Does anyone have a set of do's and don'ts on framing?
I have just started making my own frames and I figured that simple is best... not to have too much detail in it that might distract from the artwork.
Does this sound like a good theory? And, what other things should I consider?
Should all my frames have the same design?
What do most people prefer in a frame?
Thanks,
Chip
Battle Creek, MI
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Hi Charles,
Here is my two cents worth:
Your work is so beautiful, I would keep it simple with two wood frame colors (one lighter, one darker) that compliments the piece. And probably the same basic design. I also like your size variety and you may want to use just a tad wider frames with the larger sizes. Your audience, like mine, love their wood & natural looks.
For example - your Adrift - I think it would look great with a frame colored similar to the boat hull. Your Making Waves may look great using the lighter colored wood frame picking up the wave grain. Complimenting but not distracting - kind of an extension of the piece.
Was in Alpena last weekend with my Tall Ship guys and in Plymouth this coming weekend. I love those Michigan people - feels like home to me. You know how I love to talk..... Showing there is never work!
I like to keep the frames on my work ultra-simple and all identical: a neutral cream-colored double mat with a very simple dark wood frame. The frames are unlikely to actively clash with any decor. However, if customers prefer a fancier frame, they can always do that themselves later without feeling like half the money they originally spent on the artwork was for framing. Best of all, when people are thinking of buying your artwork, you never have to deal with "I like this piece but that frame and the mat on this one over here." Unless you have a mobile frame shop it is difficult to deal with that stuff on the road (it's a pain anywhere!) and anyway I'd rather spend my show evenings having a beer and getting some sleep than framing.
The answers may vary depending on whether you are talking paintings, prints, or photography. I'm a photographer so I'll answer based on my limited experience. I do usually sell more matted work than framed, but I've changed my theory on framing over the last year. I used to look for really inexpensive frames, but lately have been buying some better quality frames. I'm also looking for frames that match or look good together, so that my booth has a good look to it. I've been sticking with plain black for my matted photos, and with a plain mahogany for my canvas prints.
One thing to consider with "fancy" frames. If it doesn't match the persons decor, you've lost a sale. That's my reasons for simple, but good quality frames. I've seen artists struggling at shows to swap a picture from one frame to another because the buyer wanted this picture with that frame.
I think when looking at a booth of art that have a common setup often looks the most professional. Think gallery show when choosing your booth layout with your framing choice.
Simple is nice. Archival acid free is important on matting and backing. Often people are extra impressed with double mats.
First decide whether you want to sell more framed or more unframed. Personally I'd rather sell unframed work all day long because there's much less work between shows.
Choosing a frame style that people like is trial and error. Don't invest too much time or money until you figure out what works best for you. And asking others might not be effective for your particular work.
Replies
Here is my two cents worth:
Your work is so beautiful, I would keep it simple with two wood frame colors (one lighter, one darker) that compliments the piece. And probably the same basic design. I also like your size variety and you may want to use just a tad wider frames with the larger sizes. Your audience, like mine, love their wood & natural looks.
For example - your Adrift - I think it would look great with a frame colored similar to the boat hull. Your Making Waves may look great using the lighter colored wood frame picking up the wave grain. Complimenting but not distracting - kind of an extension of the piece.
Was in Alpena last weekend with my Tall Ship guys and in Plymouth this coming weekend. I love those Michigan people - feels like home to me. You know how I love to talk..... Showing there is never work!
One thing to consider with "fancy" frames. If it doesn't match the persons decor, you've lost a sale. That's my reasons for simple, but good quality frames. I've seen artists struggling at shows to swap a picture from one frame to another because the buyer wanted this picture with that frame.
Simple is nice. Archival acid free is important on matting and backing. Often people are extra impressed with double mats.
Choosing a frame style that people like is trial and error. Don't invest too much time or money until you figure out what works best for you. And asking others might not be effective for your particular work.
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
Art Show Tips Blog
http://ArtShowTips.com
412-767-8644