Does Framing your Art Help Sales as an Artist?

To Frame or Not to Frame…

You've labored long and hard to create your piece of art and now it is done. It’s time to sell it and get it into the hands of someone who loves the piece and wants to put it in his or her home or office.

So. Do you frame it or not?

Frankly, if you are selling your art online, it can be easier to sell unframed so you can package it in a good solid tube or flat pack. You can always add a frame to close a sale if the customer would like you to do that. But if you are going to show it, yes, you should frame it.

Next question: Any cheap frame, or a good quality frame? 

Perhaps you've had this conversation with yourself:
"If it needs a frame, then I'll just put a cheap one on. The buyer (fingers crossed) will probably change out the frame anyway, so I don’t need to spend much on this."

 No, no, no. Please don't think this way or do this. It's precisely because you toiled so hard over this piece of art that you must present it to an audience in the best light possible.

And that means a quality frame. Imagine the Mona Lisa framed in a cheap, plastic frame. Heavens! A cheap, inappropriate frame will instantly make the art look cheap too, even if the viewer doesn't consciously realize that's happening.

 In fact, a good frame actually helps sell art. Many galleries will insist on the right frame of very good quality.

Framing we did for Wanderlust Silent Action Benefit, Curated by @jessicasample

So, it's important to frame your artwork when it will be displayed. Yes, it may cost you more, and sometimes a lot more. But you can be smart in pricing and how you work it out with a gallery. Some artists make it part of the deal that they get back the cost of the frame in addition to their percentage of the art itself. And if the customer wants the art but in a different frame, the gallery can give the frame back to you, and the gallery can charge the customer for the new frame. Both make out.

But there is absolutely no reason to potentially downgrade your art by displaying it in a cheap frame. Just make it your game to include providing an excellent frame for the piece from the beginning. 

 Having trouble choosing the right frame? If you don't have your finger on that pulse, that's ok. We are the professionals who know what works. Let us help you raise the bar on your own artwork by showing you how (and which) quality frame will shine new light on your piece and attract more eyes and hearts. And sales.

 A few of our best-selling frames to local artists and galleries.

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Have you had better sales with framed or unframed art?

Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

Children's Art Framing Ideas

Here Are Some Ways to Display Wonderful Kid Art!

Of COURSE your child's artwork is special… even if it is in a pile, we know you have an art wall planned! Or maybe you have been sticking your child's art on the fridge or taped to a wall, and now there's no more room for the new stuff.  Argh! What to do?

To display your child's art shows recognition that your budding artist and his/her creations are valued. What better way to boost their self-esteem!

So, let's celebrate the art pieces your youngster creates and showcase them! Here are some great ideas you can implement that will elevate your little sunshine's work from the pile to a place of honor. But don't let these be the end-all. Maybe they will inspire a little creativity in you too!

FRAMES WITH CORK BACKING

You can replace the backing with cork board, which comes in a roll and is cut to size. Just pin the art to the framed cork.

$69.99 Shop Belle Arte Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/519156735/pink-wood-corkboard-bulletin-board

JUST THE FRAMES

Use one or more frames and remove the backing and the glass. Fasten the frame to the wall. Simply tape or pin the art piece to the wall behind the frame. Switch out the art whenever you want.

THE "ARTSLINE"

 Of course, a very simple way to display art is from a line of twine, ribbon, or even wire strung horizontally on a wall, just like a clothesline.  Use clips or decorative clothespins to attach the pieces to the wire. Easy to switch out.

PROP FRAMED ART ON LEDGES

Either install or use floating ledges you already have. Place the framed artwork on the ledges in any configuration you want. You can even overlap some of them for artistic flare - and it saves room!

Artwork by my grandson, Niko

SPECIAL FRAME GROUPINGS

 A very fun way to display kid's art is to have several different frames all matching in color and/or having the same shape or a mixture of different ones. Group them on a wall. This is especially fun in a child's room over the bed or desk, or an area reserved for this art. 

PRESERVE WITH A POSTER

What if you have a LOT of art, and they are all special, but now you need to make room for more? Consider having many pieces all preserved in a poster. There are companies who will do this for you. You provide the digital photos and they will reproduce all of them on a poster. You can have several pieces displayed at one time (such as 10 of 12, each reduced in size.) The result is a quality poster showcasing the pieces. Finish it off with a frame and mat if you wish. Voila!

MIX IT IN!

Don’t have a space just for your child's art? There is nothing wrong (and maybe a lot right) with hanging a framed original piece from your child among other framed works you already have hanging.

There are so many ways to preserve, store, showcase and cherish your child's art. Let's help our little Picassos and Monets get a proper start by artfully and playfully showing the world what they can do.

We can help you make decisions or offer fun ideas for helping you show off your child's art. Just give us a call, or come on in with the artwork, and we can help you decide on the best way for you to pull it off.

Let us know if you have any comments or questions below.

We love hearing from you!

Year in Review: Belle Arte in Voyage LA and the 14th Factory

Happy New Year!... From 1957

Beautifully retro January 1957 pin-up calendar page to be framed in our #387 black frame.

This year we framed a lot of beautiful art.

In March we helped artist Simon Birch with custom framing and canvas stretching of several of his awesome and massive pieces for the opening of his 14th Factory in Lincoln Heights, East Los Angeles.

Simon Birch's Paintings at the 14th Factory Los Angeles

Simon Birch and his pitchfork installation "The Crusher"

In August we were featured in Voyage LA Magazine's "La's Most Inspiring Stories"! (See article)

This year we saw so much beautiful art pass through our factory. (Which we try to keep up with in posting them all here: Belle Arte on Instagram )

Pascal Shirley

Whitney Stoddard

Chris Swoszowski

We can't wait to see what this new year holds and all the wonderful new artists and pieces to come!

"This Will Be Our Year"

- The Zombies, Odyssey And Oracle. 
Framed print in our #413 Mahogany frame.

The happiest new year to you all.

Let's make more art!

Much Love,
Lanna Borom

Voyage La’s Most Inspiring Stories:

Meet Lanna Borom of Belle Arte!

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanna Borom.

Lanna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

1979: Chuck Borom, the owner and president, started by making frames in his own garage. He then decided to travel the world selling framed art. Starting with the letter A, the adventure began in Alaska, onto Australia, then Africa.

Cut to 1989: Never made it to B… instead Chuck decided to create Belle Arte. He settled down by opening his own factory in Los Angeles and by getting married to me.

Together we created a business that we love, providing quality framing services to local artists, designers, and neighbors of Los Angeles.

We love to work with people who make art and people who love art!

Belle Arte entrance

Cuba Dancers Mirrored framed and matted for Zoe Bios Creative

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Being in the art and framing business has definitely had its challenges. Originally, we were wholesalers only of framed art and mirrors. Then, after 2008, when the housing market crashed, no one wanted to buy art for their foreclosures.

That’s when we really opened our doors to our local photographers and artists, and to anyone who needed to frame art they had for a show, or individual pieces for their home. It was a win/win for everyone! We were able to offer better pricing as we are actually a factory and not a retail storefront.

By inviting everyone in, we could keep our employees busy and didn’t have to downsize. Also, we got to meet the most incredible artists and friends.

Thus, we are still in business today and can still offer volume pricing to designers for their projects as well as great service for everyone!

Belle Arte – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?

Our business concept is to be a go-to framing and mirror source for local artists and designers of Los Angeles and beyond. All of our prices are wholesale for any project, budget or high-end.

We’ve been in business for 30 years working with the design and hospitality industry, from local artist and galleries to national designers. With experience in doing rush jobs for galleries and art shows, we understand deadlines and we are willing to work with the unique demands of a project.

We understand that framing can be intimidating so we make it an enjoyable and creative experience.

Simon Birch and his stretched canvas paintings at the 14th Factory

Framed print by Simon Birch

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?

I have had many proud moments, but, my favorite recent one was framing an enormous canvas for Simon Birch’s 14th Factory’s opening! He is an amazing artist to work with and his pieces are stunning! -Chuck

I really felt proud when a designer asked me to come up with local art and a whole new fresh take on a hotel in Detroit. I had a blast and every image I chose was approved! I got all the artwork printed and framed and shipped out exactly when she needed it! – Lanna

See the original article:
http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-lanna-borom-belle-arte-lincoln-heights/
 

Framed Photography by Ryan Plett

Framed Gallery Wall Art for Zoe Bios Creative

The Benefits of Art in the Workplace - Part Two: The Employee

Part two: The Employee

Art benefits employees too! Art in the workplace has definite benefits for employees as well. Studies have shown that art surrounding a company’s employees can definitely influence their mindset. Art can be inspiring, and an inspired employee can generate more new ideas, leading to new promotional campaigns.  New, vibrant and relevant campaigns can lead to more company growth.

Just looking at a work of art can unlock a person’s creativeness. Employees who are feeling energized and creative will emanate these qualities to coworkers and customers alike. It can make the difference between a lively, productive workforce and one that is slogging through the day with an eye on the clock.

There’s no doubt that art can have a direct effect on the atmosphere in the workplace.  Think of a painting of a couple holding hands by candlelight, or a photo of a beautiful woman in a silk robe looking out of a lace curtained window with a cup of tea in her hands. These images can enhance a certain restaurant’s desire to appeal to those customers who want the experience of fine dining where the lighting is low and romantic. On the other hand, a funeral parlor would probably want peaceful, calming, or religious art to help customers who are experiencing grief.

Another aspect of art in the workplace is that it can function to define spaces. Used as focal points in spaces where employees and/or clients gather, it can act as a clue as to what should be happening there. For example, an area with refreshments such as coffee and tea or a lunchroom could be enhanced with art depicting delectable foods and beverages. Meeting rooms could have more business-oriented art in those spaces to help with setting the pace and atmosphere. 

Keep in mind that if you are getting ready to build or renovate office space, at least plan for the possible placing of art in the future, even if you have no idea what form it will take right now. You can avoid costly mistakes later by thinking with the lighting being installed or the bracing that might be needed for heavy art works down the road.

Every company wants happy, on-purpose employees and clients who love being in their space. Do all of them a favor by boosting their morale and firing up their creativeness. Everyone wins with well-chosen, well-placed quality art in the office.

Featured Local Artist: Edvarda A Braanaas

Edvarda Braanaas

Edvarda is a Norwegian artist living in Oslo and Los Angeles.

Over the years, she has developed distinctive imagery inspired by film / photography, fashion and advertising, as well as art history and literature.

The below framed pieces were featured at Art@TRAKTOR.

The large pieces we framed for her were done in pastel and pencil, creating a softness to her dreamy figures.

It is always such a pleasure to work with such talented artists.

We enjoyed framing her beautiful pastel pieces.

@edvardab

https://www.edvarda.com/

Framed Certificate for the City of LA Presented at Hollywood Event

Rush Picture Framing Services for Next Day Event - Tom Cruise and the Cast of The Mummy 2017 Hollywood & Highland Takeover Event

Need a framed certificate for Tom Cruise to present at an event? No problem! 

We framed this certificate in thirty minutes for our friend at Universal Studios on Friday to be given to the cast of The Mummy 2017 on Saturday for a press event in Hollywood on May 20th.

Sophia Boutella, Tom Cruise, Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson, & Director Alex Kurtzman pose with the City of Los Angeles cerfiticate.

The Hollywood and Highland Takeover event celebrates "The Mummy Day" with a 75 foot sarcophagus movie replica erected under the Grauman's Chinese Theatre archway.

The cast poses for a picture holding the certificate for the city of Los Angeles that reads:

"On behalf of the City of Los Angeles and the 13th Council District, I would like to commemorate THE MUMMY Day 2017.  We welcome THE MUMMY stars Tom Cruise, Annabelle Wallis, Sofia Boutella and Jake Johnson—as well as director Alex Kurtzman and all of the fans gathered here today.  As we proudly reveal The Mummy’s sarcophagus—the largest single vertical structure ever assembled at the Hollywood and Highland gateway—we celebrate the launch of Universal Pictures’ thrilling twist on a timeless legend.  We welcome you all to one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations."

- frame #79211 !

Wanderlust 2017

Wanderlust 2017

We framed the photography for this wonderful auction benefit.

"Wanderlust: A Silent Auction Benefit" aims to show us how the world is a beautiful, complex and fragile place. This is often most apparent to us through the lens of the traveler. This year the proceeds will be going to Natural Resources Defense Council. NRDC works to safeguard the earth-its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends-- using law and science to effect change.

Curated by Jessica Sample.

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All images framed in our #1211 white

Various photographers, curated by Jessica Sample.
http://www.jessicasample.com/

Images and list of artists: 
http://www.uospaces.com/15twenty/en/los-angeles-ca/blog/posts/month-of-photography-los-angeles-wanderlust

Belle Arte Featured on ClarkLiving.com

Thank you to Steve Clark for featuring us on your blog. We highly recommend him as a real estate agent and neighborhood guru. He's also an author of a great blog on guides of the neighborhoods and also whats up and coming in LA.

"Belle Arte is an unsuspecting paradise for artists, designers, and art collectors. I happened upon Belle Arte by accident one day after taking a few wrong turns in Lincoln Heights. I was welcomed in by co-owner Lanna Borom, who excitedly led me around the warehouse space that seemed to stretch on and on and house more and more treasures around each turn..."

Click here to see the article