Monk Office & Art

Such helpful staff who really know the art materials and supplies they sell (and they're great at problem solving when you have a specific need and aren't sure what would work best). Have been shopping here for decades when it was Island Blue Print, and glad that the products and staff are just as good now.

First time shopping here. Thought the staff were very helpful and made for a great experience. Will definitely be back

Fantastic attention to detail. Worked closely with us to create a beautifully framed piece of art.

The recent name change seems to have been accompanied by throwing a history of customer service right out the window. This used to be a great place for artists to go but my wife who has been a loyal customer for 30 years was was just told she couldn't return a pen that didn't work at all because "she could have used it all up". It also smells musty since the reno. One less good art supply store for Victoria - sad.

5 Stars to Karly in the printing/copy department! I needed 200 greeting cards in a very short amount of time after another service fell through and she got them printed within 24 hours. I couldn't believe she finished so quickly. They look great!

I went to Monk Art & Office - corner of Fort and Quadra - for the first time in late March 2023 to use their printing services. It was a small print job, but I was pleased with their prompt and efficient services. While I was waiting for completion of my job, I had a good look at their art supplies. It is a small well-organized area, but brand choices are limited. A few weeks later, I phoned inquiring about graphite pencil sets and prices. The person who answered the phone gave me a quote for two sets. When I got there, a young lady showed me the location of the pencils straightaway and acknowledged she was the person I had spoken with on the phone. Much to my surprise, prices were higher than the amount she quoted. Either there was a mistake or prices were speedily inflated during the time elapsed since my phone call. To make matters worse, while I browsed, the young lady stayed behind me, looking over my shoulder, as if I might steal something the moment she took her eyes from me. Despite her suspicious manner, I purchased a pencil set, even though it is cheaper at Amazon, simply because I choose to support local businesses.

I was looking to get a few 8.5x11 prints made here but was immediately brushed off. Found it odd because what I needed wasn't even a rush job (I didn't need them until next month.) I had my files ready on USB which they refuse to look at and so I asked if I can just send the files through email which they essentially said "don't bother. "
Ok. At least they have a decent selection of art supplies.

Good selection, unfortunately both times I've been in the general feeling is that I'm bothering/interrupting the employees, especially last time with two staff chatting, looking at me, then continuing their talk at the til.it's not that difficult to say "someone can help you soon" if you're busy - I totally get it as someone with over a decade in soul killing front line customer service work - but this is the least you can do, and should be expected even more so if you're a manager.

Located on the quieter side of Fort Street in Downtown Victoria, Island Blue Art Store sells unique high quality stationary and rare art supplies at a very reasonable price.

RUDE STAFF AND TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I COULDN’T BELIEVE THAT’S HOW YOU TREAT CUSTOMER! I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY!