Aside from being a chain art supply store, the staff here is really what makes this place special.
The staff is VERY VERY knowledgeable and friendly. They are always asking what type of project you're working on a really try to visualize your concept and try to help you execute it as they can. They know where everything is as though each one of them single handedly stocked the entire store themselves. As, an artist for many years, I know the importance of knowing where your supplies are! It's refreshing to know this particular store is proactive about helping you and not playing tortured artist at the register that is just too bogged down with being an artist to help you out, like other stores I have encountered.

This art supply store has a fairly big selection of different mediums and brands to choose from. If you're a student or educator, you reap the benefit of having a discount card good for 10% off your purchases. Every time I come here and have a question about something, they're very knowledgeable about their products and what I can do to get the most out of my supplies to save money. The employees are really nice so I enjoy coming back here even if it's just to window shop. Blick also has their own line of supplies if you don't mind not buying the brand named ones, and work just as great. Plus, they frequently have all kinds of sales going on so it's fun to come back to get what you want at a lower price!

Blick Art materials on India Street in Little Italy is the best place to start any art project. They have anything a artist would need for any medium. You might pay a little more, but its worth it. They have the largest selection, and sell the finest quality art materials. That is very important because if you work hard to create a piece of art, good quality materials will make your project even better. Blick is also a great place to gift shop for that creative person you know. They will be very pleased to receive a gift that provides a creative outlet, and they just might make you a nice gift of art. This store has almost any type of art supply you can think of. They also have in stock a large selection of quality paper in large sheets, both solid colors and prints. Some are even suitable for framing. If there is a certain color of oil, acrylic, or watercolors you are looking for, Blick will have it. It is a great place to shop or browse, and when your done you can have lunch at one of the many restuarants in Little Italy.

Blick's on India Street in Little Italy has pretty much everything an artist would need. For commercial and fine artists alike, to designers to architects, the store has a vast list of supplies.
As a painter they have virtually everything I've ever needed or wanted - from Windsor & Newton Series 7 brushes to vermillion guoaches, permalba to portfolios. It's the only place in San Diego I know that carried the Schaedler Precision Rule set designed by Taro Yamashita. That's where I purchased mine years ago, but sorry, I didn't notice if they still carried it.. . I wouldn't be surprised if they do.
If I needed spray mount, poster board etc., for my kids' school projects, I'd just come here first because I know it would be one-stop shopping. And sometimes we'd run into that peculiar little something that other places probably wouldn't carry to make their projects all the more special.
The store is very bright and well laid out, everything is organized for similar needs, and the service is very helpful.
I would suggest to go when they have a sale, and stock up on supplies. That's the one good thing about art supplies, they really don't go bad on you... oil paints, linseed oils, turpentines, brushes, etc.

<b> Overall:</b> I went into Blicks Art for the first time several months ago. This place was recommended by a friend of mine. I was interested in finding some craft items for my daughter. It's a very nice store with everything you could possibly want in. It can actually be a bit intimidating if your not an artist (which I'm not ). However, the staff is friendly, helpful and there to assist with any questions you may have. The layout is very well organized so it's easy to find what you're looking for, if you know what that is. They have a small upstairs that was more dedicated to kids, which is were I spent most of my time. There is also a good selection of books if you're interesting in starting out or want to learn more. For more info or pictures you can visist: http://www.dickblick.com/stores/california/sandiego/. <br /><br /><b>Value:</b> Art materials are generally pretty expensive, but it looked liked the prices were good.<br /><br /><b>Service:</b> Friendly and helpful staff.<br /><br /><b>Quality:</b> Good quality. I actually felt like an artist leaving the store with all my kids material.<br />