Artist & Craftsman Supply Madison — Attraction in Madison

5⭐️ This is my favorite shop, not just because of the amazing artwork gracing the shops walls with local brilliant artists but the cool and swanky vibes that the shop exudes. The people who work there really know their stuff and give really good first-hand ideas on how to use the mediums they sell. You can tell that they are beautiful artists themselves and they have great customer service. Last year, I had a knee injury and I had to pull out my bedazzled cane along side of me and I couldn't get down those, or what it seemed like at the time, " the neverending stairs ". The store clerk let me know of the side door elevator that I didn't know existed and I was able to tour another part of this cool bizarre Arty Palace and became the best of friends with the store clerk and had the best customer experience. Those good vibes continued and transcribed onto my art piece. I am so reluctant to share how wonderful this place has been to me because I don't want anyone or thing to funk this vibe up, but it's too amazing and selfish to not let people know how great this underground wonderland is. I love everything about...

Let me say first, I like to support local stores and am definitely used to them doing small markups from big brand stores. I have no problem with the usual 10-25% or so that happens. However, I got some colored pencils today and later at another store saw them for WAY less. I paid $35 for a $20 set, an over 70% markup. The $6 pencils I got were $3, so a 100% markup. A quick google showed that everywhere else priced them around the cheaper price too (regular, not on sale). The coloring book and sharpeners I got were priced totally fine (normal ~10% markup) but I’m still appalled to be gouged so much on the pencils. If I’d gotten a receipt, I’d be returning them for sure (my bad). Check the prices...

I decided to stop by after work to pick up some art supplies. I wanted to do something crafty like I used to as a kid - even though I'm not very knowledgeable or skilled about anything artsy. I arrived excited and left on the verge of tears. My admittedly simplistic questions (again, I know very little) were met with snide remarks and a bad attitude - as if I were a complete idiot. I can't remember the last time I felt so belittled by another person. Needless to say I didn't buy anything, and won't be back anytime soon. Maybe if you're a regular in the art world this is the place for you, but if you're a beginner with questions...