This helped me so much!!!! Thank you! I’ve been scouring the different descriptions because I normally have access to a more well stocked art store but haven’t where I am right now. So this helps tremendously. I love the work you showed, too. And your voice and demeanor. Thanks, again!
Personally I love working with watercolor in the Zeta one,, i find it really cool the fact that it doesn't dry that quickly bc I can go back and fix some mistake:) It's such a good sketchbook
Exactly the info I was looking for! My journaling process is mostly writing at this point, but I'm trying to add watercolor and need paper than can handle both.
The reason that the Alpha is described as medium grain as apposed to cold press is because it's classed as a heavier grade Cartridge paper, not an all out watercolour paper. A great video, thanks very much from England.x
New sub here. Thanks for the info. I was always interested in Stillman & Birn and just got the Nova Series with tan paper. The only annoying part is the fact that it doesn’t have a rubber band to keep it closed.
Thanks! I agree with that, but I use a binder clip while I'm sketching to keep the pages open so I just end up using that to keep it closed in my bag as well. Not quite as nice as having something included with the sketchbook but it does end up being a bit more versatile.
This is suuuch an awesome review! I just discovered the little Zeta one and felt like I had just found the holy grail I had been searching for my whole life lol. But I just ordered a Beta one to compare them since they're your two favorites. I generally prefer smoother/hot pressed paper, but you said the Beta one is what is comparable to hot pressed in other books, so I'll see which I prefer. Anyway, thanks for the super in-depth review!
This video was so helpful! I just ordered two sketchbooks from This brand because of your video ☺️Thanks!! I like how you decorate your sketch books! ☺️
Different letters are for different mediums it seems. Smooth paper, like Zeta, I’d use for just ink or colored pencils, Neocolor I and maybe Pitt pens, oil pastels, and such that shine on a smooth surface. Beta, I’d use for watercolor. Thanks for the descriptions because it’s a task figuring out which is good for what.
Great tip about the Alpha. I was just about to order it for Inktober until I saw you mention the part about the erasing showing through. I ordered the Zeta instead. I’m in love with my Beta for watercolors, but I’ve never ventured past that series. Thanks for the informative review.
The absorbency of paper has nothing to do with the texture of the paper: it has to do with the sizing of the paper. Also, unless you are painting with a really wet brush that leaves puddles, hot-pressed paper should dry much more quickly than cold-pressed. Cold-press paper, with its texture, allows for a drop of water to more-readily spread across (not into -- again, that is controlled by the sizing) the paper, by itself with gravity. On hot-pressed, because of the lack of texture, a drop of water tends to bead up with it is placed, without spreading. Correspondingly, the the dry time for a drop of water is shorter for cold-pressed than for hot-pressed. However, with a typical stroke of the brush, hot-pressed dries more quickly (though also more unevenly) than cold-pressed, as a thinner layer of water is left on the page: on cold-pressed, the water falls into the small divots of the texture of the paper, making several, slightly-deeper pockets of water. Of course, sizing affects dry-time, too, but in general, that is how the differently-pressed papers behave with water.
ThingOfSome thanks so much for the comment! I’m definitely lacking my paper knowledge 😆 this video is all about my love/experience with these particular sketchbooks and my experience with only a couple watercolour paper brands so it’s good to hear from someone who knows their stuff. What would be some brands you would recommend to people searching for the right paper?
@@travellingsweetpea No problem. Paper choice depends on the person, since people paint in different ways. So the best is to just try out several. Arches, Hahnemühle, and Lana make some nice papers, but not everyone likes all of their papers.
I am having trouble finding any the Stillman & Birn pocket sketchbooks. Even if I try Amazon, they charge more AND charge quite a bit for shipping. I went to a few Blick Stores and they didn’t have them. In fact they used to carry a much better selection of the brand and they’ve reduced it to almost nil. Any suggestions? I wanted to take them on a trip for which I’m leaving tomorrow. I’ve tried for many days now. I did order some 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 and will probably try at least one of them, but I’m not as happy with that proportion. I also ordered a 5.5 x 8 soft cover Strathmore mixed media which is only 90lb. I like the proportion better, but it doesn’t lie flat. :-(
Sorry you’re having a hard time finding them! I’m in Canada and there are a couple places here, but pricing and shipping would probably be similar to Amazon for you
Just found your channel! Loving the videos so far. They have been super helpful for me being a watercolor newbie. I was wondering...when you do your water color journaling, do you seal your pictures with anything or just leave them as is? Thank you!
I usually just leave them as is. I'm not super precious or gentle with my sketchbooks so I don't worry about it. But if it is something that concerns you, you can try a krylon clear coat in matte. I've used this for my professional art practice and find it doesn't interact negatively with the watercolour.
Thank you so much for the detailed review. it helped me zero in on the Zeta series which just now bought on Amazon. Quick question about the black and white lettered stickers you have on your journal where you are numbering the journals. How did you do that? It is a sticker? or a stamp?
Awesome! Glad this could help, hopefully you enjoy the line as much as I do. The lettering as actually a label maker, it's just the DYMO express label maker which is pretty inexpensive from amazon or local office depot stores :)
You mentioned that Beta is not very textured. Can you compare it to a few papers it may be similar to? I am using the gamma for practice sketches and drawing. However, when I ink the drawing it shows through (doesn’t bleed through) but it’s enough that I can’t use the page on the other side. So was thinking about getting one of the “extra heavyweights” to use as an all purpose sketchbook. Is Beta smooth enough to do a nice pencil drawing/colored pencil drawing or would it be too rough? Thanks for the reviews!
It has a slight texture. Definitely not as much as cold press watercolour paper, but slightly more textured than a hot press. I've done some coloured pencil and graphite on it and I don't find the texture to be annoying.
I would suggest one of the thicker paper ones (delta, zeta, or beta) just because you won't get as much of the warping, but in terms of colour and texture I'm not sure it matters. I think that just depends on preference if you plan on leaving any of the page unpainted.
I like the beta better for gouache because it has more texture for the paint to hold onto, similarly to watercolour as well. I feel like the place zeta would shine is with Copic markers because of how smooth it is. But everyone has different preferences so texture may not be what you are wanting.
You can order is from Above Ground Art Supplies www.abovegroundartsupplies.com/ that's based in Toronto but I think ships across Canada, or on Amazon (but it's a bit more expensive).
I haven't tried copic specifically, but I've used other alcohol based markers with them and they didn't go through. Just the thicker versions tho, the thinner one wouldn't hold up I don't think.
From one friend to another, I really like the RENDR marketpaper from Crescent for copic markers. No bleed or shadowing at all, it's like magic but I don't think it would hold up very well for water/oil based mediums.
This helped me so much!!!! Thank you! I’ve been scouring the different descriptions because I normally have access to a more well stocked art store but haven’t where I am right now. So this helps tremendously. I love the work you showed, too. And your voice and demeanor. Thanks, again!
Glad it was helpful!
Personally I love working with watercolor in the Zeta one,, i find it really cool the fact that it doesn't dry that quickly bc I can go back and fix some mistake:) It's such a good sketchbook
I love that they have an option for everyone, such a versatile selection of sketchbooks!
Exactly the info I was looking for! My journaling process is mostly writing at this point, but I'm trying to add watercolor and need paper than can handle both.
Glad this could help!
The reason that the Alpha is described as medium grain as apposed to cold press is because it's classed as a heavier grade Cartridge paper, not an all out watercolour paper. A great video, thanks very much from England.x
Thank you for that info!
I love looking at your lovely sketchbooks
Thank you so much!
New sub here. Thanks for the info. I was always interested in Stillman & Birn and just got the Nova Series with tan paper. The only annoying part is the fact that it doesn’t have a rubber band to keep it closed.
Thanks! I agree with that, but I use a binder clip while I'm sketching to keep the pages open so I just end up using that to keep it closed in my bag as well. Not quite as nice as having something included with the sketchbook but it does end up being a bit more versatile.
This was so helpful, thank you! I think your sketches are lovely!
Thank you so much!
thank you for making this video, this is helping me to decided a lot! :)
Glad it help you out :)
I just recently got into line and wash. I’ve been sketching and painting random everyday things. These look great. ❤ Thank you for the reviews. 🙏🏻
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the review. :) It's really helpful :)
Thanks! I'm glad it helped :)
Thank you so much! I think i'll go with the beta one, I really wish there was more texture though :)
This is suuuch an awesome review! I just discovered the little Zeta one and felt like I had just found the holy grail I had been searching for my whole life lol. But I just ordered a Beta one to compare them since they're your two favorites. I generally prefer smoother/hot pressed paper, but you said the Beta one is what is comparable to hot pressed in other books, so I'll see which I prefer. Anyway, thanks for the super in-depth review!
Glad I could help! And have fun testing it out 😊
This video was so helpful! I just ordered two sketchbooks from
This brand because of your video ☺️Thanks!! I like how you decorate your sketch books! ☺️
I'm so happy it helped you decide! Happy sketching :D
Different letters are for different mediums it seems. Smooth paper, like Zeta, I’d use for just ink or colored pencils, Neocolor I and maybe Pitt pens, oil pastels, and such that shine on a smooth surface. Beta, I’d use for watercolor.
Thanks for the descriptions because it’s a task figuring out which is good for what.
So hard! Especially because they are usually wrapped up in store so you can't even feel the paper before purchase
very very helpful!!!!
Helpful video, thanks!
Excellent excellent comparison!
Thanks!
Thank you! I’ve almost finished my first Zeta and I love it except for the pilling/breaking down. Off to get a Beta now
Yeah, mine do that occasionally too, so weird because I usually can't predict when it will be super bad.
I just found your channel recently, subscribed, of course! Your videos are amazing and super helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make them.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! Much appreciated :)
Great overview, thanks a bunch! I replaced the zeta for the beta in my cart :)
glad it was helpful! Have fun sketching!
Great tip about the Alpha. I was just about to order it for Inktober until I saw you mention the part about the erasing showing through. I ordered the Zeta instead. I’m in love with my Beta for watercolors, but I’ve never ventured past that series. Thanks for the informative review.
Amazing! Do you have a place you publicly post your art? I’d love to see what you come up with for inktober ☺️
My favorite to use is the smooth Zeta, But, I wish it came in Ivory like the Delta...my #2 fav
Not the ideal solution, but maybe a base wash to get the ivory?
The absorbency of paper has nothing to do with the texture of the paper: it has to do with the sizing of the paper. Also, unless you are painting with a really wet brush that leaves puddles, hot-pressed paper should dry much more quickly than cold-pressed. Cold-press paper, with its texture, allows for a drop of water to more-readily spread across (not into -- again, that is controlled by the sizing) the paper, by itself with gravity. On hot-pressed, because of the lack of texture, a drop of water tends to bead up with it is placed, without spreading. Correspondingly, the the dry time for a drop of water is shorter for cold-pressed than for hot-pressed. However, with a typical stroke of the brush, hot-pressed dries more quickly (though also more unevenly) than cold-pressed, as a thinner layer of water is left on the page: on cold-pressed, the water falls into the small divots of the texture of the paper, making several, slightly-deeper pockets of water. Of course, sizing affects dry-time, too, but in general, that is how the differently-pressed papers behave with water.
ThingOfSome thanks so much for the comment! I’m definitely lacking my paper knowledge 😆 this video is all about my love/experience with these particular sketchbooks and my experience with only a couple watercolour paper brands so it’s good to hear from someone who knows their stuff. What would be some brands you would recommend to people searching for the right paper?
@@travellingsweetpea No problem. Paper choice depends on the person, since people paint in different ways. So the best is to just try out several. Arches, Hahnemühle, and Lana make some nice papers, but not everyone likes all of their papers.
I prefer hot press and was drawn to the Zeta but based on this, I'll try the Beta, thanks!
me too! I was so suprised when I liked the cold pressed better lol
I am having trouble finding any the Stillman & Birn pocket sketchbooks. Even if I try Amazon, they charge more AND charge quite a bit for shipping. I went to a few Blick Stores and they didn’t have them. In fact they used to carry a much better selection of the brand and they’ve reduced it to almost nil. Any suggestions? I wanted to take them on a trip for which I’m leaving tomorrow. I’ve tried for many days now. I did order some 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 and will probably try at least one of them, but I’m not as happy with that proportion. I also ordered a 5.5 x 8 soft cover Strathmore mixed media which is only 90lb. I like the proportion better, but it doesn’t lie flat. :-(
Sorry you’re having a hard time finding them! I’m in Canada and there are a couple places here, but pricing and shipping would probably be similar to Amazon for you
Just found your channel! Loving the videos so far. They have been super helpful for me being a watercolor newbie. I was wondering...when you do your water color journaling, do you seal your pictures with anything or just leave them as is? Thank you!
I usually just leave them as is. I'm not super precious or gentle with my sketchbooks so I don't worry about it. But if it is something that concerns you, you can try a krylon clear coat in matte. I've used this for my professional art practice and find it doesn't interact negatively with the watercolour.
Thank you 😊
very helpful video :)
I'm glad to hear it!
Thank you so much for the detailed review. it helped me zero in on the Zeta series which just now bought on Amazon. Quick question about the black and white lettered stickers you have on your journal where you are numbering the journals. How did you do that? It is a sticker? or a stamp?
Awesome! Glad this could help, hopefully you enjoy the line as much as I do. The lettering as actually a label maker, it's just the DYMO express label maker which is pretty inexpensive from amazon or local office depot stores :)
You mentioned that Beta is not very textured. Can you compare it to a few papers it may be similar to? I am using the gamma for practice sketches and drawing. However, when I ink the drawing it shows through (doesn’t bleed through) but it’s enough that I can’t use the page on the other side. So was thinking about getting one of the “extra heavyweights” to use as an all purpose sketchbook.
Is Beta smooth enough to do a nice pencil drawing/colored pencil drawing or would it be too rough? Thanks for the reviews!
It has a slight texture. Definitely not as much as cold press watercolour paper, but slightly more textured than a hot press. I've done some coloured pencil and graphite on it and I don't find the texture to be annoying.
I would to know which series will work best for acrylic paint? Everybody I see uses watercolor/gauche
I would suggest one of the thicker paper ones (delta, zeta, or beta) just because you won't get as much of the warping, but in terms of colour and texture I'm not sure it matters. I think that just depends on preference if you plan on leaving any of the page unpainted.
Which one is suitable among the zeta and beta for gouache painting?
I like the beta better for gouache because it has more texture for the paint to hold onto, similarly to watercolour as well. I feel like the place zeta would shine is with Copic markers because of how smooth it is. But everyone has different preferences so texture may not be what you are wanting.
Hi where do you buy this brand? I can’t find it where i am from in canada
You can order is from Above Ground Art Supplies www.abovegroundartsupplies.com/ that's based in Toronto but I think ships across Canada, or on Amazon (but it's a bit more expensive).
I use ink & copic markers do copic markers bleed through these sketch books?
I haven't tried copic specifically, but I've used other alcohol based markers with them and they didn't go through. Just the thicker versions tho, the thinner one wouldn't hold up I don't think.
From one friend to another, I really like the RENDR marketpaper from Crescent for copic markers. No bleed or shadowing at all, it's like magic but I don't think it would hold up very well for water/oil based mediums.