2 x Posters - Design Considerations

[RobM]

Hi All,

I've got a couple of posters in from friends who are happy for me to have a little free reign on, with minimal input from them. I've had a few thoughts, and wondered how your views contrasted with mine.

Sleep Paralysis - a print consisting of only two colours, black and brownish, my friend seemed to like an off-white/ivory mount, as those shown in the photo. I'd prefer to avoid those colours because, as was commented on one similar print I did before, the print tends to look "dirty" if the mats are lighter. For me, I can't see any other mount colour than black for this.

My friend did want to a brown wood-effect type moulding as shown in the photo. I do think this goes with the colour of the print, and with the black mount, there's a suitable combination, as per the bottom left corner.

Alice Donut - a more colourful poster. there is a temptation to evoke the yellow and red colours of the title block in a mount. However, I can't help thinking a surround isn't entirely needed at all, because of the natural white border on the poster (I also wonder if this is a bit more normal on bigger images like this). So, I'm actually thinking no mount, and the shaped black moulding in the photo would be sufficient.

What do you think?

Also, of course I'll be avoiding any dry mounting for these. What should I do the make the most of not having this option? Does, for example, an MDF backing help more than a Cori-Cor? Do I just make sure I get lots of framer's points in, to keep the flatness more consistent?

Thank you!

[Justintime]

I get the "free reign, minimal input" thing. It makes it really easy for your friends, to just leave you to it. I've had it plenty before but I don't do it anymore. The thing is it's a really good opportunity to practice your consultation/design table experience with your friends. Personally I think that the input the customer/friend has is invaluable in helping you build your confidence as a designer. Your experience builds to the point that you can explain what choices best suit the piece and why.
Sleep Paralysis - That paper is a tricky shade, I'd go with a Minuet mount or your black mount. If you're not matching that paper than I'd say stay neutral. I know you don't mind harsh so, I don't get how that Oak frame goes with the black. My eye goes straight out to the frame. If you stained that frame down with a dark shade then it would blend and help your eye be drawn to the print. Personally with that sort of print i'd go dark or black. If you're looking through catalogues of moulding samples, I'd look for a bit of texture on a dark moulding. The female body and the monster both have a bit of texture that can be mirrored in the frame if anything suitable is available. Have a look at Lions L2600 Rodin black to see what I mean. That moulding is a bit small for the piece I suspect but could be used stacked as the inside moulding. I'd also look at Larson Juhl 345082 and 439082 for some simple plain but stylish matt black moulding.
Alice Donut - You have an opportunity here to explore some mouldings with colour. There's greens, the dark blueish of the grapes. I'd stay away from the reds as you want your eye to be drawn to those shades and not be distracted by the frame. Black is fine too but..

As far as mount or not mount, I think both pieces could be hinged to board with spacers, "close framed", they'd look great with or without mounts.
Regular Corri backing is fine, if they're off anysize, I hinge to a 2.4 board instead of 1.4.
Have a look at the Larson Juhl "Komodo" range too, blacks and reds.

[RobM]

While I'm gaining a better understanding of my design options in general, it seems there are still some basics I don't (at least yet, I hope) have the eye for. On Sleep Paralysis, I was thinking of the oak moulding because of the similar(ish) colour, but I'm still overlooking further factors, such as how some of these elements can distract from the image at hand. I particularly like the Lions L2600 example, but agree it might be a bit narrow on its own. I think I'll look at some darker browns and blacks that have some texture and sufficient width.

Just to check - Minuet mount is from Larson Juhl. Is there a reason that makes this stand out over other brands? Perhaps because of its conservation properties?

And Alice Donut - you're right, this is a great chance to play with some colours. I think I will add at least one mount, and I'm going to spend some time looking at options with coloured (but not too loud) frames.

The idea of using friends and family for practising consulting skills is a good one, and one I especially need to use more of; that sort of thing is certainly a weak spot for me.

As ever, this is really helpful advice. Thank you, Justin.

[Justintime]

Re mountboard choice, there are a few mountboard producers out there, yes I liked the conservation aspect of LJ, most of their boards are. I just had to choose to stock one or two to I went for LJ and Crescent cotton and their select range(but rarely actually use it).
Tbh I find consultations with friends the hardest.but every one under your belt brings you closer to it being muscle memory. They get easier and better the more you do and just when you think you've got the hang of it someone comes in and throws you a complete curveball or acts like a complete dick and makes you wonder why you choose to work with the general public!

[Jon_Brooke]

There are a couple of Wessex mouldings (possibly also available elsewhere) that immediately spring to mind for the Sleep Paralysis poster.

MO4643 and D3753

Both dark brown / black with distressed gothic look - used them both on similar items.

[RobM]

Hi Jon. I think they would make suitable mouldings for that poster. I'm definitely a fan of the distressed look, as the texture goes well with the imagery, in the way that Justin suggested. I'm placing orders for some mouldings today.

There are a couple of Wessex mouldings (possibly also available elsewhere) that immediately spring to mind for the Sleep Paralysis poster.

MO4643 and D3753

Both dark brown / black with distressed gothic look - used them both on similar items.

IMG_8253.jpeg

[RobM]

I tried practising my consulting skills a bit more last week, and it once again made clear that I have a long way to go!

Re mountboard choice, there are a few mountboard producers out there, yes I liked the conservation aspect of LJ, most of their boards are. I just had to choose to stock one or two to I went for LJ and Crescent cotton and their select range(but rarely actually use it).
Tbh I find consultations with friends the hardest.but every one under your belt brings you closer to it being muscle memory. They get easier and better the more you do and just when you think you've got the hang of it someone comes in and throws you a complete curveball or acts like a complete dick and makes you wonder why you choose to work with the general public!