Framing Competitions

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Fri 31 Aug, 2007 8:45 pm

I sent off for the print to frame for The Picture Business framing competition today.

You have to be in the first 50 to apply - so there can only be 50 entries -and you don't get to see what the print is first either - guess I could Google the artist though.

Never thought much about framing competitions before - as someone once said (someone who could probably win one easily) - it shouldn't be about the frame!

But I dunno - if you get the frame (etc) bang on and add some design or method that enhances the image .....?

I really REALLY didn't like the design that won last year - a sports shirt outside the frame - very clever and all that - but not very practical - it's going to get minging and it's not wash-able!

Anyone ever entered a framing competition? Any tips?

............. and hey - how about an online forum framing competition?

Not your average framer · Fri 31 Aug, 2007 9:00 pm

Hi John,

There's just what you need on the Framers Oracle in the terminology section under R.

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Fri 31 Aug, 2007 9:11 pm

Oh har har hardy har har.

Who put that one there then?

Should I edit the typo?

Not your average framer · Fri 31 Aug, 2007 9:21 pm

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Fri 31 Aug, 2007 10:14 pm

Tee hee! Nice one, NYAF!

osgood · Post by **osgood** » Fri 31 Aug, 2007 10:15 pm

Many years ago I entered framing competitions.
The first one was a free choice of art and was at Art Expo in Darling Harbour, sydney, which I won.
Next was at a trade show in Brisbane, again a free choice and I came second.
Final one was in Sydney at a trade show and I came fourth, so I figured on the mathematical progression, there was no point in entering any more.

Having seen the results of the latest comp at the Sydney trade show, I would advise that you do something that is very tasteful, not over the top, in harmony with the colours in the piece, use Museum or Anti-reflection glass and pay strict attention to detail.

The winners at Sydney were stunning and the judges did a great job!

Not your average framer · Fri 31 Aug, 2007 11:01 pm

I think something tastefully done and not "over the top", but with that little something extra that is different and looks classy. Something not often seen, I can't think of anything particular, these things just come to you.

However, I've been meaning to try sometime, a deep bevel mount wrapped in the surface paper from a suede mountboard. Mmmm!

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Fri 31 Aug, 2007 11:04 pm

This is the artist

Hmmmm - think I could do something with that stuff!

Post by **prospero** » Sat 01 Sep, 2007 9:31 am

Two bits of blu-tak springs to mind.

marcus · Post by **marcus** » Sun 02 Sep, 2007 8:38 pm

l too have sent off for the print to frame for The Picture Business framing competition. The third competition l will have entered, the trick is to design
something which gives you that wow factor whether its a stunning design
based on colour, or some new amazing technique which impresses the judges
and passing public. Competitions always give you sleepless nights you think about this colour and that technique, but they are fun to do and it gives you a
chance to think very creatively. l have now gone full time as a framer £1000 or even £250 , would come in very handy.
Best of British to you.

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Sun 02 Sep, 2007 8:56 pm

I just wish they'd shown the print - when (if) it comes it may not inspire me one bit.

marcus · Post by **marcus** » Sun 02 Sep, 2007 9:12 pm

l know thats the thing, the inspiration is the hardest part, the design comes later then the plan of action and the putting together is the easy part. Then you find after all that its not as good as you thought it was going to be!!
BUT IT'S TOO LATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The last one l did l didn,t like. l put it together day before the end cut off date
because l was too busy, and then l couldn't obtain the moulding l wanted
because arqadia had sold out. Lesson don't leave it till the last minute.
As l said before sleepless nights.

Marcus

David · Post by **David** » Tue 11 Sep, 2007 8:52 pm

I entered the first Picture Business comp. and got into the last 10, didn't have time last year. I agree with what was said about last years winner, novel but not very practical the dust and dirt after a few weeks will make it look very grubby.

Which brings me to the main problem with these competitions, as with all art, it's a question of interpretation and taste. You can never be sure what the judges are looking for. Is it a competition to show framing design and skills or to show off the artwork to its best?

I try and strike a balance between the two, some hand finishing or trick mount cutting or unusual materials while trying to enhance the image but without overpowering it. As I said it's very subjective and you cannot get it right all the time. Not everyone has impecable taste.

I actually think framing competitions should be like the motor industry uses concept cars or fashion the major catwalk shows. Showing off the latest and best in design and skill, OK so it may be over the top, way over the top for some of the more conservative minded, but the clue is in the title, FRAMING competition not image enhansment competition. I am very disappointed when I see impractical, unimaginative or mundane pieces winning, just what is the point. We are enhansing artwork not primarily showing off our framing every day of the week. Whats so wrong with being let loose once in a while pushing the boundaries and maybe creating our own art for once.

Better stop there turning into a bit of a rant. Better go and lie down for a while.

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Tue 11 Sep, 2007 10:17 pm

I like the FATG's approach to these competitions actually - frame a particular print, or frame anything you like on the same theme.

Going to tell you a story now - went to a trade show, a long time ago, in Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) - don't remember much about it actually, I think it was a test of the water by TPB - so poorly attended that it was not continued - shame - great location for me - but then I have Mrs Robo as SatNav in London and she is not far off 'the knowledge' - tricky for those not used to London driving.

Aaaaaanyway .......

FATG had a stand near the entrance and I was asked if I was a member - and I was.

Very nice lady - posh accent, says "Will you be entering the framing competition this year?"

"Haven't really thought about it"

"Well - it's on a theme of (outer) space"

Turned to Mrs R and said "Hey - we could frame that lump of rock we've got from the moon"

Nice lady bunnied on a bit - gave us some bumph - as we started to walk away she came over and said "Have you REALLY got a rock from the moon?"

I said "NO" in a 'DUH' sort of way and Mrs R nearly wet herself - Nice lady says "Hmmph - it's wasn't THAT funny"

Mrs R says "It was from where I was standing, love"

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Sat 27 Oct, 2007 10:55 pm

I'd given up on this; had an email Thursday apologising for the delay - circumstances beyond control - blah.

Anyway - I'm in! Just got to pick one of four prints, which will be sent in the next two weeks - must say it's cutting it fine - Christmas and all.

Anyone else in?

Anyway - the four prints are on the artist's website HERE

They are

Hendrix (B&W)
Jagger (sepia)
Bono (B&W
Keith Richards (Sepia)

Now - not asking for advice or inspiration - that would not be fair - but none of them are my cup of tea - all I want to know is, which one would you pick - and - from a non-framing point of view, why?

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Sat 27 Oct, 2007 11:25 pm

Either Bono or Jagger: definitely not Hendrix or Richards.

The Bono/Jagger images I find to be more striking visually and therefore they engaged my interest more.

Bono image - classic, iconic pose, and very strong graphically.

Jagger image - the off-centre composition makes it more interesting. Also, if very quickly skimming the site, it's not as immediately obvious as some of the other images on the site. Again, tonality used is graphically quite strong, although I do not find it as striking as the Bono image.

Hope this helps... Be very interested to see what you come up with, John!

Roboframer · Post by **Roboframer** » Sun 28 Oct, 2007 8:51 pm

Thanks for that Áine - and I agree; I just think it's weird having a choice of four images - I mean the subject could win it - or help to - it's not a level playing field if the image is not the same.

It would be different if they provided just one image - say Bono - and then had a different 'freestyle' category - frame anything you like on a 'Rock' theme - another star, something 3-D - whatever. Two separate competitions.

Bono struck me first - instantly recognisable and his fizzog fills the image -then I thought that probably most will pick that image - so maybe I shouldn't.

Then Jagger, then Hendricks ... but why not Keith Richards - he was in Pirates recently - a real icon anyway, and, according to many ladies I have asked to compare the four - the biggest sex symbol!!!

I hate being given a choice and am seriously considering giving this a miss because of what I said about what is perceived as the best image influencing votes.

Four different images should perhaps be four different competitions?

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Sun 28 Oct, 2007 10:00 pm

Roboframer wrote:...the subject could win it - or help to - it's not a level playing field if the image is not the same...

I agree with you completely. To my mind, it's a competition to compare skills between framers: given that the image has in some way to govern the frame design, then allowing multiple images in the competition does not create a fair and accurate environment for comparison and contrast of different framing treatments.

Personally, I would rate Bono higher in the "sex symbol" stakes than Keith Richards: a bit more "thinking woman's crumpet," perhaps..?

beth · Post by **beth** » Mon 29 Oct, 2007 10:09 am

I would go for Hendrix,

kaptain.kopter · Post by **kaptain.kopter** » Mon 29 Oct, 2007 11:25 am

I don't get this competition thing at all.

Is the image on paper or canvas?

A paper print of the Hendrix print retails at £176:25 (17"x17").
A canvas retails up to £375:00 (30"x30")

Seems rather extravagant, did you have to pay an entry fee?

The images aren't to my taste either. They simply look like famous photographs that have been scanned and solarised in photoshop. Not what I'd call art. Mind you, I bet he makes more than a comfy living out of it.

Good luck John.