I have and still wear a lot of aprons. As a professional printmaker (at onetime), the cook in a house of six presently and a pro wood worker of 32 years running.
This apron is tough. Once it breaks in I feel it will be a bit less stiff. Kind of feels like you're wearing a piece of sheet metal at first.
Based on other aprons I do wish the neck piece was a different material. Not sure what? And that the ties could come around to tie in the front.
I'm sure there is a reason they don't.
My only caution is mind your #2 pencils. You will crack a boat load of them leaning over your projects no matter which pocket they go in.