Knowledge Base
Where are you located?
Do you sell art and prints?
Do you restore pictures?
Do you restore frames?
Do you replace broken glass?
Do you restore paintings?
How much is my painting/picture/print worth?
Do you buy art?
Do you show work on commission?
Can/do you frame… ?
How long does it take to have something framed?
Do you make oval frames?
I already have a frame. Can I bring you a picture to put in my frame?
Do you restore frames?
What is a fillet?
Why do you need a matboard?
Can you frame an image without using glass?
What does museum mounting mean?
What does acid free mean?
Can you cut special shaped openings in a matboard?
Do you sell mirrors?
What is the cost of framing?
Can you give me a quote?
Why is framing so expensive?
Do you give discounts?
How much does it cost to print?
Is there a difference in price between paper and canvas?
What type of file do you need to print?
How much can you enlarge my image?
How do you mount canvas prints?
Can I put a mat around a canvas print?
What is the difference between a giclée and a print on canvas?
How big of an image can you scan?
Which is better: photographing art or scanning art?
How big can you print?
Do I have to print a standard size?
What are your standard sizes?
Why do giclées cost so much?
How should I price my prints for resale?
Should I make a limited edition series of giclées?
Should I sign and number my prints?
What size should I print?
Do you make business cards or signs?
General
Where are you located?
We are located on E. Fowlkes St. behind the Lotz House Civil War Museum. We are just off Columbia Ave and South of Main Street in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee. back to top
Do you sell art and prints?
We do carry a selection of prints and originals. We are also well connected with many artists and photographers, as well as other galleries. If we do not have something in stock that you are looking for, talk to us anyway. We may be able to find it for you or at least point you in a great direction. back to top
Do you restore pictures?
We restore old pictures using a digital restoration process. We scan your original photo and use the computer to repair/rebuild the image. We are usually able to return a photo to nearly originial condition, such that it looks like it was taken yesterday. Additionally, we both repair and maintain an older look for those customers wishing to preserve, repair, and keep a nostalgic look to their photo. We can also get creative. If you are still unsure, give us a call at 615-815-6015 and we will figure the best solution together. back to top
Do you restore frames?
We can do basic repairs to frames. We mostly fix broken corners, but we do some minor finish repairs as well. However, for really intensive repairs, we like to refer customers to our good friends at Reed’s Gold Leaf Studios – 615-865-6572. back to top
Do you replace broken glass?
We absolutely replace broken glass for picture frames. For many customers, this is usually a surprisingly simple and inexpensive repair. Prices are based on glass quality and size. We strongly recommend bringing the piece to our gallery so that we can give you a quote on the spot. back to top
Do you restore paintings?
We use a digital restoration process. We scan your original and use special software to repair/rebuild the image. For images that have copyright protection and are in need of a conventional repair (which usually involves an intensive chemical process), we have someone we like to refer you to. Please contact us for more information regarding this referral. back to top
How much is my painting/picture/print worth?
We are not experts in estimating value, but we can point you in a good direction. Evaluating a painting’s worth is a tricky thing to do. Some of the elements involved in evaluating an image include: knowing the artist’s name, the date the image was produced, the title of the image, and whether the image is a print reproduction, copy, or an original. All of these are integral factors in determining the value of an image.
Many valuable print reproductions will come with a certificate of authenticity. This serves as validation by both the artist and the publisher who produced the print. If it is an original, ideally it will have a signature to validate the image. Sometimes signatures are on the backs of valuable paintings, but more often they are on the front. Even if the original is signed, there are many counterfeits. They are more frequent than you may think, especially for higher profile artists. So authenticating an image is critical in determining whether you have a genuine artifact and its worth. If the artist is living, it is typically much easier to validate the signature. However, if the artist is dead, an expert will be needed to confirm the signature.
A series of prints will be more valuable if they are part of what is called a “limited edition series.” In addition, they are typically more valuable as a lower number in the series. Open edition prints are usually an unregulated quantity and publishers will typically print as many as they can as long as they are selling. Open-ended prints are usually less valuable than limited editions. Chances are, if you are unsure about the value of an image, it probably is not worth much. We certainly do not want to burst any bubbles, but finding a diamond in the rough at a garage sale, for example, is one in a million. However, that means it is possible. So keep pickin’! back to top
Do you buy art?
Unfortunately, we do not buy art at this time. back to top
Do you show work on commission?
In the past we have at times hosted artists for Franklin’s monthly art crawl. For this event, we negotiate a commission rate and display duration (usually no more than 25 days). back to top
Framing
Can/do you frame…
Yes! We custom frame art, photos, prints, mirrors, jerseys, bats, balls, clothing, x-stitch/cross-stitch, plates, hammers, swords, knives, tiles, spoons, jewelry, and more like a custom shadow box. We may be forgetting something here, but just try us because we love a challenge! back to top
How long does it take to have something framed?
A custom picture frame really depends on the complexity of a project and our current workload. We can typically complete a project in less than 2 weeks. High volume projects (100 or more units) can usually be delivered in under 30 days. back to top
Do you make oval frames?
We can provide oval framing services, but it is more expensive than a standard style frame. back to top
I already have a frame. Can I bring you a picture to put in my frame?
Absolutely. We call it retro-fitting a frame. Usually we start with the image, then design the mats and frame to fit. But in this case we start with the frame. Many times it is not a perfect fit and we need to adapt the image (and maybe mats). Sometimes it actually works perfectly. back to top
Do you restore frames?
We can do basic repairs to frames. We mostly fix broken corners, but we do some minor finish repairs as well. However, for really intensive repairs, we like to refer customers to our good friends at Reed’s Gold Leaf Studios – 615-865-6572. back to top
What is a fillet?
A fillet is a type of moulding that enhances your artwork and frame. It is typically very small (often 1/4″) and can be used to enrich the opening edge of a matboard or the inner lip of a frame. It is a great way to personalize a moulding or make a mat selection look very rich and more detailed. Stop by the gallery because we would love to show you how they work! back to top
Why do I need a matboard?
Matboards serve two functions. First, they look great and are a fun and creative way to accent the colors of your item. Second, they act as a means of protecting your work. If a piece of work is in contact with glass for too long, it can build up moisture and bond to the glass. Matboards serve to keep your work off and away from the glass in order to prevent damage over time. back to top
Can you frame an image without using glass?
Paintings on certain materials are actually ideal without glass. For example, oil paintings and acrylic paintings on canvas, canvas board, and other types of boards, should actually be displayed without glass. If you put glass in front of one of these types of paintings the paint has a difficulty “breathing” and a buildup of moisture between the glass and the art can cause mildew and mold to grow. This can ruin a painting. Some types of art really need to be behind glass. For example, paper prints, watercolors, photographs, and other types of artwork can will wrinkle if they are not behind glass. The glass can help protect the image from getting wavy. All of this is a general rule and will not apply to 100% of items. If you are still unsure, bring your image in and we will look at it together. We can find the ideal solution for you. back to top
What does museum mounting mean?
Museums are focused on preservation. They want things to last for decades, generations, centuries, and even millennia. With this kind of time frame in mind, it is vital to be aware that something as simple as the oils on your skin can cause an acceleration of deterioration. When mounting an item using a museum method, it must be in its own environment, not in contact with any corrosive materials.
There are a variety of ways to do this, such as gum tape, mylar clips, corner clips, and acid-free surfaces among others. However, the objective is the same: keeping an image in place without intruding on its current condition while ensuring it is not in contact with any surface that can cause permanent damage. Also, you never want any valuable image permanently fixed to another surface or in contact with any material that caries any pH value other than neutral (acid-free). This could destroy your image, both structurally and in terms of its value. For more information regarding acid and pH values, read the following section entitled “What does acid-free mean?”. back to top
What does acid-free mean?
Acid-free means something has a neutral pH value; it is neither basic nor acidic. Both values are corrosive and can actually burn important art, prints, or other documents. We have all seen this effect. Old newspapers turn tan/brown over time. This occurs because the pulp of the paper has a very slightly acidic pH level. It is actually burning itself. Of course, no one wants their items to burn, so that is why we use matboards and foamboard backings that are cotton based (pH neutral/acid-free). All of our adhesives, tapes, and other mounting devices are all non-corrosive. This is a simple step to ensure your image will last and last. back to top
Can you cut special shaped openings in a matboard?
We can cut multiple openings for collages, oval shapes, or even custom shapes using a computerized mat cutter. back to top
Do you sell mirrors?
We sell mirrors and we will be able to help you find the right solution. back to top
What is the cost of framing?
The cost of framing depends entirely on the size and the style of your materials. We have a vast sample selection with prices that vary greatly. We strongly recommend that you visit us in person to see for yourself the varieties of styles and their corresponding prices. We have plenty of styles to match any type of taste and budget. back to top
Can you give me a quote?
We can certainly give you a quote. However, because our styles are so varied, we strongly recommend that you visit us in person to see for yourself the varieties of styles and their corresponding prices. back to top
Why is framing so expensive?
Many people ask this question because few understand the value of the type of product we provide. Many of the big box stores (Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart) are all price-driven. They are selecting the cheapest materials and also manufacturing outside of U.S. borders. Most people know that typically the less you pay for something, the lower the quality. Our prices reflect our drive to offer the best quality. And we always strive to do so at the best price the market will let us provide. Our materials are made with choice cut woods, and are all hand finished in the U.S.A. Many of the trees for our products are harvested and processed in the U.S.A. In large part, if the wood for a frame comes from another country, it at least comes from North America!
We proudly admit that some of our materials are imported from over seas. Come and see our imported Italian and German mouldings. We are craftsmen and make each item we produce with creativity and precision. It is like furniture for your walls. We like to think the products we make are something you can hand down for multiple generations. Our goal is simple: The best blend of price and quality. Remember that you really do get what you pay for. We assure that you will appreciate what we do a lot more than a plastic frame you get from the box store. back to top
Do you give discounts?
We typically are negotiable on our retail prices. We are most likely able to be flexible when we do multiple pieces at once. Also, we can minimize our waste when we use the same materials for multiple pieces. Both of these help us to increase our ability to save and we will pass this on to you. We also have excellent discounts for designers, artists, and decorators. back to top
Printing/Scanning
How much does it cost to print?
Our base rate is 15 cents per square inch. We offer discounts for quantity printing. We do not limit you to size or number of images for these discounts. All that we ask is that you use the same material (print medium) in order to get our quantity discounts. Our workload is enough that we are able to print for multiple customers at once which helps us eliminate the potential for wasted material. This helps us keep our cost down so that we share the savings with you. Check our Pricing page for more details. back to top
Is there a difference in price between paper and canvas?
There is not a difference in price between paper and canvas when it comes to scanning. back to top
What type of file do you need to print?
We can adapt to each individual, but the most common file we receive is a high resolution jpg. back to top
How much can you enlarge my image?
Printing a file at its natural size when the resolution is 300 dots per inch (dpi) will yield the highest quality. But we can enlarge a file 200% and still have amazing quality. We can even go as high as 400%, but the image quality begins to fall apart beyond that. back to top
How do you mount a canvas print?
We stretch them like a painting around a frame called a stretcher bar frame. It is not recommended to dry mount or spray mount a canvas print to some other type of subsurface. It will usually start to come apart over enough time. Stretching is ideal and we carry a variety of materials to choose from. back to top
Can I put a mat around a canvas print?
It is not recommended. Mats need to be behind glass to be preserved, whereas canvas prints should be able to breath and therefore should not be put behind glass. This is a bit of a conflict. If you wish to have mats around an image, we suggest you consider having the image printed or scanned onto a paper product. If you want to have a canvas print it is possible to add liners, fillets, and sometime additional frames to achieve a similar effect as a mat board. back to top
What is the difference between a giclée and a print on canvas?
A giclée refers quite specifically to a print of a piece of art. This may be a watercolor, a pencil drawing, or an oil/acrylic painting. Technically a giclée is a type of print on canvas. It all typically uses the same method of production. In other words, the technology is the same but the definition is a little more specific. back to top
How big of an image can you scan?
Normally 32″x 50″. We can scan some larger items, including unstretched paintings and paper items. back to top
Which is better: Photographing art or scanning art?
Both options have pros and cons. Photographing can allow you to create the look of texture because you can provide directional lighting which will cast a shadow. However, controlling the color is more challenging with photography, and many times it is difficult to capture color with precision. Furthermore, even though cameras continue to improve, their capabilities are still limited to printing art photos at medium size (around 20”x 24”). Scanning can yield great color and allow you to print much larger images. But in order to do so, it is best to use global lighting (light from all directions) which will sometimes eliminate shadow. This can decrease the appearance of depth. In summary, scanning provides quality color and large sizes, while photography offers good texture. We suggest scanning your photography to produce the best possible results. back to top
How big can you print?
We can print up to 44” wide. We use roll media which means we are only limited by width. The largest single image we have produced to date is 44”x 110”. That is more surface area than a sheet of plywood. Our large format printing (aka: wide format printing) even means that we have the ability to print on wallpaper. Thus, we are not limited to any size because the image can be printed in sections. The largest image we have printed in sections covered a wall that was 23″ wide and 28″ tall. back to top
Do I have to print a standard size?
In short, no. We print on roll media which means we can print any size up to 44” wide and a variable length. (See also How big can you print?.) We can specify any size you want. Additionally, standard sizes are a quirky thing because it seems many standard systems do not match. Afterall, how can a standard be set if so many systems do not share the same standard? It is kind of funny when you think about it. Check our Pricing page for more details. back to top
What are your standard sizes?
Because we print on roll media, rather than sheet media, we do not have a specific standard print size. We can print to order any size you desire (with respect to the image file size and quality). Just in case you must know, standard sizes in inches for the picture framing industry are: 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 12×18, 16×20, 18×24, 20×24, 22×28, 24×30, 24×36, 32×40, 36×40, and 40×60. There are a few more. However, these sizes are the most common. Check our Pricing page for more details. back to top
Why do giclées cost so much?
One reason inkjet/giclée prints are more costly than some other conventional production methods is because of the ink. Ultrachrome aqueous pigment ink is some of the most expensive fluid on earth. The ink must serve several purposes in the machine. For example, it cleans and lubricates small components in the printer. Also, the ink is what yields the amazing results in a high-quality image: one microscopic droplet at a time. The ink we use is a very high-performance fluid and it is quite amazing. The droplet size ejected out of the print head is a variable droplet size ranging as small as 3 picoliters (3 trillionths of a liter). This variable droplet size allows the print head to overlap the various colors of ink in a variety of volumes. This can make for a wider range of color possibilities. Thus, a higher quality image for you. That is a distinct advantage that our printers have over any other printer on the market: color performance and ink coverage. Our prices are our best effort to provide a high performance, long lasting product at a considerably fair price. back to top
How should I price my prints for resale?
Pricing is a funny thing. We do have a basic platform for a good starting point. Our philosophy is to help you feel confident about giving a price for something, rather than pulling a number out of thin air. We certainly are not the authority on pricing, but we may be able to help you get a good start. Ultimately you will have to experiment and discover what works best for you and your clients. However, this information may help.
First, consider your time and assign a value. You will have to decide what you want to make per hour. We feel a fair rate of art time should vary from $15-$100 per hour, depending on image complexity and your skill level. Second, track your materials and cost of production and then mark it up. The justification for marking up your materials is to both recover your expenses on a project and be able to buy more to keep producing. A typical markup on materials is between 15%-50%. You can get complex with this, but the underlying formula is the same: time+ (materials x markup) = sale price.
Lastly, consider other expenses that an artist might forget to factor into this formula. These include gas, cameras, memory chips, CDs, phone calls, electricity, paints, brushes, travel expenses, and so forth. You really just need to think about everything involved in bringing an image to the world. Some artists will also add an image value for each print into the formula, regardless of the image size.
Here is something we have suggested for painters: once you have figured a price you want for an original, take that price and distribute it into a certain quantity of prints, regardless of their size. For example, let’s say you want to make $1000 for an original painting. You think you may want to print at least 10 images. Then you have what we call an Image Use Price of $100. Therefore, your final price for a print (after figuring your time and materials) may be $35. A fair asking price for that image is $135.00. This can help increase the odds that you will get your asking price, even in the event that you do not sell your original immediately. You may also need to factor in a commission for a gallery.
It is important to keep all of this in mind, but especially remember what you need to make on the product. This may sound confusing. If you need more help, please call us at 615-815-6015. We will gladly give you some direction. back to top
Should I make a limited edition series of giclées?
Limited edition print series are a way to limit an image’s supply. Therefore, theoretically making it more valuable. Many people will simply sign and number a print, then call it a limited edition to justify a higher asking price. We feel this is fine, but we want to encourage several things for artists while considering creating a limited series.
First, we are very used to seeing numbers like 145/500. This can be misleading to individuals who are new to giclée printing. Most of those editions are printed on cheap paper products and in large quantities all at once. So it is important to remember that giclée production is much slower. It is also of significantly higher quality than a high volume run like many are used to seeing in the market. We suggest smaller numbers like 50-100.
Second, a fun way to make a limited series is to embellish (add real paint) to a giclée after it is produced. A signed/embellished giclée is technically a 1/1 series. Each one is different no matter what. This allows you to print as many or as few as you would like and still introduce each product to the market with a premium price like a limited edition may bring.
Third, remember this whenever you are educating your interested customers about a giclée print: giclées are a much higher quality product than any paper limited edition series print, regardless of how many there are.
In any case, a limited series should have certificates of authenticity for each image from the series. This means both the publisher/printer and the artist verify in writing that the edition is in fact genuine. Signed and numbered prints can bring a higher price. These are called limited edition series prints. We suggest doing this, but we also encourage people to use vocabulary like “limited edition giclée” because it is an entirely different method of production than the common limited edition paper prints that frequent the market. back to top
Should I sign and number my prints?
Signed and numbered prints can bring a higher price. These are called limited edition series prints. We suggest doing this. However, we also encourage people to use vocabulary like “limited edition giclee.” This is because it is a completely different method of production than the common limited edition paper prints frequently found in the market. back to top
What size should I print?
Different sizes will be popular at different times and can vary based on the individual artist. Some types of art sell better in large sizes while others sell better in smaller sizes. Thus, it is relative. Sometimes people are attracted to large images and sometimes smaller ones. We do not make predictions, but there is an easy remedy to relieve yourself from the stress of trying to determine: simply have different sizes. Having a range of sizes from 8”x 10” all the way up to big stuff, like 36”x 48”, will increase the chances that you will be able to have the right product for the right person at the right time. Also, having these different sizes will, over time, give you feedback about which sizes sell best for you. Check our Pricing page for more details. back to top
Do you make business cards or signs?
Yes we do. While we do not think of ourselves as a sign shop, we are able to produce giclée quality prints on display products like cards, fliers, and banners. We also print all of our house business cards on canvas and must say that 100% of the people who touch one of our cards react to it. We can provide this service for you as well. Although, they are not as cheap as a paper card but believe us: it is 10 times more effective. Especially for artists and photographers. back to top