Please think twice about having your precious artwork and memorabilia framed at a craft store. We agree that they are great for hobby items, craft projects, home decor, and fabrics.

However, custom picture framing is not a craft. It's an extraordinary experience where creative design ideas and talented craftsmanship come together to transform your artwork or memorabilia into a unique framed display that will hang on your wall for years to come!

More or Less? A Better Selection is the Best!

There is nothing wrong with having an abundance of design

options at your fingertips. However, not having enough

 options can be frustrating. When you transport your own

artwork and memorabilia to a store, the last thing you want to

do is re-transport it because you can't find something you like.

However, not having enough options can be frustrating.

When you transport your own artwork and memorabilia

to a store, the last thing you want to do is re-transport

it because you can't find something you like.



Visit a craft store and you are lucky to find only 200 custom frame choices, 150 mat colors and styles, and 3 glazing options. isit a craft store and you are lucky to find only 200 custom frame choices, 150 mat colors and styles, and 3 glazing options.

"Our Expertise" or their "Order Takers"... you pick!

Picture frame design is where it all starts. It's where you

visually pick the design elements such as the right frame

and mat styles, and where you aesthetically pick the

 type of mount and glass that keeps your art safe.

 These type of decisions require professional advice.

At The Starving Artist we have made picture framing our career and approach each picture framing project with passion and years of experience.

We love what we do, and we do it all day. However, most craft stores staff their picture frame areas with part time framers, stock workers, and cashiers, most of which don't have any design background or education about framing. This doesn't mean that these employees can't design or be creative, but wouldn't you rather have a professional designer working on your precious artwork or memorabilia?

"Craftsmanship" or "ship it out" Who do you trust?

It's the "behind-the-scenes action" that makes your picture framing come to life.

 Once you design it, someone must frame it.

"Who is framing it?

At The Starving Artist all artwork and framing is done on-site. We are trained in the most cutting edge techniques, and draw upon over 50 plus years of picture frame experience to make sure your project receives our best framing procedure

When you visit a craft store, all of the framing fabrication is outsourced to a large manufacturing centers. The completed product is then sent back to the store level where a part-time framer, stocker, or maybe even a cashier put on the final touches. In order for your framed artwork and memorabilia to last a lifetime, the craftsmanship in the inside must be genuine.

Deal or "Real Deal"

           is the question?

There is an unfortunate misconception that craft stores are a

"better deal" than, or of "comparable quality" to

The Starving Artist

 or other independent picture frame shops.

But here are the facts:

Most craft stores have raised their "retail prices", or created "Package Framing Deals" in order to make their margins after the large discounts. They hang red

50-60% off signs year-long, and send weekly blowout coupons.

That's ok, but did you notice that the same signs are up every day, and the coupons are the same discount week after week? We question that if it is a “real deal”, why does it go on every week, all year long?

 If it's always 60% off, then is it really a "deal" or just the "standard price"?

Our only answer to this is that if you think a "deal" i

s too good to be true, than it usually is.

If you want the best deal,

Shop and Compare the final price

of the complete picture framing — not just the frame.