Rock Paper Scissors

Awesome little shop where almost everything is local! The staff (owner?) are extremely friendly, and helpful, while being understanding of things like «budget» and «being broke». Every inch of the shop has something interesting to look at, potentially buy, or at the very least appreciate. Great prices on great items from hardworking local craftsmen and women, couldn’t be happier to support these kinds of business.

Eclectic high quality selection, very conveniently located by Over the Rhine’s many cafes and shops, perfect for out of town visitors looking for authentic Cincinnati souvenirs and gifts while supporting its small businesses. Also there’s an adorable dog, Diego.

This is a lovely spot run by two lovely humans who are happy to help you find a gift, some new tunes, the right pen, or all of the above.

Rock Paper Scissors is an important resource in the Over the Rhine community. Dubbing themselves a ‘brick-​and-​mortar art supply and local music retail store that hosts workshops and programs events for the creative community in Cincinnati.’ Who knew they did all of this awesome stuff?
I have often wandered by and thought WOW they look like they are having so much fun in there! They have a variety of paintbrushes, paint, framed prints, journals, pencils, pastels — you name it, they probably have it.
For all of your artistic needs, check this place out! Oh, and on Final Fridays they usually throw a kick ass party with free beer, wine, and snacks to support local artists. High five guys!

Qualifier #1: I AM SUPER GOOD FRIENDS WITH THESE PEOPLE BUT NONETHELESS WILL TRY MY BEST TO GIVE AN OBJECTIVE REVIEW.
Qualifier #2: I don’t know shit about art or art supplies.
Qualifier #3: I tied one on the night before, and may or may not have been still a little drunk when I came in.
With That Being Said:
I came here on like the day before Christmas and got half of my shopping done for $ 90. To put that in perspective, the other half also cost just as much at the Great Satan. I ended up buying some kind-​of-​weird shit that my family may or may not have appreciated (my father, in particular, was pretty confused about the deer drawing I gave him), but I liked all of it, and by god they should have too. My grandmother made some strongly approving noises about her snowflake painting.
To be 100% fair, they don’t quite have as much in the art supply department as you might see at Big Chain Art Store in Clifton Heights, but how many types of colored pencil do you really need. Besides, I’ve heard that they’re turds up at P_​_​_​_​, and at RPS they’re the opposite of turds.
Regarding music: I have to admit that the (art supply + local music) store idea seemed arbitrary at first, and a little too feel-​goody for this confirmed skeptic. HOWEVER they have compiled and/​or curated a first-​rate collection of hometown jams, and basically the only one I’m aware of, excepting Shake-​It which is way out in the boonies. So if you’re tryna get that new Frankl shit and you don’t wanna drop three and a half ducats to sit on the 17 for half an hour each way, these dudes have you covered.
Basically RPS is an art and other stuff store in Cincinnati, OH where you can buy cool things and not feel bad about it.

Rock Paper Scissors is a beautiful store with a great selection of art supplies and local music plus a corner full of handmade shoes and bundles of hand-​crafted goods scattered about.
I visited on a Saturday afternoon and store co-​owner Lindsey took the time to talk to me about the store, the area and herself. We had a great conversation, and I left with a sampler CD of Cincinnati’s indie finest and a smile on my face.
I’ve visited indie art/​music stores from coast to coast, and I’d rank Rock Paper Scissors with my favorite stores in Brooklyn, Philly and Seattle!

When I was growing up in Northern Kentucky, Over-​the-​Rhine was to be avoided at all costs.
But I’m so glad to see that it is coming around.
So on Black Friday, my sister and I decided to take in several of the independent shops in OTR, and Rock Paper Scissors was one of the highlights of the adventure.
At first, RPS looked like just an art supplies store, but it’s so much more.
I was immediately impressed with its eclectic selection. RPS had what appeared to be handmade sneakers for sale, along with paints, brushes, etc.
Locally made prints were on the wall, and they even had these endearing antique-​looking spools of thread, which the lady at the register said came from the woman who occupied the building before them.
I personally picked up a bright yellow highlighter pencil and some jewel-​toned washi tape to bring home with me.
And then in the other half of the store, RPS sells CDs from local musicians and groups — the «rock» in Rock Paper Scissors.
I also saw on their Facebook page that they’ve hosted an in-​store concert and also have art classes.
If I lived in Northern Kentucky/​Cincinnati, RPS would definitely be among my frequent stops.