FLAX art & design – San Mateo

I’m taking a watercolor class in San Mateo and had the choice of ordering a list of supplies on Amazon – my go-​to source for just about everything – or purchasing them the old-​school way by going to a store and hand-​picking my supplies. I decided to make it an adventure and drove to Flax.
From the moment I entered the store I was treated with incredible professionalism and not once did I feel like I was a «newbie» artist. I left with a bag full of quality art supplies and several informative lessons on different styles and products. I learned a lot in the time spent in the store. I wish I could remember the name of the gentleman who helped me — he was wonderful!
As I student I received a 10% discount, in addition to a free sketch book for spending over $ 30. I’ve been back once since and will purchase my acrylics when I start that class.
I don’t know if Flax has the best prices in town, but I can assure you that the quality of products and HIGH-​value personal attention make it all worth it!

Love this store, and as others have said, the staff are excellent (a trifecta of friendly, patient, and knowledgeable). Product selection is very impressive, too. Can’t wait to go back!

This is the best store with the best people! I look forward to going and it always seems like a pleasant visit with a couple of art instructors. They are so casual and knowledgeable about all things art related. I’m new to the area and they have been enormously helpful with providing suggestions and products to help in getting my home workspace set up and also providing information about local classes, instructors, etc. They welcome my dog and that is a big help. Can’t say enough good about Flax San Mateo. Shop there everyone! It is a good place with good people. What more can you ask for?

Very nice store. I think Ron helped me check out today. They give student discounts! I’ll go visit more! They have very nice color pencils! Highly recommended!

The staff is very friendly, super helpful, and despite the small size of the store, I always find what I want. Today it was 30 charcoal pencils for my students to use for a project tomorrow. Shopping at Flax is so much better for the artful soul than Michael’s!

This place is awesome it has everything you would need. Even gave me a student discount even though everything is cheaper than most other places.

Opened about a year ago in a small little area that is literally right next to a FedEx store. The parking can be a little problematic however, Flax has its own designated parking spots. Make that 3 special spaces just for you! There is one parking spot for the handicapped that is shared between FedEx and Flax.
It’s also across the street from JP Morgan Chase. This makes it very convenient to withdraw funds from the ATM machine when the supplies you are buying comes out to be a little more than what you expected. ;)
The huge front windows fills the room with sunlight and the door to the backyard helps the musty old air circulate out in the back. There can be a total of two or three people working there at a certain time. Customer service is great since there’s little traffic in and out of the store.
When browsing in and around the store, you are in a state of relaxation. Not because it’s so quiet in there but the fact that the staff is readily available for you just around the corner if you have any questions regarding anything art related. Music should amp up the customers’ motivation to purchase something on the fly. Hopefully.
I’m not sure if I was excited with all the art supplies and/​or breathing in the fumes from the turpentine but I could literally hear myself breathe in there. I remembered that I needed to sneeze but the girl who works there keeps the place dust free with her dust wand. So that’s great. Thanks.
I gave them a 3 starred review because this Flax location is A-​OK.

The staff here is so knowledgeable and helpful.
They have helped me many times with special orders and supply recommendations.
Thank you!
Melissa

wonderful art supply store, now in our backyard! really nice staff, too. How did I not notice this place earlier? especially since I’ve made the drive all the way to San Francisco in the past. also, great covered patio out back.

Found out this store was located in San Mateo, so gathered up the family and off we went. Was great to arrive and see a familiar face from the SF store running the place.
The store is an ideal stop and shop for the professional artist as well as dedicated hobbyist. Their selection is well curated by Ron so there are great supplies for illustrators, and those that want to draw/​ink comics/​manga. Painters both studio and plein air would be very happy here. Not much of a printmaker, but they had supplies for that as well. Just a ton of relevant items even though the store has a smaller footprint than SF.
The sweet spot for me (during my first trip there) was the great selection of markers, oil paints and inking pens. There are dozens of things I spied, which will eventually make it to my studio desk.
Hope the 5 stars indicates how happy I am this store is on the peninsula. Looks like they’re doing it right. Bravo!

I was going on a beach getaway for Memorial Day weekend and decided there is no time like the present to get back to my creative roots and paint. I haven’t painted in 6 years, since I was pregnant with my youngest who is now 5.
I searched for art stores and found Flax. What a treasure! The supplies here are diverse and high quality. Bill took the time to help me find items to get me back into painting. I have a great starter set up now that will last for a long time. I never felt rushed and he paid attention to my needs to reintroduce me to the art world. I got to the beach and after a nice walk by the ocean, I was inspired to begin a sea cliff at sunset scene. I wonder how this will turn out? :)

Fantastic shop with excellent customer service! I went in there to shop for myself but ended up buying presents for other people just because their selection was so diverse. If you visit, check out their selection of Leuchtturm sketchbooks. Better than Moleskine IMO.

A great smaller location of their original store. Essentials are here and if you check in and purchase $ 20 — you’ll receive a free sketch book too.
Parking was available in the front and side streets. Store was clean and Staff was friendly and helpful. Picked up some sketching supplies and prices were comparable to online site’s. However, it is always great to try out the pens and pencils you want to buy before purchasing to see if you like the feel and quality.
Overall, a great place to stop by for supplies!

Great store with a welcoming and small town feel :). The store is full of smiles and the best customer service you could ask for. I stop in from time to time and always walk out satisfied.
If there’s a product I need, it can usually be ordered because that’s how awesomesauce they are! Forget about those big time places. As long as this Flax is here, this is where I’ll shop :)

How did I get so lucky to have this store move in down the street? Or maybe unlucky since everytime I come out of there, I leave with a list of all the things I want to get next time. Wonderful quality art supplies at very reasonable prices and the service is phenomenal. This would be a great place to find a gift.

I love this store ! I’m either here, home or at work at any given time… lol. This is an art store run by artist’s…for artist’s. Ron, Aldis, Bill and Azalea are a great team, always looking for ways to fit more products and always available to help their customers!
Their pricing is not only comparable to the «others» …but in many cases cheaper, and you can leave this place feeling like a valued customer, like you’ve created a new friendship… and best of all… you’re supporting local commerce!
This place is the real deal !

I was so excited that flax opened up that was closer than SF (or SoCal where that last flax I went to was). I stopped by this past weekend on MLK with my daughter. The store is not huge, but they have a solid amount of good, quality art and craft supplies. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the manager even let my daughter play with a spirograph and watercolor pencil set to keep her entertained.
Pricing wise, they are fair and aren’t marked up like you would typically see at a smaller specialty art supply place. All you artists know that art gear isn’t cheap, and, it’s really difficult finding a place like this without having to take a drive.
Store is clean and well laid out, and most of the special items can be found behind the counter.
Will be coming here more often since I would rather cross the bridge than head to Oakland or Berkeley. I really hope that these guys do well here.

I was so excited to see Flax open a store in the San Mateo area. I am an artist/​illustrator always looking to find professional grade art supplies within the vicinity where I live. I could not resist stopping by after work to check out the store and am so glad I did. It’s a smaller store than the one in SF but well stocked and organized – from student grade to professional grade arts and specialty crafts supplies.
The staff were very helpful, patient and knowledgeable – in particular Mr. William Dunn, an artist/​teacher himself. I was shopping for watercolor paper, Mr. Dunn took the time to show and explain all the different grades of watercolor paper and watercolor paints. I fell in love with the Sennelier watercolor paints – produced in France, professional grade. Not too many art stores carry it – a bit costly but well worth it.
So if you happen to be in the San Mateo neighborhood near Hillsdale and are looking for high quality art supplies – visit Flax. If Mr. Dunn is there, it’s you’re lucky day! My visit was so enjoyable – of course, I will be back!

I LOVE the store in SF! when I saw this location pop up in San Mateo of all places I was skeptical. How could they fit everything that makes Flax SF SO AMAZING into such a little space? They truly succeeded! No, it’s not the SAME as the SF locale, but it will serve as a wonderful alternative to an artist’s shopping list… An alternative to Michaels (that’s a huge gift in itself– thank you).
I just visited for the first time with my 6 yr old daughter & the staff not only was friendly & available, but went out of their way to engage with my budding artist. On that personal note– they get 5 stars!
Beyond that… They have a wonderful representation of all the high quality goods they’re known for, the prices are fair, great customer service, good location… Wish there was more parking, but that’s ok.
GO TO FLAX SM… You’ll love it!

I might as well just hand over my paycheck now, because it’s that, or ban myself from the store.
FLAX offers a wonderful selection of beautiful art supplies for painting, book-​making, print-​making, sketching, and more. Products are offered in a full complement of colors and brands, so you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.
Store staff is knowledgeable, very nice, and tuned in to what interests folks in the neighborhood.