PoppyRow

I am always preaching this, and I can’t stress it enough, so listen up! Presentation is a key element in the success of your work. You could have a fabulously inspired piece, with wonderful contrasts, striking line quality, and compelling subject matter. But put it into a $10 discount frame with no matting, and suddenly it has been cheapened. Some works have little need for supportive presentation, such as a free-standing sculpture. Although, even a pedestal is seen alongside the art when it is shown. But back to the pieces that need something in order to hang properly on a wall- in other words a frame.

First of all, I am an artist. But second of all, I am a certified custom framer. I was lucky enough to acquire this skill while attending art school, working at a local frameshop to help offset the cost of an expensive private education. Becoming an actual custom framer added so much more to my art career than many of my courses combined. An unframed piece of art seems like raw material to me. Take the right mat choices, and a frame that compliments the piece well, and you could increase its value and aesthetic impact dramatically. I have seen cheap posters become works of art, and a child’s scribble become an incredible centerpiece due to the care taken when framing.