Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 5.5x8.5 inch, 100 Sheets - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

Great for art

Good quality, sturdy and easy to carry, very good for any age. The price is also decent.

I'm using Strathmore Charcoal Paper in a drawing class, and I needed something smaller for an assignment so I got this book because it was the size I needed (5.5x8.5 inches). The paper is a lighter weight than my 18x24 paper, and has somewhat less "tooth," but it would still be suitable for charcoal sketches (I'm using graphite because it's less messy). The pages turn easily because the metal coil is a good size, but the pages can also be torn out since there's a very fine perforated edge on the sheets. I'm a drawing "newbie" so I showed it to my art professor, who verified its quality.

It is cute little sketch pad that I can pretty much fit in my generously sized pockets (sorry ladies). The paper is high quality and it is easier to sketch things on the go given its portability. The pens and markers that I have used did not bleed through the pages.I much prefer drawing in these over the 9x12 as I feel less pressured to drawing excessively. I firmly believe that limitations can lead to creativity.

Quality Rating: 4/5Based on price: 5/5Time with Product: 4 years (purchased in 2017)Review:Don't get me wrong. This product is amazing and it is truly great. It functions as my sketchbook for quick or any art work that would take approx. less than 10 hours to produce. The quality of paper suffices and it does the job. It can hold graphite without noticeable bleeding.However, this does not do very well at traveling due to the composition of the book. The quality of the composition is very bad in comparison to the great quality of the paper itself. Quite disappointing. Anyway, what this does is make it very poor for traveling. You know those paperback books that would get damaged while they were in a backpack due to the quality of the composition and how its overly composed? Exactly. Expect the same thing to happen with this product. Other than that fact, I would highly recommend this product. It is great and works perfectly.Would I use this product for my serious artwork and big project sketches?Definitely not. Nor does this product want me to do that. It is made for those quick and fun sketches. Not anything professional grade. My large project sketches can take up to 100 hours, and each stroke is crafted so carefully that even the gradient of the paper is noticeable on products that claim they have no gradient.I will say this - This product does have a texture to it. If you like really smooth, gradient-free products like me, THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FOR YOU THEN. But, if you like some texture into your sketches and don't mind the interesting gradient, then carry on. This is the best product you will find in terms of value for your money goes.If there are any questions or concerns please contact me, I am happy to help.I hope my review makes sense and helps you decide whether or not you would like to purchase this device.Have fun shopping! :)- Rami Taha

Love this size and paper weight is perfect for a drawing pad, easy to toss in a bag and carry everywhere. I have three of these. Hard to find anymore.

Perfect, sturdy and pages are kinda thick.

Perfect gift for an artist.