I'm so glad you reviewed this sketchbook, because not many people have done this one! I keep trying different mixed media and watercolor sketchbooks trying to find a happy medium in terms of paper weight and size. I fill up meduim sized sketchbooks faster than large ones, because I carry them more, but only if they take marker and watercolor well. I love how the watercolor is drying in the pages of Zeta Sketchbook! Once I finish my moleskine and handbook sketchbook I want to try this one next.
I really like the Handbook! It's cold-press paper and takes watercolor really beautifully; you can blend, make marks and it's very stiff paper so it doesn't buckle much, just a bit. Honestly the buckling can annoy me when I want to paint on both sides, but I have the large size handbook (it's 8 1/2 by 10 1/2) and I don't always tape or clip my edges which would prevent that more. But I sketch in red pencil and it blends well on the surface too. The alcohol based markers bleed through, but I like how vibrant they are on it so I use them in there a bit, and gouache paint glides BEAUTIFULLY on it. So I've been using both sides, and its a sturdy binding so I like that I can carry it around without it getting wrecked. So definitely worth checking, especially if you want to try different paper sizes or need something you can do nice mixed media pieces in. Sometimes its so nice I worry I'm wasting it, but then I make sure to use every part of each page and I get over t haha.
I use several different S&B sketchbooks and they each have their great points. If you haven't yet tried the Alpha, you may want to give it a go. The paper is 100lb, more pages to the books in the lighter weight, and it is perfect for daily sketches in any medium. The paper is either cold pressed or a perfect match as opposed to the hot pressed or perfect match of hot, of the Zeta, but is not rough. I love that their prices are the standardized for all of different books and based on size only. It makes for no shock budgeting, as if we really stay on budget on our addiction to our art products. I also enjoy gouache, painting and touching it, and share them with my grandchildren when they visit as I use the Caran d'Ache palette and they are non toxic. I enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing and spreading the word on these great sketchbooks. So far the only mediums that I have found that bleed through are the Copics, even the lighter weight paper supports paints, washes, and inks. New subbie.
The texture of the watercolors on the paper does look great! Really enjoyed your video as well as your process. Now I have one more art thing to add to my wishlist haha!
I also romanced Solas on my first playthrough, so the feel is real. This turned out really great! I love that velvety texture of gouache as well hehe. I'd been tempted to buy the Zeta the other day and had to tell myself a firm 'no', because I have about 50 other sketchbooks I need to fill first.
Ahhh, I'm so glad you understand my pain! haha! Yeah, the sketchbook struggle is real, my friend! The Zeta turned out to be a fantastic sketchbook, so I hope you get the chance to try it out - I think you'd really like it for your beautiful watercolor work. Thanks so much for your kind words ♥
Aw thank you haha, I would really like to try it out since you said it acts so differently! Once I get my mossery sketchbook complete [....or even started] I will maybe let myself get it. You're welcome!
Awesome video and great drawing! I love the colours and the copic marker work; I have yet to use any markers in my own work. I'm glad you reviewed this piece, I've just gone and bought one and can't wait to use it - planning on starting off with some travel journaling maybe. I'm also planning on uploaded a review of my strathmore 400 series sketchbook tomorrow if you're interested. *subbed :)
Do you like the Beta better than the Zeta? I’m trying to decide which one to buy first. I use watercolor and mixed media and I don’t like paper that is too thick...I’m also considering the moleskine art sketchbook ...
Paint tends to sit on the surface of the Zeta, and the Beta acts more like traditional/normal watercolor paper. The Zeta has a lighter weight paper, I think? It's hard to say which one is "better". For mixed media, I love the smoothness of the Zeta, but some people really don't like how watercolors work on it. I hope this helps a little!
The alpha has thinner paper and still takes different mediums well. The alpha also has double the amount of pages for the same price. Maybe it's worth checking out?
I'm so glad you reviewed this sketchbook, because not many people have done this one! I keep trying different mixed media and watercolor sketchbooks trying to find a happy medium in terms of paper weight and size. I fill up meduim sized sketchbooks faster than large ones, because I carry them more, but only if they take marker and watercolor well. I love how the watercolor is drying in the pages of Zeta Sketchbook! Once I finish my moleskine and handbook sketchbook I want to try this one next.
Ahh, thank you again!! How do you like the handbook? I've been thinking about trying that one!
I really like the Handbook! It's cold-press paper and takes watercolor really beautifully; you can blend, make marks and it's very stiff paper so it doesn't buckle much, just a bit. Honestly the buckling can annoy me when I want to paint on both sides, but I have the large size handbook (it's 8 1/2 by 10 1/2) and I don't always tape or clip my edges which would prevent that more. But I sketch in red pencil and it blends well on the surface too. The alcohol based markers bleed through, but I like how vibrant they are on it so I use them in there a bit, and gouache paint glides BEAUTIFULLY on it. So I've been using both sides, and its a sturdy binding so I like that I can carry it around without it getting wrecked. So definitely worth checking, especially if you want to try different paper sizes or need something you can do nice mixed media pieces in. Sometimes its so nice I worry I'm wasting it, but then I make sure to use every part of each page and I get over t haha.
I just got the next size down of the zeta softcover. It's more compact than my other notebooks, and I'm excited to use my watercolors in it
I hope you enjoy it!! The zeta has been lots of fun for me. :3
arleebean I've been enjoying it so far! I just got some new watercolors, too, so I've been having a lot of fun.
I use several different S&B sketchbooks and they each have their great points. If you haven't yet tried the Alpha, you may want to give it a go. The paper is 100lb, more pages to the books in the lighter weight, and it is perfect for daily sketches in any medium. The paper is either cold pressed or a perfect match as opposed to the hot pressed or perfect match of hot, of the Zeta, but is not rough. I love that their prices are the standardized for all of different books and based on size only. It makes for no shock budgeting, as if we really stay on budget on our addiction to our art products. I also enjoy gouache, painting and touching it, and share them with my grandchildren when they visit as I use the Caran d'Ache palette and they are non toxic. I enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing and spreading the word on these great sketchbooks. So far the only mediums that I have found that bleed through are the Copics, even the lighter weight paper supports paints, washes, and inks. New subbie.
Zeta is definitely my favorite!
Aha! This video was the reason I bought my zeta sketchbook!
The texture of the watercolors on the paper does look great! Really enjoyed your video as well as your process. Now I have one more art thing to add to my wishlist haha!
Thanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. :]
I also romanced Solas on my first playthrough, so the feel is real. This turned out really great! I love that velvety texture of gouache as well hehe. I'd been tempted to buy the Zeta the other day and had to tell myself a firm 'no', because I have about 50 other sketchbooks I need to fill first.
Ahhh, I'm so glad you understand my pain! haha! Yeah, the sketchbook struggle is real, my friend! The Zeta turned out to be a fantastic sketchbook, so I hope you get the chance to try it out - I think you'd really like it for your beautiful watercolor work. Thanks so much for your kind words ♥
Aw thank you haha, I would really like to try it out since you said it acts so differently! Once I get my mossery sketchbook complete [....or even started] I will maybe let myself get it. You're welcome!
haha I have that same exact menso brush! it's become my favorite brush.
I love Stillman and Birn sketchbooks but they are ridiculously expensive in Australia. I have a hard cover zeta 😊
this is so helpful! thank you for making this!
Solas is one of my favourite Dragon Age characters as a whole
Awesome video and great drawing! I love the colours and the copic marker work; I have yet to use any markers in my own work. I'm glad you reviewed this piece, I've just gone and bought one and can't wait to use it - planning on starting off with some travel journaling maybe. I'm also planning on uploaded a review of my strathmore 400 series sketchbook tomorrow if you're interested. *subbed :)
Thank you! I've been checking out your channel! I really love your inktober pieces. Definitely excited to see what you're up to next. :]
Love it
That’s fantastic masterpiece! ☺️❤️
Do you like the Beta better than the Zeta? I’m trying to decide which one to buy first. I use watercolor and mixed media and I don’t like paper that is too thick...I’m also considering the moleskine art sketchbook ...
Paint tends to sit on the surface of the Zeta, and the Beta acts more like traditional/normal watercolor paper. The Zeta has a lighter weight paper, I think? It's hard to say which one is "better". For mixed media, I love the smoothness of the Zeta, but some people really don't like how watercolors work on it. I hope this helps a little!
The alpha has thinner paper and still takes different mediums well. The alpha also has double the amount of pages for the same price. Maybe it's worth checking out?
Nice 👽👽👽