The Things You Learn Along the Way: Framing at Studio Agnew
I didn’t learn framing in art school. I decided I wanted to learn it—and ended up working in the framing department at Michaels.
10/7/20263 min read
While I was studying at Ringling College of Art and Design, I wanted to learn more about professional picture framing. I completed the Framer’s Gallery program and, during summers and school breaks, worked behind the framing counter, helping customers figure out how to best present their artwork, photographs, certificates, and keepsakes.
I learned how to select frames and mats, cut glass and mats, prepare artwork, and properly fit and assemble a finished piece. It was a very hands-on education, and I ended up really enjoying it.
Today, I’m an artist with a studio of my own—and framing has found its way back into the mix at Studio Agnew.
Framing Is Part of the Artwork
Framing isn’t just putting a piece of art inside a frame. The frame becomes part of how the artwork is presented.
The mat, frame, artwork, and space around it all work together. A good frame can give a piece room to breathe, create contrast, pull out a color, or simply give it a clean, finished edge.
As an artist, I look at framing from that perspective. I’m not only thinking about whether something fits. I’m looking at the artwork itself and considering what will help present it well.
And sometimes, simple really is the right answer.
So, What Kind of Framing Do I Offer?
At Studio Agnew, I offer a curated selection of straightforward framing options, primarily black and natural wood frames paired with classic white mats. They’re versatile choices that work well with artwork, prints, photographs, children’s artwork, certificates, and other pieces you want to display.
You can purchase the supplies and frame your piece yourself, or you can drop off your artwork at the studio and have me professionally frame it for you. Once it’s finished, you’ll come back to pick it up.
The idea is to make framing more approachable without making you sort through hundreds of frame and mat combinations.
Studio Agnew is not a full custom framing shop, so frame styles and sizing are limited. Instead, I focus on simple, versatile options that work for a variety of artwork and make it easier to get something finished and ready to display.
You don’t always need an elaborate custom frame to make something look finished and intentional. Sometimes a clean frame and a white mat are exactly what the artwork needs.
A Skill That Came Full Circle
It’s funny how the things we decide to learn along the way can stick with us.
While at Michaels, I was a college student looking to learn a new skill. I had no idea that years later I’d have my own fine art studio where that skill would come full circle, helping me frame my own artwork as well as artwork for my clients.
That’s one of the things I love about being an artist. Your creative career doesn’t always follow a straight line.
The skills you pick up, the jobs you take, the people you meet, and the things you decide to learn all become part of what you bring to your work.
For me, framing is one of those pieces.
And now I get to use that skill to help people actually get their artwork finished and onto the wall.
Maybe they’ve had a print sitting in a tube, a piece of artwork leaning against a wall, or a stack of things they’ve been meaning to frame for months. Maybe they simply don’t have the time to figure out the right size, mat, and frame—or they get overwhelmed by all the choices.
I can take that off their list.
Sometimes the value isn’t just in the frame. It’s in finally getting the artwork out of the drawer, off the floor, and onto the wall where it belongs.
Have Something That Needs Framing?
Maybe it’s a piece of artwork you made yourself. Maybe it’s a print you bought and never got around to framing. Maybe it’s your child’s artwork, a certificate, a photograph, or something special that has been sitting in a drawer waiting for its turn.
Bring it by the studio.
I can help you look at the available options, or you can pick up a frame and mat and do it yourself.
Sometimes getting artwork out of the drawer and onto the wall is the last step in making it feel finished.
That’s a pretty good reason to finally frame it.
Come by during Studio Hours to browse available framing options, drop off artwork, or pick up frames, mats, and other supplies. Please check the Studio Hours before stopping by, as the studio is not open for walk-ins at all times.
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