Comments about Art Alternatives Sketchbooks and Journals:

The cover feels good in my hand but that's it. The paper feels and looks cheap. I bought the bigger one and the heavier weight paper and even the heavier weight paper is cheap feeling. I do like that the paper isn't slick feeling.

In the larger one, the paper wasn't cut so that it completely separates. Both have black and other colored flecks on the pages throughout. The flecks are small but they are on at least half of the pages. They may be not fully processed pieces of bark or other particles of the material from which the paper is made. There isn't enough to make me think that they are supposed to be there though. I keep wanting to wipe the "dirt" off the page.

Comments about Art Alternatives Sketchbooks and Journals:

I am just starting to use it, and while the paper is very nice for regular drawing, I was disappointed to find that the paper began to warp when I used india ink (applied via dip pen as well as thin brush), and considering that this is advertised with a dip pen, I was under the assumption that it might hold up to the ink a bit better.

Having said that, it's a very good value, the price is great for what you get, the cover is nice and it definitely looks like it costs a lot more than it does. For everyday drawing and such, this is a very very nice pad. I especially like the band it has to keep it closed.

Comments about Art Alternatives Sketchbooks and Journals:

i find it hard to pay extra for paper, when i love attacking it with all sorts of mediums. from blood to the sweat from my glands this paper resists all and keeps a constants reminder of what i was feeling at that time in the visual forms i portray upon it at any given moment. these sketchbooks are well worth the money and far cheaper than the other brand. buy it and have fun drawing