If you are Caucasian, feel free to shop here. They won't seize your packages and assume you are a shoplifter. However, if you are African American, be prepared to be treated like a thief while the white people waltz in carrying enormous bags and packages and are not challenged! Now I shop at Utrecht instead. read more

WOW! This is the worst Blick location, ever. The employees are incredibly rude (I am looking at you chubby, blonde lady at the register), and management needs to train its employees. I will not be coming back, and will take my business elsewhere. Do NOT go here. read more

Major selection of art supplies! May want to price check though, some items seemed pricey

Dude, I know you don't want to wait on me 'cause you're like, um. a frustrated artist and I'm not cause I'm not working at Blick (yet) but I would really like to know where you keep those sketchbooks, ok? read more

They have a big selection of art supplies and even some craft items. I was looking for styrofoam pieces that I could flew together to make a Giraffe to stick dum dum lollipops in. I didn't think I would get lucky but they had what I needed. My particular purchases cost a fortune but I assume they are not big sellers. The woman who helped me upstairs was great and helpful. The cashier was also great. Two problem, the line to checkout did not move. Seriously. It was terrible. Also, the security guard upstairs follows people around and I found that a little creepy. I guess art supplies are little and expensive and easy to steal? I never actually thought about it before but it was unnerving to feel like you are being followed. I found myself clutching my purse because apparently the place must be teaming with criminal starving art types. read more

Im always uncomfortable at this location. I was going to purchase markers but I remembered they had a sale coming up and put them back. The security guard at the entrance asked me about them and I explained the situation. He always magically appears the second I go upstairs in the last year or so. To top things off i have a Blick card with my full name and address that I use for every purchase. read more

All I'm wondering is if there's a prerequisite to look like a clown to get hired at this location? I mean, really. There are some clean-cut guys who work here who are incredibly attractive. And then there are the women who feel the need to look as dirty and 'unique' as possible. I don't get it. But I guess that's 'art' for ya. Aside from that, service here is pretty good. I'm always greeted when I enter the store. The bag check policy, like everyone else has stated, is a little ridiculous. Another thing I can do without is hearing about the 'Preferred Card' so many times. I still don't want one. Still. read more

I needed a sketchpad and this place has lots of them. Annnnd it's located right downtown by Millennium Park and the Art Institute. 5 stars for location, -1 star for the surly check-out lady. read more

This is the Blick of Blicks for sure when it comes to what you can buy. That's mostly due to being in prime location for access of both SAIC and Columbia. The staff tend to be pretty cold and difficult to work with. I am never really that stoked to interact with them because of their sour attitudes. read more

This is our go to Art Supply Store -- can't say enough -- big thanks for the help on our recent visit to Rebecca and the staff!!

I was trying to channel my inner Martha Stewart with some crafts I first purchased at Michael's. I then wanted to check out what else I could pick out at Blick's. I'm not an artist or great with crafts, but I can see how this place would be perfect for one. There are tons of paints, canvases, tools, pastels, sketching pads, and even child-appropriate crafts. The staff was very helpful in directing me where to find things. I would have been done in no time had I not decided to browse the first floor which was full of gifts and random objects like do-it-yourself projects like greeting cards and invitations, books, and picture frames. read more

This store is HEAVENLY!!! I discovered so many new things I never knew existed (like Copic markers) and, like most crafty/artsy people, left with a lot more than I planned on buying. I could spend hours in there... and whenever I get their catalog, I feel like a little kid circling all the things I want :) read more

Great place! Had more than just what I needed and ended spending more money than I should have! Everyone was really cool, I have a crush on the girl with the pink hair that works there. Everything was really chill, and everyone was really helpful! read more

I am an artiste, and this place tickles my stupid artiste pickle. If I were a real artiste, I'd just buy the same shit on eBay for a fraction of the price, but I like instant gratification, because I'm a Child of The Internet Age™ (ironically enough you'd think that'd prepare me to wait for my online shopping to come to my door, alas this is not the case). The staff is friendly and helpful, too. read more

This place has gotten better over the last year. Im changing my review.

It definately has it's good and bad points. I like that there's two floors of amazing art stuff. However, every time I go into Blick it feels much too corporate to me. That's right. I said it. Too corporate. I know, typical artist right? Seriously though, I called yesterday about a portfolio book and the guy acted like he could care less about helping me. I mean, budddy...I know you work at Blick which is technically retail, but I have a portfolio to put together! lol Many of the employees I come across there don't know what they're talking about, and don't go out of their way to find the answer to my questions. Like I said, this place is ok if you're right there on State St. and need something, though I would personally rather go to the new art store on Wabash. It's right by Caribou in the South Loop in case you're curious. Oh, what's that? You're welcome. ;-) read more

What makes this store suck is the security guard that follows you around the entire time. There is some cool stuff in the store, but the over the top security guard makes you feel unwelcome. read more

I stopped in on Friday to pick up new watercolor paint brushes and paints. The sales clerk who offered to help watched me pick out a couple of brushes. When I got to the check out, she was on the register. Before putting the brushes into the bag, she tapped them bristle end down on the counter to even up the ends. These are pricey brushes with delicate bristles for which the point on the bristles adds significantly to the price. I was appalled that a person working at an art supply store did not know enough about paint brushes to avoid possibly damaging the brushes within seconds after the customer paid for them. read more

Blick's sales staff seem all to be artists themselves and this is a major point in its favor. They can make realistic recommendations about products, especially geared to what you tell them you plan to use them for. The product inventory is quite complete. Organization is clear and simple. I haven't been in the store since they joined with Utrecht and they are bound to be better for it, as Utrecht was excellent and not at all redundant compared to Blick. Very good art supply store. read more

When it comes to art supply stores, I think of Pearl as WalMart and Blick as Target. Blick is so bright! and colorful! and fun! Blick has so many Cute Toys! Neat stuff! (and art supplies!) Of course, if you really just need to buy your crap and go home and get your art on, Pearl is probably actually more practical and useful, but not nearly as much FUN as Blick. Blick has Lomo cameras and cool plastic gizmos and coffee and chic little overpriced cargo storage thingies. You could easily be tempted to buy many things you don't need and haven't budgeted for, which, granted, is fun sometimes, if a tad dangerous. Don't get me wrong, I love going to Blick. I love the Blick Experience, the Blick Aura, the Blick Trip. I've never had a rude customer service experience at the Mich Ave store, either. I'm knocking one star off only because they don't carry everything in the store that's on the website, and that irritates me. I go there for Fimo clay and they only have Premo. That sort of thing. Minor quibble. read more

Excellent service from Kellie, Daniel and Katie! I went in with a goal (to buy a watercolor kit for my wife) but no context. These awesome rock stars of customer service made flawless recommendations and explained the pros and cons. They taught me about the differences between paper styles, what to look for in a brush and little tips like watercolor paper will roll up so two sides are sealed. So clever! 10/10 service all around. The store itself was amazing. Very clean and miles of special products to cover every artistic need. I even signed up for a cool 10% customer loyalty card! read more

Excellent, high quality, original greeting cards, better and better value than you would buy elsewhere. (As you enter the store, find them in the left aisle.) read more

This store recently opened couple of months ago. I had a chance to go check out some art supplies. I haven't done anything art since high school days so I was kind of curious to see if I had interest to pick up oil painting again. Interesting enough, they had more than painting supplies, two stories with all sorts of art: metalworking, wood figures, clay, paints, etc. I particularly liked the area for children to pick up on art. They had books, all sorts of crayon, coloring books, paints & clay that are safe for kids. I almost bought a kids art window decoration maker ($10-$15). I don't have much talent when it comes to art so this is something I could do and enjoy. You could make your own style or follow some examples like: milk cow, flags, sponge bob square pants, green glob monster, or use your own imagination to create what ever you like. You could least make 10 different designs from just one box. Anyone could use some cool decorations for home or office windows. It's cool. read more

The new Blick store in downtown is massive! Bigger than the north side store, Blick's is two stories of canvases, paints, drawing supplies, sketchbooks, papers, sculpting materials, etc. They even carry Lomo cameras! Blick's frequently has discounts on supplies, which is what's so nice about it. One downside is that they are pretty busy so it may be hard to get as much attention from the staff as you'd like. I tried applying for the job there and the manager was very brief with me. Despite that though, good location, good selection, has a cafe located right inside. Worth a look! read more

Bright, clean, huge, tons of staff. The best art store in the city.

I'm not an art kid or anything, but I love this store! I cannot help myself, I wander the aisles for hours, coveting the pretty supplies. Some stuff is cheap, other stuff is a bit pricey. They have pretty much everything you could ever want. The staff is generally nice, if you can find one on the floor to help you. (They're usually all behind the counter downstairs.) They also have a coffee shop on the first floor, but I've never gotten anything from there. I like Blick much better than Pearl or Utrecht. read more

I really like this store. Its a great place for the serious artist (which I am not) and the weekend crafter (which I am). The staff is always helpful and knowledgeable about where things are and what items you might want to use for your project. Seeing all the canvases and paints and colors (OH MY!!) is a little intimidating when you just want to get your DIY on, but its better than spending a zillion dollars on something everyone else has. Also, even as a casual crafter, it makes total sense to get the preferred customer card, because you really do save on everything. read more

Went in just to browse on a Saturday and found a vast selection on items I never thought they would carry. Being an art supply store, I expected the usual, drawing, painting, and sculpture products. But I also found a sweet specialty tool section on the second floor. They have items I have been searching Home Depot and Lowes for and never found. I now have a new store to add to my favorites. read more

Unprofessional, disorganized, sent me to the wrong isle 2 times and wouldn't take the time to go and show me where the product was. No parking read more

If you like to cater to your creative side, go here. They have absolutely everything you might need to express yourself, and the staff is helpful and knowledgeable of the products they carry. I recently talked myself into drawing again after many years, and they pointed me in the right direction. read more

This place has everything you need for doing any kind of art I used to go here when I went to school. Art stores are one of my favorite stores to walk through, and this one is no different any medium you need they have it and they have it all!!! read more

There are no good art supply stores anymore except Blick it seems. No no deal because the service here is great. If a staff member sees you their eyes don't dart away. They actually ask you of you need help. read more

I'm no artist, but I love coming to Blick's for beautiful note cards, quirky gifts, Moleskin, notebooks, picture frames, pretty pens and folders, you name it...they probably have it. The staff is helpful and polite and the store is full of goodies for the professional, amateur, or just someone looking for something fun. Makes me want to buy some paints, brushes, a canvas, and just go to town, but for now I'll settle for my printed book band and recycled notebook. read more

Every time I come in here I just don't want to leave. I want to learn how paint just to go to Blick and buy stuff. The selection of items they offer is somewhat overwhelming but its worth to just go in and look. The staff is very friendly and if you need to be taken by the hand to find something they have no problem doing that. read more

For someone that loves art supplies as much as I do, this place is heaven. Even if I don't need it, i always leave with something when I go in here. It's pretty dangerous. The staff is always friendly and more than willing to help you locate something or suggest the best of what you are looking for. Be careful though, it's very easy to end up with much much more than you had planned on purchasing! You can find supplies for pretty much any type of art you are looking to make. Best art store in Chicago, hands down. read more

I'm not an artist, but this place is awesome! I come here for the DIY kidrobot figures, gift wrapping paper, and cards. The employees are all super nice and helpful. read more

Blick has a lot of amazing stuff, and while I'm not an artist I can appreciate the wide range of products they have. They have a great selection of notebooks/journals downstairs and some good gift/craft kits. Their prices can be a little on the high side compared to competitors like Pearl and I also took out an additional star due to the fact that I have been there on several occasions and never knew about the student discount that I could've gotten. Also, like gfiddy f. says, their bag check policy is stupid. read more

I think I could hang out here for hours and not be bored. Tons of art supplies, both fun and practical. I wish the paper supply was a bit larger but they did have some great patterns and old city map prints. I love that teachers and art students can have a discount card!! sign me up!! Staff was very helpful, I was on a search for the smencils that my 1st and 3rd graders were asking for. Found them right off the bat and was even told what the best smelling ones are. I can't wait to come back. read more

Sales people there are extremely knowledgeable about the products. To the artist clerk in the store that use to help me frequently; Ive finally found out how to make my canvas do what I want for it to do! read more

I stopped in here earlier today and was surprised at how well this place looked inside. Very clean and organized with a good selection of everything I might need (even though I don't need much in terms of art supplies). I've got a little project I'm starting and it'll take a few trips to for supplies so I'll also check out the Utrecht and do a little comparison. Lots of helpful people around asking if I needed assistance! Big plus. read more