As an antique collector and art expert with over two decades of experience, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of art supplies and materials. From vintage paintbrushes to modern canvases, I‘ve seen it all. So when it comes to evaluating an art supplier like Dick Blick, I bring a unique perspective to the table. In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my expert insights on what makes Dick Blick stand out in the world of art supplies, as well as some areas where they could improve.
A Century of Serving Artists
One of the things that immediately stands out about Dick Blick is their long and storied history. Founded in 1911 by Richard Blick and his wife Grace, the company started as a small mail-order business selling lettering pens. Over the decades, they gradually expanded their product offerings and grew into a major player in the art supply industry.
In the early days, Dick Blick served as a go-to supplier for sign painters and lettering artists. As the company grew, they began catering to a wider range of artistic needs. By the 1960s and 70s, Blick was a key supplier for the explosion of pop art and abstract expressionism, providing materials for artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
Today, Dick Blick is the largest provider of art supplies in the United States, with over 65 retail stores and a thriving online business. They‘ve come a long way from their humble beginnings, but their commitment to serving artists has remained constant over the years.
An Awe-Inspiring Product Selection
One of Dick Blick‘s greatest strengths is the sheer breadth and depth of their product catalog. With over 90,000 items available, they offer an astounding array of art supplies and materials. As a collector, I‘m particularly impressed by some of the more unique and specialized products they carry.
For example, Blick offers a wide selection of high-end printmaking supplies, including hard-to-find items like Japanese woodblocks and copper etching plates. They also have an extensive collection of bookbinding materials, from traditional leather and linen to modern book cloth and decorative papers.
In the realm of painting, Blick carries a range of professional-grade oils, acrylics, and watercolors from top brands like Gamblin, Golden, and Winsor & Newton. They also offer their own Blick Studio line of paints, which are more affordable but still offer excellent quality.
For drawing and illustration, Blick has an impressive selection of pencils, pens, markers, and pastels from beloved brands like Prismacolor, Copic, and Faber-Castell. They even carry specialized supplies like carbon paper and transfer paper for artists who work in traditional animation and comics.
The Art of the Antique
As an antique collector, I‘m always on the lookout for vintage art supplies and materials. While Dick Blick primarily deals in new products, they do offer a few items that appeal to collectors like myself.
One example is their selection of natural pigments and raw materials. Blick carries a range of historical pigments like lapis lazuli, malachite, and vermilion, which have been used by artists for centuries. They also offer raw materials like rabbit skin glue and marble dust, which can be used to make traditional gesso panels and grounds.
Another area where Blick nods to the past is in their selection of brushes. While they carry plenty of modern synthetic brushes, they also offer natural bristle brushes made from hog hair, sable, and other traditional materials. These brushes can be a favorite among artists who prefer a more classic feel.
Of course, the vast majority of Blick‘s products are contemporary, and that‘s okay. As a collector, I appreciate that they offer a few specialty items that speak to the history and tradition of art-making. It‘s a nice touch that sets them apart from some other large retailers.
By the Numbers
To give you a sense of just how big Dick Blick is, let‘s take a look at some key statistics:
- 65+ retail stores across the United States
- 90,000+ products available online and in-store
- 1,500+ employees
- $330 million in annual revenue (as of 2019)
- 2.5 million customers served annually
These numbers paint a picture of a company with significant size and reach. Dick Blick is a major player in the art supplies industry, and their influence can be felt across the country.
The Online Experience
In recent years, Dick Blick has made significant investments in their online shopping experience. Their website is clean, user-friendly, and easy to navigate, with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to filter products by various criteria, such as brand, price, color, and more. This makes it easy to find exactly what you‘re looking for, even when browsing a category with thousands of items.
Blick also offers free shipping on orders over $35, which is a nice perk. They have a loyalty program called "Blick Preferred," which gives members access to exclusive discounts, free gifts, and other benefits.
However, as a collector, I do miss the tactile experience of browsing art supplies in person. There‘s something special about being able to see and touch materials before making a purchase. While Blick‘s online experience is great, it can‘t quite replicate the magic of wandering through a well-stocked art store.
Expert Opinions
To get some additional perspective on Dick Blick, I reached out to a few other experts in the art world. Here‘s what they had to say:
"As a professional illustrator, I‘ve been shopping at Blick for years. They have an unbeatable selection, and their prices are very competitive. I also appreciate that they support local artists and offer workshops and classes in their stores." – Sarah, freelance illustrator
"I‘ve had mixed experiences with Blick‘s customer service. Sometimes they‘re great, but other times I‘ve had issues with orders being delayed or products arriving damaged. That said, they do usually make things right in the end." – Michael, art professor
"For serious painters, Blick is a go-to source for high-quality supplies. Their Gamblin and Williamsburg oil paints are some of the best on the market, and they offer a wide range of surfaces and mediums to work with." – Lisa, fine artist
These quotes highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses of Dick Blick. While they are known for their selection and quality, their customer service can be hit-or-miss at times.
The Competition
Of course, Dick Blick isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to art supplies. Some of their main competitors include:
- Jerry‘s Artarama
- Michaels
- Utrecht Art Supplies (owned by Blick)
- Amazon
Compared to these other retailers, Blick stands out for their specialized focus on art supplies. While places like Michaels and Amazon sell art supplies alongside many other categories, Blick is all about art. This allows them to offer a deeper selection and more expert guidance.
However, Blick‘s prices aren‘t always the lowest. Retailers like Jerry‘s Artarama and Utrecht often run sales and promotions that can undercut Blick‘s prices. And of course, Amazon is known for their competitive pricing and fast shipping.
The Bottom Line
So, is Dick Blick the right choice for your art supply needs? As with most things, it depends on your specific situation and preferences.
If you‘re a professional artist or serious hobbyist who demands the best quality and selection, Blick is hard to beat. Their vast product catalog and specialized focus on art make them a top choice for many working artists.
However, if you‘re a more casual artist or crafter who prioritizes affordability over selection, you may find better deals at other retailers. And if you prefer the convenience of Amazon‘s fast shipping and easy returns, Blick may not be the best fit.
As a collector, I appreciate Blick for their commitment to tradition and their occasional offerings of historic materials. But for the most part, my purchases from them are more practical than collectible.
At the end of the day, Dick Blick is a solid choice for most artists‘ needs. They have a long history, an impressive selection, and a clear passion for art. While they‘re not perfect, they are a reliable and trustworthy source for quality art supplies. And in the ever-evolving world of art retail, that counts for a lot.
