FRAMING FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS ADVANCEMENTS IN PRINTING TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL PHOTO FRAMES SHOWCASE
Contents
PFM is a member of:
Volume 32, Number 4
PPFA, The Professional Picture Framers Association ACC, Art Copyright Coalition SOG, Society of Gilders
On the Cover Special occasions are perfect opportunities to promote custom framing. Creative images like this one by Terraze Ashfold of Arts Edge in Perth, Western Australia, are great marketing tools for emails and social media posts leading up to such occasions—in this case, Mother's Day. For the full story, see page 28.
Features 18 Innovations in Digital Printing 28 Special Occasion Framing 32 Do You Have What it Takes to be Successful?
22
Columns 12 22 34 46
Mastering Mounting Mat Doctors Retailer Profile Design of the Month
46
Departments 8 10 40 42 43 44 45
Editor’s Note Industry News Product Showcase Distributor Spotlight Crossword Puzzle Index of Advertisers Crossword Solution
18
28
Picture Framing Magazine® (ISSN 10529977) is published monthly, plus one issue by PFM Publishing, LLC, 330 Mounts Corner Dr. #313, Freehold, NJ 07728; phone 732-5365160; fax 732-252-2270. Subscription Office: Picture Framing Magazine, PO Box 612, Northbrook, IL 60065-0612; phone 888-238-0049. Subscription: $20 per year U.S., $40 U.S. Dollars per year in Canada and Mexico, $60 U.S. Dollars per year for all international. Single copies, $5.95. If a paid subscription magazine is returned by the U.S. Postal Service as non-deliverable, Picture Framing Magazine will maintain the subscription for one year. If after one year a new address is not provided, Picture Framing Magazine will cancel the order. No refund will be available for that account. Periodicals class postage paid at Freehold, New Jersey, and at an additional mailing office. Entire contents © 2021 by PFM Publishing, LLC. Printed in U.S.A. Picture Framing Magazine registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Postmaster: Send address changes to Picture Framing Magazine, PO Box 612, Northbrook, IL 60065-0612 Agreement Number 1691910 Disclaimer The opinions and information in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and are therefore not to be viewed as such. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. PFM does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor does the publisher assume any responsibility for the consequences that occur should any such material appear. PFM and PFM Publishing assume no responsibility for content, text, or artwork of advertisements appearing in PFM except those promoting PFM. The Publisher reserves the right to review all advertising materials submitted for publication and to not accept any such material deemed inappropriate for any reason.
PFM Publishing
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PICTURE FRAMING MAGAZINE www.pictureframingmagazine.com Bruce Gherman • bgherman@pfm-group.com • 848-444-5202 Kimberly Biesiada • kbiesiada@pfm-group.com • 848-231-3510 A RT D I RE C TO R Jin Dong • jin@wcafexpo.com • 848-231-4082
E X E C U TI V E PU BLI S HE R E D I TO R
CONTRIBUTORS
Jay Goltz • PRE S E RVATI O N E D I TO R Hugh Phibbs • M O U N TI N G E D I TO R Chris A. Paschke, CPF, GCF M AT D O C TO RS Brian Wolf, CPF • John E. Ranes II, CPF, GCF • Tim Franer, CPF William B. Adair • Ken Baur • Jared Davis, MCPF, GCF • Paul MacFarland, MCPF, GCF James Miller, MCPF, GCF • David Lantrip, MCPF, GCF
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ADVERTISING SALES
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Maureen Robertson • maureen@wcafexpo.com PRODUCTION
A D V E RTI S I N G C O O RD I N ATO R
Jin Dong • ads@pfm-group.com
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TRA D E S HO W D I RE C TO R E X HI BI TO R S E RV I C E S
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CONTENTS
PFM PUBCO • BOOK DIVISION BOOK SALES COORDINATOR
pfmpubco@pfm-group.com
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PFM PUBLISHING, LLC PRE S I D E N T
6 PFM April 2021
Bruce Gherman
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
O
What’s on tap for April: features on digital printers and special occasion framing, a photo frames showcase, and much more.
CONTENTS AD INDEX 8 PFM April 2021
ver the past few weeks, much has been said and written about the oneyear anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic and the global shutdowns it prompted. I won’t waste much time rehashing it here; I’d just like to say thank you for sticking with us through the last 12 months as we all adapted to the rapid changes and pervasive uncertainty in our day-today lives. It’s been a pleasure to hear from so many retailers and suppliers across the US and around the world who are, in fact, busier than ever, with no signs of slowing down. The PFM staff has been busy, too, reporting on news that affects our industry and bringing you the most up-to-date information on framing design, preservation, mounting, matting, business management strategies, and more. This issue takes a closer look at wide format digital printing; a useful and profitable addition to frame shops of all sizes. If you’re thinking of expanding your business’s services to include printing, or looking to upgrade your current printer, you may not be aware of the many significant improvements made to this technology just in the past year. In our feature story, leading suppliers explain some of the biggest advancements in their latest-generation printers—from color, clarity,
and speed to usability and operational costs—and offer guidance on what to look for when shopping. See page 18 for the full story. Once you start printing customers’ images and/or fine art reproductions, you’ll need to know how to safely mount them. In her latest column (p. 12), Chris Paschke reviews the different types of inkjet prints and proper drying times and mounting methods for each, including a handy chart updated for 2020-21. This issue also features a special Photo Frames Product Showcase (p. 40). Here, you can get a first look at what’s new and hot in readymades from top suppliers. These articles and more—including our cover story on special occasion framing (p. 28)—await you in our April issue. Again, thank you for making us the industry’s leading trade publication 31 years running. The future of framing is bright, and we look forward to being with you every step of the way for the next 31 years and more.
Kimberly Biesiada Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS Changes to Paycheck Protection Program Enacted Several modifications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have been rolled out following a late-February announcement from the federal government. The changes, which are aimed at helping the country’s small-
• Restrictions preventing small business owners who are delin-
est businesses, include increased loan amounts for sole propri-
quent on their federal student loans or with prior non-fraud
etors and individual contractors, lifted restrictions around delinquent student loan debt and non-fraud felony convictions, and the allowance of some non-citizen business owners to apply. Another major change was the establishment of an exclu-
felony convictions from applying have been eliminated; • Non-citizen small business owners who are lawful US residents can use Taxpayer Identification Numbers to apply, ensuring them access.
sive two-week window from Feb. 24 to Mar. 9, during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees could apply for PPP
Of the total funding, $1 billion will be set aside for PPP
funding. Applications already in the pipeline also continued to be
loans to businesses in the sole proprietor/independent contrac-
processed during that time, according to the US Small Business
tor/self-employed category who are based in low- and moder-
Administration. PPP loans may be eligible for full or partial forgive-
ate-income areas.
ness if the money is used for qualifying costs, depending on the specific rules of the program.
According to the SBA, 98% of small businesses employ fewer than 20 people, but have received less than half of PPP funding thus far. The recent changes were designed to help
Changes to the program include: • Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals can base their loan calculations on gross income, rather than net income;
CONTENTS AD INDEX 10 PFM April 2021
solve this disparity and help those who have had the most trouble accessing the program’s forgivable loans. For more information on the program and to apply, visit sba.gov. PFM
INNOVATIONS IN DIGITAL PRINTING By Kimberly Biesiada
I
f you haven’t purchased a wide-format printer in the last two years, you may not be aware of the many advancements that have been made to this evolving tech-
nology. The newest generation of printers from market leaders like Canon, Epson, and HP have grown in leaps and bounds from their predecessors, boasting improved print color and clarity, lower operational costs, and increased speed, among other benefits. The fact that professional-quality prints have never been easier to produce pairs well with the fact that printing—and framing—are in high demand thanks to consumers spending more time at home over the past year, looking through pictures and updating what’s hanging on their walls. Offering your customers a full-service printing and framing experience means you aren’t losing out on an additional revenue stream.
BETTER COLOR, SHARPER CLARITY
Canon’s PRO Series, including the PRO-4100 shown here, are popular among framing retailers. Updates in the past year are aimed at improved ease of use in addition to speed, color, and clarity.
Gary Barker, national sales manager at Digital Tech-
For most independent frame shops, an aqueous print-
nology Group, pointed to new printers’ Dmax as an indica-
er—a printer that uses water-based inks—will make the
tion of how good the color has become. Dmax is a measure
most sense based on capacity needs and physical foot-
of the deepest black tone a printer/ink combination can
print. (There are other kinds of printers, such as solvent,
produce, and it’s an extremely important quality factor;
eco-solvent, and latex, that may also be a good fit for your
the better the black, the more contrast a print has.
business if you plan on printing at very high volumes.) The
For example, the Dmax of the Epson SureColor P9570,
newest aqueous printers can reproduce more colors than
a 44'' wide-format printer released in December 2019, “is
ever before, and pigments are rich and long-lasting.
probably four to six times greater than it was four generations ago,” Barker said. “Just in the last upgrade, it’s 1.5 times better than it was.” The latest generation of printers can also match 99 percent of Pantone’s solid-coated color guide, Barker said. That’s particularly important when printing fine art reproductions; the greater your printer’s color
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gamut, the better opportunity you have at matching the colors in an original piece of art. Rich Reamer, senior marketing director at Canon USA, said the company’s PRO Series printers—first
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introduced in 2016, with the latest update released in December 2019—have better color than ever before. “I think what this series does really well is keeping Epson’s SureColor P9570 is another big seller for frame shop and gallery owners. It works in tandem with Epson’s ink, which has been tested to last at least 200 years for color and at least 400 years for black and white. 18 PFM April 2021
up with the camera side of the business,” he said. “Cameras can capture so much within an image now, and I think where the PRO Series really thrives
is being able to reproduce what you’ve captured.” Today’s printers also offer better print clarity than their predecessors, so the wide range of printable colors will show up clean and sharp on both fine art reproductions and customer photos.
FASTER SPEEDS Time is money, and when you’re offering printing as part of your framing business, you want to be able to move through jobs efficiently. The newest printers cut down on production time, often by notable amounts. According to Digital Technology Group’s data, the Epson P9570 prints up to three times faster than the P9000, which it replaced. What does that look like in numbers? In the P9000’s quality mode, its print speed was 65 square feet per hour. In the same mode, the P9570 can handle 194 square feet per hour.
For those who want to dip their toe into the printing world but aren’t ready to make the investment in a larger printer, Epson’s SureColor P700 and P900 printers are smaller, less expensive options that have proven popular with framing retailers.
nozzle. The PRO Series printers also have features that pre-
For example, if a retailer wants to print a 20'' x 30''
vent users from starting a print without enough ink or me-
image for later framing, “what used to take them 15 or
dia in the machine, saving them from a mid-print panic.
20 minutes on an older printer can be done in just about
“Features like this are in place to keep the overall perfor-
three minutes,” Barker said.
mance where it needs to be, and the user doesn’t have to
“Even if you’re not doing a high volume of printing
think about those kinds of things,” Reamer said.
daily, the ability to complete a high-quality art print very
A major feature of Epson’s newest flagship printers,
quickly allows you to get that print mounted and framed
the P9570 and P7570, is the addition of dedicated channels
much, much faster,” he added.
for matte-black and photo-black inks, said Reed Hecht, se-
USER҃FRIENDLY DESIGNS
nior product manager at Epson. Whereas older models had a single set of nozzles that would switch between the two
Over the last few decades, digital printing technology has
inks, the 9570 and 7570 can handle a glossy print, then a
evolved in game-changing ways; but that isn’t the only
matte print, then another glossy print successively with-
reason behind some of today’s most user-friendly printer
out switching, saving time, ink, and users’ need to plan
features. Many changes have been made in recent years as
their print order ahead of time.
a direct result of customer feedback.
Another feature aimed at making things easy for us-
“Ease of use is sometimes overlooked,” said Ream-
ers? A light. After noticing many of their customers us-
er while highlighting some of the features of the Canon
ing the flashlight on their cell phones to check on a print
imagePROGRAF PRO-4100. The PRO-4100, which is a 44''
as it was coming out of the printer, the Epson team in-
model, is a popular choice with frame shop owners today,
stalled lights inside the 9570 and 7570 so anyone in the
according to Reamer. Some have invested in its 60'' coun-
frame shop can easily walk by and make sure a print looks
terpart if they have room in their shop to accommodate
good—without pulling out their phone, Hecht said.
its footprint. Among these printers’ latest usability improvements is automatic internal cleaning, aimed at eliminating problems like banding on prints that can result from a clogged
LOWER COSTS Another major factor to consider when investing in a printer is operational costs. According to Barker, the falling PFM April 2021 19
cost of ink in recent years has worked to drive down overall operational expenses. This improvement can result in real savings for retailers. “Generally speaking, for someone who’s purchasing a new printer and replacing an older one, it’s not unrealistic for them to reduce their ink costs between 30 and 50 percent” depending on their specific circumstances, Barker said. Some of the most common printers found in frame shops were purchased in the last five to 10 years. “Most of those shops are probably paying somewhere in the neighborhood of 36 cents per milliliter for ink,” Barker said. “You can easily cut that cost in half by buying a current-generation printer. It’s a significant savings.” When taken in combination with today’s high demand for printing, these reduced operational costs can help re-
The Canon PRO-4100 has dual-roll capability, meaning users can load two different types of media and the printer will automatically switch between rolls as needed.
tailers see a return on their investment within months of purchase.
frame shop owner to have this great printing technology
Canon’s PRO-4100, for example, ships with a set of 330
combined with what they’re historically good at—creating
ml ink tanks already inside the printer. “The ROI can be
unique framing designs. You put those two together, it’s a
pretty quick with this technology because that ink tank
one-two punch.”
will take you a good way,” Reamer said. “And if you think
In addition to factors like color, clarity, speed, usabil-
about printing something for a client and then framing it,
ity, and operational costs, Barker encourages retailers to
that can be a very good source of income that can quickly
consider the level of customer support when making any
pay for the cost of the printer in under a year. The long-
major equipment purchase. A few things to look for in the
term capability is pretty amazing.”
company you are considering buying from are color man-
PRINTING AND FRAMING: A PERFECT MATCH
agement services, training, installation, support documents and resources, and a help line for when things go awry. That last one is critical; you want to work with a company that’s
Barker has seen countless framing business grow over the
there for you when you’re struggling with a problem under
years after adding printing services to their repertoire. “If
the tight deadlines all retailers are familiar with.
a frame shop owner doesn’t own their own printer, they
Interested in upgrading your printer, but not sure if
are missing a huge opportunity,” he said. “If they are re-
it’s necessary? Some distributors, such as Digital Technol-
quiring customers to find another source for the print, that
ogy Group, allow their customers to email an image file
other source probably offers the same services the frame
and mail a physical print of the image using their current
shop owner does. They’re not only at risk of losing the rev-
printer. The distributor will then print the same image on a
enue from the print, now they’re also at risk of losing the
newer printer and send both back for comparison.
mounting and framing revenue.”
“We like to tell people, ‘The proof is in the print,’” Bark-
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And virtually every person who walks through the
er said. “Compare what your printer is capable of produc-
doors of a frame shop has digital images on their devic-
ing against what a current-generation printer offers, and
es—either photos they took or downloadable art prints
see for yourself.”
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purchased from online sellers like Etsy—waiting to be
Whether you are looking to invest in a printer for the
printed and framed. Shops that offer printing can jump on
first time or want to upgrade from an older printer, you
that extra business; shops that don’t have to rely solely on
can’t go wrong with the leading models on today’s market.
physical prints being brought in.
The ability to produce fine art reproductions and customers’
“If I’m a frame shop owner without a printer, I can’t
photos in-house can help establish your business as a one-
take [a customer’s image] in an email. I can’t take a picture
stop shop for everything art and framing—a great incentive
on a phone,” Hecht said. “There’s an opportunity for every
for people to return to you time and time again. PFM
20 PFM April 2021
Photo Frames Product Showcase Alpina Manufacturing
Bella Moulding
Alpina Acrylic Stand Off Wall Frames are a beautifully modern way to display your photos. The photo is sandwiched between acrylic panels on positioning lines etched into the acrylic for perfect centering. Aluminum mounting securely grips the acrylic sections together (in stainless, black, and brass). Made in Chicago on Alpina’s new laser machine (no saws) in any size.
Come around to the Circa collection from Bella/Prisma. Circa photo frames are clear seamless acrylic with an accent of color on the frame lip. Color reflects back to the edges for a unique and special look. Available in 4'' x 6'', 5'' x 7'', and 8'' x 10'' in nine colorways. Frames come complete with UV protective glass and an 8-ply archival mat.
Call: 800-915-2828 www.fastchangeframes.com
Call: 888-248-6545 www.bellamoulding.com
Decor Moulding
Framerica
Introducing Savoy, a new line of six contemporary styles. Each style has a subtle surface texture positioned on an angled profile that is the focus of its visual highlight. Available in widths of 7/8'' and 1 3/8'', with substantial rabbet depths of 5/8'' and 3/4'', respectively. Choose from three rich colors of gold, pewter, and black, adding excitement to these styles. Order corner kit #CS-SAV to get these styles today.
Framerica’s Assisi (from its Vintage Collection) is an antiqued, moonlit silver finish featuring luscious black shadow shading, making it an ideal photo frame for black and white photography. Its classic tone and exquisite detail add a timeless look to any photo. This classic design works equally well with color photos.
Call: 800-937-1055 www.decormoulding.com
Call: 800-372-6422 www.framerica.com
Frametastic! LLC
Framing 4 Yourself
Frametastic’s Modern Fresco photo frames feature six designs (four are shown), fusing five layers of paint into swirling patterns of color and design. Three frame sizes are available for 4'' x 6'', 5'' x 7'', and 8'' x 10'' images and all include a leatherette easel back, UV protective glass, acid-free filler, tissue wrapping, and gift box.
Canvas is lovely, and our new floater frames really make your artwork POP! These colorful frames enhance the beauty of your artwork and provide the finishing touch to highlight your masterpiece. Make your life POP with these new floater frames.
Call: 973-962-0286 www.frametastic-llc.com
Gemini Builds It! & Showcase Acrylics
Call: 800-246-4726 www.framing4yourself.com
Giò Designs
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Stylish and chic, these gorgeous magnet frames will elevate any space. Made of 1'' pieces of clear acrylic (2'' total depth) and four earth magnets, your guests will be wowed by your taste level. Custom sizes available; no minimum. Contact sales@geminibuildsit.com for more info!
Giò Designs offers photo frames in a range of sizes, colors, and finishes. Each photo frame can be positioned horizontally or vertically using the attached easel back. Available sizes include 5'' x 5'' for Instagram photos and 3'' x 7'' matted for 2'' x 6'' photo booth strips. All mouldings are made from a minimum 80% recycled material.
Call: 800-323-3575 www.geminibuildsit.com
Call: 800-674-3344 www.giodesigns.com
Global Art, Inc.
InLine Ovals
Global Art, Inc., a prominent manufacturer of quality readymade frames for over 35 years, is pleased to announce its newly updated website! See a selection of 150+ unique and stylish frames—all handcrafted in the USA.
InLine Ovals produces round and oval wooden photo frames in a variety of sizes. Dozens of profiles and finishes are available from simple to ornate, and each frame can hold convex or flat glass options. Samples available online.
Call: 866-310-4278 www.globalartphotoframes.com
40 PFM April 2021
Call: 800-456-1232 www.inlineovals.com
Michelangelo Moulding Echoing current trends, Michelangelo has a line of beautiful cubes, measuring ¾'' square. Available in seven subtle-but-impressive woodgrain finishes, this series is perfect for diminutive photo frames or a small liner treatment. Colors include walnut, off-white, gray, black, dark walnut, natural, and charcoal. Call: 877-422-8812 www.michelangelomoulding.com
Presto Frame and Moulding The Silhouettes Collection complements the classic art of silhouette cuttings. What better way to showcase that slice of time than in a silhouette frame? Like all Presto ovals, the Silhouette frame is wood with hand-leafed gold inner lip. The frame comes in a 5'' x 7'' or an 8'' x 10'' size, with glass and hardware. Easel back or white acid-free mat are optional. Call: 800-431-1622 www.prestoframe.com
Ten Plus, Inc. Introducing two traditional readymade frames, TP-255G and TP-255AG. These frames come in gold and antique gold finishes. Sizes available: 8'' x 10'', 16'' x 20'', 20'' x 24'', 24'' x 36'', 36'' x 48''. Call: 562-404-0088 www.tenplusframes.com
Product Showcase Submissions To have your latest product featured here, please send a 50-word product description and 2'' x 2'' high-res image to the following email address: editor@pfm-group.com
PFM April 2021 41