As a professional custom picture framer and host of the Inside the Frame podcast, I love talking with other creative entrepreneurs about their journeys. In this episode, I enjoyed chatting with Shelby Hamilton, a talented artist in Charleston, South Carolina.

Shelby's story is one that many artists can relate to - she started unsure if art could be a full-time career but eventually took the leap to pursue her passion. We dove into Shelby's background studying graphic design and studio art at the University of Georgia and how that education shaped her artistic style today. I was fascinated to learn about her process for commissions versus personal work and how she balances the business side with her creative flow.

As a framer myself, I especially enjoyed hearing Shelby's thoughts on framing her own pieces and working with local framers. Her enthusiasm for trying new mediums and techniques was inspiring.

Key Takeaways

• Shelby studied graphic design in college, which gave her a foundation in color theory and composition that informs her art today.
• She took the leap to pursue art full-time in 2019, overcoming self-doubt and skepticism from others.
• Shelby enjoys working in various mediums and subjects, from detailed animal portraits to loose, abstract pieces.
• For commissions, she has a structured process to gather client input and provide progress updates.
• She recommends artists trust their framer's expertise but also provide input on their vision for the finished piece.

It was a joy to chat with Shelby about her artistic journey and business. Her story is a great reminder that with passion and perseverance, we can turn our creative dreams into reality. I hope her insights inspire other artists and entrepreneurs to pursue their goals.

About Shelby

Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Shelby grew up loving art. She spent years of her childhood coming to Charleston, South Carolina, where she was exposed to a vast range of fine artists from a young age. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career as an artist, She graduated from the University of Georgia's Lamar Dodd School of Art with a BFA in Graphic Design. While attending, she fell in love with various artistic techniques and decided to move to Charleston, where her passion for art began. She became the Graphic Designer for an international makeup brand while working nights and weekends on commissioned pieces. Shelby began her career as a full-time artist in 2019. She showcases various mediums and artistic styles throughout her work while drawing inspiration from her love of design, color, texture, shadow, and light.

Resources

Website

Instagram

Welcome to Inside the Frame, where we explore the world of custom picture framing and so much more! I'm your host, Tracey Harlan, owner of The Frame Shoppe in Augusta, Georgia.

In this episode, I chatted with Marsha Stollar, an independent sales rep with a passion for framing that has spanned her entire career.

Marsha's journey into the framing world began by chance when she was working at a cafe next to a frame shop. Little did she know that this chance encounter would lead to a lifelong passion and career. Throughout our conversation, Marsha shares her experiences transitioning from a frame shop designer to an independent sales rep and how she's built her business representing six different frame lines. Her insights into the industry, from spotting trends to educating customers, offer a unique perspective on the evolving world of custom framing.

As we talked, Marsha's enthusiasm for the industry shone through. She emphasized building relationships, staying connected through social media, and constantly learning from others. Her approach to sales is more than just showing samples – it's about partnering with frame shops to help them succeed and grow. Whether you're a seasoned framer or new to the industry, Marsha's stories and advice offer valuable insights into custom framing.

Key Takeaways

• Building strong relationships and truly partnering with customers is crucial for success as a sales rep.
• Staying connected through social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can open up new opportunities in the framing industry.
• The trend towards sustainability and unique, artisanal frame options is growing as shops aim to differentiate themselves from online retailers.
• Continuous learning and networking within the industry are essential for staying inspired and finding new opportunities.
• Balancing work and personal life can be challenging for an independent sales rep, but it is essential to set boundaries and truly enjoy time off.

About Marsha

My goal is to be an advocate and make each customer feel that they will be taken care of as a priority. I am driven, dedicated, and thorough in all that I do because I know that I'm not only striving for my own success, but my customers' success as well. I encourage others through my excitement and enthusiasm. I push myself to be my best - and that means being honest, showing true integrity, being positive, supporting those around me, and always embracing my passion.

Links and Resources

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rhonda Feinman, a seasoned picture frame manufacturer with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Rhonda's journey into frame-making wasn't a childhood dream, but rather a serendipitous career path that she fell into and grew to love. Her passion for creating high-quality, historically accurate reproduction frames has made her a respected figure in the framing world.

We dive into Rhonda's approach to frame design, which often draws inspiration from Spanish and Dutch frames, as well as her preference for simple white gold frames. She shares insights into the challenges of running a frame manufacturing business in New York City, including the difficulties of finding skilled craftsmen in the post-pandemic era. Rhonda's commitment to quality over trendiness shines through as she discusses her design process and the importance of understanding historical roots in creating modern frames.

Key Takeaways

• Rhonda emphasizes the importance of creating a high-quality product and enjoying her work with customers to maintain passion in the framing industry.
• Many frame-making techniques used today were perfected during the Renaissance, with only minor modern adaptations.
• Rhonda's company focuses on quality, choosing to work with customers who value craftsmanship.
• The framing industry has seen a broadening interest in better quality products, which Rhonda believes elevates everyone's work.
• Rhonda stresses the importance of continuous learning and openness to new knowledge in the framing industry.

Throughout our chat, Rhonda's dedication to her craft and her practical, no-nonsense approach to business shines through. Her story is a testament to the rewards of finding passion in unexpected places and the value of maintaining high standards in craftsmanship.

About Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames

Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames was founded in 2001 with the goal of providing the finest quality custom made picture frames for the fine art trade. All frames are hand made in our New York City facility with utmost respect for the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship in frame making. The artisans of Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames hand carve wood, cast, and apply decorative composition ornament, then gild only with genuine karat gold leaf to produce sensitive and faithful reproductions of fine antique frames. Time tested traditional techniques and materials are used to assure lasting quality.

Resources

Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames

LinkedIn Profile