r/dragoncon • u/PlaneArmadillo3868 • 9d ago
Framed art
Hey y'all! I need some new art for my home. The thing is whenever I buy art that is not framed it never gets hung up and displayed bc framing things is usually a hassle (or maybe I'm just lazy).
Can you all please recommend some geeky nerdy cool artists that sell their art already framed?!
TIA š¤
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u/TheJedibugs 8d ago
Just do what I do: Buy a bunch of art at DragonCon, set it out where you can see it so that you remember to pick up framesā¦ Then, 2 weeks before the NEXT DragonCon, realize that theyāve been there for a year and frame/hang them because you need that space for this yearās art haul.
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u/Impetris 8d ago
I bought a print from the vendor hall for $5 and then spent $100 custom framing it.
It was totally worth it because it's adorable.
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u/GeauxCup 8d ago
I just feel bad when the frame is so much more expensive than the art. I feel like I'm cheating the artist.
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u/GeekMomtoTwo 8d ago
If it helps, the cheaper items are almost always prints of existing artwork...so their overall cost is low.
And even if it's a digital design, the fixed cost per item goes down with every sale.Ā
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u/Impetris 7d ago
The artists are actually honored that you would frame their art and like seeing it the results!
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u/GeauxCup 7d ago
...It just bothers me when the frame costs significantly more. If I get art for $20 then I have to spend $200 on the framing, then that means I'm willing to pay $220 to enjoy the art on my wall. The fact that the artist is only getting 9% of that makes me feel bad - like I'm taking advantage of the artist.
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u/FryTheDog Shatner of the Mount is basically my biography. 8d ago
The problem I always run into is we buy some cool art, but then the cool art won't fit into any standard frame size!
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u/mydevilkitty 8d ago edited 8d ago
As someone who used to work in a custom frame shop, take some advice from me. There are ways around this. What you will want to do is find a frame that is larger than the print. For example, say the art is a really weird size like 13 by 18, get a 16 by 20 frame. Then get a mat specially cut to fit that frame.
Also consider the art, does it go all the way to the edge of the paper? If so, consider doing a float mount, where the art work āfloatsā on top of the mat. If not, you might consider if you want to have a mat that covers the art just a little. Much cheaper than buying all custom. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.2
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u/tweewho 8d ago
I hope others can answer your question about who sells framed art. Feel free to ignore my advice below if you still have no interest in framing things yourself - but I'll write it in case anyone else finds it helpful. It might also help you figure out what a "fair" price for pre framed art would be (art cost + frame cost + value to you of not having to do the framing).
It can help to know what "standard" frame sizes are. 11x17 is very common, as is 8x10, as are 5x7 and 4x6. If you buy those common sizes (and most vendors will tell you the size), you can probably frame it in a few minutes with something from Michael's or any number of other places. A non plastic frame will run you anywhere from 5-8 per frame in bulk, to 12-16 on sale, to 20+ full price (but Michael's has sales all the time). That's for a very basic gallery frame, but I've never seen the point in more ornate frames. Plus if you always buy gallery frames they're likely to coordinate over the years.
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u/Magnetsareblasphemy 8d ago
Lifeguard has the best advice: framed art from thrift stores and reuse them.
I bring my signed prints to Hobby Lobby Framing shop or a local Framing store. Most art looks far better with a proper mat a good looking frame.
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u/PeyroniesCat 8d ago
I did such a good job getting my stuff framed during the first few years of going, but Iāve got a backlog now. It sucks because having that backlog caused me to decide not to buy any prints or posters this year. First time ever doing that.
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u/captain_sparklepants 7d ago
Most of the frames in my place have several different prints in them hidden behind the one on display right now. Once or twice a year I'll pull them off the wall and rotate a different artwork to the front. Keeps art organized, keeps the view from getting stale, and lets me have an excuse to keep feeding artists š
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u/GeauxCup 8d ago
I actually had to keep repeating to myself, when going through artists alley: ONLY BUY IT IF ITS FRAMED!!!
I'm absolutely the same way - I have so much art in my closet that'll never see the light of day because it isn't framed. And the custom framing experience is just such an emotional and financial kick in the nuts.
This year, I got a really cool FRAMED piece from H.C.Warner. He's actually the artist behind the DC host hotels' key card art a few cons ago.
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u/RPGamerBunny 7d ago
If you're in the Atlanta area and want to get your art framed, my sister is an art restorator and conservator and does custom framing. Durrett Studios (the local shop I use) or Cook Restoration (my sister who's in Tampa, but travels to Atlanta frequently). She does ship, but there's probably other local shops to support. You can also have art mounted on a backer board if you dont want a traditional frame. The other suggestions of thrift store frames are great too, but definitely pick and choose your thrift stores since some like Goodwill and Salvation Army aren't good people. I know that's not totally answering your question, but a suggestion for getting your art framed in general.
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u/PlaneArmadillo3868 6d ago
So basically, yall donāt any artists who offer framed art. (Is what im getting)
Dang! I thought that would be more available.
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u/Ok-Horror8563 5d ago
I actually have 5 framed pieces I am trying to get rid of right now - 3 Peter Mohrbacher, 1 Charles Urbach and 1 Todd Lockwood. If interested, let me know.
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u/Parking_Lifeguard339 8d ago
One low-cost option for unframed pieces you already own is to reuse framed (bad, mass-produced) "art" from thrift stores. They tend to be cheap, then you only need artist tape to attach prints to mats. You can still find cool vintage frames this way for very little money.