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Framing for a LifetimeAll questions answered by JoAnn Martin Professional Framer FAQ Quick Links:
Q: Are you a PPFA-approved frame shop? A: We're glad you asked, and YES we are! The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) requires its approved shops to abide by its Code of Ethics and to follow preservation practices on all works of personal value. If you have questions about how your artwork or heirlooms will be stored and handled while in our care, please ask. We're happy to answer all your questions. Here at Black Iris Custom Framing, we believe in Framing for a Liftetime. Q: How did you get into framing? A: First, in 2003 I fell in love with the art of Hungarian artist Csaba Markus (pronounced CHA-ba MAR-koos) when Andrew and I first saw his work at an art auction. We bought two of his pieces, Eos and Innocenta, and they now hang in our frame shop.
When we took our third Markus piece to Katherine and Kathleen to be matted and framed in late 2005, they told us the frame shop was for sale. At the time, I was looking for a new career path, so my husband and I talked and talked about it--should we do it? We said "Yes!" and bought the frame shop. By July of 2006, I was sitting in my first framing class at the American Picture Framing Academy in Chicago, IL. After putting my new skills to the test back in my shop that summer, I later took advanced framing courses and graduated in October 2006. What's important about this information is that I am not a self-taught framer--I learned from a professional how to build frames that last. I learned color and design techniques. I learned conservation materials and methods, which means your artwork is always safe and treated with utmost care. Literally, we give all our projects the "white glove" treatment--I don't begin work unless I have on my white gloves. At Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing, we specialize in conservation framing. We use only archival methods and materials, and that's why our motto is Framing for a Lifetime. Please come in anytime to say hello. Mention that you read our FAQ page and earn a 10% discount on any framing order. We look forward to seeing you! Q: How does custom framing work? A: The staff and I at Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing work with you to create wall-worthy art that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Our job is to ask you lots of questions, listen closely to your answers, and create, with your help, an art, matting, and moulding package that matches your wants and needs. At Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing, your complete satisfaction is our top priority. See below for the most common components of conservation framing.
Q: Do you provide price estimates? A: Yes, and they are free. To expedite the process for you, however, we do ask that you bring your piece to the Gallery so that we can measure it. An accurate size measurement is the most important factor in pricing custom framing. A: Yes, upon request, we will make every effort to deliver your finished piece to you! Local delivery is free; charges apply if your piece needs to be shipped. Q: Why do you require a 50% deposit? A: I consider the 50% deposit I require a binding contract. You have hired me, a professional framer, to perform a job for you, the customer. Only when the work is complete will you pay me in full. However, before I can begin my work, I need a good-faith indicator that you will, indeed, pay your bill. A 50% deposit tells me you will pick up and pay for the work when it's finished; it also allows me to order materials and supplies. Finally, I have found this to be true: customers who gladly pay a 50% deposit always pick up their work right away. Customers who don't, don't. Just human nature, I guess! Q: Why does custom framing cost so much? A: One reason custom framing is expensive is due to the rising cost of labor and materials. The current cost of wood, for instance, has noticeably increased moulding and matting prices in the past few years. Another reason custom framing is pricey is because professional framers are highly trained specialists, much like carpenters or mechanics. As a professional framer, I hold the highly technical skills needed to build your frame by hand, right here in my custom frame shop. I will build your matting and framing package for you myself--I do not contract the work to others. In addition, custom framing is extremely labor intensive. From the moment you drop off your piece to the time it's ready to hang, I will have spent hours working on your frame, and your artwork will have gone through the more than four dozen steps it takes to choose, build, and assemble a quality framing package. Finally (and here's the big benefit to you), your framed piece will last generations, depending on the materials you choose. I always recommend conservation-quality matting and glass, which will not harm your artwork. See below for the results of poorly framed artwork: Acidic cardboard Rusty nails held Acid burn on edges and rusty wire the work in place was preventable on back of frame I took these photographs myself. The customer brought in her vintage artwork, looking for a new frame. After pointing out the damage the original framing had already done, she decided to order new, conservation-quality mats and glass as well. While we can't undo the damage already done, a good framer can prevent future damage and help your artwork last a lifetime. A famous framer once told me, "The bitterness of poor quality lasts longer than the sweetness of a low price." His ultimate message? That as a framer, my job is to help you choose what's best for you, for your lifestyle, and most importantly, for the longevity of your artwork. In fact, our methods meet or exceed the standards of the Library of Congress. Q: When can I expect to pick up my finished piece? A: Standard turn-around time is 2 - 3 weeks to allow for the delivery of materials and the time-consuming nature of custom work. HOWEVER... I need to be honest and let you know that I am a one-woman frame shop. I operate both the gallery and the frame shop by myself, which means that very often, I work on framing orders only after hours or on Sundays. In addition, sometimes I'm called to help operate Kegler's Pub & Pin, which I co-own with my husband Andrew. What this means is that your order may take as long as 4 - 6 weeks to complete, since I build all frames in order of receiving them. Please let me know right away if you need your finished piece sooner--I do work well with deadlines, but I need to know about them as soon as possible. Thank you. For very fast turn-around times, please inquire. We do offer an extensive in-stock selection of moulding and mats, so a turn-around time of as little as 24 hours has been known to happen (yes, it's true--a custom frame in less than a day!). A minimum $45 rush charge applies. Q: I heard the Gallery and Frame Shop are for sale. Is that true? A: Yes, this is true. Because I have Crohn's disease, my doctor has recommended I sell the frame shop & gallery for health reasons. Also, my husband and I own Kegler's Pub & Pin, Spooner's bowling center, and we often talk about the need to focus our efforts. Since the bowling industry is experiencing growth nation-wide right now, we feel we can grow the sport of bowling like never before in northwest Wisconsin. It's wonderful! If you are interested in discussing terms to buy the frame shop & gallery, please contact JoAnn Martin at 715-635-4548 or joann@blackirisframing.com. Thank you for your interest! Q: Do you guarantee your work? A: Only by working with a professional framer can you be sure you're getting the best quality products and services while making the best possible choices for your artwork. That's why, at the Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing, your satisfaction is my top priority, and all my work is guaranteed. If you are not happy with your finished piece, simply contact me, JoAnn Martin, within 7 days of receiving your finished piece. I want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, so I am happy to make reasonable efforts to satisfy your concerns. Q: Why should I pay for custom framing when I can buy ready-made frames? A: There are six main reasons my clients choose custom framing: 1. When size matters. When the dimensions of your piece or the wall on which you're going to hang it are unique, custom framing is an excellent choice. In addition, if you are looking for very ornate or very narrow or wide mouldings, you are most likely will find them in a custom frame shop. We have tripled our display space and now have over 1000 moulding samples on the wall the Black Iris--the largest selection around. 2. When quality is important. Having your valuable artwork custom framed by chaintstore staff is risky because not all framers are professionally trained. At the Black Iris, JoAnn graduated from the American Picture Framing Academy and regurlary attends hands-on seminars to remain current on design trends and framing techniques. 3. For unlimited selection. At Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing, we have an amazing selection of in-stock moulding to enhance any poster, print, needlework, 3-D object, diploma, or fine art. Any moulding we don't have in stock we can have in the store in 24 - 48 hours. Your choices are limitless. 4. For personal expression. Your decorating tastes are a form of self-expression. Custom framing allows you to extend and enhance your decor and gift-giving tastes in a way that is unique only to you. 5. When conservation and preservation is important. When a piece is sentimentally or monetarily valuable, or when you plan to pass it on to your children or grandchildren, you want it to last forever. Only certified conservation techniques can ensure your valuable possession will be handled and framed with archival quality products. 6. To patronize an independent dealer. The Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing in Spooner, Wisconsin, is not a chain store. By patronizing the Black Iris and Spooner's other local stores, you are making personal buying choices rather than accepting the philosophies of large corporations. You are also supporting a local businesswoman who grew up here, taught at the local high school, shops locally, attends a local church, makes donations to local charities, and pays local taxes, just like you do. Thank you for choosing the Black Iris for your framing needs! Q: How should I care for my artwork? A: There are six important factors in caring for your art. 1. Proper handling and transporting: Always carry framed artwork one at a time, and NEVER by the wire. The wire and the hardware are meant to support the frame's weight only, not movement. Always use both hands, as well -- one on the top and one supporting the weight of the frame on the bottom. Always hold the piece upright (not flat) to support the glass inside the frame, to prevent bowing, and to avoid "dings" as you pass through doors and hallways. Never set a framed piece down on a corner--a frame's corners are very vulnerable to dings and scratches and are costly to repair. In a vehicle, wrap framed pieces in a clean, soft blanket and, whenever possible, transport them upright, not lying flat. 2. Proper matting, glass, and frame: As a professional framer, I recommend and always use archival quality mat boards that are acid-free and will not damage your artwork. Mats come in many colors and fabrics and conserve your artwork by keeping the glass from touching your valuable art. When left to rest on art, glass will cause damage over time; an air space between your artwork and the glass is a must. 3. Cleaning: I recommend dusting your framed artwork every four to six weeks. Do not use harsh glass or wood cleaners that contain ammonia. Feather dusters may scratch glass and moulding finishes, so simply use a clean, soft cloth and spray a mild cleaner on the cloth, not the glass or frame. Work slowly and gently. 4. Excessive Light: To prevent most damage from all sources of light, we use on our own artwork and recommend for your artwork a clear or non-glare glass with a UV coating. It is sunscreen for your artwork, and it works. But remember, all light is damaging. Harm to artwork is cumulative, permanent, and irreversible, and it comes from sunlight as well as from artificial lights such as fluorescents and metal halogen lamps. Incandescent lighting is also very damaging over time--no source of light is complete safe! To maintain the beauty of your artwork for as long as possible, do not hang your most valuable works across from a window or in a room that is brightly lit for hours at a time. Visit the Black Iris Gallery to see samples of light-damaged art and mats if you have questions. 5. Temperatures and humidity: Common sense precautions will keep your art safe from heat and humidity. Most importantly, do not store your artwork in attics, basements, or garages, and do not hang it in bathrooms or over fireplaces. We recommend using air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to control the environment in your home or workplace. We also strongly recommend hanging valuable prints and originals on interior walls only, away from the temperature and moisture variances of an exterior wall. 6. Storage: Unframed pieces must always be stored flat, never rolled. When not displaying your framed artwork, store it in a safe place. Ideally, choose a completely dark environment with a steady temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a steady relative humidity of 30 - 50%. Artwork must be kept in protective folders or crush-proof boxes made from acid-free, archival quality materials. Information provided by U.S. ART Magazine, January 1999 Q: Why are your glass prices higher than the hardware store? A: Not all glass is art-grade glass. Hardware stores tend to sell window-grade glass. At the Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing, we use and sell only art-grade glass by Tru-Vue. Also called glazing, art-grade glass is perfectly clear and without the flaws you sometimes see in window glass. In addition, we offer glazing choices that include non-glare and UV-protective coatings that enhance viewing and help prevent your art or photograph from fading over time. Window-grade glass does not offer these qualities. Finally, window-grade glass is often thicker and therefore heavier than art-grade glass; for large pieces, you will want thinner glass or even thin, art-grade acrylic (plexi) to keep the weight of your piece down. Yes, our prices are higher, but art-grade glass offers a much better value for you and your artwork. Q: How does a framer become certified? A: To become a Certified Picture Framer (CPF), a framer must first study and perform framing for a year or more. Upon sitting for and passing the CPF exam, a framer is then considered knowledgeable enough and experienced enough to be certified as a professional framer. While studying at the American Picture Framing Academy in Chicago, I learned color, design, composition, lighting, and decorating techniques from interior designers and framing professionals. I also learned the hands-on techniques required in framing: how to score glazing, cut matting, and chop moulding. As an Academy graduate, I use my qualifications and experience to provide all Black Iris customers the highest quality framing services available anywhere. Sitting for the CPF exam is my next goal. Q: What did you do before you bought the Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing? A: I hold a bachelor's and a master's degree in English, and for thirteen years I worked as an English teacher. For five of those years I taught at Spooner High School (go Rails!). I also taught communication courses at WITC in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. I left teaching in May of 2006 due to burnout and because my husband and I wanted to go into business for ourselves (we also own Kegler's Pub & Pin, right upstairs from the gallery). Do I miss teaching? Of course, but I love framing (and bowling), too! Q: I'm an artist. Can I sell my work in your gallery? Attention: Please read Artist Dos & Don'ts. I view consignment work by local artists only, and by appointment only. I do not buy wholesale items or lots. A: At Black Iris Gallery and Custom Framing, one of my goals is to promote arts and culture in northwestern Wisconsin. Part of my Mission is to represent local and regional artists seeking to make their work available to the public, especially when they don't or can't operate a gallery of their own. In particular, the Black Iris Gallery specializes in selling visual, functional, and wearable art by local artists. If you are an artist looking to sell your work in Spooner, please click Appointments to meet with me. I reserve Wednesday afternoons for meeting with artists and vendors. During our appointment, I will consider your work and determine which pieces if any to display in the gallery. Click here to see our Consignment Terms. Q: I want to paint/throw/carve/weave, NOT sell. Any advice? A: Yes, sign a Consignment Contract with a gallery owner and let the gallery sell your work for you. Just remember that it's the gallery owner who is paying for staff, rental space, heating/cooling, signage, and advertising, and who is doing all the in-store selling, paperwork, wrapping/boxing, and collecting and paying sales tax. The 40% commission rate is truly money well spent. You can also read my February 2007 Gallery Gazette--it's 2 pages of advice for creative people trying to sell their work. Good luck, artists! You can do it. Q: What do I get for the 60/40 commission rate? A: Especially to new artists, the 60/40 commission rate can sound like a lot ("You mean I have to give 40% of my selling price to the gallery?"). However, the 40% rate I charge at the Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing is actually below normal. Most galleries charge a 50% commission fee, and some gallery owners charge you to rent their shelf and wall space (yes, you're paying them!). For these reasons and more, I ask you not to haggle. Forty percent is a very fair price. In exchange for 40% of your selling price, you will receive the following when you choose to sell your work at the Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing:
Q: Why don't you generally sell wildlife art? A: We do sell wildlife art on consignment, especially original and/or one-of-a-kind pieces. However, since many "big box" stores sell wildlife prints, this market is too tight to be profitable for the Black Iris at this time. I apologize for any inconvenience. If you have original, one-of-a-kind wildlife work for sale, click Appointments to schedule a Wednesday showing. Q: Glossary of art and framing terms A: I find this link helpful when I need to be sure I'm using art and framing terms correctly: http://www.somersethouse.com/glossary.asp
This link contains fascinating information about the field of conservatioin and its methods: |
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410 North River Street Spooner, WI 54801 | joann@blackirisframing.com 715-635-4548 Privacy Policy | Contact Us © 2007 Black Iris Art |
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Frames Come True 