Framing Tips For Artists

Need to frame your art? Here are some issues to consider for a professional presentation:

v When creating your art, think ahead to framing it.

- If you want to mat your art, leave at least a ¼” border for mat and mounting materials coverage.

- Sign your work high enough so that your signature will not be covered by the mat. You or your customer may want to use a mat to crop the art. Leave this option open by not signing right at the bottom of your piece.

- If you are a watercolorist, take the time to flatten your finished piece as much as possible so that it lays flat under the mat.

- If you are a photographer, consider signing your mat. Be sure to put a copyright on the back of each photo so others do not reproduce it. Most professional photography businesses honor copyrights.

- If you like to work to the edge, consider surface mounting your art and letting the edges show. Make sure the entire piece is finished for presentation. Sign high in case your customer wants to mat the piece later.

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v Consider how you want to present your art.

- An inexpensive method of presenting art is to surface mount it on matboard or other material and shrink wrap or place in clear envelops. Use a very minimal amount of acid-free adhesive, if necessary, so that your customer can easily remove the art for framing.

- Consider presenting your art with a mat and backing board only, then shrink wrap or place in clear envelops. It is helpful to make your finished mat size a standard picture frame size so your customer has the option of purchasing a pre-made frame. Keep your mat color neutral.

- If framing and/or matting your art, choose a simple frame with neutral frame and mat color so your piece fits into as many home decors as possible. The customer can always reframe. Considering lowering your price and unframing your art if the customer wants a different treatment. You can always reuse your frame.

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v Think about where you will be selling your art.

- Many galleries have specific framing guidelines. If selling in galleries, be prepared to make changes in your presentation. Many galleries do not accept metal frames.

- If you will be selling your art at indoor or outdoor shows, you may want to consider presenting your art without frames. It is easier for you and your customer to carry the art. Also, the shrink wrap or clear envelops will help protect your art from handling and inclement weather.

- If you will be moving your framed art on a regular basis, consider paying a bit more for plexiglass. It is weighs less and does not break. Be careful how you keep it clean to avoid scratching the plexiglass.

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v A few more ideas.

- Preparing your art for presentation takes time, equipment and supplies and money. Be realistic about the resources you have.

- Precut mats and premade frames can be an inexpensive option. However, you have to accommodate your art to the sizes available to you. Do some shopping before creating your art so you know what you need for your final presentation.

- If you want to work in non-standard sizes, consider doing it yourself or purchasing custom matting and/or framing.

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v What the Artist’s Framer offers artists.

- An understanding of the budget restraints many artists face. We work with artists to present their art for the most reasonable price possible.

- A willingness to provide any part of the presentation including matting, shrink wrapping, cutting glass and full custom framing. We do not carry precut mats or premade frames. We do carry supplies and offer matboard remnants at a bargain price. We also assemble finished pieces in frames provided by the artist.

- If you are an Artist’s Framer customer and your customer brings in a piece to be reframed, all of your original faming materials will be returned to you for reuse.

- If you are an Artist’s Framer customer, we will provide consultation on basic framing needs and techniques.