So,
you have finally decided to frame that stunning photo you happen to
buy at the flea market for a cheap price. However, there is no way
that you will spend a few hundred bucks so that you can frame the
piece. You don’t have to worry because when it comes to picture
frames, you can now bring down the costs. Yes, you can still get
innovative picture frames
that will not break the bank and achieve the results you want for
your special piece.
Probably
one of the biggest mistakes of most artists is that they often go for
framing as a mere afterthought. Many of them even assume that going
to a picture framing store in
NYC will only make them shell out more money than what they could
afford. What they don’t realize is that their choice of frame can
either make or break a photo or work of art. The right frame can make
even the cheapest piece look expensive or a wrong frame can make a
pricey piece look dull and drab.
Custom
framing is exactly what its name suggests. It is custom and it must
be equivalent to buying fine furniture pieces. The hardwood and
quality moulding used for frames of fine art & Giclee
printing in SoHo, NYC is usually imported and in general, only
the higher end framers carry a selection of hand carved and real gold
leaf frames.
Frames
could be made of soft woods, hard woods, polystyrene or MDF or medium
density fiberboard. Colors and profiles may look the same when you go
for ready made or store bought
frames but expect that you will only be getting what you pay for.
If
you want to save money, you can go for a smaller or narrower profile
but try to avoid MDF or plastic. You can also use a single mat
instead of a triple mat complete with spacers. However, you should
not skimp on the preservation mounting or choose mat boards which are
not of conservation quality. A regular glass is more affordable
compared to museum glass but try not to forgo UV
or ultraviolet protection.
Avid
collectors will expect that the suitable frame styles are used
according to the specific art period of the particular framed piece.
For instance, the western oil paintings in style of Taos Society of
Artists must have a frame appropriate to the period which is a gold
leaf and closed corner one. On the other hand, for a modern
cowboy painting, you can go for rustic barn wood frame for a
lesser price.
If
you will frame a series of paintings that will be put up in an
exhibition, everything must be consistent. As they assume that the
frame is not important at all, many artists tend to bargain shop at
this aspect. However, as they do so, little do they know that they
may actually be unintentionally reducing their work’s sales
potential. As mentioned earlier, a cheap frame might make even the
most expensive arts look
cheap. The proper and suitable frame can further increase your work’s
value.
As
far as framing is concerned, you must not just think of your pocket
alone. If you plan to display your work for sale or you want it to be
the center of attention in your home, always consider your audience
and invest in quality
workmanship and materials.
