Security guards are straight assholes who are bitter that they couldn't make it as real cops. I've walked out when I had a pocket full of cash with every intention of paying. But after being followed around we didn't like it because I don't look fancy enough of an apparently I just set my s*** down and left. These ingredients take their job way too seriously and they literally cost the store money because of how ridiculously judgmental they are. Hey security guards I really hope you read these reviews, you're not good at your job and you're wasting valuable time following the wrong people around the store and hey, just because somebody looks a little bit homeless doesn't mean they're a thief. But you thinking they are does most definitely mean that you were a judgmental a****** We'll keep on kicking out people who have every intention of pain but you won't let them because you just assume based on books alone that they're going to steal.. how about you let actions determine your decision rather than how somebody looks. I'm sorry that would be the smart thing to do, which clearly you guys are not so never mind I have to do a video to recommend such a idea. Anyway keep frosting the storm already and being terrible at your job. read more

Absolutely love this place. I don't know any other spot in the city where I can get professional art materials. I specifically came for a small watercolor set, watercolor paper, a pencil, and an eraser and found everything I needed - I used to own all these things as a kid, but I've been out of practice since becoming an engineer... what can I say? They also have tons of different canvases, pencils, pastels, paints, brushes - whatever your heart fancies. Employees are really helpful (I was asked multiple times if I needed any help), and they also have a cute section in the front of the store with journals and random knicknacks/stocking stuffers. I was going to get some, but remembered that I have enough clutter in my house already... sorry, squishy cat ball. I'm sure you'll find a better home! read more

First let me start by saying Rebecca was INCREDIBLY nice.. I went in to have a print framed. (rather large) The price was pretty high $$$ & honestly i did not understand why it was so high but i gave it a chance. When i picked up my framed print, the frame was COMING APART at the corners. I chalked it up to "thats showbiz baby" but im pretty upset and really bummed i paid for something I could have done myself. Times are hard right now, and i wanted to treat myself by doing some home improvement but i was met with more disappointment to add to this sh*t year. Love blick for art supplies but wont ever pay to have anything framed again. read more

One of my fav art stores I have ever stepped in my life. If you think you seen it all in Michael or Joann you are heavily mistaken. Walking into this store I felt like a little kid itching to get their hands on everything. This store has everything art related you name it. Museum wax, paints, brushes, many types of canvases, paints, sprays, waxes, face paints etc. The list goes on and on. Why don't we have one of these in New Jersey?!? We need to have one of these stores! I was so sad leaving this store. I spent like a good 3 hours here and still haven't had enough. Wanted to buy everything and Im not even an artist hahaha read more

One worker here was really great. He was very assistive and of the information he gave. He also had some basic common sense, wrapping and taping the items I bought a week earlier.  But some bozo working at the counter, couldn't  do an adult's  work of taping the  boards I bought the week after.  I mean, a child can do better than this low IQ fool. Either he's too lazy, or he just doesn't  have enough brain capacity to do something as simple as wrapping, taping a board. In his case, it was both. It was hilarious how this arrogant turd, wrapped the item to be carried. I mean, any one with half a brain can do better than this one. Lol.  But you don't  have to be a rocket scientist  to know  the mentality of these people. They are so readable like an open book. It is a combination of mal intent, laziness and not enough gray matter.   The sad thing for this company, is that  the managers don't know how this fool does its job. With so many better qualified people looking for a job nowadays, who are more capable and with a modicum of customer service, you'd be surprised why a company like this keeps hiring fools like this one. And then they wonder, why profit is down. Lol. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android read more

Update at the bottom : Avoid taking anything of value to their framing department at all cost. They're amateur, they don't listen, and they didn't take any care to ensure our items were safely handled. Blick framed five magazines for my wife that had a lot of sentimental value. And they screwed it up. So we took it back to them, and they supposedly fixed it. Well, here we are years later after spending hundreds of dollars on them "Framing" these and they fell out of the matte again. And guess what? They GLUED the magazines down. After we told them that we didn't want them to do anything that would harm the magazines. So when we tried to remove them to get them reframed, the two that slipped out are ripped, and the rest are glued down. These people are amateurs at best, and lazy at their worst. Do not take anything of value to them to get framed. -- Update - I was pretty pissed when I wrote this because I was sitting with my wife who was crying and holding the damaged items we thought had been safely framed. I have since removed the inflammatory language because it's unnecessary but the gist remains the same. The general manager has yet to contact me or made any attempt to contact me. I'm sure he's a fine person, but he's probably just obligated to respond to these. I'm sure glad he posted a reply that he'll make it right so everyone can see it though. read more

I like Blick. Though it can be a hassle to check your bags as you enter this store, all of their staff are willing to help you find what you need and will do their best to aid whenever possible. I was disappointed with this store though during my last two visits. Unlike Blick's predecessor in the area - Pearl, Blick does not carry button makers nor jewelry making supplies. Their fabric marker selection at this particular location is also limited. It's a pity, that despite Blick's vast size that they still seem to be lacking in their craft supplies. With the vast amount of creative and crafty people in this city - venturing to make their own jewelry, buttons, and shirts - it's a bummer that Blick wouldn't seek to increase their hobby and craft supplies. Trust. read more

(See pics) Review #1334. Create art from scratch. Be original. Everything from clay, stone sculpting, wood cutting, acrylic, oil, water or fabric paints or to draw your charcoal manga, to some stained pieces boarding, mounting, framing, and with all the canvases that let your creativity begin and your imagination run wild! True the paint and brush sections are their focus, more than than molding and sculpting. I didn't see any stained glass materials. The store carries some beginners items that are easy to start your project. They even have free PDF instructions on the classes that you can learn at your pace. Service at the store was excellent as they actually came by and asked if you need help, whether or not you look lost. I drooled on every aspect of the materials. The guy also looked at each one with the price in mind. I just love when people take all things in consideration. And I was happy to get all the desired oil pastel materials. Not just the people walking around are helpful, the cashier turned out to be even more of a pro as she can articulately point out the specific sponge I was looking for for preserving some jigsaw puzzles. This is the kind of store that requires lots of high ceiling and bright light on a wide street, that shines the store through with its raw materials. And Blick delivers everything in the great space. The prices are very good and while they put the MSRP on all items, almost all of them are discounted. If you don't frequent enough, check out their website or sign up for their email list for special discounts. But if you frequent here for your supplies, you should get the preferred customer card for $10 (free if you are a teacher or student) that gets you 10%. So don't let that artistic side escape from you! read more

This was an amazing store to find in a really unglamorous neighborhood in San Francisco. While waiting to attend a play at the Golden Gate Theater, we stopped in and were just boggled by all the supplies available here. Left with bags of art gifts for the kids and some great projects (some of which were at really good sale prices). read more

I wish I could leave a galaxy worth of stars and a tip!! Anthony, THE manager, not a manager lol, was AMAZING! He had an excellent attitude despite me coming in there for basically a custom frame job twenty minutes before closing. I work in customer service and even though 6:40 isn't 7, it's still just about closing time so I appreciate him so much for his incredible patience and expertises! I had guests coming over to visit, so there was a mad dash to get the apartment dressed like an adult lol! I have a million more bare walls to cover but my James Baldwin piece sang beautifully. I had never had anything framed so I was unaware of the time it actually takes as well as the level of thoughtfulness that is required when picking out matting and a frame. I quite enjoyed this experience and look forward to my next trip to Blick (at a reasonable time, of course!) Thanks again, Anthony! Customer service professionals are often overworked, underpaid and certainly under appreciated. I hope this review makes it to you and your bosses! Cheers! read more

Blick Art Materials - Frame and matting from Blick. - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

To any customers thinking of patronizing Blick. GO ELSEWHERE. I walked into the store for my first time with the intent to buy graphite pencils for a gift for my little brother because he loves to sketch. I went to the cashier to pay then I was stopped by security who claimed I was stealing? With receipt and merchandise in hand I asked the security guard if he has any proof I stole anything. He replied he doesn't need proof and to empty my pockets. I reply to him "is this legal" I paid for two colored pencils and now I'm being subject to civilian random search. He replied in an disrespectful derogatory manner stating "I don't need a reason you have something in your pockets". I then showed him I have nothing in my pockets as if being detained by some law enforcement officer and he laughs and does nothing? No apology nothing??? I called management and notified them and hope to hear a resolution. But any human being who has even an ounce of respect for themselves and for your neighborhood I would boycott this business. I have lived in the SoMa for the last fifteen years and I've never experienced such gestapo tactics from a business institution. Do yourself and the neighborhood a favor don't support the oppression. read more

This store is super cool! I got this folder on clearance, I didn't even know! It was $30, and sold for $10! This place got a lot of arts and craft materials and medium. It's a bit in a sketchy area, but this store is pretty awesome. Though I didn't check the prices on everything, I think they can be pricy. read more

Super nice and helpful staff. You'll find everything here what your creative mind is looking for. The price is good

Pretty much EVERYTHING you could want for art and art projects. Certainly a lot of art supplies that cover the areas in addition to oil painting and drawing that I'm there for. For some reason they are not in the southern part of the Bay Area so there is a drive up to one of the SF stores. I go there when my local store does not have what I want. Good prices. Complete selection. Most everything I need is in inventory when I arrive. Mail order through the web for everything else. read more

When I walked into the store I didn't have a clue of what to do with my prints and Anthony Saine the General Manager and his Assistant MJ helped me figure out what frame size, what color matte, and even showed me how to hang it with wire! They completely blessed me and boost my confidence as this is the first time I will be showing my work! Anthony was attentive, skilled in mounting, and such a cool kind laid back guy! You all have some great leaders working for you! Thanks again for all your help, you all blessed this entire experience! Thank You! read more

Blick Art Materials - Anthony Saine & MJ - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It is ok. They have decent materials but they follow you around like you are going to steal something!

We had an excellent experience with the Framing Department. We worked with Melvin who had a great eye for all the aspects necessary to make our piece look fabulous - matting, frame, measurements regarding distancing mat from frame. Melvin was very experienced, knowledgable, kind and patient. We would definitely want to work with him again. We just picked up our finished artwork and it is lovely. Everyone else in the store was friendly and helpful as well. Thanks Melvin! read more

I have been a loyal customer for over a decade now, and will most likely never shop at Blick again as a result of the poor customer service I received with their corporate staff. I never write negative reviews, but felt that I needed to because of how disappointed I am with the lack of customer care. They were very misleading in their marketing of a product that I purchased. I have spoken to several people at corporate about the manner. The people I talked to from customer serviced frankly do not seem to care at helping the situation get resolved (lack of response to emails - implying that I am wrong in this situation). No apologies from them, and just defensive comments in return. I have been running in circles with the issue and do not see it ever going anywhere except me having to stop spending time and energy on the issue. To be fair, the products they sell are typically good and staff in the store are very helpful, I have never had an issue there. But just dealing with their corporate customer service has made me second guess ever buying anything from the company again. If corporate had been more helpful and understanding, I would have different thoughts. read more

I've been coming here for the past week or two for mounting boards. When I came in today, they didn't have anymore of the size that I needed on their wall of boards but I approached an associate and she helped me by getting some that were in a box nearby. When I paid for it, I was shocked at the price since the $2.69 each (originally $3.99) with student discount, I usually pay $1.79 each (originally $1.99) which was a bummer. I was in desperate need of the boards so I didn't even bother. The boards typically have a sticker with the price, size and bar code but when the associate pulled some out for me from the box, they weren't tagged. So the cashier checked the price in a binder and rang it up that way. I'm sad that the boards I bought are way thinner than the ones I bought previously which sucks but I'm over it. Another time I came, I needed a rubber cement dispenser. I probably stood in front of the cans of rubber cement for 10 minutes hoping to find it, I was never approached for help. So I ended up asking an associate on the floor. She told me they didn't have any dispensers but did suggest that I can just pour rubber cement and thinner into a cup. I rather have the dispenser though because I feel like pouring it in a cup wastes so much product but oh well. It's on their online store but not in-store which is flustering. Some things are cheaper here but some are overpriced. I remember when I needed rubber cement, I went to Staples instead since Blick is in downtown. Rubber cement is probably $2 dollars more at Staples than it is at Blick's so it really depends on what you're buying. If you plan on coming here frequently, I suggest you sign up for their student discount which is 10% off on your entire purchase. Next week, they're actually having a 20% off your entire purchase, with a coupon though. read more

Blick Art Materials - New moleskines. I love moleskines! - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Had a great shopping experience with Abigail. She was helpful and really fun. It's worth a visit just to work with her! Susan read more

I don't feel comfortable shopping at this location anymore. I've been a customer for over a year and the staff was a BIG reason why I came in. A few weeks ago, I was looking for a paintbrush and a male employee with dark hair (shaved) started chatting with me. He didn't understand the type of brush I was looking for, so I said "I'll just browse". He stared at me with a blank look. I immediately felt uncomfortable and took a few steps away. He didn't get the hint. He asked me "when people look at you, do they take you seriously as an artist?". It was rude and weird. He confessed he didn't really have a art background and doesn't paint, but then he told me he could "teach me how to paint sometime". He handed me a pad of paper and said "here, write down your number" (never told me his name) I realized he was hitting on me. He just kept staring at me until I took his pen. I panicked, to be honest, and gave my number to him. He bolted away from me. The next day, he texted me (didn't tell me his name, just "art store guy") and I blocked his number immediately. I've NEVER felt uncomfortable in this store, so I decided to forget it and go shopping again. The same employee was at the check out counter and quickly spotted me. I grabbed my products and went to the line. He asked me for my Blick membership information. This part is IMPORTANT: this store doesn't scan Blick membership cards anymore, they ask for your first and last name. He asked, I said no. I DO NOT want this guy googling me or knowing anything about me. His mood changed when I refused to give him my info and he started badgering me trying to understand why I wouldn't. I told him I was uncomfortable and none of the other employees talk to me like that. He stared at me like last time...it scared me. I left me products in the counter and left. Blick was always a safe place for me. I used to walk around with my headphones on and just enjoy the products. Occasionally, an employee would ask if I need help, offer advice, or just chat about the project I was working on. I truly looked forward to shopping at this store. I don't know if he is still working there, but I felt it was necessary and impertive that I post this, just in case other female artists are also feeling uncomfortable. BLICK, you will lose money if he keeps this act up. BTW, when I asked him how long he's worked at the Market St location...he said "on and off for three years" ....I completely understand why he is NOT a permanent employee. A message to other artists: You can order your art supplies online in the safety of your own home. That's what I've been doing for the past few weeks. Have some respect. read more

I had several custom mats cut, as well as two pieces custom framed and am extremely pleased with the results. The mats were cut accurately and packaged beautifully, and while I was initially displeased with one of the custom framing jobs (the frame I purchased online was cracked), they did everything to make it right. Huge thanks to Will and the rest of the framing department. read more

The staff in the framing department have been great. I've used other framers within the city and I appreciate this team's knowledge, assistance and excelling skill set. Thank you Rebecca and team, you win. Covid related- super clean mask wearing and ample spacing and hand sanitizer available. read more

This is a larger location with TONS of selection for every category of art supplies you'll ever need! Their spray paint selection is the best and they have so many canvases to choose from ranging from size, price and fabrication. Given their on a more sketchier side of downtown, they're spray paints, pens and other select merchandise are kept double locked. You will need assistance when selecting and just remind the cashier of your hold of selected items when at checkout. Every staff member is nice, will ask if you need any assistance and I've always been greeted warmly whenever I stopped by. If you have a hobby that requires supplies from Blicks, definitely give this location a go; and if it works out maybe sign up for a free membership. It helped when I had to complete and exchange and didn't have my receipts. Friendly plus+++ that their customer service line (totally unrelated to this location) will allow you to visit your nearest Blicks to accommodate! Their staff has always went above and beyond to exceed my expectations. Will be back! read more

While Blick Art is great, this store is not. Ordered something and it took 20 minutes and 3 people how to figure out how to place the order from their own site. We were told we would be either called or texted (hence left number) and got nothing. Called the number that they gave us to check on the order and when we called, we were told to call another number. Once we were told that they had the item, we came into the store 2 days later to pickup the paid item. They could not find it!!!! After 35 minutes they found it, but said it was in the "back of a pile and come back". Well, we had to come back another time to get something that they told us that had come in and to pick it up. Great customer service - NOT. read more

A huge store with a ton of art supplies! I'm almost certain you will find all of your artistic needs right in this place. So many different choices to choose from and their products are usually slightly less than other competitor prices. If you have a membership card, you even get 10% off your purchases! A great deal! Wait for sales and you'll be saving tons! I just wish there was one closer to where I live. I recommend checking this store out! read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The workers here have helped me so much over the past two years as I get my art career off the ground. Every associate I've talked to has been so helpful i cannot recommend this place enough. They are great sounding boards in person and over the phone read more

Although I frequent Blick, I'm not a fan. Why? Because the employees do not want to help you find merchandise to buy, do not know where items are located in the store, and cannot locate items you've called and had set aside behind the counter. This review is directed at the Market Street location. The Montgomery location seems to have marginally better staff but the store is smaller so that might be why it's a better experience. Blick has a brick and mortar presence but you're actually better off ordering on-line for this art store. read more

I can't say enough about how much I love this store and their staff. I live a few blocks from this location, and I'm there all the time. They are always kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. But since we've been under the Stay-in-Place order, they have absolutely blown me away with how awesome their service is. Matthew, the assistant manager, absolutely went above and beyond for me, helping me handpick paint for a mural deadline when the colors I wanted weren't available on the website. Seriously, so grateful to this place, their people, and their selection. They get 100%, A+++++ from me. Ps. I'm also a mixed media artist and this place is a one-stop shop. Never have to go anywhere else. read more

I generally try to stay away from chain stores but out local Blick is absolutely outstanding, mainly because of one person named River! I came in absolutely overwhelmed looking for very specific art supplies. I had already tried placing a pickup order online to make things easier, but there were too many specialized products going over my head. I came into the store and was immediately greeted and assisted by River. She took me and my list throughout the store and happily helped me grab everything I needed. On top of that the line was ridiculously long by the time we got to checkout. Just happened to be next in line and River, done assisting customers on the floor, came and opened up a register for us and helped everyone quickly get through the line. Also got me a pretty hefty discount by simply helping sign me up for their store rewards program. River is a very thoughtful and helpful individual. I'm very thankful for their help. Made what was expected to be a stressful shopping trip the easiest it could have been. I wish there were more kind people like River in the world. Thank you! read more

Anthony and Bethany were so helpful in not only finding suggestions for how to wrap my gifts but also actually helping me out with making one of the best gift wraps I've ever seen. Definitely great artists and very helpful people. I'm so glad they work here!!! They definitely deserve a raise it promotion read more

Molly and Alex were so helpful! They showed me everything I needed! Will definitely come back to this location

What would I do without you Blick's??? What would I do if you ceased to exist? When you fulfill all my artistic needs, just like people need food and water to live? I need you Blick's more and more in this changing world to express myself creatively and visually, make an impact on people's lives and our community, and hopefully this would extend globally. At least that is the purpose and hope of all types of artistic expression. I feel like I go to this Blick's Art Store way too much! I should probably just work here! Yup, I am a dedicated, loyal customer, with my handy dandy super saver rewards card. The reward cards, along with the coupons I get, saves me even more on their sales that is pretty much happening all the time. The biggest sales usually happen when school starts and around holidays. I think the biggest sale I saw was 75% of the whole store. I like this particular location the best in SF as it is bigger and the aisles are wider. For a semi-professional artist, Blick's meets all my art supply needs. It also meets the needs of art students and art educators. Students and educators get a 10% discount. I usually do not need help looking for anything and only occasionally. However, sometimes I do need help with pricing on canvas because there are so many brands. I've always found the sales associate who helps me at this particular Blick's to be helpful and very knowledgeable about their products. I usually just shop for canvas, acrylic paints, paint brushes, paint accessories, pre-cut mat boards for frames, oil pastels, and various types of drawing pads. Once in a while I will shop for other things for personal projects. My recent visit to Blick's was to find scratch art paper which is very different than scratch art boards. I first checked Michael's Arts and Crafts and you would think they would carry it there because they carry more crafts than Blick's. But nope! The only thing I found at Michael's was pre-designed scratch art paper. Though, the customer service associate on the phone had told me that Blick's did carry the rainbow colored one that appears after one scratches the black paper, I was very disappointed when I looked for it in the scratch art section I did not find it. I found other types, but not the one where the rainbow colors appear. So, I guess I will just have to order them on-line or check other art stores or stationary stores. Overall my experience with Blick's is still 5 stars 5 stars for their wide selection of products, competitive bargain prices, sales 5 stars for cleanliness, organization, well stocked and well designed store 4 stars for friendly and knowledgeable sales associates (-1 star just for the customer service associate that misled me!!!!!!!!!), but that was only one time experience. read more

A classic art supply store. They have almost everything you need from paints to frames. Can be hard to find some things and the staff seems busy helping. Eventually I found the exact model paint and portfolio case I wanted. So we're good ya? Got some discount at the register too...not sure why or if there was a sale but hey mo money mo money. read more

I ordered N95 mask in this site and it was backordered in 2 weeks. The order was cancled after 2 weeks. If you cannot fillfull it, you should notice the customer asap. It made a lot of trouble to me. read more

Went to blick to pick up some Christmas presents. The staff were super helpful. They have a passion for art and it shows. They were able to guide me around the store and help me to choose some great gifts. Dropped one star because a lot of the products are available online for cheaper, but I will still go to blick because of the added value the staff add. read more

Having seen the near constant closure of retail, I'm so happy Blick is open--with a large, well stocked store and great employees ready to help. They actually approach you, and ask if you need help, as opposed to most stores whose employees are spare, avoiding eye contact, and working on something apparently more important than the customer. Also, Blick is well connected with the location art community. Great local artists like Thomasina DeMaio can be found in the store painting portrait demos of locals. A retail shop can get a terrible, negative review because of a single bad interaction with staff. I've never had such an interaction at this store. It's well run, and has everything you'll need. read more

I was looking for a very specific type of sketch book and Glen helped me find it. He was warm and friendly, knew his stuff, and was extremely helpful. I did not expect this level of great service. I will be back! read more

Best place to find the unfindables.... Customer service is awesome and if they can't find it ... They will tell you who will! read more

Looking to buy two of their brand name 24x36 metal frames (SKU 17085-2007), I visited Blick for the first time last Saturday afternoon. A sales associate greeted me in the frame aisle. He admitted he did not know the answer to my frame questions but found someone who did. (I appreciate anyone who does not know the answer but is willing to find it rather than just making something up.) I noticed that the hook to hang the frame was for portrait use only. I asked the employee in the framing department about hanging them landscape, and he gave me some free hooks I could easily install. I was in and out of the store in less than an hour. I could have saved a few dollars if I bought their same frames online, but the prompt and friendly customer service made my trip worth it. read more