Let me start by saying I've been using this Pro Art Messenger Bag for about a month now, and it's been my constant companion for art classes and weekend sketching trips. The black nylon material looks professional, and I love how lightweight it is - no shoulder strain even when packed full!

The organization is where this bag really shines. Those numerous zipper compartments? Absolute lifesavers! I can fit my 12x15" watercolor pad in the main section while keeping brushes, pencils, and small tools neatly sorted in the smaller pockets. The expandable feature (up to 4") came in handy when I needed to carry extra supplies for a weekend workshop.

However, I did notice some quality control issues. Like one reviewer mentioned, some of the zippers aren't perfect - I found one pocket where the zipper pull was missing. The shoulder strap padding also feels a bit flimsy, though mine hasn't broken yet. And yes, there was that weird chemical smell when it first arrived (took about a week to air out).

For the price point, it's a decent value, but I wouldn't trust it with expensive equipment. The lining in one of my pockets is already showing wear. It's perfect for students or casual artists, but professionals might want something more heavy-duty.

Final verdict? If you need an affordable, organized bag for light to medium art supplies, this works great. Just don't expect luxury quality - it's more of a reliable workhorse than a showpiece.