I've been using the Pro Art Messenger Bag for a few weeks now, and it's become my trusty sidekick for carrying all my art supplies. The size is perfect—it fits my 12x15 sketchpad snugly, and the expandable feature gives me extra room when I need to pack more.
What I love most are the compartments! There are so many pockets and zippered sections that keep everything organized. My pens, brushes, and even small tubes of paint have their own spots, so I'm not digging around like a squirrel in a trash can.
The shoulder strap is comfortable for short trips, though I did notice the padding isn't super durable. After a week of heavy use, it started to wear thin. Not a dealbreaker for me, but something to keep in mind if you're planning long hauls.
One quirky thing—one of the smaller pockets had a zipper track but no pull! It's like finding a door with no handle. Weird, but honestly, I don't even use that pocket much.
The bag does have a slight chemical smell when new (like a new car, but less exciting). It faded after airing out for a couple days. And while some reviewers had issues with lining or zippers breaking, mine has held up fine so far—no rips or malfunctions.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially at this price point. It's lightweight when empty but sturdy enough to protect my supplies. Just maybe don't overstuff the expansion zipper unless you want to play sketchpad Jenga every time you open it.