Squeal!!! Eeek! Oooh! I need that ! I like to get my art on. I like to get my supplies from Blick. It comes very close to being my favorite store ...right after Sephora. read more

First, I get it, everybody gripes about Blick because it is corporate and therefore The Man, but in my view, Blick is wonderful for two reasons: 1. The customer service in this store ROCKS! I have repeatedly come in with very technical questions and they always find someone who can help me. Additionally, that person takes however much time is needed to help me figure out a solution to my problem. Also, I know for a fact they aren't paid well, so how they do this in such a friendly manner amazes me. 2. The selection of in-store stock is fantastic. It is pretty rare that I am unable to get what I need and have to order it online. Shopping there is honestly enjoyable. read more

I can't even muster enough creativity and wit to write a good review for them because every time I hear or see Dick Blick my mind starts to buzz like a hummingbird with excitement and new ideas. If you have one ounce of creativity / craftyness / artistic ability you can surely find something here. Even if you don't, you might just get inspired. Get thee to a Dick Blick soon! read more

I've been getting my art supplies from Blick since waaaaay back. They have amazing sales every now and again, and with their membership card you can find yourself with anywhere from 10-50% off a single purchase a month (perfect for those pricey brushes and huge canvases). The staff are artists as well so if you need honest advice as to whether you should go with their store brand or a more expensive one, they'll tell you. The current sales right now are amazing. They have everything you need from papers to paints, brushes to portfolios, gifts, Moleskines, things for the kiddies to make stuff with, etc etc etc. Oh and big thanks to my check out lady that hooked me up with a renewed membership card gratis. Wink wink wink. read more

The only reason I go to this location vs. State Street is b/c of the parking lot. Otherwise, the staff blows. I had to buy painting supplies for a class. I wandered around the store with my supply list for an hour (no exaggeration) before someone offered to help. And then the dude was a snotty jag off who made insulting jokes. I went in last week to buy an easel. I purposefully started jacking around w/them to see if anyone offered to help. NOPE! When I asked a question about the sale, the crabby manager was so not eager to help me out. My cashier was nice....so that's positive! read more

As a child, I thought the DICK BLICK was the SHIZZNIT! I always wanted to go to the Dick Blick art store, begged to go, and was totally, lividly, and almost angrily jealous of those lucky kids who got the amazing DICK BLICK SCENTED MARKERS! You know the ones that I am talking about. They had the absolutely gorgeous, black top package with an image of the markers highlighted by yellow and then a Styrofoam bottom of the package with an individual slot for each marker. I mean, who could have thought of a better concept? A marker with a smell for the color? Grape for purple, orange for orange, licorice for black, lemon for yellow, oh my the memories! I do remember scenting contests that involved sticking the markers up my nose for best scent gathering. I can't be the only one. (: They were amazing. Well, now a company called Mr. Sketch makes them. That made my trip down memory lane come to a screeching halt. I will stay with my Dick BLICK BLISS. Now on to the store! I really enjoy this place! It makes me wish I had some talent. Alas, I have none, but I can still enjoy all of the pieces, products and stuff they carry! I have a blast picking up stuff for my niece and nephew here. The stock is pretty amazing, stop in and check it out! read more

Walmart of art supplies. They need more knowegable working their. Canvas prices are far too high, wierd vibes, but at least you can park. read more

It baffles me how many people leave 1 star reviews for the most inane things. The entire staff is made up of experienced artists who are trained to not only what they specialize in but how to use everything in the store. Most people don't realize how invaluable that is. You don't get that kind of service from Hobby Lobby or Michaels. I saw a review that someone was annoyed that the employees kept asking if they needed help- what the hell? The staff is more than ready to help and they know how to. Also even after many trips I'm shocked to see many people treat the employees like shit (especially around the holidays) and I still get excellent help from someone who just got yelled at by an old woman who wanted colored pencils for her grand daughter. Bottom line: Professional artists. Professional help. They are still human; if you treat them nice they will be nice back. read more

**Update 4/3/08 Went here today and was asked by an employee if I needed any help! The two tattooed guys at the counter were friendly! But, I ran into a friend who told me that they were out of the product he was looking for. It's a wash.... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call before you come here to make sure they have what you want in stock. I figured this out after two unsuccessful trips. For every 1 good staff person here, there are 5 that just hate their jobs/don't want to be bothered with customers. I prefer the Loop & Evanston locations. read more

This store has a lot of items a for finishing a project that a craft store never has. Along with a knowledgeable staff, they also have a great price on frames, canvas and xacto. Only one star off because they don't have a matte board cutting service. But, they do have the equipment to do it yourself. Maybe I'm just lazy. read more

Four stars only because this Dick Blick... nor the one downtown carries my refillable palette papers for my covered palette. Nor do they carry my favorite brushes : Old Holland Kolinsky Sables and Silver Bristleton Stiff Synthetics. Grrr. I just ordered all of these things online. But, they do have decently priced stretcher bars, Gamblin paints, and brushes to tide me over until I get my beloved ones. It's a quick fix. They also have the reporter style moleskin notebooks : my favorite. There is ALWAYS parking. Be sure to get the preferred card. It saves you so much money over time. Oh, and stop at Whole Foods for sushi after getting new art supplies. Yum. read more

I'm distracted easily...Ooo!! Cupcake! Sorry! See? So Blick is baaad for me! Ooo, look over here! Cute journal! Aww, the do it yourself stationary Wait! I love that reusable bag! No, I like THIS one that comes in my favorite Pantone™ color! And that's just getting in the front door! Now for the supplies. This place has great deals! Plus a discount card and they send me lovely 40% off coupons in the mail that cause me to take the time on the weekend to buy stuff I 'don't need'. Great canvas selection, paints etc...lacking in pottery supplies I think though. I'm going to start wheel-throwing again soon, and I'm thinking I'll have to find another supplier. The staff is sub par though and known to roll eyes and be curt to folks in there. Not exactly what I want from an art store.... Oooo! Magnets! Anywho, go! Enjoy! Even if you're not an artist you'll find something! Take up scrapbooking or something! There's just TOO MUCH cute stuff to buy in here! read more

This store kind of depresses me because it reminds me of my former days as an artist/ art student. The days of my award-winning Honors Thesis (a mixed-media installation dealing with education, representation, and memory of the Holocaust). The days when I could spend hours in an art supply store and really feel at home amongst the canvas stretchers and oils. Now I mostly just feel like an impostor. But that's my issue, not yours. Anyway. . . I find myself going into Blick for random things like envelopes for the note cards I put in gift baskets, or card-making supplies for my DIY Christmas gifts. I still dabble in crafts occasionally, but no real art for me anymore. Sigh. So yeah, Blick has pretty much everything you artsy folk need, as long as you don't need rubber stamps. For that, you will have to go to Paper Source. As for the employees, I find them to offer the same level of bored compliance as any other art supply store. And it has a parking lot, which is a big plus. read more

It's a very large, clean, and organized art store. It has all types of art items to create anything from containers to store your art supplies, to easels, canvas, paints, paper, etc. You can even make simple crafts like greeting cards here. They also offer workshops and classes. They also have a preferred card where you can get different types of discounts monthly. Plus, if you buy things in bulk you can get an even bigger discount. I always end up spending some money here. The place makes you want to create something by just being there. I love this place! read more

II am an art photographer and have been working with this Blick Lincoln park location for several years. . Their professionalism and and prompt service really made my job easier as unexpected amount of sales put me scrambling to get ready for shows Joe and Kate hit it out of the park all summer for me . Blicks quality photo printing keeps me going back knowing the quality is always there read more

When it comes to the art world i'm a lot more fartsy than artsy, which is to say my talent is quite limited. However, if I were one of the 'starving' sort, I'd wager this place would be a little bit of paradise. I've been here a few times for some very basic stuff, paint, frames, canvass, etc and can't complain on selection, always have what I need. Now, my 5 y/o son has been in Montessori pretty much all his life so in that short amount of time, he's logged in more hours doing all manner of art than I have in a lifetime. So w. Mother's day on the horizon, he was super excited when we set out on a small little project. Staff is hit and miss but overall very knowledgeable and helpful in pointing us in the right direction. The miss is more a reflection in attitude which I suppose is common in a lot of industries where you have ppl "in the industry" answering questions from newbies or ppl who know jack about their chosen field. Yea, I get it, you have talent on loan from God, but srs, you're here to assist me, not project that upon me. Anyway, like I said, it's hit and miss and a lot of the staff are really cool and helpful...others, not so much. read more

OH Blick, you get me every time! I love this particular store too because its HUGE! The sales are fabulous and the sales people are always there to help without being stalkers, art snobs, or know-it-alls. Unfortunately the woman checking me out yesterday was in a funk and ended up turning my awesome power-shopping-lunch-hour into a slight downer. I was really turned off by her bad attitude (Oh No! She got called from doing something else to help at the registers!) and her inability to even be slightly pleasant. She mumbled during the check out and got visibly annoyed when I asked her about the sale prices just to double check they went through. (There was an eye roll for goodness sake. At least wait until Im not looking to do that!) I bought a TON of stuff here yesterday and spent a third of what I thought I'd spend; which is rad. I will def come back here again but will remember to stay out of the foul broads check out line, or even line of sight! read more

Smaller than the loop location and has that typical cramped art warehouse feel. Sort of like a mix between the Heavenly State Street Blick and the God Forsaken Pearl. While they strive to carry the same products as the Loop location they simply do not have the room needed to house the same wide selection. So yes, they do carry canvas, artists clays, paints and what have you but they may not have the brand or particular item you're looking for. I also noticed this store puts more focus on crafts than the Loop location, not that there is anything wrong with that, mind you. Blick, of course, isn't simply fine art materials, they carry fun crafty stuff too, but the Near North location almost seems to favor crafting in general. In my opinion, a fair amount of this store is designated to craft supplies and kits as well as products geared towards children. Unfortunately, I must add that the staff here doesn't shine like the awesome people over at the State Street store. There's nothing wrong with them, per say, but I'd hesitate to ask for assistance or advice if it came to something more complicated than requesting Bristol as opposed to Vellum. They just don't seem too enthused. But the location is convenient and, as mentioned, they offer parking. read more

EVERYTHING that I have ever needed and/or wanted out of an art supply store. Love the staff & love the stuff, I though "Dick Blick" the store had disappeared with the early 90's but when I moved to Lincoln Park and was headed down North to Home Depot, I saw it. My life hasn't been the same since. read more

Jayla was awesome. She answered all of our questions she was more than professional. Great insight, extremely knowledgable, and had great customer service skills. She was just awesome. read more

My new found passion is freaking expensive but I love Blick! The staff knows about everything there is not a question I havent asked they havent been able to answer. They are very nice as well! They have good deals on oil paint, brushes, and canvases. I could spend all of my money with no problem here. Blick Rocks! read more

Not very helpful or friendly. I went into the store to get matting for my picture. I asked for help and the guy just pointed to the back of the store instead of showing me the matting options. I asked him if they would be able to cut the board and the response was, "I think they should be able to cut it for you, just bring it to the register." When I brought the large poster board to the register the guy said they could not cut it after 6pm. The store was empty. It was frustrating because I wasted so much time and I left without matting for my picture. He just asked me to come back on a different day. read more

I am not an artist. Never have been. But I have two little girls who are crazy for drawing, coloring, painting, etc. The nice thing is that I never feel like I'm inconveniencing anyone at Blick when I come in with kids. The staff seems genuinely pleased to have well-behaved kids there, and have been hugely helpful in finding projects for us to do. read more

I love this Store!!!!! Erica and Anna are amazing at helping locate products. All employees are happy and outgoing, and very knowledgeable. Anna is always more then happy to give me advice on new supplies and point me in the right direction. I run a kids art studio so whenever i go in the order is pretty big, there is always a Blick employee asking me if I need help out to my car. Thank you for all the help and tips! read more

i somehow got the impression from yelp that blick was expensive and filled with snooty employees, colored somewhat perhaps from what i read about the loop location. neither is the case. the employees this early afternoon were over the top, almost shockingly helpful and well-informed, each and every one of them, to the extent that i was compelled to get on yelp for the first time in what feels like a year, and there are indeed deals, despite chicago's sadistic sales tax. love, the guy who the cadmium yellow medium liquitex pen exploded all over at the checkout counter read more

It's great to have a store like this so close to home! Living in the Old Town area, I've found THE place for framing. Andrea and the entire design center team were a pleasure to work with. I was able to have my print that I bought from a local Chicago artist placed behind museum glass, which has such great benefits. It's so clear! The frame ended up being so unique and makes my apartment much more complete. Such a nice value and quality! I will definitely be back. read more

Great selection. You'll find most of what you need here in this huge store. The parking is also very ample. There were only a couple of things I wanted and didn't find, but they were more for design an they were art supplies. I would buy half the store if I could, but then I would find out the true meaning behind the phrase, "starving artist." Good grief. Some sketching and drafting materials quickly added up to $60. It's no wondering when pencils are $1.20 each and colored pencils are $2.20. Yikes. I'm a big fan, but I'll need to keep spending here on a leash since it's just a hobby. If these supplies are related to your job, then this place is great for picking up a few quick supplies. read more

I had an awesome experience at this Blick Art supply store today. Zak, the gorgeous young man with the very cool mustache, helped me with my paints and also helped me with my pre-made stretched canvas. The canvas was too large to fit in the car, so Zak helped wrap the canvas to the roof of the car. Zak was super friendly and helpful. The other staff members were also very nice too! The store was clean and well organized. I would highly recommend this store! Thank you very much! read more

This review is specifically for Maira in the frame shop. We purchased a piece of art at the old town art fair and needed a frame- it's a super cool skyline of Chicago on handmade paper made of recycled jeans. We had an idea of how we wanted it framed going in- Maira understood what we were envisioning, and gave us additional advice that helped bring the vision together. It came out perfect! Thanks Maira! read more

This is an enormous arts and crafts store! They've got a wide variety of supplies for every type of artist. They've got tons of FREE kids and adult workshops like pottery and printmaking! And they've got a huge free parking lot! read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

this place has really got me to push myself artistically simply by being here and having everything I need. Parking is never an issue and the people who work here are simply awesome plus getting coupons in the mail and e-mail is simply the icing on the cake. read more

I had been to the Schamburg store when I was visiting friends in the burbs. I decided I needed some supplies and did not want to dry to the burbs so I went to the "near North" location. Nice looking store with enough parking. I wish they would make the traffic light on the corner (North) work but other than that the store is not difficult to reach. I like the store enough, but the stock seemed to be all over place and a bit disorganized. There were several common products that were missing (like Acrylic brush cleaner, most of the Da Vinci brushes, etc), and the art storage bins were sprinkled throughout the store in random locations. The employees were friendly enough after I asked them for assistance. I am the type that does not wait til someone asks me if I need help but instead will walk right up to them and say "hello I need help". I worked in retail and some customers get really bent when you ask them if they need help. It seemed the staff were not sure where everything was, but to be fair they carry a large amount of products so it would be hard to know everything. None the less I talked to several people and they were all friendly and I actually had two people come up to me and ask me if I needed help. I needed to purchase several things but the store only had two out of ten items I was looking for. I needed brush cleaner and so I ended up driving out to Schaumburg and that location had everything I needed. The staff tried to help me out and said they were expecting a big shipment later that day. I guess I could have gone down to the loop location but I was worried about Christmas traffic. After the holidays I think I will check out the loop location and only use this location if I call first. I don't have any major complaints, but I just wish they had more stuff in stock. read more

The customer service was great here, especially two employees by the names of klaudia and Katie who helped introduce me to a new art style and helped with discounts on my supplies read more

A little on the pricey side for a starving artist like me. But darn it if they don't always have exactly what I want! Every particular brush or pen and all the paper I could possibly want for whatever idea is in my head that must escape to a solid medium. This is my go-to spot when I'm on my way home from the north side. I hardly even miss Pearl any more. read more

I needed some heavy duty stretcher bars for a gallery wrap. I looked on line Blick had them, a bit over priced compared to other online sites, but I figured I could pick them up. I stopped in, they were twice as expensive as on line. They were busy enough I didn't wait to talk to anyone. I called the website number and asked If I could order on line and pick up in store. They said no, but I could ask for on line pricing. I stopped in again found a clerk he took notes and disappeared, re appearing after 5 or 10 minutes to explain yes I could but they would charge me the equivalent of shipping as well so it was about he same cost total..... I said sometimes you just have to say no thanks on principle. I went to artist and craftsman supply a bit further but they had the bars at a fair price. That being said Blick does seem to have everything and artist would need, but better pricing on line. read more

WILL NEVER EVER COME BACK AGAIN. I waited for 15 min because the worst cashier in the world took wrong person ( AND SHE BLAMED ME FOR THAT) and nearly bought all the stuff at higher price if I haven't asked. If you don't have enough time to read through all this, just go to the one in loop or Amazon, never come to this horrible place. I have been to this place for three or four times and same with the one in the loop. Overall the assistants are attentive, friendly and helpful until something happens today. I came for the 20% off discount to shop for watercolors, gel ink pens and etc. There was only one cashier so the line was very slow. It took 12 min before I was the first one waiting in line. The guy after me (second in line) asked if it would be quick if he had cash, another cashier ( a girl in short black hair) came and took him and opened up a new line. After he's done, I came over to her. She looked me in the eye and said "Next in line" suspending I jumped in the line. I said I was next in line and another guy jumped before me (at first I thought it was a line just for cash). She murmured: you should have told me and kept scanning the stuff without even a single word of apologizing. I kept my temper. It turned out my purchase was 90 dollars. After the discount, 80 dollars (considering the 20% off all products, the price was obviously not correct). I asked it listed on my coupon something 40% off. She replied only one item was 40% off. Then I asked if today had overall 20% off. She asked my membership account and the screen showed 75 dollars. Every single reply was extremely short with very cold tune. I left without hearing her say thank you or have a nice day. I went back to my car and did not want to make this big. I thought through all about this and returned to the store demanding her to apologize. She said she could not see the line and not her fault. SHE REFUSED TO APOLOGIZE AT ALL. SO IT WAS ALL MY FAULT WAITING FOR 15 MIN IN LINE BECAUSE SHE TOOK THE WRONG PERSON AND BOUGHT ALL THE STUFF AT WRONG PRICE. Her supervisor apologized but that wouldn't change the fact that my start of the weekend was totally ruined. I returned the purchase and left. This is beyond the worst thing I can imagine that could happen when going for shopping. However, if you want to take a look at how the MOST TERRIBLE TERRIBLE assistant in the world is like, here is the right place for you. You will be shocked. read more

They're okay, but the staff doesn't know brushes at all. I sent one of my students to get brushes she needed and they gave her brushes that in NO WAY were what I specified, and it was written down. So they don't know a sable from a synthetic, or a filbert from a bright. Great. Then admit it. Or read the labels. Also be aware that their in-store prices can be radically different from their catalog. They had a sign at the cashier's that said, "We'll match any price that you found lower somewhere else," or something to that effect. I asked them to match their catalog price. No. They played some incredibly horrible music, like Honey. Shockingly bad. How I miss Utrecht and Pearl. read more

I shopped at Blick yesterday [9 Aug] and was helped extensively by a clerk named Shari. I want to commend Blick for hiring such a knowledgeable and helpful person. VA de Pintor read more

In this store you buy a lot more than the art supplies. If you don't talk to the staff you will miss out as the employees are super knowledgeable. Renée gave us à master class in technique and guided us through all possible options regarding the different types of colors, canvases and brushes maintenance. When it came time to pay, the lady at the counter gave us terrific advice as well. read more

The staff is extremely helpful. I was having difficulty finding a blemish free vellum roll, and Renee (the manager) took the time to look over the rolls with me and call the manufacturer to discuss the issue. I ended up receiving helpful advice for how to order it in the future to avoid the apotting. I was able to relay this to my boss who was very appreciative. read more