Review on 📚 Optimized for SEO: Strathmore 500 Series Visual Mixed Media Journal in Vellum, 5.5"x8", Wire Bound - 34 Sheets by Jessica Lewis

I wasn't expecting much from a $7 sketchbook but I love it! I got it because after 5 years of studying I finally had time to get back into art and I used it to experiment with ink, watercolor, gouache and pastel. The paper is comfortably thick and hasn't warped or peeled under watercolor or gouache so far, but the tooth is good enough that I don't notice any weird bleeding or texture issues when painting with pen/ink. I was also pleased to find that there is a much stronger chipboard cover(?) underneath the paper cover which adds to the durability. I usually avoid spiral notebooks because they bend/break/tear easily, and I can be rough with my art supplies, but I've been very pleased with how this little book has held up. I can toss it in a messy bag or backpack and trust it to keep my work safe and cause minimal damage. You can see in one of the photos that I spilled quite a bit of water on the page when using it for notes during a DND session and the page didn't warp at all. I usually prefer large sketchbooks, but I like the 5.5 x 8 inch size - very portable and less intimidating for those who don't want to start out like me, but large enough for me to have enough room on the page. clip and I would like a moleskin style inner pocket but these are things which I can easily make myself, and for $7 I'm not surprised it doesn't have those features. Overall I was pleased with this little book, especially for the price. If you're looking for a solid, simple sketchbook that can use a variety of materials and techniques, give this one a try. I can say with certainty that I will buy it again when my current one runs out.