Choosing a Sketchbook - Strathmore Mixed Media, or Stillman and Birn Zeta?

I have been using a Moleskin A4 sketchbook for the past several months, but the time has come to choose a new sketchbook to start in. I have already purchased a Stillman and Birn Zeta and a Strathmore, both mixed media 8 x 10 sketchbooks. I try out several mediums that I plan to use on an upcoming trip to decide which one to jump into next.
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[@janc734]

If you want a bit more tooth, the Beta sketchbook (cold press) is wonderful especially for those who do more watercolor. Stillman and Birn are my favorite sketchbooks so far and I've tried many other brands. I use them for mixed media. Been using the Beta but want to try the Zeta as well. It's just cold press versus hot press.

[@kayannausherman]

Thanks, good to know! I look forward to giving more of them a try!

[@janc734]

@@kayannausherman Got the Zeta sketchbook-I MUCH prefer the Beta for watercolor/mixed media. Zeta paper doesn't hold up as well.

[@kayannausherman]

Thanks for the update Jan! Definitely going to try the Beta!

[@kathyhackney7950]

@@kayannausherman the delta and gamma are the same but off white instead of bright white. Each has a thinner paper and thicker paper option. Aloha being thinner beta being thicker zeta is thicker and epsilon is thinner and delta I think is the thinner vs the thinner gamma. But the off white ones are my favorite so far. But I haven't tried the hot press yet. Next one I get will be epsilon 😃

[@kayannausherman]

@@kathyhackney7950 that is very helpful, thank you Kathy!

[@huskytail]

The Strathmore's colours are so much brighter, the difference is incredible. Also, the flow imo is more beautiful. It's a cotton paper and it's visible. I might be biased but I really didn't like the Alpha, Beta and Zeta series I've tested so far, so I might be noticing the plus sides of the Strathmore. I am keeping the Beta instead of it going in the garbage only to get a feel for it with gouache.

[@kayannausherman]

I have to agree! After spending some time with both I have gone back to the trusty Strathmore mixed media!

[@abbeyraecooper]

Thank you, this helped me lots. I have been looking for the Strathmore 500 series but it isn't available anywhere in the UK! I've been looking at the S&B Zeta and I think i'll just go for it!

[@CobraNemesis09]

Thank you for taking the time and testing out and comparing sketch books really puts in perspective which one I want to start using. I have a stillman and burns watercolor one (toned paper) but I’ll try a strath more as well. They also have a larger sizing when it comes to their sketchbooks as well.

[@UNKUHNOODLES]

ZOWIE!!! Two fabulous pages done at once! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@patcarmody7592]

Love your July flipthrough! Do you go to many artist retreats?

[@kayannausherman]

No, really just one residency a year at this point. I do enjoy it though!

[@TheCOFFEEnatedCreative]

This was so helpful! Thank you!!

[@kayannausherman]

Yay!