Recommends

alienchow

Joined 3 years ago

Great store, but stay away from the framing dept.. I've been going to Sam Flax for about 20 years now. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but if you need something right now, they usually have it. Staff is generally friendly and knowledgeable, with one exception...

Stay the hell away from the framing department, It is not run by Sam Flax. The space is rented by a total jerk who has pretentious slackers working for him.

They refused to cut mats on sale in Sam Flax. WTF? He says his mats are hand cut. Total BS. They are cut on an automatic, computer controlled machine. Offered a dollar a cut for 20 mats - $120.00 for about 15 min of work. He still said no, I had to buy the mats from him, at his ridiculous markup. When I mentioned he wouldn't cut Sam Flax mats at checkout, the cashier said, "Do I have to talk to him ...AGAIN?"

Bought 20 sheets of matboard, which will give me 40 mats, and a nice cutter for half of what he wanted for 20.

Seriously?

Recommends

Mark Anthony Green

Joined 3 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. Located on a busy section of Northside Drive, Sam Flax is one of the premiere locations to stock up on all the best ascetic producing materials. Canvases, exotic paints, a framing station, books ranging from historical art to funky design all make a simple walk through the store inspirational. Beginners and established artists both can lean on the reputable advice of the Sam Flax staff, who aren't shy about lending their expertise. Not just for budding creative personalities, they also have an underrated gift selection. From custom stationary to hilarious greeting cards, Sam Flax is a solid go-to place to pick up the unconventional gifts for the unconventional friend. However, all this comes at a price: dollar for dollar, it's more expensive than other artist-driven stores in the city.

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Ryan Sims

Joined 4 years ago

One of the city’s best art stores comes with a price.. In Short
Located on the very busy Northside Drive, Sam Flax is Atlanta’s suburban behemoth art supply store, housing thousands of products for pretty much any creative project. The aisles are stalked by several knowledgeable employees prepped to help the uninitiated. For those just discovering their inner Van Gogh, be sure you explain that you need to start from the ground up and they will help you pick out exactly what you need, from the brainstorming and design of your project (a stocked Moleskine selection) to the execution of your masterpiece (tons of canvases, paints, decoupage materials). Be forewarned though, the prices are a bit steep in comparison to other in-town joints, to make the most of your budget you might have to run to more than one place.

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CbgetwnGrl

Joined 5 years ago

Horrible prices, but wide selection.. You can practically get anything here and with a much wider selection than most of the art supply stores around atlanta (with an exception to Binders which is further north). However, they do carry a few things no others carry which makes it convenient knowing you wont have to go from store to store looking for something else. But I must warn- PRICES ARE DEFINITELY MORE EXPENSIVE. Also, this art supply store closes earlier than Utrecht and Binders so it is someone inconvenient in that aspect, especially if you have school and don't get out early enough. Nice paper selection.

Recommends

ibkc

Joined 5 years ago

Not for lovers of traditional painting supplies. The painting department is run by a crazy old woman who hates traditional art materials and who will chase you around beating you over the head with Gamblin propaganda if you attempt to purchase something that she disapproves of, like turpentine. That is a shame because this store is generally well stocked and well staffed, and it's also the easiest to get to of any of the Atlanta art stores. But since I do not like to be treated like a criminal when I buy turpentine or flake white, I go to the stores who will ring me up without harrassment. Blick in Roswell is good, as is Pearl and Binders in Buckhead.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review by Elisabeth Bergman. Picture frames, scrapbooking paper, desk chairs, and paint brushes--they're all sold at this West Midtown store known for its huge selection and knowledgeable employees.

Recommends

alan_62

Joined 6 years ago

Good Selection - Rude Cashiers. My wife and I are artists and we love the broad selection of supplies that are available to us at SF. Most of the 'floor employees' are very knowledgable and helpful, but the cashier staff and some management seem to care less and can be very rude. It is really a day and night difference between the quality of the 'art' staff and the 'clerical' staff. Why can't the store hire all nice and knowledgeable employees for all positions?

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atlagz

Joined 6 years ago

Wonderful Customer Service. I used Sam Flax's Custom Framing department and they were Excellent! The customer service was superb, the staff was very knowledgable, and the quality of the work is first class. I will definitely be going back there for any future framing needs. I highly recomment them.

Doesn't Recommend

skart

Joined 7 years ago

Rude service by employee. I went to Sam Flax to get some poster frames for a volunteer association project. I had a helpful associate get me the easels I was looking for and a friendly check out person as well. I asked for permission to put the poster sized photos in the frames inside the store because it was 91 degrees outside and needed to get it done and take it straight to the drop off location. I was told it would not be a problem. Halfway through, a rude female employee came and told me that I could not assemble my posters there. She emphatically said the store doesn't allow it and asked me to move. I don't think I've ever been more embarassed at how she treated me. I won't be going back.

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sir911

Joined 11 years ago

Great Find. This store has everything from picture frames to purses to pens of every color. Its location is great becuase I have not been able to find similar stores with such large inventories in the midtown area!