I'm getting ready for my first big outdoor show, after having only done one very small indoor show. Since I'm just starting up I'm trying to keep costs low, but I'm a little torn on what materials to use. I was hoping to get some input on what I think I've settled on. I've done a lot of reading here, and here is what I think I've settled on.
I've done all my matting using acid-free (buffered) matting and foam core. I think the added cost is worth it to be able to say it is all acid-free. But I'm not sure how many people actually ask or care. I would guess at higher end art fairs there would be more interest, and lower end ones, people might not even know what it means. I haven't stepped up to rag matting since the price is higher. Maybe later....
I've decided to go with glass rather than acrylic. I can buy it cheaper locally from a wholesaler, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to keep acrylic in good condition with lots of transportation and hadnling. I don't know if anyone will care one way or another. What I'm not sure about is whether to use regular cheap glass, UV, anti-glare, both UV and anti-glare. My current thoughts are to use the cheap regular glass for the pieces I have hanging in the booth. This will allow me to keep costs down, and if someone would really prefer UV or anti-glare, they can special order it. Does this make sense, or do you find that people really want UV or anti-glare while they re in the booth and not having it results in a lost sale?
As far as frames are concerned, I'm planning on sticking to a typical gallery style plain black frame. I'm not good at selecting other moldings that would look good, and this is neutral. But I'm also a little concerned people will want something a little fancier. What do you all find works for you?
Chris
Replies
We have a detailed list of the pros and cons of framine glass vs acrylic here:
http://www.framedestination.com/acrylic_selection.html#glassacrylic
and info about clear, UV and non-glare acrylic here:
http://www.framedestination.com/acrylic_selection.html#acrylic
In regards to glass vs acrylic framing at art shows it comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer to worry about scratches or do you prefer to worry about breakage?
Non-glare glazing can be useful at an art show where you may have difficult to control lightening situations and want to increase the chances of people passing by to be able to see your image clearly at different angles. Anti-reflection glass or acrylic has the advantage of reducing glare without any loss of sharpness but it is very expensive.
The black gallery style frames are less expensive since the wood is covered up. They are also less likely to detract from the artwork or interfere with the overall style and theme of the collection. They are ideal for galleries and contemporary home decor but not so good for most other home decor. If you are going to go away from black frames I would try to do so in a way that not only compliments your artwork but works well with the other framed pieces and your booth presentation over all. This of course is easier said than done and more expensive. If you are not sure about this yet you might just start with the black frames. Also, if you go with a particular style of frame it would be handy if you have some idea of the typical type of home decor that most of your customers have.
I think I'm more concerned about s scratching the acrylic and having to replace it than I am about glass breakage. I'd also like to keep my costs down for now,so I think I'm going to go with glass.
Good point about non-glare or anti-reflective being easier for customers to see the images as the walk by. Certainly something to consider. I'd prefer AR to non-glare but the price is probably too high...
I agree that the plain black frames aren't going to be everyone's style. At least they will be consistent though and I think I would struggle to pick out something different. I have a few large framed pieces hanging at home in frames I bought from your site using the 871 profile. That is what I'm leaning toward for the pieces I prepare for the show.
I am currently in the process of changing from Acrylic to UV glass on my framed prints. The lure of less weight was part of my choice for acrylic but after a season of transport many of them need replacing. I always have bin prints, of the same size as the framed prints. These are matted with the same materials as the framed prints in my booth (at a bit lower price point) for those who wish to choose their own framing. Does it cut into the sales of my framed prints? Not really sure. I had one customer who, when they found they could buy unframed, bought two bagged prints instead of one framed print. Maybe an isolated case but I'd like to feel that there are some sales made where the customer may have walked out rather than pay for the framed print.
I was planning on my largest unframed prints being matted at 16x20, and having framed prints a little larger. But I like your method of having the same sizes framed and unframed. I guess that's something for me to think about.
I use regular glass for the small stuff and AR glass for the big stuff to cut down on the glare. The AR glass is really pricey so I only use it on stuff I can sell at higher prices. Acrylic scratches too easily and non-glare has a haze.
I'd be more concerned that they wouldn't want them framed at all. Most people want to purchase matted unframed and then choose their own frame afterwards.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thanks for the reply, Larry.
I assume you are implying that I should be selling unframed work as well. I have already started building up my inventory of matted unframed photos in a few different sizes. I'm now working on framing pieces for display on my walls, and that was the basis for my question.
Chris