[Bri]

One of my younger artist friends had asked me today whether or not she should frame her work before selling it? Or is there a possibility she could sell them without a frame?
She did some of her artworks on flat canvas (canvas panel) and others on Bristol Board (this is an uncoated, machine-finished paperboard that is thicker than paper, for anyone who doesn't know).
It is going to cost her a lot if she wants to frame them like $80 for a 9" X 12" and it keeps going up to about $175 close to $200 :unhappy:. It would cut greatly into how much she intends on selling her work for. I suggested raising the price to cover the framing expense but she felt it was unfair to do so, since it would be over-charging for what her artwork is really worth to her.
So what do you think? Can she sell her artwork without a frame?:vs_worry:

 

[just]

Yes, but she can get frames for a lot less than that. I buy artwork at second hand stores, thrift shops, flea markets and garage sales. I get frames, mattes, and glass all for less than $10.

 

[Susan Mulno]

I agree with Just here, I buy frames at thrift stores and make my own mattes.

 

[Bri]

Okay, I would suggest to her that we can go thrift store/garage sale/ flea market hunting for frames and stuff :biggrin:. But just to be clear she definitely must have a frame right?

 

[Susan Mulno]

A frame is not required, some people will even buy it and then put it in a different frame than the one you provide! Generally however, it will sell better with a frame.

 

[leighann]

I'm glad someone asked that question, because I was thinking about checking out the local flea market to see how much a booth would be, and if it was even possible for me to display my pieces.

None of mine are in frames, and are drawn on medium weight paper from sketchbooks. Should I even mess with it?

 

[Susan Mulno]

You could try it without the frames to begin with, and maybe just frame a couple of your favorites to see if they sell better than the unframed.

 

[just]

I'm glad someone asked that question, because I was thinking about checking out the local flea market to see how much a booth would be, and if it was even possible for me to display my pieces.

None of mine are in frames, and are drawn on medium weight paper from sketchbooks. Should I even mess with it?

If you can get the frame with the matte and glass for less than what you can add to your price, then frame it. All drawings look more professional when under a glass and surroundedby a matte and frame.