A little further out for me than their old location on University, but as always, a great selection of supplies and friendly, knowledgeable service. In fact, I had hit the Blick store in North Oakland first, discovered the item I wanted was out of stock and they called the Berkeley store for me to see if they had it. Considering my alternative is the blasted wasteland that is the Michaels at Alameda Landing, Blick is worth the trip. read more

I was sad to see the one closest to UC Berkeley campus go, but it's okay, it's a tad bit of a bus ride to go down University for all the great deals they have. When they have a sale--IT'S A SALE. Like, cheap for college artists which is ideal for a town like Berkeley. A lot of times it's only this location with the deals (SF's locations suck and are much pricier). read more

There is a stark contrast between the older Oakland store and Berkeley. I was in some ways lucky Oakland didn't have the products their online menus showed as having in stock unlike Berkeley. The knowledge of the staff with multiple mediums and willingness to describe, and I appreciated these qualities very much. The entire store is a contrast to Oakland. They had the specific products I needed that no one else in the east bay carries. And staff were familiar with them. If you need help or have questions about mediums this is where to go. Parking is readily available vs. the Oakland store tiny lot or street parking. read more

Now that Amsterdam Art is dead and gone, Blick is the place to get in your artistic licks. I tend to gravitate towards the left side of the store (walking in), as that's where the cool stationary and accessories are located. The only thing really missing is a good fine pens section and a selection of A4/B5 notebooks and papers. That's because at heart, I'm a Dilbert cool office supplies geek. I prefer this Blick's over the one on Broadway in Oakland, as this store is larger and I think the selection is better. This store also has a more comfortable browsing factor. And I appreciate the coupon savings and the relaxed and friendly vibe among employees and customers alike. read more

Hubby was in the market for paper that works with fountain pens, and I am a closet art supply lover!! We stopped in on a way back to the burbs...where there are NO good art stores! I was very impressed with the large inventory of paint, brushes, pens, canvases, drafting supplies, and paper! The only down side is the location is tricky, but there is ample parking! We would definitely come back when the need arises!! read more

I love art supplies, so anywhere that has fun new stuff - I naturally love too. I wanted to buy some labels or fancy paint pens to decorate bottles. I wanted to switch it up and try something different. I found these cool Martha Stewart labels and stationary products. I also bought some metallic paint pens, both were exactly what I needed and made the project look great. Thank you to the staff for helping me find the things I needed based on my project. read more

In the last 6 months I have had two photographs framed and the final appearance of the pieces exceeded my expectations. I worked with Thea on both pieces and she was patient while I struggled to figure out my choices. She worked well with me during the decision making process and her knowledge of formats and color were essential to the success of the framing. I am planning to frame another piece soon and I will be asking for Thea. Her customer service skills and artistic abilities are are excellent. She is a major asset to your custom framing department. read more

I've been in this store several times ... usually it's months in between each visit and everytime I visit, I spend way more time then I intend to browsing thru their merchandise. Not only do they carry a broad spectrum of art materials, but they also carry pretty things that people like me love to spend money on. Journals, cards, desk organizers, pretty paper etc etc. It the sort of place where you can go to find that irrelevant gift for that hard to shop for friend. Next time I'm in the market for a new journal, I'm definitely coming here! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because despite their assortment, they do not carry the calligraphy pen that I needed for my class. They carried other sizes but apparently weren't able to order the size that I needed ... which is strange to me since I was willing to pay for it. /Shrug. Nevertheless, the staff here was very friendly and patient. Directing me around various aisles and explaining the difference between all the tablets of paper. I definitely hope I remember to come back! read more

i'm only giving this store two stars because of Hannah, who helped me with a return. So my teacher advertised their kit for my class for a specific price, when I went to buy, they charged me $24 more than what I was told. On top of that, the girl (brunette with tattoos on her arm) was very rude when I asked about the price, verifying if the price my teacher told us was wrong. She just said "Your teacher did not know the price right. I can return for you if you want" (really dismissing me!) I later on ended up calling the store to verify the price and they did charge me wrong. So Hannah gracefully took care of me. I'm still waiting to see that refund but I'm glad that she at least cared enough to help me out. I really hope the other girl get some training on customer service and please get her prices right and stop over charging students! read more

love this place! customer service is great, helpful and friendly! plenty of paid street parking available.

I took a calligraphy class earlier this year and the instructor provided two different nibs, one oblique holder, a small vial of ink and a Rhodia dot pad. In an attempt to stop making excuses about not being able to practice more often, I decided to head to Blick to see if I could get another set of supplies so that one could remain at home and another set could travel with me wherever I go. On a rainy Saturday afternoon I found a wealth of parking on Tenth Street and walked into Blick Berkeley for the first time. I had time to kill so I made it a point to wander through each aisle. This particular location is decently sized. I feel like they have just enough room for a lot of the basic supplies and some extra bells and whistles, too (i.e. a Van Gogh-esque "ear"aser at the register which, like candy at Safeway, always ends up leaving with me). The aisles are a bit tight, though, even when you're just carrying a basket and I felt like I very nearly bumped into other people on a few occasions. I was able to find everything I needed - Rhodia pad (they have them in different sizes and styles: lined, dot, plain), regular holder, two sets of nibs and Yasutomo ink. The regular "B" Speedball holder was actually out of stock on the aisle, but when I went to the register the woman who helped me out checked their stock and found that they had one box left - yay! I must say that in the time I spent at Blick, I received three separate offers to help locate things as I perused the aisles. Thank you, Blick Berkeley, for the awesome customer service! Last, but not least, you have the option of joining their Preferred Customer program in stores. It doesn't take more than a few minutes to register and you get access to a lot of great savings (I scored 20% off my purchase plus another $4.50 off through their instant web match rebate program). All in all, I'm thankful to have a local art supply store to rely on! read more

Nice chill employees when you ask about something they just got the answers. So yeah good stuff

The employees here are always offering to help when I shop. It's wonderful to walk in knowing I can find what I need. There are many high quality products at great prices. Sometimes they even have a clearance sale in the back. Just be sure to read the small print on the small bottles. Or not - just buy it and experiment. They have demos but I haven't attended one yet. Also, there is a Blick buyer program. Ask the cashier for details. Tell them the old lady with a little dog sent you. read more

had a christmas art project to make and needed a variety of acrylic paints, brushes and finishes. I've never been to this place so I decided to check it out. they have a small parking lot shared with other businesses and for Saturday morning... it's hard to get a spot. the place was pretty organized. although I wish I spend more time doing art work, I'm not familiar with art products. luckily their areas were labeled so it wasn't too hard for me to look around. my big complain about this place is the lack of knowledge from their staff. I came up to 2 guys and asked for items and neither one have a very good idea of the things in the store. I felt like I was shopping in home depot where their employees do not know a thing about home improvement. disappointing. read more

I am not reviewing this as an artist or art student, but a community member. This is literally the closest place to buy things like glue sticks, crayons, glitter, and pom poms. The staff is always very nice, even though it is obvious that my purchases aren't going toward any fine art project. They also have a nice selection of notecards, pens, journals, and stationery. I've picked up gifts here regularly. I wish their children's art and craft supply section was bigger and less expensive. I get that's not the target demographic for this store, but all future artists start out as kids! At any rate, it is a much better shopping experience than at Michaels. read more

Loves them!! I have never taken art in school until this summer, and I found myself making multiple trips there to get more supplies. I come from far away, so it was important that I got what I needed in each stop. Anthony was a hero in finding things I needed or telling when they would have them. Thanks guys, I enjoy my visit every time. read more

I've been meaning to post this review and especially to compliment their employee Noah. He went far beyond any expectations I had for customer service. I had never been to this store as I live about an hour away. I was in search of Christmas gifts for my husband and his new lino-cut hobby. I was pretty clueless as to what he would need/like. Noah not only took me that section in the store but expalined the different items there. He also answered questions about what type of paper makes the best cards, picking out a palette knife and even the right kind of sealant for my wine bottle windchime project. There was only 1 person in line in front of me but it was taking a bit, so he opened up a new register. He even applied a $22 web match rebate. My husband was delighted with his $200 worth of lino-cut Christmas gifts, and I couldn't have been happier with the entire experience. read more

This is a great art supply store for both hobby-ists, professional artists, and crafters. You won't find much ready to assemble craft items here. But you will find quite a few craft knives for you to choose from to make your craft. They have a lovely selection of fine art supplies at varying price points. Picture a college freshman who is still dipper their toes into the art world, to a senior who knows what they need to showcase their art. I recently came in on a hunt for a drafting board and cover (i know, who still uses those things?). I learned how to draw and paint on a drafting board, and habits are hard to break. But being the holidays, I didn't have much money to blow on my materials. The lovely woman at the front counter (too bad I didn't get her name), she pointed me in the direction of all my board options (cheap drawing boards, just a board, drafting board, and to a whole drafting table). Knowing their website fairly well, I asked if they ever offered coupons (they usually offer discount codes online, and the prices online are usually discounted too), and she told me about their web price match and student/teacher discounts. I picked up close to $100 full price items, but only paid around $60. I am super stoked about Christmas this year! read more

Really helpful and organized! Went in with six pages of things I needed to replace stuff that I had abandoned when we had to evacuate our home a few weeks ago and they did their best to get me what I needed and replaced things that they didn't exactly have. read more

I drove 45 minutes through traffic and paid for parking because of a sale they we're having on custom framing. I was told that I need an appointment to speak with someone and the soonest somebody will be able to speak with me is in 2 hours. I asked if I can have the sale extended because I am not able to wait for two hours and return in the next 3 days because I am working. I was told no with no explanation as to why. The customer behind me laughed and told the employee that they should e nice to their customers. By that time the employee began talking to someone else. I walked out and won't be back. You should be nice to your customers. read more

Don't believe any of the negative reviews . . . this store rocks. The people who work there are friendly and knowledgeable and helpful. If they don't know the answer they will find someone who does. They stock just about everything and, just as someone else said, it's like a candy store for artists. Haters gonna hate, I guess but I've never had anything other than a great experience in this store. Thank you all, Blick staffers, for all the help you have given me over the years. read more

+ Nice location + Store has a good (not great) selection +/- Parking can be tricking or easy depending on the time/day - Staff has VERY limited knowledge about materials they sell and there are long wait times when they go to find someone else who does know (but is usually also in the dark) - Always disappointing and rude staff (so at least they're consistent) Today was the last time I'll shop here as much as I want to support brick and mortar stores and shop locally this was it! * Manager was rude with staff and customers and could not answer basic questions about merchandise * Check-out suggested I was too old to be a student (even though I gave him my school ID) because even he could claim to be a student with his old ID--dude I am in grad school! Yes, I am 50+ but come on, really, even in Berkeley people gotta suck? * Check out also stopped MID-TRANSACTION to go answer a question for a six year old who wanted to know if a battery operated toy had multiple games on it. Seriously? Paying adult here. Sheesh! The bad customer service comes from the top down. Shop at their other store, a competitor or (gasp) from their online store if you want the best selection and treatment. The online check out has never suggested that I'm too old to be a student or made any other sh!tty comments. read more

Great place for framing and stretching canvases!!! Service works with you for best deals on framing and painting size while respecting original canvas size. Art supplies, novelty items, empowered young artistic staff familiar with most Black Cat things. Recommend this place, and often services and merchandise on sale! Will return for more framing again soon!!! Thanks Blick Art Supplies for all your hard work! read more

Lately I've been using rubber stamps to blow off steam. If you know me, you know I have tons and tons of rubber stamps, but you can never have TOO many, so I have been carving my own (for an example check out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellyannbrown/). I needed to find some big erasers and some carving tools and another moleskine or two... and since we were at Vick's already... I talked my sleepy Dr. R. to take a nap in the car while I slipped inside to buy some things... This is a really nicely stocked art supply store. They did have some big staedtler white erasers and a speedball carving set that I just had to have. Last week, I left without buying these little plastic bird clips, and all week, I internally whined to myself what I could be doing with them. I rectified the oversight of not purchasing the bird clips this week. Yes, it sounds like we are making a weekly deposit to the BLICK ART god. ...but they have wonderful stuff! They have tons of paper and watercolor and ink and pens and pencils and moleskine books.... I could go on and on... please stop me now! This store would be a five star experience, but the cashiers have been a little... bizarre. One fellow lost track of what he was doing half-way through a pricing of my paper and had to start all over again. Another cashier (female) got this snooty look on her face when I asked if they had bigger erasers. They did, but she didn't seems to know it. One fellow, I wasn't sure if he worked there or not, sat at table nodding off, surrounded by reference books. So, I will be back (if only to get more ink for my calligraphy pen or more staedtler erasers)... and I love what they have! Kelly read more

I have been coming here for years. It's not because I am an artist, I am not. But I seemed to be surrounded by artists all the time. And I do love art, to look at, not to create. I don't have the patience or the desire, although I have sketched a little. I did take an art class at Cal way back in the day. But that is when one of the main pick-up lines of the times was, "Do you want to come up and see my etchings?" I guess nowadays you just place an add for nude models. Blick has a pretty good selection of supplies, for many type of artists, using a variety of mediums. I wouldn't say it is the cheapest, the broadest, or the deepest supply for specialists, but it has most of what you might need. Staff is usually helpful, depending on who it is. There is a parking lot in front with perhaps 10 spaces. A little tricky getting in off University heading in from I-880. Even though I am not an artist, I could spend a long time in here looking at all the supplies. (And no, it is not because I am looking to ask a college co-ed, "Do you want to come look at my etchings?"!) read more

Blick has been one of my favorite go to places for years now. To me as far as prices go they're more reasonable than michaels although michaels do have good deals. Also to me blick just has a bigger and better selection of materials that I need for the type of art projects that I do. I use pastels, markers, inks, paints, brushes, mainly everything you'd find in a seasoned artist's place of work. I'm no Vincent Van Gogh but far from an amateur lol.... I've been exercising my art talent Forever and still learning new styles/concepts day by day. Glad to have places like blick arts still around to help supply artists like me with good quality supplies so that I can stay equipped with the proper tools as I present my creative expression to the world. The only downside of this particular location is that the lot is always packed with very few open parking spaces. But as an artist you have to have patience sometimes. Lol.. So yeah you learn to wait until there's an open parking space. If you're coming from 880 over the ramp on university your going to make a left turn by the first light then pull over and make a U turn and make a right back on to university as the building sits right on the corner. But again the lot may be packed because it's not that big to begin with. The staff here is helpful and friendly and the lines move pretty quick. I'm giving this place a five star review. read more

I'm so over this store. Over the years I've turned a blind eye to their customer "service". I didn't yelp when the 2 staff people behind the register continued to carry on a non-work related conversation as I waited patiently to be rung up. I didn't yelp when they put completely wrong items on hold and I trekked across town to find the goods I needed were out of stock. I put up with it because hey, it's an art store. A gal needs supplies and they have one of the most decent selections around. But when I called this evening and they said they close at 9, you can imagine how delighted I was to arrive a few minutes after 8 to locked doors in front of apathetic clerks who throw their hands in the air like I'm an idiot for not seeing the posted hours. I can understand that they wouldn't let me in a few minutes after closing, but at least apologize or *look* sorry or something. No more. read more

Good: It has a parking lot. Good: Good selections of items. Bad: Employees seem unhappy to be there and don't care about anything and not familiar with products they carry. They are very unhappy to help customers. Bad: Do not ask questions to them. They will start reading the labels on the item when you do, and instead of admitting they don't know or they have not used the product, they start giving you wrong answers. This is a self-help store. I wish an art supply store would hire people who have some knowledge on art supplies, but not in this place. Bad: It's hard to shop here. A lot of items are missing price tags, and items are mixed up and often still in boxes so I don't know what's in each box. So frustrating when I need something specific but items are sitting there in shipping boxes as they were shipped from suppliers. Bad: This company doesn't run coupon as often as it should. As a result I go to other art supply stores to get better quality items for less price. I kinda understand that people need jobs and work for an art supply store to survive and don't really care about anything except that they show up to work and stay working till they can go. But any retail store should have people who have some interest in the goods they are selling. Blick products' prices are not the best and the quality is not so great. read more

As an artist, I couldn't ask for more in an art store.. let me paint a picture for you my friend.. hell, I might even frame it for you if you're nice. I've driven past this spot for years not really paying too much attention to it up until I finally decided to take a peek. the instant I walk in & start strolling down their aisles, I knew that it would be in my best interest to haul ass up out of there to avoid buying impulsively. Unfortunately, i was not able to. After years of having artist block.. it was like being reunited with your twin brother you never knew about that was separated from you at birth.. but less anxiety & weirdness..& less surprise factor.. I digress.. Every time I come here, I find myself wandering (sometimes over an hour knowingly aware that it's almost 4PM on a weekday & I'm going to be sitting in some ridiculous 80 eastbound traffic on the way home) the aisles aimlessly with cart or basket in hand adding things that I sometimes don't really need & frankly sometimes don't even use which ultimately results in me spending ridiculous amounts of money to support my ever growing love for art. they have an amazing selection in anything you'd use to satisfy your creative mind.. the layout, item & price organization, cleanliness, & lighting is great (I believe they are remodeling right now so only time will tell if things will remain easy to find).. The prices are competitive (not to mention their preferred customer card which saves me tons, online & in store coupons, & everyday sales they constantly have on various items throughout the store).. After reading some reviews of people's bad experiences with the staff & their lack of product knowledge & experience.. I think to myself.. I must be lucky because every time I'm here, I never leave without asking one of their staff members something about something & they've never failed to impress Great spot to shop for your art mats read more

I felt a little uncomfortable clicking on a link that says "dickblick". But my god, I love Dick! *are you uncomfortable yet?* In all seriousness, Blick is a great art and crafts store. I bought a bunch of linen canvases from Blick that were really fairly priced. I don't know of many good art stores that carry a good variety of linen canvases. And personally, I'm not really into painting on cotton canvases. The selection of different oil paints, watercolors, acrylic etc is impressive and like I said the prices here are solid. And oh snap, yes they do have BOB ROSS oil paint! Time for me to start painting some majestic trees on the alpine with the Bob Ross paints. I could kind of go on and on about Blick, they have everything you could ever need. And the staff here are really helpful. They also have great blowout sales! If you suddenly feel creative and artsy come to Blick for all of your art supplies! read more

Went in for their 50% off framing/glass sale today. Great service with attention to detail. They quoted me 2 weeks and got my job done within 10 hours. I picked up the same day, and it was perfect! Quality work, affordable and terrific turnaround. I will definitely be going back for framing services moving forward. read more

Frickin awesome discounts with the member card thing. Also, I liked that they had lotsa stuff, organized so you can find it. The prices we not always listed, which for a cheap artist is a pain in the arse, having to ask someone "how much is this?" becomes degrading sometimes. Anyway... I LOVED it. Got lotsa art supplies and it is WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY better than a lot of shitty art stores like Aaron's or Michaels or whatever run-of-the-mill crap around the corner. For an artist it is a good place to stock up on paints, canvases, etc. Mucho points for having a parking lot too! read more

I have been buying art supplies from Berkeley Blick for 3 years and the folks there are unfailingly kind and helpful. Knowledgeable, too. Great resource. read more

Obviously the store gets rave reviews all the time. I'm writing because I'm upset at Jeff C.'s comments and feel compelled to respond. First of all, I feel that it is really wrong to name the employee in such a public place. Its just really bad etiquette, and disrespectful to Ron's privacy. The place to name names like that is not the internet but to Ron's superiors. It is the equivalent of a threat to Ron to name him so publicly, regardless of his behavior. I'm sorry that Jeff was so unhappy when he went in, but when I read the situation he describes, it sounds pretty obvious that the store was very busy; so busy that they were overwhelmed for what resources they have. Second, the claim that no one would take cash because they didn't know how sounds utterly ridiculous. It sounds like only part of the story. I wonder what Ron would say if I went there now and asked him? I don't believe it. There must have been more going on. Third, if that story is actually true, why blame Ron when obviously he had his hands full trying to meet the needs of the customers AND train a whole crew of BRAND NEW CLERKS?!? Fourth, the manager on the floor is not an all powerful being, for any of you who don't understand anything about retail. The manager on the floor is, in most instances, the lowest rung of managers available, in charge of trying to implement rules they didn't make in such a way that things run as smoothly as possible. The people who are responsible for how things operate on a systematic level are behind the scene. If somehow there were 4 unknowledgeable clerks working the same shift more than likely does NOT fall onto the responsibility of the floor manager. And LAST, I'm a regular customer at that store and I have called upon Ron's services more than once. He was super helpful and walked me over to whatever it was that I needed. He tried to answer all of my questions (I usually have a million challenging questions) and had good suggestions. When I go there, I hang out for a while, and I notice things. I would LOVE to have ron as a co-worker or supervisor ANYWHERE I worked. He is diplomatic and fair, and quite knowledgeable about the materials in the store. He works very hard to help everyone as much as he can, but is also very good at being clear when he cannot do something rather than promising things he cannot. He has a cheerful and charming disposition, and I would put money down that Jeff C. was in a bad mood when he arrived in the store to begin with. thank you. read more

Today I went to return two defective bound notebooks and had a terrible experience. Upon opening the notebooks, we found the pages falling out. Prior to using them my daughter decorated the covers and had written on a few pages before we found them literally falling apart in our hands. We called and spoke with Andrew who was very helpful and suggested we bring them in for a return. So, in I go to return them. The cashier (07813, did not get his name) told me they would not be able to give us a refund as the items were used. I explained to him we had spoke with Andrew but he said no. I showed him the defect by opening the notebook with many pages falling on the counter. Only upon me raising my voice commenting on how this policy (once you use it, it does not matter if it is defective) is unacceptable, did he relent and reluctantly issue me a gift card with the proviso "I will give you a refund this one time". I refused this proviso and made it clear he is not doing me a favor. Upon my receiving the gift card from him I said thank you and was met with his utter rudeness and sullen silence! ABYSMAL customer service! Generally this store has very helpful employees. This guy has left me wanting to shop elsewhere. read more

Last week I dropped off some photographs to be framed. The regular staff person for the framing section had just left for lunch, so another associate waited on me. Five days later, the call came to pick up the three images. Sadly they were framed incorrectly: the mat that came with the frames was not included in the final product. The wonderful Lenore (not sure of spelling ?) who works there Sundays through Thursdays, waited on me, and was quite helpful. She took the time to reframe one of the images (it needed to ship out to a gallery that day). The other two images were sent for reframing and five days later they were ready. Picture perfect! I would be cautious about who does the intake on your art work since there are numerous details and you want someone who will pay attention to those. read more

I just had 2 paintings framed at Blick Berkekey and was very impressed!! Thea was so knowledgeable and went the extra mile to advise me and frame my 2 pieces of art with ready made frames. Thea chose mats and we switched the glass frames for a higher quality that blocks UV rays. She is quick, efficient and friendly. I walked out with 2 gorgeously framed paintings without spending a lot of money. I will definitely go back and frame more artwork there! read more

I been coming here for over 10 years and I never have a bad experience. No matter what new staff that is working there. The Customer Service is always exceptional. They're always helpful and polite. They acknowledge you right when you walk through the door and That's what I love. Customer service should always be like that. It's also a plus that the store is always up to par and organized. I find what I need in a timely matter without getting overwhelmed. Five stars from me read more

Customer service is the best. I had a beautiful Joseph Holston print that I needed to frame. I like to frame my own prints so I went to several places for the mat. Couldn't find anyone to cut the mat to my specifications, until I went to Blick. Augusto, who works in the framing dept, measured and cut the mat to my specifications. I bought my frame from somewhere else and I had a hard time fitting it into the frame. Augusto took care of that too. He was done in about an hour. The print looks fabulous! And, I'm thrilled beyond measure. I will definitely return!!! read more

Eh..... it's ok. As an artist, I shop there now and then cuz I have to (since they're putting other smaller art stores out of business). But it's not the best store for artists cuz it's overly commercial and expensive. The staff also don't really know their stuff. (Sorry, if you happen to be one, but it's true). That's not really their fault being that they're mostly retail employees and don't necessarily have extensive experience with the actual materials. In any case, not a bad store at all -- has a good stock of general supplies for artists and hobbyists. Just not really suited to practicing artists' budget and standards. read more