In an age of ever-larger art superstores, Top's Art Supplies still has human scale. The compact Koreatown store features the finest hand-picked, imported supplies — brushes and scissors from Japan, paper from India — along with neatly arranged collections of sketchpads, colored pencils, painting supplies and markers. Family-owned and operated since 1987, the store is a favorite with design students and proudly carries one of the finest collections of sewing notions anywhere, while a back room is dedicated entirely to supplies for children's science projects. Top's paint is always on 25 percent discount, while canvas is at 60 to 70 percent off — not to mention the twice-annual “back-to-school” sales. Equally impressive? The warm and attentive customer service, which Top's proprietors have down to an … art. —Adam Gropman

3447 W. Eighth St., Koreatown, 90005. (213) 382-8229, topsartsupplies.com.

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