New art? Now what?
Now that I’m shipping these pieces already matted, one of the questions I hear most is: Okay, what do I do with it next?
The good news is, I’ve already done the heavy lifting for you! Because it comes tucked inside an archival, acid-free mat, you can completely skip the headache and expense of a custom frame shop.
Just a quick note on sizing: you are shopping for the outer dimensions of the mat, not the size of the drawing itself. To make it super simple, here are two standard examples:
If your piece is 5x7, you'll want to look for an 8x10 frame.
If your piece is 8x10, you'll want an 11x14 frame.
Once you've got the right size frame picked out, here are a few simple things I like to keep in mind to get it up on the wall:
Think about the glass: If you have the option, look for UV-filtering glass or acrylic. It’s a total lifesaver for keeping graphite and charcoal looking rich and sharp over the years, especially if it’s going in a bright room.
Clean the glass first: Give it a thorough wipe down, and make sure it’s completely dry and lint- or dust-free before you reassemble the frame. Trapping a rogue speck of dust or a smudge on the inside right after sealing it up is the ultimate heartbreak!
Pick a happy spot: Even with great glass, original drawings are happiest away from harsh, direct sunlight and high humidity.
Choosing a frame:
People always ask me what color to pick, but honestly, there are no hard rules. Just think of the frame as a quiet bridge between the drawing and your room:
Black frames are a classic for a reason. They really anchor those deep, moody darks in charcoal and make the whole piece pop.
White frames give you that bright, airy gallery feel, keeping everything clean and fresh.
Wood tones are wonderful if your space is full of natural textures, picking up the warmth of your furniture so the art feels right at home.
Honestly? There's no wrong choice. You just want something that lets the drawing do the talking.
Just a quick heads-up on handling:
Graphite and charcoal are gorgeous, but they can be a bit delicate. When you're ready to frame, try to hold the piece only by the edges of the mat board and avoid touching the drawing surface directly as even clean hands can leave a mark!
I hope this helps get your new piece safely onto the wall. If you run into any questions while you're setting it up, email me or leave a comment below!
Until next time
Jessica