Introduction
The right tools make all the difference when creating something. Cue Blick Art, the leading art supply retailer also widely known by its parent brand Blick, which has built a reputation as a go-to for everything from professional artists to hobbyists, students and educators. With an extensive selection of quality materials, the best prices and a passion for nurturing creativity, Blick Art is more than a store; it’s a creativity incubator. In this article, we’ll look at how Blick Art got started, what makes it unique, its product offerings, the academic support it provides, and why it’s the industry reference for everything art.
What is Blick Art?
Blick Art Materials, more commonly known as just Blick, is one of the oldest and most well-known art supply companies in the United States. Founded in 1911 by Dick Blick, the company started the business selling pen nibs by mail order. Blick has grown over the decades into a one-stop supplier of everything from paints and brushes to easels and studio furniture.
As one of North America’s largest and oldest retailers of art supplies with more than 60 stores in 16 states and a fully stocked e-commerce platform, Blick Art operates under one roof to serve everyone from individual artists to large teacher & educational customers. This focus on affordability, quality and exceptional customer service remains central to the company.
A Wide Array of Products
Blick Art is a favorite among creatives for many reasons, but the sheer size of its inventory must be one of the largest. No matter your artistry medium, Blick has you covered. We outline below the categories you’ll see:
Painting Supplies
Blick carries a variety of acrylics, oils, watercolors, gouache and specialty paints. You can find popular brands including Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Golden and Blick’s in-house brand.
Drawing & Illustration
Duo-tip pens, pastel and drawing sticks, gel medium, erasers and graphite sticks are among the tools that pro illustrators, and graphic designers, use to get the job done）From charcoal to mechanical pencils to set colors, Blick has every tool you need for sketching and professional illustration. Some excellent brands are Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Copic.
Paper & Canvas
No matter if it’s mixed media or a paint type, you’re bound to find the perfect canvas, sketchpad or watercolor paper. Blick does custom canvases, as well.
Sculpture & Modeling
For 3D artists, Blick also supplies clays, modelling tools, armatures and so on. Suitable for both novice and advanced sculptors.
Craft Supplies
Blick’s selection of beads, glues, felts and craft kits delights DIY enthusiasts and crafters, making the site a one-stop shop for creative exploration.
Studio & Furniture
Blick is just as much about your creative space as it is about the materials that go in it, with products ranging from easels to taborets and lighting.
Black Brand Products: Good Quality and Affordable
Alongside its selection of best art brands, Blick Art also produces its own collection of art supplies. The Blick line is great for dependable quality at the more affordable level, bringing art within reach without sacrificing performance.
New York Times does list up Blick Studio Acrylics and Blick Premier Brushes — both brands that users at Artset.com consistently cite as affordable and still give reliable results. It is especially favored by beginners and art students.
Supporting Education and Artists
Blick’s dedication to the artistic community and education is another highlight of the storefront.
For Educators and Students
Blick offers art supplies and discounts for teachers and institutions. In the Blick Lesson Plans section, you can find free downloadable resources for various grade levels and art disciplines, including objectives and materials lists.
For Emerging Artists
Blick often teams up with artists and organizations to offer grants, contests and exhibitions. Their Artist’s Spotlight features creators in different mediums, exposing one another and inspiring others.
Experiencing Online and In-Store
Whether you shop at a local Blick Art store or online at DickBlick. com, and it truly is a seamless and efficient experience. Storefronts are meant for browsing, discovering and face-to-face help from art-savvy staff.
For its online store, the platform offers in-depth product descriptions, video demos, reviews, and filters to help you quickly identify the right supply. Many of these locations also offer curbside pickup and quick delivery, making art shopping easy and efficient.
Why Artists Choose Blick
There are many reasons why Blick is the go-to source for art professionals and enthusiasts alike:
- Unbeatable Selection: No other art dealer gives you the range that’s available from Blick.
- Trusted Brands + House Options: Both across top-tier brands down to their own, budget-friendly Blick products.
- These staff members are knowledgeable artists themselves, and provide authentic guidance.
- Deals and Loyalty Perks: Customers save with frequent sales, discounts and a loyalty program.
- Community Engagement: Blick further aids artists through programs, grants, and educational resources.
Blick’s Sustainability and Ethics
Blick Art has also been working towards sustainability. It’s still a small brand with massive implications for the planet, so they recognize their environmental footprint, whether it’s providing eco-friendly products or reducing packaging waste. A lot of their products are made in-house and their offerings like their mattresses are certified non-toxic and sustainable, which is insight in to their growing demand for greener products.
Shopping at Blick Art: Tips & Tricks
Here’s how to get the most out of your Blick experience if you’re new to it:
- Sign Up for Emails: Receive early notifications for promotions and new product launches.
- Make Use of Educator Discounts: Teachers often can sign up for discounts and bulk purchasing options.
- Watch For Gerbils Sale: These are good buys on higher-quality products being discontinued.
- Use New Materials Effectively: Watch Product Videos
- Social Media: Updated with contests, artist spotlights, tutorials, etc.
Final Thoughts
Blick Art has proven itself to be more than a retailer; it’s a pillar of the creative community. From an incredibly broad selection of products to robust educational support and community initiatives, Blick encompasses the essence of artistry in all its forms. Whether you’re a pro painter, a glass sculptor, or a crafts buff, here you’ll find the supplies and inspiration to make your imagination a reality.
Blick is still the name you can trust when you need reliable, affordable, quality art supplies