This past weekend I went and picked up two pieces that I had framed for the 2007 juried photography contest at Arts Clayton.  In the past, I have primarily used Hobby Lobby for framing my exhibited work.  Since I have gone through some pains to find a decent location to have my work framed, I figured I would pass along the limited knowledge I have so that hopefully those of you who are interested in the same can avoid some of the pitfalls that I have run into.

First and foremost, consider your cost. 
At Michael’s, you can expect to pay too much money to have something framed on a traditional artists budget.  While I have seen Michael’s offer 50% off of framing, this is still offered at a much higher rate than other locations.  If you have a relatively low budget, as most of us do, then Michael’s is NOT the place to take your work to get framed.

While we are on the cost subject, one way to use such a place is to look for sales on the pre-made frames and buy those.  Many times the local papers will advertise the sales or signing up for emails from the locations will put the sale information directly into your inbox.  From there, you can have a matte custom made for the frame, along with the backing, wire, etc.  I have talked with some who do not, for some reason or another, have reasonable access to a local frame shop.  So the only option is to use a place such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.

There are, however, better options in terms of cost available at your local frame shop.

What is your window?
If you are in a hurry, try to plan ahead.  I have found that many of these larger companies have a slow turn-around.  The last time I dropped off 2 pieces to be framed at Hobby Lobby north of Atlanta, it took almost a month to get the work framed.  The local frame shop I recently used took about a week and a half.

How is your work going to be shown?
If you are entering a contest, chances are you need a wire hanger on the back of the frame.  I like to have mine mounted and sealed.  Non-glare glass is a nice plus as well.  Consider the venue your work will be at and that should help with the decision making process.

As for me, I went to Lynn’s Lighthouse Art & Custom Frame Shop in Stockbridge, GA to have my work framed and was more than pleased.  Not only did I have a top notch product, but I did not have to shell out as many duckets as I would have done at Hobby Lobby.  Below are the entries for the show, the first two being framed by Lighthouse (please forgive the very quick and unprofessional photos I took of the final pieces):

   

The first two, framed at Lighthouse, were quality wise a little better than Hobby Lobby.  They felt sturdy and were sealed with the hangers I had requested.  While I picked relatively simple frames for each, they were both custom built and turned out quite nicely.  When I picked up my work from Hobby Lobby (last 2 pieces), I found that they had not been sealed.  The little tabs had just been flipped down over the backing.  So I waited while they sealed each piece and placed a wire hanger on the back.  Perhaps a one off instance but it raised enough caution in my mind to cause me to take my business elsewhere in the future.  Which leads me to my last tip…

Inspect your work
Always, always, always check your work before walking out of the door with it.  Sure, you could come back and correct, but it is better to do it while you are there.  Chances are your work will be fine, but you never know.  Had I not looked at the back of those two pieces I picked up from the Hobby Lobby, I would have had to go back and waste more time rather than fix it on the spot.

I am by no means an expert, but I have used a few places here and there and found that a local shop with people you can develop a business relationship with is critical to getting good framing.