Artist & Craftsman Supply San Diego

Category:	Art Supply Store
Address:	3804 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Phone:	+1 619-688-1911
Site:	artistcraftsman.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 11AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Jeanine Harris

Im so glad to find out that the art supply store I had found (and then thought I lost) did NOT go out of business.. They just relocated. I remember them being on an obscure corner off of San Diego ave. in Old Town and then one day they were gone. Well, my latest creative endeavour required googling art supply store near me" and voila , I was reunited with "artist and craftsman" and it feels so good. I feel kinda silly that I never noticed them at their new location. Sorry guys! Well since this is a review maybe I should get on with that...1. They have PARKING! Thats major for being in the hub of hillcrest. Parking is behind the store /west , front entrance door faces fourth ave/east. 2.Their store looks to be bigger than it used to be and is full of a multitude of things but not jam packed in a claustrophobia inducing manner and seems to be intuitively laid out and organized by project type. 3. A BIG 5star+ for their displays re: price - I noticed that they had tags stating "list price" /"our price" for many of the items I was shopping for. Feels nice to know Im supporting local business AND not paying full retail price (other reviews mentioned a student discount , if that applies to you then by all means ask!). And I saved my biggest rave review for last but only because I wanted to end on the highest note possible - the vibe in this place is so awesome and so mellow- maybe you simply want to find a pencil sharpener (they have a Swingline Eager Beaver one... Yeah, its a figurine of a beaver that sharpens your pencil= har har!) or maybe you need a paper mache mold of a bear and some glitter paint to jazz it up, or possibly something more refined like an artists easel, canvas, and oil paints... regardless of what you are shopping for the staff will help you enthusiastically whether you appear be willing to spend $5 or $500. No arty farty snobbishness. That registers the highest of high marks for me. For the staff of artist and craftsman = Overdue thank you - when you were at your previous location Your staff helped me with a project of making plaques using antique paper scenes placed on a wood background and your help came in the form of mod podge and sponge brushes. I was so worried about ruining my expensive and irreplaceable antique paper pieces but I decided to trust you and you were right. Thanks My current thank you based on my visit today- ugh, epic reviewer fail = I dont remember the name of the young lady who assisted me today with colored pencils, but she was very helpful. She suggested I look at and test two brands of pencils as a back up to my prismacolors, and I have discovered that I am happily impressed with the koh I noor polycolors from hardtmuth . I will come back to artist and craftsman to buy the single stock to flush out all of their colors. Many thanks, past and present .

Joy Boe

This is your one-stop shop for all things crafty. As an artist I am always looking for good deals on materials, and this place has it all. Weather your medium is paper, pen, paint, clay, yarn, you will find what you need, and more. Everything is neatly organized and easy to find. Employees are approachable and willing to help. There is also a large selection of fun items like retro kids toys, masks, book marks, post cards, gem stones and socks. Its a great place to find little unique gifts for the crafty people in your life while you stock up on what you need. In Hillcrest it is also a rarity to find a shop with parking, so another incentive to visiting this place is the free lot located directly behind the shop in the alley.

Nana B.

Love this little place in Hillcrest! The staff are all artsy people themselves. I come here on almost a weekly basis, whether or not I actually need anything. For such a small store, they have an incredible stock of fine art supplies, from brushes to drafting tables. Their selection of canvases and papers is downright phenomenal. Crafting supplies are more limited, but there is a decent selection, including DIY kits, small novelty gifts, and childrens art supplies. Theres also a small hobby section. Prices are among the best Ive seen, and every two months, a different selection of brands and categories goes on sale!

Stephanie Hardman

If I had kids Id come here to load up on stocking stuffers. Quirky, fun stuff.. I saw a magnet that said "Ill have a cafe mocha vodka marijuana latte to go, please" and laughed my arse off. Even if you dont have a need for paper and color-making devices, this place is fun to check out for cards and random gifts for quirky people. And they have a good selection that includes my favorite: Rhodia paper! Bonus: Totally helpful staff that will help you find what you need! Thanks!!

Mina V.

Its one of the few art stores in San Diego as there really arent many other options besides Blick and the usual Michaels/Joanns/Hobby Lobby. It has a very cozy vibe. They have a really neat selection of art supplies and crafts. Theres also a small section towards the entrance with art supplies for the kids. The cashier at the counter was a nice man, before ringing me up he was answering this guys questions about mechanical pencils. Great store.

elaynah rogers

very wide variety....esp on brushes, diff. paints. what I ESP LIKE is that the staff lets u brouse at your own pace + doesnt follow u around + keep asking if they can help. That I would find annoying...+ I would lose my focus on what I was looking for. So, I am not hassled there + can look at leisure....+ while doing, come up w even more ideas of what I want to paint, or make. I enjoy going in there!

Danielle Grondin

I am not an artist, but this place has an amazing selection of fun gifts that anyone would enjoy. My boyfriend loved the socks with beer mugs all over them that I got for him and I loved browsing the aisles. Plus, the owner is very generous - he donated a gift card to the nonprofit that I work for to buy art supplies for low-income after school students.

Kaylee Drexel

I came in with a lengthy list of supplies needed for my architecture courses, and I didnt even know where to start. A sales associate helped me find every item on the list, and knew exactly where the items were. By far the best customer service I have ever experienced. All around awesome sales associates, products, and customer service. 100% recommend

Will Reid

Addison is the man! I had no idea what I needed, I am new to painting, but I was able to tell him what I wanted to create and he set me up. The store is amazing, almost like the tardis, bigger on the inside. I was more than impressed with how many things they have. Everything from novelty items, toys, and everything art. love this place

Peggie Tygart

I love Artist & Craftsman Supply San Diego, they always have the supplies I need in a pinch. A little small, but what can you expect, theyre CA. My favorite part about the shop is the staff and the owner, they all smiled and introduced themselves to me when we first met, now one year later Im a loyal customer.Great work guys.

Dave Stephens

All the pens my heart desires, Fuel to light artistic fires, Widgets and whatnots all craftily placed, Gadgets and glitter all over the place, Brushes and canvas and easels and such, Plentiful, pleasing and wont cost too much! Tons of bright paper, piled high in a column- Know what you want? Ill bet that theyve got em!