📔 Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad - 11x14, Wire Bound - High-Quality 100 Sheet Sketchbook Review

It was as described by the seller but I was surprised that the paper wasn't as thick as I had hoped. The sketchbook had no packaging at all, except for a 1 inch piece of tape that came off anyway. The sheets were slightly shifted during transport but remained intact. This sketchbook should be shrink-wrapped to better keep the sheets inside. Another item was included in the same package and bubble wrap for each would have been helpful. It arrived on time.

The dimensions above are incorrect, this is a 9" x 12" 100 sheet notebook. I've been a fan of Strathmore paper for over 40 years. now. This is a high quality student notebook. The low cost makes it ideal for frequent sketches not intended for "finished" art. The quality is stable. It is a medium dent paper that takes graphite well. I don't use any other materials on it so I can't comment on its suitability for marker, pen, ink etc. When I finish this sketchbook I will order it again.

Prior to this product, the Strathmore 300 9x12 Sketchbook, I used the Strathmore 400 9x12 Sketchbook with ivory paper. You might think ivory paper is beautiful, but it distorts even the most basic colors, and I print and paint a lot. This paper is white, not ivory. That's a big plus for me. It's also 100 sheets, so that's a value. The downside is that the marker, pen, micrometer, watercolor paint and every tool I used went right through the paper and I could see it on the paper pretty clearly…