Framing Standards all the Same?

[Jim Miller]

In the "Darwinism" thread there are several mentions of framing standards, as though they are interchangeable or serve similar purposes. In the context of that thread, maybe the differences don't matter.

But there are significant differences that may not be clear to all, so I decided to start this new thread to discuss them.

FATG and PPFA have developed specific framing criteria for certain kinds of projects. Those instructions are generally the basis for the groups' qualification exams. However, those standards usually don't help framers communicate the differences to consumers; that isn't their purpose.

FACTS is altogether different; the concept is to help framers understand the differences in materials and methods, to help framers recognize the appropriate alternatives for each job at hand, and to identify the choices consistently.

Further, the FACTS concept is intended to help all parties of the industry communicate with one another -- and to help framers communicate with customers -- using comprehensive guidelines and consistent terminology.

To put it another way, FACTS is intended as a benchmark guideline. Framers are invited to take exceptions from the "Maximum Preservation Guideline". FACTS does not recommend an absolute level of quality or an absolute set of framing instructions.

 

[Rebecca]

I'm not sure if I'm keeping on topic here, but these are my thoughts on framer/consumer education re conservation framing and "unconservation" framing.

Organizations like FACTS/PPFA/and the beloved Grumble help to standardize framing. As someone mentioned on another thread, there is no set criterial for becoming a framer. Framers also often work in professional isolation, so that it's very easy to fall into a "comfort zone" of framing practices that could easily be improved. Like masking tape to seal framing packages, cardboard in the back, brown paper dust covers etc. etc. (This is not just common to framer's, I find myself doing this from time to time, which is why I value my conservator friends and professional organization so much - they keep the little grey cells working.)

It's one thing to have different levels of framing quality if both the framer and the customer are clear on what is being chosen and the reasons behind those choices. But all too often iffy practices are just done willy-nilly, with no "informed choice", and this can give the whole industry a bad reputation (e.g. evergreen slugs).

So how do you bring more framers into the professional fold? Betty's thread on educating the consumer about custom framing and standard framing practices is one way - from the outside in. If customers ask for a particular level of framing, (in writing) the framer will supply it.

Another way would be from the inside out, maybe by having(independent)FACTS type information available through the supplyers. Every framer has to buy supplies! Perhaps brochures about materials and techniques aimed at the consumer, for framers to hand out to the customer (educating the framer at the same time) Or labels to put on the back of the framing package with checklists. I'm sure PPFA etc. has thought about all of this on their own. Who would pay for it? Not sure - maybe the suppliers, as a public relations exercise? Maybe an initial small freebie run, with additional copies available at cost, or permission for the framers themselves to reproduce it.

Just thoughts.

Rebecca

 

[Jim Miller]

Originally posted by Rebecca:
...It's one thing to have different levels of framing quality if both the framer and the customer are clear on what is being chosen and the reasons behind those choices. But all too often iffy practices are just done willy-nilly, with no "informed choice"...Perhaps brochures about materials and techniques aimed at the consumer, for framers to hand out to the customer (educating the framer at the same time) Or labels to put on the back of the framing package with checklists....

Rebecca:

You've accurately described some features of FACTS. The whole concept is to improve communication -- including the education of customers.

I think you're right; "informed choice" is the key to long term customer satisfaction. And beyond that, customers are more eager to spend money on preservation features when they understand what they do in the frame. So, educating customers not only helps them make better choices, it also has a very positive effect on our sales figures.

FACTS has on their website a downloadable (is that a real word?), illustrated, single-sheet handout that shows an exploded view of a maximum preservation frame. After learning about the customer's intentions for the project at hand, I give the handout to customers, talk about how that example compares to their project, and explain the purpose of each frame component I recommend.

FACTS has also produced dustcover labels that are designed so that deviations from the max.pres. guideline can be listed on the back of each frame. I'm sure they are still available.

When it comes to helping customers make "informed choices", FACTS is the most useful concept I've seen. Unfortunately, most framers don't seem to understand it yet.

 

[Rebecca]

Well shame on me for not going through the FACTS site more closely. I certainly will, and spread the word. A lot of framers really do work in isolation, and when I tell them about the Grumble and FACTS, and some of the matboard info I've picked up here, they're very interested. So maybe a much smaller insert from suppliers enclosed with each order, extolling the virtues of FACTS?

Rebecca