Do you ever look at a finished frame design and wonder why it works? According to framing expert Chris A. Paschke, great design isn’t just intuition---it’s a problem-solving process involving five distinct stages.
Ready to upgrade your design game? Here is the blueprint to take your framing from basic to brilliant.
The 5 Stages of a Perfect Project ️
Design happens both in the front with the customer and in the back room. Here is the flow:
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Definition: Before pulling samples, ask: What is this? Is it a digital print, a fiber-based photo, or a canvas? Defining the project dictates the materials and techniques you’ll need.
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Creativity: This is the fun part! Pull mats, colors, and textures to enhance the art. Don’t be afraid to suggest deep bevels, wrapped mats, or fillets---selling up is great, as long as you don’t overdesign.
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Analysis: Time for the reality check. This is where you factor in deadlines, budgets, and conservation requirements (like shadowbox depth or specific mounting needs).
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Production: This is where the rubber meets the road, and you actually execute the design.
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Clarification (The Critique): Did you nail it? Inspect the piece for quality (no fingerprints!) and review the design principles to ensure the frame enhances the art rather than distracting from it.
3 Principles to punch Up Your Design
You don’t need to be an art major to use professional design principles. Here are three easy ones to remember:
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Emphasis: The art must always be the star. Your job is to control the viewer’s eye. For example, if you are framing an antique portrait of Grandma, keep the focus on her face---unless you are adding her crochet hooks and spectacles to turn it into a “Grandma Story” shadowbox.
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Rhythm: Connect the frame to the art. If the art features soft clouds, a frame with a similar tactile texture creates a visual rhythm that unifies the piece.
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Intensity: In the art world, this means bright color. In framing, it means depth and drama. Use spacers or accent strips between mats to create shadows and dimension.
The Golden Rule
When in doubt, keep it balanced. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to three to five design principles per piece. By analyzing your choices, you can prove that your design isn’t just an accident---it’s a masterpiece!
