Framing, how not to get it wrong.
By now, many of you have seen my new collection, titled For Once, which is made up of elevated fashion illustrations and combine to make one very strong color story. This collection was made with a larger vision, the frames play a large role in that. It’s how I think and how I naturally design - with a full “colorscape”.
Framing isn’t a part of every collection I produce. I decided that framing and matting would be a part of this because in my opinion this type of artwork needs a proper setting. In this case, it's not the room we are thinking about, it's the frame. What do I mean by that: many people consider the artwork, frame and room three different things, and obviously they are-- but here we are envisioning them together. They have to be one cohesive group in the end to make sense. Often times you see a piece of work you love and you think it won’t work in your space, but a well chosen frame can actually MAKE a piece of artwork make sense. How? It’s all about complimenting the room instead of matching the piece to the room. I see you nodding, read on.
The right frame doesn’t just hold artwork, it elevates it. Which makes sense-- luxury deserves the proper setting. When you buy the perfect pair of heels, you pair it with an equally beautiful dress, right? One strengthens the other.
If you invest in a piece of artwork and you put it in the wrong frame it falls completely flat. Most people buy a piece of artwork and then, to save some money or time, they will purchase an inexpensive white frame with white matboard, or a black frame with a white matboard and unless that done with the right frame width and mat proportions your art will look inexpensive. Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve done this- I’m here to encourage you to think out of the black and white box from now on. You’ve already invested in a piece you love, just commit to doing the next step right. You’ll thank yourself when it’s on the wall.
Double matted in deep rose suede over rust.
Remember: The right frame brings structure and presence. Framing should never be an afterthought, it's part of the larger visual story.
The framing and matting choices I had custom made for For Once are a part of the overall collection vision. Many of the works are double matted- which means there are two different shades of matboard surrounding the drawing, in addition to the frame. Some are matted in suede boards, some in a linen-sheen board, and some are even illustrated on! Even if it is just a small peek of the color and texture, I invested in adding it because it’s what tells a larger emotional story.
“I did it because people were spending on my artwork, and then putting it in an inexpensive
frame and I it instantly cheapened the work. You have to understand the color full story to get that right,
so leaving it up to the client doesn't always go so well. The frame is part of the piece.”
Alas, there are two unframed pieces on my site as of now because they are new, so if you decide on an unframed piece or happen upon one from my semi annual illustration sale, I am here to guide you with your choice when you get to the store. Just send some photos and I’m here for you. I want you to have artwork that holds in value and shines in your space, BUT I do hope the above inspires you to get risky.
Xx- Dallas
PS) Everyone deserves to be able to afford original artwork: Incremental payments available. Email info@dallasshaw.com.
