1:30
Can You Make Your Own Fluid Acrylic Paint?
Ever wondered if you can make your own fluid acrylic paints? The answer is yes… and no. 🤔 Just adding water to thick paint won’t cut it! 🚫 Professional fluid acrylics pack intense color and perfect consistency thanks to a precise manufacturing process. While DIY methods exist, they often lack longevity, dispersion, and smooth flow. Want to experiment? Try mixing pigment with acrylic medium or using pigmented inks for a quick fix. But for pours, marbling, and serious artwork, pro-grade paints still reign supreme. ✨ Have you made your own fluid acrylics? Tell us about it in the comments! 👩🎨 Presentation by Mazi from our Merchandising Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artists Michaela Pfahl, and Makayla Binter, whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois.
1:19
Are You Storing Your Artwork the RIGHT Way?
📦 How do you store your artwork? Whether it’s canvas, paper, or prints, proper storage keeps your pieces safe, clean, and lasting for years. 🖼️ Tips for artists: ✔️ Store wet canvases upright and tilted forward for air circulation. ✔️ Avoid stacking dry paintings face-to-face. ✔️ Use glassine paper for prints to prevent smudging. ✔️ Flat files are the gold standard for paper storage. ✔️ Roll unstretched canvases image side out for protection. Art is meant to be enjoyed, not damaged. Tag a fellow artist who needs these tips! 👇 👩🎨 Presentation by Morgan from our Merchandising Team 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois. #artstorage #storingart #smallstudiotips #arttips #painting
1:30
Fat Over Lean in Oil Painting: What It Means
Ever heard of fat over lean? 🎨 This oil painting principle ensures that each layer of paint dries properly over time. The first layers should have less oil, while each new layer gets fatter—or more oil-rich. But it’s not just about adding oil! Different pigments naturally contain more or less oil, making some colors “fat” and others “lean.” Understanding this helps prevent cracking and ensures a stable painting surface. 👨🎨 Presentation by Todd from our Outreach Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artist Frank Ordaz whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois
1:25
Cotton Vs. Linen: Which Canvas is Best for Your Next Masterpiece?
Whether you’re painting bold abstracts or refined portraits, the right canvas can make all the difference! 🖌️ Cotton Canvas: • Versatile & practical for most projects • Ideal for large-scale works with its strong, textured surface • Great for breaking up brushstrokes for an energetic surface ✨ Linen Canvas: • The ultimate in luxury, perfect for formal portraiture • Smooth, lustrous finish with unmatched strength • An eco-friendly choice for the sustainable studio Which one will you choose for your next creation? Share your thoughts below! 🌟 👩🎨 Presentation by Bri from our SEO Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artists Emily Newman, Frank Ordaz, Lauren Pretorius, Will Hawk, and Christina Kent, whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois.
1:25
Choosing the Right Clay for Your Project
Not all clay is created equal! 🏺 Whether you’re hand-building, wheel throwing, or sculpting, picking the right clay makes all the difference. ✨ Hand-building? Go for earthenware or stoneware—they hold their shape and resist cracking. ✨ Wheel throwing? Stoneware is beginner-friendly, while porcelain offers a refined, translucent finish (but it requires skill due to its lower plasticity). ✨ Sculpting? Grog-infused stoneware adds strength, while porcelain captures delicate details.
1:31
Ballpoint vs. Rollerball Pens: What’s the Difference?
Ballpoint or rollerball—what’s your go-to? ✍️ The secret is in the ink! Ballpoints use a thick, fast-drying paste ink that won’t smudge or leak. Rollerballs, on the other hand, flow with liquid or gel ink for smoother lines but need a cap to stay fresh. From Biro’s 1938 invention to the game-changing Gelly Roll in the ‘80s, ink technology has shaped how we write. #penhistory #stationeryaddict #ballpointpen #rollerballpen #inkinnovation 👨🎨 Presentation by Bri from our SEO Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artists Karina McMillan and Danny Gregory whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois
Inner Space Books
Carousel book binding is a mix of the accordion book and a pop-up book. It may look like any other book from the outside, but there is more to discover when it is open. The pages fan out like a star when viewed from above, forming four distinct distinct panoramic scenes. Each page spread is like a miniature stage set, and all four sections come together to tell a larger story.
1:30
Canvas Weight Explained
Choosing the right canvas? Don’t stop at size! 📏 The weight of your canvas helps determine how large your painting can be, and how thick and substantial you can make the paint. 🔹 Lightweight (7-8 oz) → Best for thin paint layers 🔹 Medium (10 oz) → A versatile choice for most paintings 🔹 Heavy (12+ oz) → Great for thick paint & large works Next time you pick a canvas, check the weight—your art will thank you! 🎨 👨🎨 Presentation by Todd from our Outreach Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artists Lauren Pretorius, Christina Kent, Shiri Phillips, Emily Newman, Claire Buckley and Julie Tarsha whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois
1:17
Why Stretch Watercolor Paper?
Why is it sometimes recommended to stretch your watercolor paper before painting? 🎨 Stretching prevents buckling and warping caused by water absorption, keeping your painting surface flat and smooth. Learn when to use tape, soaking techniques, and pre-wetting for the perfect watercolor painting experience. 🖌️ #WatercolorTips #StretchingPaper #WatercolorPaper
1:29
Create a Moody Palette
Want to create mood with color? Think of it like using minor chords in music — subtle, emotional, and deeply expressive. Godfried Schalcken built mystery with earth pigments and candlelight. Gwen John layered muted tones for soft harmony. Edward Hopper staged loneliness with value and temperature contrast. The key isn’t rare pigments — it’s how you use what’s already on your palette. Try deep, muted secondaries like eggplant, myrtle green, or dark terra cotta. Cluster similar tones, and reserve contrast for focal points. Intense color surrounded by dark neutrals? That’s where the mystery begins. 👨🎨 Presentation by Morgan from our Merchandising Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artist Christina Kent Art whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois
1:26
How to Store Bulk Paint
Bulk paint lasts longer with the right storage. Unopened containers are fine on the shelf, but once opened, transfer paint into tubes or jars. Be sure to keep tools clean, don’t dip into bulk paint, and repurpose empty containers for rinsing or rag storage. 👨🎨 Presentation by Mazi from our Merchandising Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artist Elina Dmitruk Prettyman whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois
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