It is sufficient. I liked the journal “Markings” by C.R. Gibson but I don’t know if that company is around any more since I can’t find it any longer. So was very disappointed when staples didn’t carry it any longer. It was reasonably priced at $10 -$11 and I could write and do watercolor illustrations in it. Tru Red is working out okay. I think the paper may be thinner or less tough since it can bleed through slightly but not bad maybe I can’t put as many layers on. Overall I’m glad there is a substitute but the price is half again as much at about $16. I recently found one at Michael’s that I have yet to try but it was $10 so on the quest for the perfect journal.