A Simple Guide for Custom Framing

There’s a well-known truth in the world of art and photography. Whether you’re a full-time professional or a part-time hobbyist, the quality of your frame reflects the quality of your art. 

To support artists and photographers in this effort, we’ve put together this special checklist outlining six fundamental considerations in discerning the best framing selection for your piece.

In this checklist, you’ll learn:

• How to use purpose, budget, and stye to guide custom framing options.
• What essential components to include as part of your custom framing.
• How to select and implement the perfect custom framing to complete your art.

A Simple Guide for Custom Framing.

The American Frame Way.

Think: Purpose, Budget, Style. 

The quality of your frame greatly affects the impact of your artwork, whether you're a professional or a hobbyist. 

A quality frame that matches the artwork's mood enhances its value, making frame selection essential for showcasing or selling art. 

Here's a checklist of key factors to consider when selecting the best framing options for your purpose, budget and style. 

Start With Your Purpose.

Why are you framing? Are you getting ready for an exhibition? Perhaps you're planning to gift your art to someone special? Is the piece meant for a specific client with unique interests or preferences? Or is the art meant to be a focal point?

As you browse, strike a balance between personal taste and aesthetic. The same artwork can be framed in various styles, making it essential to have a clear understanding of your goals as the best starting point. Once you define your purpose, you can start thinking about your budget. 

Consider Your Budget.

Understanding your budget is crucial for selecting the right framing options. Consider these questions to clarify your financial considerations:

• Is your focus on long-term preservation or budget-friendly choices?
• Are you framing an original artwork or a reproduction?
• Are you showcasing student work or furnishing a professional showroom?

These factors will guide you towards appropriate frame types, such as rich wood or simple metal, and help refund your acrylic choices based on features and pricing. American Frame offers a variety of frames to suit diverse budgets and needs.

Budget in Action.

As you high quality materials and more hand off services, the cost of framing will increase.

Design with Style!

This is the fun part. 

Reflect on your personal style and your clients’ preferences, as well as size implications. Upload your art to our frame builder, try different color frames and mat board combinations. You can change the size and proportions.

Add it to your cart, you can always remove or edit. There is zero risk, and the possibilities are endless.

Behind The Scenes.

When you are happy with your design on the frame builder, select your acrylic and mounting board.

Our curated selection of acrylic plexiglass sheets are acid-free, lightweight, and archival quality. Our default selection meets most needs, but there are upgrades available.

Mounting or “backing” board supports your work within the frame and can enhance the look and longevity of your artwork.

Lets go.

The final step in framing involves deciding who will do the actual work of framing the piece.

You do it!

Frame it yourself using American Frame materials and tools.

Leave it to the Pros.

We do the work for you! You can ‘Send-In-Your-Art’, or we can Print & Frame.

Questions? Contact our in-house framing experts at AmericanFrame.com