awesome. Huge fan of their beta and zeta series. Bought from seller Creative Hands Artist Material, Kolkata India. The sketchbook came in its original package, only drawback was the top cover had mould under the jacket. Edited: after wiping it down with a wet rag and leaving it in sun to dry thoroughly the cover looks good as new.

I’m using it as a sketchbook and for trying new techniques.

Excellent sketchbook. Overpriced but it's Not seller fault.

Bought for my son to use with his poscas. We are very happy with the paper quality. Posca colours don’t transfer through the pages but alcohol based colours do pass through. Very Good for water based paints. I’d recommend.

Bon papiers mais l'envoi est long,et un peut excessif.