Is DIY dead?

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ArtLady

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Founding Member
Joined
Oct 13, 1999
Posts
1,245
Loc
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Years ago DIY (Do it yourself) was the major marketing rage of the day. Is it still alive and kicking?? Do you think these marketing waves come and go? What's next?
When all those 22k computerized mat cutters are paid for what will pricing be like? Anyone have any ideas what the future will hold?

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
 
Art Lady- My take of the demise of DIY is the direct result of selling on price alone. That concept took all the skill, talent professionalism out of the equation leaving a less than desirable answer. I feel the same will happen on the internet framing. There just isn't any substitute for someone guiding, then fulfilling something as personal and customized as framing. That core will remain strong. The biggest unknown in the wall decor arena is the ever increasing non-traditional competitors. That we are monitoring carefully and hope we make some correct decisions to compete on a level field.Just a few random observations
 
Yes, DIY framing is dead -- at least for now, and there are some good reasons why it will probably stay dead:

1) Inventory -- Today's custom framers offer lots of choices, and most of us have hundreds more than the DIY framers of old. The DIY framers had to stock everything on display, but we can't do that now. Customers want variety more than they want instant framing. So, we offer lots more, just not same-day.

2) Labor -- DIY really was a gimmick. There never was any real savings of labor. All of the materials were cut by someone in the back room, and the customer only did the joining & fitting. Someone from the shop was there to watch & instruct the whole time.

3) Insurance/Liability -- These days, if you put a hammer in a customer's hand and they smash their own fingers, they could sue you -- and win! in 1972 it was different.

What's in the future? I think there will be two distinctly different kinds of frame shops: Big Box chain stores, where price is everything; and small, excellent quality custom shops where the best is available and price is not so important. There won't be much in between.


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Jim Miller, CPFcm; GAFP Committee Member
 
Im new to this and it is confusing....
But I need some help.... I am a grandmother and just found I can paint about 5 years ago...and now I want to make frames for my work ..I purchased a miter saw ...and have been working with it ...but I don't know how to put the frames together....
I need step by step...on how to and what to purchase as far as tools go.
I just want simple frames....
I would appreciate any help from anyone ...
Adeline

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adeline
 
It has been my experience that making frames can take a lot of time. Have you considered using a framer? I tell all the artists we work with that they should be painting. Frame one or two and then leave the rest unframed. The public will get the idea.

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
 
So many customers have told me that they just want simple frames that I've become over-sensitized to the point where, if one more person says they don't want to 'overwhelm the artwork', I think I may come out in hives. I have, at the owners' request, put lovely pieces in not enough framing. I think it makes the artwork look unimportant. Go to as many museums, galleries, and exhibitions as you can; check out the framing. If you are working with a tight budget, haunt flea markets and the Salvation Army store for zowie frames, then use your miter saw to cut them to fit your canvases (corner clamps are available at most hardware stores.) Good luck with your endeavor. Kit

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana
 
Most of the artists that I frame for have finally realized how critical a frame is to their art sales. They now frame 1 or 2 pieces, most likely in a metal frame, with neutral mats. This type of framing is mostly for shows. If you frame your other stuff I can gaurentee that you will have to change the mats or frame because it did not match the cats eyes or the slip covers, or the wood work in the bathroom.
 
Consider making a relationship with a framer so that you get referral fees or your customers can get a discount. This will free up your time for more creative pursuits.

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited November 14, 2000).]
 
I wonder if there are any artists that frame their own work to save money that wouldn't be offended by a potential client that wanted to paint their own art because it looked so easy and they could save some money
 
Bob, no framing could possibly look as bad as my attempts at painting. Kit

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana
 
Kit, Jackson Pollack or whatever his name was spelled like, totally destroyed your alibi for not painting.

I think Adeline or whoever she/he is, is putting us on. It's probably Zorro.

John
 
Where is that gay blade when you need him anyway?

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
 
Hi Adeline

Most of my clients are artists, most of them are clients of many years. Over the years, I have seen a pattern develope. Time span about 5 to 7 years on average.

Artist starts out, stuff sells well, framing contracted out.

Artist becomes prolific, art sells well, framing contracted out.

Artist decides can frame cheaper than contracting out, so does own framing - framing quality is so-so to terrible, artist maintains production level but overall quality eventually falls off.

Sales start to decline, artist burns out.

After a long hiatus, artist returns to own art.

Art quality and quantity eventually return, artist contracts out framing.

I have seen this phenomenon many times.

My advice to artists? Stick to being the artist. It is more productive use of the talent God gave you.

Orton
 
I would just like to compliment all of the above respondents on your gentleness. These topics, artists who frame and beginner framers, have come up numerous times and usually met with very scathing retorts. Adeline - you were smart to mention that you are a grandma - maybe that is what protected you!
 
Max, I've been trying for months to document that Degas qoute. So far even the Mpls Public Library has been unable to locate a source. I'm beginning to think it's apocryphal. Can you justify it? Kit

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana
 
Framer, maybe we could do with a stone icon?
smile.gif
 
I love the Degas quote. I think I will post it for all artists to see.
Grandma or no Grandma, I would hate to see you underpin a finger without any formal instruction (on how to underpin the moulding, not the finger!). I'm sure there is a qualified picture framing school nearby. If not, feel free to refer to an old thread, "How did you get into The Business?" I provided a link of online instruction of how to frame, or start a frame shop, or something like that. If anything, you can't teach good design via the internet.
Good Luck!!!!

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Lisa Kozokowsky C.G.A.H.
Frameswest Inc.
 
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