Oh No! I can't do that!

Standardization In Picture Framing Of  Art

Whenever I mentioned "standardization" 10-15 years ago, I would get a standard reply: "I can't restrict my art to a predetermined size!" It sounded good but a bit pretentious. In fact all art has some intrinsic size limitation. Most art is restricted by the size of watercolor paper or printing paper or canvas. Size does not limit the quality of the art. Standardization of sizes does not mean an artist is not serious about improving, perfecting and developing as an artist. It simply means that the materials other than the image itself can be bought less expensively if bought in larger quantities. If sizes are not approached in a rational manner, the end result is that the materials rather than the art become a larger proportion of the price of the art!

I am not suggesting that the art or the materials you buy should be cheapened. I am suggesting that you should pay the least amount you can for materials that are needed to sell the art whether that is standard mat board or 100% Archival Cotton Rag. I probably pay less for full sheets of mat board than you do. Why, because I buy in larger quantities than you do. You will pay less for my mats if you buy more at a time. You can buy more at a time if you use a smaller number of sizes.

There are two levels of standardization that you can adopt depending on your art and the market you are reaching.

First, produce the art so the image and mat fit in a standard frame size (for example, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11x14, 16x20 and sometimes 12x16). The inside dimension, window or image size, Custom section for a minimum of only 10 mats. Standard size windows are available in our in-stock section on our online store. These outside dimensions allow you or your customers to easily find frames. These sizes are also standard glass sizes.

Second, if your art does not lend itself to standard sizes; try to plan a size or sizes that work well with your art. If square mats 18" x 18" with a 3" x 3" window works well, we can cut it for you. Frames will cost you more because 18" x 18" is not a standard size. Glass will cost you more because you will have to cut the 18" x 18" from a larger size. However, if you can increase the number of frames and glass you buy at one time because you use them on several pieces, you can at least lower their cost.

Your first priority is your art. It has to be produced in a size and shape that enhances it. If, however, you can simplify your material sizes, you will take home more money.

Bing Johnson