The first time I have used a smaller sketch book other than A4 thinking that I would find it difficult. But was surprised it is ideal for using outdoors with a rubber topped pencil pencil to sketch . jot down details which can be reffered to later.I also take with me a mini set of pastels which are used to get a more realistic shade of flowers(scenery etc) in detail, also the mixed hues of a sunset which greatly differ and once you are home its hard to match shades to what you have seen. one can use a camera , but even then shades can differ to the reality of a flower etc . I will be ordering again and can see these little firm backed books becoming a favourite of mine.

I fell in love with this paper instantly. Unexpectedly. I love the off white colour. Very thin watercolour washes work great. The value is outstanding. Gouache works well. And to top it off using a blending stump on a soft graphite pencil works better than on any other paper I ever used that technique on. It’s a marriage made in heaven. You get a very smooth even and dark area with no work at all. It will be my new favourite sketch method for fast drawings with character.

Easy to travel with!

I purchased the 12x12cm size. I've been using it for about a week so far, and I'm really enjoying it. The size is perfect to travel with. I've used gouache, colored pencils, ink, tombow (WC and ink), collage, and copics. As others have said, alcohol markers will bleed. This doesn't bother me, I use a very thin scrap piece of leather a friend (who works with leather) gave me as a blotter in between pages. On the back pages where I've used markers, I either gesso it and paint on the back or I make homemade stickers and place them on the back. For those who have page color preference, please note that the pages in this book have a much more pronounced cream color to them (not a deal breaker for me, but may be for others). I haven't used watercolor in this book, not ... MoreI purchased the 12x12cm size. I've been using it for about a week so far, and I'm really enjoying it. The size is perfect to travel with. I've used gouache, colored pencils, ink, tombow (WC and ink), collage, and copics. As others have said, alcohol markers will bleed. This doesn't bother me, I use a very thin scrap piece of leather a friend (who works with leather) gave me as a blotter in between pages. On the back pages where I've used markers, I either gesso it and paint on the back or I make homemade stickers and place them on the back. For those who have page color preference, please note that the pages in this book have a much more pronounced cream color to them (not a deal breaker for me, but may be for others). I haven't used watercolor in this book, not sure that I will since I have a book specifically for watercolors. While the pages have held up to a lot that I've thrown at it with little to no buckling, I imagine it would buckle significantly under watercolor (maybe you could get away with a very light wash). As a bonus, I love that you get a nice selection of color choices in the colors they offer for their books (I got the pastel lavender color). I will get another small size and a larger size in the future.

Excellent well made sketchbook. The ultr...

Excellent well made sketchbook. The ultra smooth surface is capable of producing some nice effects with granulating watercolours. Opens completely flat, enabling you to work across 2 pages. The ivory pages give a nice 'vintage' feel. One of my favourite sketchbooks, although it can't take too much wet on wet or overworking otherwise the fibres of the paper break down.

Fantastic REASONABLY PRICED book for wet media!

I primarily use watercolour, gouache & acrylic inks. This sketchbook takes these with minimal buckling ( once dry the buckling subsides quite a bit ). It is smooth enough to use graphite or coloured pencils without problem. I can’t speak to markers as I do not use them. This paper is smooth, perfectly sized and is ivory or cream in colour which I prefer as I find it easier to gauge my mid tones. Did I mention the price?? I searched high & low for a sketchbook that I could use without mortgaging my soul and the Talens Art Creations sketchbooks fit the bill beautifully, Highly recommend them.

Great Sketchbook

I have been watching different artists lately who have been working in Talens Art Creations Sketchbooks. I was surprised that it comes so highly recommended by all of them, from the States as well as in the UK. The paper is smooth and I have used all types of mixed media including gouache, watercolor, Tombow markers, colored pencils, water-soluble Neocolor II, and oil pastels. No tearing. If you don't let the work dry in between applications you may get some pilling. Love the size, love the paper, and LOVE the price. #sweepstakes

Great quality for the money

Like others have said here, this sketchbook is set up as a competitor to the famous pocket sketchbook that begins with an "M" (and that now seems to be discontinued). I've been using those other sketchbooks for 20 years, so I kind of panicked when I couldn't find those anymore. I decided to give this one a try, and I think it's even better. No pocket in the back, but that's no big deal to me. The faux leather cover is a bit softer and possibly less durable over time, but the book is still very well-made and has a sewn binding. The paper is similar-slightly lighter weight, but better quality, and handles light watercolor washes better. Heavy markers will bleed through to the other side, but watercolor does fine as long as you don't go overboard with moisture. Ink ... MoreLike others have said here, this sketchbook is set up as a competitor to the famous pocket sketchbook that begins with an "M" (and that now seems to be discontinued). I've been using those other sketchbooks for 20 years, so I kind of panicked when I couldn't find those anymore. I decided to give this one a try, and I think it's even better. No pocket in the back, but that's no big deal to me. The faux leather cover is a bit softer and possibly less durable over time, but the book is still very well-made and has a sewn binding. The paper is similar-slightly lighter weight, but better quality, and handles light watercolor washes better. Heavy markers will bleed through to the other side, but watercolor does fine as long as you don't go overboard with moisture. Ink pens (I use Faber Castell Pitt pens) handle beautifully on the paper-I didn't see any blotting or feathering. And you get double the amount of pages at nearly a third of the price. Royal Talens makes high quality supplies in general, and I shouldn't have been surprised here. I think I found a new go-to standard; I hope it'll stick around for years to come.

Now I see why everyone reccommends Talens!

This was my first time using a Talens Art Creations sketch book. I truly enjoy it! I use the 4.7 × 4.7 size in a travel kit with gouache. It is the perfect size for my kit and for painting horizontal landscape on 2 pages or a smaller painting one page. The paper handles the gouache very well. I did try a posca pen on it and the paper balled up if I went over a line twice. But since I use mainly gouache, colored pencils and inktense in this sketch book I am fine with that. I see why people have reccommended these sketch books. They are affordable and similar to Moleskine. The paper is a lower gsm than Moleskine, but still works well. Great for daily use.

One of my go to sketch book

Comparing to other sketch books of similar price range, this brand is exceptional. The paper quality is better than what I expected. I am in loved with all the colors available. It opens flat. Paper is a thick, smooth and creamish yellow. The smallest size is pocket size that I can carry easily. Excellent for pencil, marker and ink. This isn't made for watercolor paint, although I assume I can get away with gouache or acrylic as long as they aren't too watery.Excellent choice if you want a casual sketchbook or journal book. The price is very tolerable, I don't feel pressured about using it on small doodle, drawing or note taking. Thank you for making such a wonderful product!