Framing art can become a burden for both client and artist alike. Here are some ways you can save money AND your artist/client relationships.
Framing artwork can be a frustrating task for those trying to make a living on their art. Sometimes, even the responsibilities of framing are unclear. Do you leave framing up to the client, or take care of it yourself? From the other perspective, should you frame a piece of art you bought, or place that task on someone else? Cost is definitely the largest deterrent for artists — the cost of just one framing job can be an unthinkable amount of money to spend up front. This is particularly true if your client is indecisive about framing, constantly asking for different frames for the piece. When time and money are factors, these questions can become a nightmare!
From an artist standpoint, instead of spending all the money on a custom job, you may want to consider covering the framing yourself. That’s where online retailers like Frame USA can help. With thousands of mouldings, frame series and mat combinations to choose from, you can find the look you’re going for without sacrificing any of the cost.
1. Discuss framing choices with your client.
Before making any big decisions on your artwork, you should talk about the frame with your buyer. Sometimes they won’t have an opinion, and many times they share an opinion too late. You can prevent about half of the miscommunication by discussing it openly beforehand. Are they looking for something more modern, or something more elegant? How will those decisions relate to your artwork? These are just a few questions that should impact your art framing decisions.
2. Take note of the surroundings in which your art will hang.
Environment is half the battle of hanging artwork. For instance, your work is hanging with older pieces, you should think about fitting the same tone. If your work is to be displayed with other modern artwork, you may want to look for a more simple frame.
In the same regard, it’s not always necessary to have a frame! Sometimes a bare canvas is more situationally appropriate, or a matting job can convey the piece perfectly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your options.
3. Factor in cost of framing with the total price of the art
Framing your artwork is a financial responsibility between artist AND client. Think about what your art is worth, then figure a fair price to charge extra based on the framing. A custom job will obviously raise the price significantly, so learning how to size and order your own frames will save you a great deal of hassle in the long run. Some artists even take it upon themselves to make their own frames. The point is, finding out how to make or source your own frames will save you time and money in the long run. If your pieces typically run for several thousand a piece, then perhaps custom framing is exactly what you need!
Inspiration and Photo credit by: ProfessionalArtistMag.com
My brother is an artist and wants to know the best practices for framing his artwork. I like how you said that it is smart to consider the environment around where the artwork will be hung. One of his recent works is going to be hung by itself in the entrance of our parents’ home, so I will suggest that he hire a custom framing service to create a frame that suits that environment. https://picassogallery.com/services/