Framing Yourself VS Professional Framing
Framing yourself vs professional framing
As a full-time creator, framing is a forever looming event. I am sure many of you feel the same way. The list of framing options is truly endless. What frame color to choose, what size matte board, what color matte board, double matted or single matted, museum glass or plexi, and so on! However, we all know that framing must be done! Framing artwork gives it the display it deserves and truly finishes the piece. It allows you to have created something that once could only sit on the floor and now elevate it to be displayed on the wall!
So the big question: Framing the work yourself or having it professionally framed?
I get many DMs, texts, and emails related to framing. Friends ask if they should spend the extra $100 plus on a professional frame job. Others ask where I buy my own frames. Artist asks what materials to purchase in order to frame. Today I am going to answer these questions and give you all the knowledge on framing.
Many artists sell work that was created on paper, this could be a poster, a digital print, a painting, or a drawing. Once you have received your artwork or you have created your artwork, it is now time to decide how it will be displayed.
Floater frame
Floater frame
These are the frames that are all glass. Be sure to measure your artwork! Purchase a frame slightly larger than the piece. I recommend an inch or two inches of space between your image and the frame. Place image with glue dots and hang!
Frame without a matte
Frame without a matte
Many posters, full bleeds, or digital prints can be framed without a matte. Measure your artwork, purchase the correct size of frame, place, and hang!
Frame with a matte
Frame with a matte
Framing with an inch or two-inch matte elevates your artwork. It creates a clean border for your piece, giving it room to breathe. It is a professional way to frame your artwork. Sometimes frames you purchase from the store come with a matte, this can be great. Measure your artwork and then measure the interior cut of the matte board. Allow for a little bit of overlap. Place image on matted board with glue dots and hang!
Creating your own matte:
So is you are not interested in the framing options above or you wish for a more elevated look you can cut your own matte boards.
Framing and cutting mattes yourself might be a big investment at first, but it will save you money in the end. I only recommend purchasing these materials if you frame often. To frame artwork yourself you need:
-Ruler
-Pencil
-Box cutter
-Matte Cutter
-Foam Core
-Framing Wire
- Windex
If you choose to invest in your own framing equipment. Please refer to https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+cut+a+cut+matte+board&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS920US921&oq=how+to+cut+a+cut+matte+board&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i22i29i30l9.44274j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_35yaYPyULMO5tQau6oOgCg18
Professional Framing
The next options are professional framers.
Tips
Go to multiple places to get pricing quotes.
Choose basic materials such as white or black matte board
Choose non glare glass over museum glass (unless artwork is going to a museum)
Choose frames that are consistent to your house
