You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression - Part Two
I know its tempting when selling your work to cut corners and either frame it yourself or as cheaply as possible. After all, you are in business, and framing adds to overhead. But, it can also be an investment in yourself and your work, much like getting stunning business cards printed. Every time I show my work, I get as many compliments on the framing as I do the actual work. I am not insulted by this in any way. Rather, I understand that if someone is considering buying something for their home they will look at on a daily basis, then I understand I must respect that and give it the proper attention it is due. I would not dress my child in a paper bag unless I absolutely had no other possible option, and I will treat my work in a similar manner. People are less likely to value your work if you don’t value it yourself.
Another thing, is that as the artist, you are not going to be objective. You need another opinion on how to frame your art. Oh, I know what you’re saying! “But you just said you’re an artist AND a custom framer!” Well, I’ll brag for a second here and say that I’m the exception to the rule. I have been professionally trained, and I have a certain knack that most artists lack for what will go beyond framing a piece to enhancing it. I used to be the director for a small gallery within an art co-op of which I was a member. I would be appalled at times of not only which frames the artist would chose for the exhibit, but also how shoddily the framing was done.
When folks are interested in buying a piece of art, they look at the corners, and the wiring on the back. Is it done well? Or are they buying from an amateur? Because that is what cheap presentation portrays, that you are an amateur. Now you may be one, but there is no need to look like one. Don’t spend hundreds of dollars if you don’t have it. Take some local classes on framing, go to the library and get some books, become buddies with your local framer, and for goodness sake, buy decent supplies if you are attempting to frame things yourself. The $20 mat cutter at the craft store will give you slip-shod results at best. If you are going to cut your own mats, plan to spend at least $100 on even the most basic of cutters. It will be well worth the money in the long run. Don’t just squeeze your work into whatever frame you’ve had sitting in the garage for months. If it doesn’t work for that piece, it may work for another. There should be continuity between the framing and the work. The frame should not be vying for attention, distracting from the work. It’s all about balance.
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