[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"app-navigation":3,"posts-16-10":138},{"tree":4,"leafs":137},[5,30,47,64,77,133],{"uid":6,"label":7,"to":8,"children":9},"MTM0","Custom Frames","/ctg/custom-frames",[10,14,18,22,26],{"uid":11,"label":12,"to":13},"MjI3","Custom Wood Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/wood",{"uid":15,"label":16,"to":17},"MjI2","Custom Metal Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/metal",{"uid":19,"label":20,"to":21},"MjI4","Canvas Floater Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/canvas-floater-frames",{"uid":23,"label":24,"to":25},"MjI5","Stretcher Bars","/ctg/custom-frames/stretcher-bar-frames",{"uid":27,"label":28,"to":29},"MjMw","Frame Samples","/ctg/custom-frames/frame-moulding-samples",{"uid":31,"label":32,"to":33,"children":34},"MjMz","Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic",[35,39,43],{"uid":36,"label":37,"to":38},"Mjk0","Non-Glare Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/non-glare",{"uid":40,"label":41,"to":42},"Mjky","Standard Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/standard-glass-acrylic",{"uid":44,"label":45,"to":46},"Mjkz","UV Filter Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/uv-filter",{"uid":48,"label":49,"to":50,"children":51},"MjMx","Matboard","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board",[52,56,60],{"uid":53,"label":54,"to":55},"MjY0","Custom-Cut Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/pre-cut-mats",{"uid":57,"label":58,"to":59},"MjM2","Full Sheet Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/full-sheet-mat-boards",{"uid":61,"label":62,"to":63},"MjM1","Matboard Color Samples","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/mat-board-samples",{"uid":65,"label":66,"to":67,"children":68},"MjMy","Foamboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board",[69,73],{"uid":70,"label":71,"to":72},"Mjg5","Custom-Cut Foamboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board/custom-foam-board",{"uid":74,"label":75,"to":76},"MjM3","Full Sheet Foamboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board/full-sheet-foam-boards",{"uid":78,"label":79,"to":80,"children":81},"MTM1","Framing Supplies","/ctg/framing-supplies",[82,107,120],{"uid":83,"label":84,"to":85,"children":86},"MTM1-group-0","Assembly & Mounting","/ctg/framing-supplies/assembly-and-mounting",[87,91,95,99,103],{"uid":88,"label":89,"to":90},"MjQz","Adhesives & Glue","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/adhesives-glue",{"uid":92,"label":93,"to":94},"MjQy","ATG Tape","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/atg-tape",{"uid":96,"label":97,"to":98},"MjQw","Hinging Tape & Tissue","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/hinging-tape-tissue",{"uid":100,"label":101,"to":102},"MjQx","Photo Corners & Strips","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/photo-corners-strips",{"uid":104,"label":105,"to":106},"MjM0","Picture Frame Spacers","/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-spacers",{"uid":108,"label":109,"to":110,"children":111},"MTM1-group-1","Hanging & Finishing","/ctg/framing-supplies/hanging-and-finishing",[112,116],{"uid":113,"label":114,"to":115},"MjQ0","Hanging Hardware","/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-hanging-supplies",{"uid":117,"label":118,"to":119},"MjQ2","Cleaning Supplies","/ctg/framing-supplies/cleaning-supplies",{"uid":121,"label":122,"to":123,"children":124},"MTM1-group-2","Protection & Storage","/ctg/framing-supplies/protection-and-storage",[125,129],{"uid":126,"label":127,"to":128},"Mjk4","GalleryPouch™ Art Bags","/prod/gallery-pouch",{"uid":130,"label":131,"to":132},"Mjc4","Photo Storage Boxes","/ctg/framing-supplies/backing-and-protection-supplies/clear-bags-and-storage-boxes",{"uid":134,"label":135,"to":136},"Mjgx","Sale","/ctg/picture-frames-discount",{"MjI3":10,"MjI2":14,"MjI4":18,"MjI5":22,"MjMw":26,"Mjk0":35,"Mjky":39,"Mjkz":43,"MjY0":52,"MjM2":56,"MjM1":60,"Mjg5":69,"MjM3":73,"MjQz":87,"MjQy":91,"MjQw":95,"MjQx":99,"MjM0":103,"MjQ0":112,"MjQ2":116,"Mjk4":125,"Mjc4":129,"Mjgx":133},{"posts":139,"total":273},[140,158,172,187,199,211,223,235,247,259],{"id":141,"title":142,"uri":143,"content":144,"excerpt":145,"date":146,"modified":147,"categories":148,"image":155},"cG9zdDozODU1","Colors of 2022: A Roundup of Framing Trends","/resources/colors-of-2020-a-roundup-of-trends","\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>It’s only the start of 2020.\u003C/strong> We’re still gaining our footing in this brand-new year. In fact, the whole decade is stretched before us like a blank canvas or a scene not yet photographed.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>That can be both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking for creative people!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As artists and photographers, we inherently understand the power of color to calm our minds and lift our spirits. Color experts get it, too. Last fall, many of them chose their “2020 colors of the year” with sensitivity to our collective desire for optimism as we enter a new era.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the most well-known color trend forecaster, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pantone.com/color-consulting/about-pantone-color-institute\">Pantone Color Institute\u003C/a>, selected \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020\">Classic Blue\u003C/a> as the Color of the Year for 2020. Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s Executive Director, told TIME magazine: “It’s a reassuring blue, full of calm and confidence.”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Sounds like just what we need as we face an unfolding future. In fact, if we were to flashback to 1999 and all the anxiety of Y2K, we’d fine that Pantone’s 2000 Color of the Year was another member of the restful, reliable blue family: Cerulean.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\fA palette of possibilities.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Ah, but Classic Blue is not alone in the 2020 color trends. Pantone selected 11 other colors for spring/summer 2020 that reflect our hope to balance stability with creative possibility. Pantone’s curated collection includes vibrant colors (Orange Peel, Biscay Green), softer tones (Sunlight, Coral Pink) and neutrals (Ash, Brilliant White).\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Color curators galore.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Pantone isn’t the only company who designed their own predictions for \"Color Trends 2020\". When we compared the palettes picked by \u003Ca href=\"https://www.hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com/color-trends\">Sherwin Williams\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/color-palettes/color-of-the-year-trends-2020\">Benjamin Moore\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2020-color-trends/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxrbwBRCoARIsABEc9siitYiuejRNPPJ4cFZIOpi-wEdivvdScKIV-kXpBrOd5lFG3FvWaNAaAmUnEALw_wcB\">Behr\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.crescentcardboard.com/article/2020-spring-summer-color-trends/\">Crescent\u003C/a>, we found some commonalities. We also found inspiration, which led us to bring some of these beautiful colors to our frames.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I'll highlight a few of our favorite color groupings, and the Frame Destination frames that play off these 2020 color trends.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shades of blue.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Pantone was joined by others who named various blues among their 2020 color trends. Witness Sherwin-Williams’ jewel tones; Benjamin Moore’s periwinkle, blue-green and sapphire; Behr’s softly bright blue; and Crescent’s peaceful blue. Frame Destination contributes to to this bluesy palette with these new frame options:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Wood Frame Profile 792 in Sky Blue\u003Cbr>Wood Frame Profile 311 in Blue\u003Cbr>Canvas Floater Frame F797 in Sky Blue\u003Cbr>16x20 Rustic Blue Picture Frame\u003Cbr>Metal Frame Nielsen Profile 97 in Florentine Cobalt\u003Cbr>Metal Frame Nielsen Profile 117V in Galactic Blue\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Greens and in-betweens.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Shades of mint and aqua were well represented among the 2020 color trends. Take, for example, Pantone’s refreshing take on turquoise; Sherwin-Williams’ “Mint to Be” and “Restful” green; Benjamin Moore’s forest and jade; Behr’s earthy and coastal greens; and Crescent’s rich “Williamsburg Green.” Now for our takes on this spectrum:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Wood Frame Profile 792 in French Teal\u003Cbr>Wood Frame Profile 792 in Mint Julep\u003Cbr>Canvas Floater Frame F797 in the above shades\u003Cbr>Metal Frame Nielsen Profile 117V in Turquoise or Cyber Green\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warming it up.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, two forecasters chose rosy pinks as their main “Color of the Year.” For Sherwin-Williams it’s the apricot-inspired “Romance,” while Benjamin Moore’s version is called “First Light.” The slightly darker “Bubble Shell” is among Behr’s top 15 trending colors in 2020. On the orange/brown spectrum, the color trend-setters have specified assorted shades of pumpkin, coral, brick and cinnamon. To all these, Frame Destination answers with:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Wood Frame Profile 792 in Petticoat Pink\u003Cbr>Wood Frame Profile 792 in Bourbon Orange\u003Cbr>Wood Frame Profile 792 in Alabama Red\u003Cbr>Canvas Floater Frame F797 in the above shades\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There’s a mat for that.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To give you more choices for creative combinations, Frame Destination offers over 250 different mat types and colors, so you're sure to find a color to complement your every artistic endeavor. Included in this lineup is one of the largest online selections of Select 4Ply mat colors—72 and counting. We invite you to peruse this wide array of mat boards or the Crescent 4-Ply Mat Boards, including \"Flag Blue,\" a twin to Pantone’s 2020 pick, and pretty much every color under the sun.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here's just a few Crescent Select 4-Ply mat colors we offer that match the 2020 color trends:\u003C/h4>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/framing-supplies/mat-board/crescent-select-4ply.html\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/1373769bba0a22f59664a70dd63eaa7f/1373769bba0a22f59664a70dd63eaa7f.png\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1516,h_1506,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661665953/blog/1373769bba0a22f59664a70dd63eaa7f/1373769bba0a22f59664a70dd63eaa7f.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3855 wp-image-3869\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661665953\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Color us inspired.\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Are you ready to seize this fresh new decade and color it your way? Of course you are! If we can be helpful on your journey into 2020 and beyond, just reach out — we’re here for you.\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>It’s only the start of 2020. We’re still gaining our footing in this brand-new year. In fact, the whole decade is stretched before us like a blank canvas or a scene not yet photographed. That can be both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking for creative people! As artists and photographers, we inherently understand the power […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-01-22T15:24:31","2022-10-11T15:38:17",[149,152],{"name":150,"slug":151},"In the News","in-the-news",{"name":153,"slug":154},"Resources","resources",{"url":156,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FD-BlogHero_IMG-FEB20_F.jpg","",{"id":159,"title":160,"uri":161,"content":162,"excerpt":163,"date":164,"modified":165,"categories":166,"image":170},"cG9zdDozNzkz","Art From the Outside In: Meet Photographer-Decorator Cheryl Williver","/arties-eight/cheryl-williver-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>Combining a love for outdoor photography with her interior design background,\u003Cbr>Cheryl Williver enjoys creating connections. From the day her pictures won Best in Show/Student Division in a local county expo, she has been smitten with the art of photography. Since then, this New Jersey girl has enjoyed capturing nature in the form of landscapes, waterscapes, and wildlife, although architecture and commercial work show up in her portfolio as well.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking ahead.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A mentor once told Cheryl to “look ahead” of her image — meaning, see the entire scene before choosing the composition. She lives by that to this day. Lately she’s had fun incorporating her interior design background, turning printed images into home decor items like glass cutting boards, ornaments, and mugs.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clearly beautiful.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When Cheryl was looking for a way to protect her photo notecards and matted prints, she chose our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/protective-crystal-clear-bags.html\">Protective Crystal Clear Bags\u003C/a>. “Both the card sizes and print sizes work perfectly,” says Cheryl, adding, “I’ve been ordering Frame Destination’s pre-cut mat boards and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/framing-supplies/foam-board.html\">backer boards\u003C/a> for years as well! They make my life so much easier.” As artists and craftsmen ourselves, Frame Destination is all about protecting beautiful art, and making life simpler for artists!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See more of her work.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Check out Cheryl’s photography and photo products through \u003Ca href=\"https://cheryl-williver.pixels.com\">Fine Art America\u003C/a> and on social media like \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/imageseverythingphotography/\">Instagram\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Imageseverythingphotography/?ref=hl\">Facebook\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/ImagesEverythin\">Twitter\u003C/a>. And if you’d like to learn more about Cheryl’s thoughts on connecting with her subject, along with her worst “gadget” purchase, scroll down for my Q&A with with this enthusiastic artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Cheryl Williver …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I got my first camera for Christmas at age 12. I took pictures all spring and summer! That summer, I entered 2 photos into the County Fair, and I won Best in Show in the Student Division! I was hooked, I haven't put my camera down since! I started my business 16 years ago, and I enjoy photographing everything from flowers and gardens to real estate and architecture, landscapes and waterscapes, animals and birds. Anything that interests me, really. And having an interior design and decorating background, I like to put my images on anything people use in their homes. I create photo notecards (which is why I order so many Frame Destination \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/protective-crystal-clear-bags.html\">Protective Crystal Clear Bags\u003C/a>), matted prints (more \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/protective-crystal-clear-bags.html\">bags\u003C/a>!), home decor and crafts with my photos. I also have professional print labs who can print my images on things like glass cutting boards, mugs, mousepads, ornaments, etc. It's FUN work!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>2. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Imperative! If photographers make a connection with their subject, living or non-living, we have told a story. Stories that connect with people on a personal level — that is what makes art relatable. If you've been to a certain place, or eaten a certain food, or owned a certain product, it makes that connection. If the image has great depth of field, or great lighting, or great composition, or all of these things, it creates a story that helps to make that connection.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>One of my mentors told me to \"look ahead of my image,” to plan ahead. This, in particular, was regarding sports photography, so that I could be ready for the shot. However, I've applied the advice to every aspect of my photography, because it means I have to look at the entire scene before I compose. Take out the things that don't belong, include the things that help tell the story. I may need to change my perspective, or lens, or settings, to get the shot just right.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>My work is all about the things I enjoy, so I would have to say 100 percent! My personality shows through my images because if you know me, you know I love nature and beautiful places and things. I stop and appreciate them, and I see them differently, as many photographers do. I take the time to capture them, so that others may enjoy them.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Everyone gets creative blocks! If this happens, a change of scenery is what works for me. I get out of my office or \"comfort zone\" and get out and explore! I also like to look online for inspiration, because it often fuels more ideas and I then get to test them out. Creative block — gone!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>My craft room! I love creating things with my hands, and I love to get creative in other ways. Recently, I've been pairing the two together, so I'll take a printed image (as my \"focal point”) and then create something for or with that print to transform it into home decor to be used in a new way. I've actually tagged Frame Destination in some of my \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/imageseverythingphotography/\">Instagram\u003C/a> posts (around Christmas time) so you can see what I mean!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>As I just mentioned, creating home decor with my images is my passion, and I'm happy that I'm able to do that and combine my two talents. It's fun, and it's being well-received at my shows.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I bought a camera bag that was supposed to fit around my waist, to keep my arms and shoulders free while hiking and shooting, but it fell apart the day I got it! I was on vacation, and couldn't return it.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_CherylWilliver2/FD-Arties8-Hero_CherylWilliver2.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1982,h_1034,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661449545/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_CherylWilliver2/FD-Arties8-Hero_CherylWilliver2.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3793 wp-image-3819\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661449545\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Combining a love for outdoor photography with her interior design background,Cheryl Williver enjoys creating connections. From the day her pictures won Best in Show/Student Division in a local county expo, she has been smitten with the art of photography. Since then, this New Jersey girl has enjoyed capturing nature in the form of landscapes, waterscapes, […]\u003C/p>\n","2020-01-22T11:23:03","2022-12-07T18:14:41",[167],{"name":168,"slug":169},"Artie's Eight","arties-eight",{"url":171,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FD-Arties8-Hero_CherylWilliver.jpg",{"id":173,"title":174,"uri":175,"content":176,"excerpt":177,"date":178,"modified":179,"categories":180,"image":185},"cG9zdDoxNDA0","7 Ways to Overcome Creative Blocks","/resources/7-easy-ways-to-overcome-a-creative-block","\n\u003Cp>Experiencing a creative block can be frustrating—and frightening when our livelihood depends on our ability to create new work or make progress on a current one. The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Creative blocks happen to all of us! The second thing to remember is that they are temporary, even when they seem to arrive with a neon sign that says, “You Will Be Forever Blocked, So Give Up Now.” Don’t believe it. Instead, see a block as an opportunity to slow down and refill the wellsprings of your creativity.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While sharing my own ways of overcoming creative blocks, I’ll also sprinkle in ideas from others including professional artists and photographers featured in our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog\">Artie’s Eight\u003C/a> Q&A series.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overcoming Creative Block: 7 Tips\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Shake up Your Scenery\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in the city, traipse through a park, zoo, or botanical garden. Go for a walk alongside a body of water or in a forest. Climb a mountain or a hill. If you’re a rural homesteader, take a trip to the city, visit a museum or show, or peruse local shops. Whether it be an antique shop, luxury car dealership or trendy boutique, design and inspiration is all around us. Fine artist and printmaker \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/mindy-lighthipe-spotlight\">Mindy Lighthipe\u003C/a> is with me on this: “I get out of the house and get into nature,” she says. “It can be planting in my garden, going out in my kayak, or traveling to a favorite destination.” Photographer-decorator Cheryl Williver concurs: “A change of scenery is what works for me. I get out of my office or ‘comfort zone’ and get out and explore!”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Tour your town with fresh eyes\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>No matter how large or small your city is, pretending to be a tourist will let you see it with a new perspective. Research what your town is known for. Make a day out of exploring its relevant sites. You might even wind up creating art with a local flavor, which can endear you to your fellow citizens. When University of North Texas photography student \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/hudson-ingram-spotlight\">Hudson Ingram\u003C/a> is feeling blocked, he looks around and starts shooting. “I just take photographs of whatever I see in my daily life,” Hudson says. “[That] gives me insight to what I might be subconsciously thinking, and I create a project based on those thoughts.”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Watch a movie or read a book that’s outside your normal genre\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If rom-coms are your M.O., try a futuristic action movie instead. I like to read non-fiction. Yes, I learn a lot of practical stuff, but large doses can dull my senses. I mix it up with the classics, poetry, supernatural fiction, and dreamy travel essays\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Take a class or workshop in a different art form\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re a photographer, try a drawing workshop. This will force you to slow down and engage with your subject in a completely different manner. Artist \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/david-hoque-spotlight\">David Hoque\u003C/a> agrees: “I’ve taught myself through YouTube and other sources how to improve my photography skills,” says David. “I have found that having good skills in this field is critical as a realist painter.”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Peruse a dictionary or thesaurus\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This is an old writer’s trick that can work for artists, too. Pick a single letter, like K. What images come to your mind when you see the words “kite,” kaleidoscope,” or “karma”?\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Out of sight, out of mind\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes it feels like a project we’re working on is staring us down, ruthlessly reminding us of our block. When \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/rachel-kosbab-spotlight\">Rachel Kosbab\u003C/a>, a North Carolina fine artist, isn’t sure how to finish a painting, she hides it “for a week or so and work on other projects,” Rachel says. “When I come back to it, I usually have new great ideas.” Texas photographer \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/jason-whitehead-spotlight\">Jason Whitehead\u003C/a> takes a similar approach: “I put the cameras away and try to find another outlet for creativity,” like listening to music or driving around. Michigan photographer \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/joshua-mccann-spotlight\">Joshua McCann\u003C/a> says taking a nap is one of the things that clears up his creative blocks. This technique is No. 1 on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design-tips/20-expert-tips-to-beat-creative-block-123523\">Creative Bloq\u003C/a>’s list of block breakers.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Eat your way to inspiration\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Colorful ingredients and beautifully plated dishes are a feast for the eyes. Plus, eating engages all our senses! I like to try new ethnic restaurants—you get to experience a little dose of culture along with the food. And if you appreciate that culture’s cuisine, check out their art as well. You may find a whole new source of artistic stimulation.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>BONUS TIP: Do some reflective journaling.\u003C/strong> Verbal reflection can stir up mental visuals. The internet is full of writing prompts, but here are a few of my favorites: “____________ makes me feel wild and free.” “My best childhood memory is _____________________.” “I’ve always been fascinated by ________________.” Botanical artist \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/arties-eight/arties-eight-lotus-mcelfish-spotlight\">Lotus McElfish\u003C/a> told us that her blocks are most often due to her own insecurities. “[I’ve] got to get that out of the way and know my own value and artistic voice,” she says. Journaling positive affirmations can help with that. Affirmations are especially effective when we write in the second or third person: “You, Joely, are a talented artist” and “That Joely really knows how to capture beauty in a unique way.” Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty for feeling blocked. “When you beat yourself up you’re too busy beating yourself up to notice all the inspiration that surrounds you.” Sage words from \u003Cem>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.artistsnetwork.com/magazine/overcoming-creative-blocks/\">Artists Magazine.\u003C/a>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I’m always looking for new ways to overcome creative blocks. So if you have one to share, please do!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Written by \u003Ca href=\"/info/joely-rogers-author.html\">Joely Rogers\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/c_lpad,dpr_2.0,q_auto/v1/media/wysiwyg/FD_Web-Joely_Painting.jpg?_i=AB\" alt=\"Joely Rogers\"> Joely C. Rogers is an artist/illustrator and writer living in the mountains of western North Carolina. She has professional training in both natural science illustration and the culinary arts, as well as graduate academic training in education, sociolinguistics, and folklore/storytelling. She is a Blue Ridge Naturalist candidate with the North Carolina Arboretum and a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators.\u003C/p>\u003Cbr>\n\n","\u003Cp>Experiencing a creative block can be frustrating—and frightening when our livelihood depends on our ability to create new work or make progress on a current one. The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Creative blocks happen to all of us! The second thing to remember is that they are temporary, even when […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-12-16T09:05:08","2025-01-21T12:23:45",[181,184],{"name":182,"slug":183},"For Professionals","for-professionals",{"name":153,"slug":154},{"url":186,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/FD-BlogHero_IMG-JAN20.jpg",{"id":188,"title":189,"uri":190,"content":191,"excerpt":192,"date":193,"modified":194,"categories":195,"image":197},"cG9zdDozNzkw","Introvert Turned Explorer: Meet Artist J Craig Platt","/arties-eight/introvert-turned-explorer-meet-artist-j-craig-platt","\n\u003Cp>This western Montana artist embraces detail and simplicity at the same time. A former introvert, J Craig Platt was drawn out of his shell by his high school art teacher and by the University of Montana dance program. This art-loving panda is grateful to both of these sources, because they nudged him to become a disciplined artist who creates works that are simple and intricate all at once. Even when he’s not creating, he is working at his craft, daily.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watercolor and beyond.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>J Craig isn’t bound by one medium at a time. Although he tends to favor watercolor, his portfolio is an exploration of artistic mediums including pastel and ink; pastel and graphite and colored pencil; and ink on newsprint. Oh. And he also makes some very cool jewelry.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimalist framing.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For J Craig’s watercolor titled “Inglorious” — an abstract “spiral” whale — he chose the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/nielsen-profile-100.html\">Nielsen Profile 100 Metal Frame\u003C/a>, a sleek black metal frame ideal for shadow boxes. “I ordered one, unsure if this particular frame would be the one,” says the self-taught artist. “Turns out, perfect. I ordered 10 more. I would also comment that Frame Destination has THE best packing department I have yet to come across.” (We’ll pass that along, J Craig!)\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See more of his work.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Take a peek at J Craig’s online portfolio of paintings and jewelry, located at \u003Ca href=\"http://blueharestudios.com/index.html\">\u003Cstrong>Blue Hare Studios\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>. Keep an eye out for his upcoming series that infuses each painting with a “kaleidoscope of color.” To learn more about his mood-lifting bud vase and the color he has “a thing for,” see my interview below.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with J Craig Platt …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>The majority of my artistic side is self-taught. Though I will give a good deal of credit to my high school art teacher, Ms. O'Leary. Her support and encouragement helped mold a quiet, introverted boy into someone better. Thank you, Ms. O'Leary! I studied dance at the University of Montana; this expanded my horizons, pulling me away from my last remnants of introversion and opening new worlds for me. I've been exploring more new worlds within the realm of art ever since.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>This depends upon the individual artist and if they want to make an impact on society. As artists, if we are using our skills to influence society, we must be cognizant of what we are putting out into the world. We all see the world through our own eyes, and artists can inadvertently affect a single person or larger society with their work. My own work is, of course, is simply my personal viewpoint and emotions poured into the subject — which is part of the end result, but not the most important part of the piece. Art should inspire mindful and emotional reactions in those viewing the work. Even a negative reaction can cause one's work to be remembered. I fume to this day about what I perceived to be a bad work of art I saw in Minneapolis in 2000. All these years later and I am still shaking my head at the images. So, yea. Good or bad (though I prefer good), if I can cause a thought-provoking or emotional response in those who view my work, I feel I have done my job.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>If art is going to be your world, you have to work at it every day. In direct thought or physical form. Creativity isn't always easy, you can't force the creative juices to flow. But you can work at your craft even if you are not working on something you very much want to start or finish. For myself this means sketching, writing, painting, designing jewelry, cooking — anything creative to keep my mind and spirit active and hungry for more. Every day.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Multifaceted and maybe a bit controlled (but not controlling). While my style is embedded into each painting and series, I like to believe that each one takes on a life of its own, different from its predecessors. Too much repetition makes a very dull boy.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Creative blocks … yes, I get them. To answer this question, I'll loop back to question #3 on best advice: Keep working. On something, on anything that keeps your creative mind flowing. The blocks will soon fall away.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Well, it's not exactly a “tool.” It is a small Japanese bud vase where I keep my tiny 5/0 brushes. The vase is full of memories and makes me happy to see it. It always helps to be in a good mood when you're working.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I have a new series of six or nine paintings. I never know the actual number of paintings until I get to the end. This series will be free form and a kaleidoscope of color within each painting. A new challenge for myself, to just let go.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Puce. Though, I never actually use that color. I just like the word, puce. My favorite color is a watercolor, lapis lazuli. It paints much different that it looks coming out of the tube. Also, I have a thing for lapis lazuli.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_JCPlatt2_3805572e4/FD-Arties8-Hero_JCPlatt2_3805572e4.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1982,h_1034,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661630872/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero_JCPlatt2_3805572e4/FD-Arties8-Hero_JCPlatt2_3805572e4.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3790 wp-image-3805\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661630872\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>This western Montana artist embraces detail and simplicity at the same time. A former introvert, J Craig Platt was drawn out of his shell by his high school art teacher and by the University of Montana dance program. This art-loving panda is grateful to both of these sources, because they nudged him to become a […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-12-16T08:00:58","2023-01-30T15:28:07",[196],{"name":168,"slug":169},{"url":198,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FD-Arties8-Hero_JCPlatt.jpg",{"id":200,"title":201,"uri":202,"content":203,"excerpt":204,"date":205,"modified":206,"categories":207,"image":209},"cG9zdDozNjk5","Young Adult, Old Soul:  Meet Photographer Hudson Ingram","/arties-eight/hudson-ingram-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>I’m an old-soul panda, and I recognize an old-soul human when I see one. What impresses me most about this young adult is that he’s not only a student of photography — he’s a student of people. As a photography student at UNT, Hudson Ingram is currently focused on relationships and the emotions that come with them. His responses to my Artie’s Eight Q&A make this clear, but so does his work.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trios and transparency.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Our team here at Frame Destination enjoyed taking a walk through Hudson’s portfolio, which showcases a trio of series titled “\u003Ca href=\"https://www.hudsoningram.com/disconnect-2\">Disconnect\u003C/a>,” “\u003Ca href=\"https://www.hudsoningram.com/anon\">Anonymity of an Observer\u003C/a>” and “\u003Ca href=\"https://www.hudsoningram.com/new-page\">Peripheral\u003C/a>.” In each of these bodies of work, Hudson explores aspects of his relationships with friends and family. By digitally inserting a transparent image of himself into his “Disconnect” photographs, Hudson reveals the detachment and unrequited admiration many of us have felt at one time or another.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hudson’s choice to highlight his art.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We’re excited to have framed the photograph Hudson shares with us here. He ordered \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/wood-frame-profile-852.html\">Wood Frame Profile 852\u003C/a>, which was “exactly what I asked for and helped highlight the work!” says Hudson.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See more of his work.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>You can peruse his \u003Ca href=\"https://www.hudsoningram.com/\">\u003Cstrong>online portfolio\u003C/strong>\u003C/a> or follow him on \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/tryingtothinkphotography/\">Instagram\u003C/a>. And if you happen to be near Denton, Texas, in February 2020, check out the UNT Parallax “\u003Ca href=\"https://art.unt.edu/calendar/2019/unt-parallax-lucid-dreams\">Lucid Dreams\u003C/a>” exhibit, which will feature some of Hudson’s latest images.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Hudson Ingram…\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I was born in 1997 in McKinney, Texas. I starting taking photographs as a child, but never really considered myself an artist until high school. That’s when I had a capstone experience on mastering camera control through a mentorship with Tin Star Photography. When I began college at the University of North Texas, I really started to view myself as an artist. My classes helped me discover how to apply a deeper meaning to my work and how that can help me not only as an artist, but as a person.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>2. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>In photography there is a direct connection between what the photographer sees through their viewfinder or screen and what the viewer is shown. This enables people to experience the photographer’s perspective, and creates curiosity—if not about the subject matter, then how it was shot. The photographer's own personal connection to the subject is what drives the the photograph and can affect the image created.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>You will make work that can be absolute crap, but that crap will eventually lead you to good or even great work.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I am a young adult still figuring out life, and I'm pretty sure that I won't ever figure it out. But in trying to understand it through my photography, I hope that I can convey what is going on in my life to whoever sees it.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I definitely can't think of anything some days, and on those days I just take photographs of whatever I see in my daily life. Continuing to do so gives me insight to what I might be subconsciously thinking, and I create a project based on those thoughts.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Relationships with others are what has fueled not only my work but my life. Everything for me has been built on relationships or the lack thereof.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003C/em>\u003C/strong>\u003Cbr>I am currently working with film in both 35mm and medium format to show my perspective of my own envy.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Mainly things that haven't worked for longer than a day. Flash sync controls, remotes, etc.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Images-Ingram22/FD-Arties8-Images-Ingram22.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1982,h_1034,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661454524/blog/FD-Arties8-Images-Ingram22/FD-Arties8-Images-Ingram22.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3699 wp-image-3730\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661454524\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to applyto be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>I’m an old-soul panda, and I recognize an old-soul human when I see one. What impresses me most about this young adult is that he’s not only a student of photography — he’s a student of people. As a photography student at UNT, Hudson Ingram is currently focused on relationships and the emotions that come with […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-10-28T09:14:47","2023-02-08T17:27:46",[208],{"name":168,"slug":169},{"url":210,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FD-Arties8-Images-Ingram2.jpg",{"id":212,"title":213,"uri":214,"content":215,"excerpt":216,"date":217,"modified":218,"categories":219,"image":221},"cG9zdDozNjY1","Best Gifts For Creative People","/resources/creative-holiday-gift-ideas-mostly-under-50","\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cstrong>As Frame Destination’s official ambassador\u003C/strong>\u003C/strong>, I get to celebrate artists and photographers through my monthly \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/category/arties-eight\">Artie’s Eight Q&A\u003C/a>. For the moment, my mind is on holiday gift giving, so I volunteered to gather some fun ideas for the people in your life who are creative in some way, shape, or form. Like the sister-in-law who makes a to-die-for cheesecake from scratch. Or the DIY neighbor who wins the house decoration contest every holiday. Or the coworker who cracks you up daily with his sly wit. Scroll down and see a few ideas that I hope inspire you \u003Cem>and\u003C/em> your holiday recipient.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(1) Monthly Postcard Club\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Champions of artists with and without disabilities, Summertime is a nonprofit 501c3 studio and gallery in Brooklyn. When you purchase a postcard subscription, you’re helping support neurodiverse artists who create limited-edition artworks in postcard form. Plus your friend or loved one receives a postal surprise — by a different artist each month — that will surely brighten their day and fire up their own creativity. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.summertimegallery.org/shop/sincerely-summertime\">Buy here\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_PostCardClub/FD-Gifts_PostCardClub.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664303348/blog/FD-Gifts_PostCardClub/FD-Gifts_PostCardClub.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6411\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664303348\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>Postcard Club, Summertime Art Studio & Ga\u003C/em>llery\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(2) Laptop Sleeves\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“Bubble Gum Gang,” “Find Joy,” “Saturn  Disco II,” and “Nudo in Rust” are just a few of the original designs for laptop sleeves that make a statement while making you smile. Society6 is a global marketplace for independent artists and their creations of all kinds, from duvet covers to duffle bags. Their laptop sleeves feature a huge range of styles and patterns, from whimsical to geometrical to nature. \u003Ca href=\"https://society6.com/laptop-sleeves\">Buy here\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_LaptopCase/FD-Gifts_LaptopCase.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664303373/blog/FD-Gifts_LaptopCase/FD-Gifts_LaptopCase.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6412\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664303373\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>Laptop Sleeves, Society6.com\u003C/em>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(3) 3D Printing Pen\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For the creative person who has everything, wrap up something they never saw coming — the ability to “draw in the air.” This 3D pen is designed for kids ages 14+, but it’s equally perfect for adults. Your creative friend can make custom items like coasters and bookends — anything their imagination inspires. Kit includes access to a webinar series and online library with hundreds of hours of how-to videos. \u003Ca href=\"https://the3doodler.com/collections/create?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5f_IlMzcgQMVtFB_AB2phQkHEAAYASAAEgIZmvD_BwE\">Buy here.\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_3DPen2/FD-Gifts_3DPen2.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664462026/blog/FD-Gifts_3DPen2/FD-Gifts_3DPen2.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6450\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664462026\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>3Doodler Create+ \"Learn from Home\" Pen Set, the3doodler.co\u003C/em>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(4) Show Me the Monet Card Game\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Poker meets Go Fish in this card game for art lovers. The goal is to build a collection of cards by the same artist, by artists from the same country, or by artists of the same genre, etc. The winner is the player with the most valuable collection. Bluffing and wild cards are involved, so keep your poker face!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_MonetGame/FD-Gifts_MonetGame.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664303438/blog/FD-Gifts_MonetGame/FD-Gifts_MonetGame.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6414\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664303438\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>Show Me the Monet Card Game\u003C/em>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(5) Hive Waterproof Notebooks\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Pages made from crushed stone? That’s what makes these notebooks so special — and durable. No trees, water, bleach, or acid is used in the production process, which makes the “paper” brighter, whiter, and even smoother than the paper we’re used to. Covers are crafted from vegan leather. Created for people in the design and woodworking industries, these unique books are available with lined or grid pages. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.hivenotebook.com/shop\">Buy here\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_HiveBook/FD-Gifts_HiveBook.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664303520/blog/FD-Gifts_HiveBook/FD-Gifts_HiveBook.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6417\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664303520\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(6) Shadow Box Collections\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Creative people have multiple outlets for their imaginations. You may know an artist who loves attending live concerts. Or a crafter who travels and brings home small souvenirs from every adventure. Inspire your creative friend or family member to display their treasures by giving them a shadow box frame. Our Nielsen Shadow Box Frame 100 (below) comes in Matte Black and German Silver. Kit includes glazing, backing, and hanging kit. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/nielsen-profile-100.html\">Buy here\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_ShadowBox/FD-Gifts_ShadowBox.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664304142/blog/FD-Gifts_ShadowBox/FD-Gifts_ShadowBox.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6419\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664304142\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/nielsen-profile-100.html\">\u003C/a>\u003Cem>Nielsen Shadow Box Frame 100, FrameDestination.com\u003C/em>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>(7) Art Is Life Gift Card\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We can’t help but sing the praises of our e-gift card. It’s delivered by email, so no gift wrapping required. Your recipients get to choose exactly what they want from our array of ready-made picture frames and other \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/ctg/framing-supplies.html\">framing supplies\u003C/a>. Plus, it’s a great add-on to the gift of original art: your recipient gets to choose how to frame it. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/gc/art-is-life-giftcard.html\">Buy here.\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Gifts_Gift-Art/FD-Gifts_Gift-Art.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_573,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1664299646/blog/FD-Gifts_Gift-Art/FD-Gifts_Gift-Art.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3665 wp-image-6399\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1664299646\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>Art Is Life Gift Card, FrameDestination.com, $10 to $500\u003C/em>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Please feel free to share your own gift ideas in the comments below. Wishing you a joyful and creative holiday season ahead! \u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>NOTE: You may also enjoy \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/resources/best-gifts-for-artist\">Best Gifts for Artists\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/resources/best-gifts-for-photographers\">Best Gifts for Photographers.\u003C/a>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated September 23, 2024\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\n","\u003Cp>As Frame Destination’s official ambassador, I get to celebrate artists and photographers through my monthly Artie’s Eight Q&A. For the moment, my mind is on holiday gift giving, so I volunteered to gather some fun ideas for the people in your life who are creative in some way, shape, or form. Like the sister-in-law who […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-10-28T08:17:53","2024-10-02T16:33:57",[220],{"name":153,"slug":154},{"url":222,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FD-BlogHero_GifrGuide-Creative_2022.jpg",{"id":224,"title":225,"uri":226,"content":227,"excerpt":228,"date":229,"modified":230,"categories":231,"image":233},"cG9zdDozNjk4","Nature on Display: Meet Fine Artist & Printmaker Mindy Lighthipe","/arties-eight/mindy-lighthipe-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>From the colorful detail of her paintings to the haunting beauty of her solar etchings, Mindy Lighthipe is a force of nature — for nature.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The call of the wild.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When an artist can find beauty in a \u003Ca href=\"https://mindylighthipefineart.com/portfolio-viewer?collection=90392#lg=1&artworkId=3087277\">Round Tortoise Beetle\u003C/a>, it’s hard to ignore. Especially when the artist imparts loveliness to an insect most of us would avoid. That’s why the work of Mindy Lighthipe intrigued me—and all of us here at Frame Destination. Mindy started her artistic career making handwoven clothing. Later, she heard the call of the wild and moved to botanical illustration. Her love for nature has inspired journeys to Costa Rica’s rainforests, where she \u003Ca href=\"https://www.mindylighthipe.com/journey-to-the-heart-of-creativity-in-costa-rica/\">leads art tours\u003C/a> and supports The Toucan Rescue Ranch.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Patience is a virtue.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Mindy’s commitment to meticulous, authentic detail extends to the butterflies, insects and botanicals she paints. She often grows the plants herself and raises the insects, which can take up to a year to get the looks she’s going for.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quality that’s customized.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We’re honored our quality products are helping Mindy showcase her work. One frame she uses a lot is our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/prod/frame/wood-frame-profile-503.html\">Wood Frame Profile 503\u003C/a> (seen in her tree frog artwork above). “I really like that I can customize my order to get the acrylic and frame together,” Mindy says. “The frame quality is great and doesn’t chip, which is important since I sometimes swap out different works of art to ship to different shows.”\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See more of her work.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to see more work by Mindy – including everything from owls to iguanas, llamas to toucans, macaws to boat-tailed grackles—\u003Cstrong>visit her\u003C/strong> \u003Ca href=\"https://mindylighthipefineart.com/works\">\u003Cstrong>website\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>. If you’re in New York this month (October 2019), be sure to check out Mindy’s bird paintings and solar etchings at the \u003Ca href=\"https://mindylighthipefineart.com/works\">Salmagundi Club\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Mindy Lighthipe …\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I have always been an artist. I studied textile design in college and worked as hand weaver for the first 15 years of my art career. I created women's handwoven clothing and sold through the craft markets across the country. I decided to shift my creative endeavors to fine art. I started in the field of Botanical and Natural Science Illustration in 1989 when I went back to school and completed a 200-hour certification program at the New York Botanical Garden. I have always been a nature enthusiast and am passionate about conservation. I depict birds, insects and plants in my work and how they interact with one another. It is important to me to convey how all things in nature are connected and why it must be protected.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Depicting lifecycles in my work allows the viewer to see a story played out in one image that is not possible in a single photograph. I carefully study and research my paintings to show the relationship of how a specific plant is important to a specific insect, bird or animal. It sometimes takes months or even years to get all the right components into my paintings to tell the full story. It is my hope that viewers find the same beauty I find in these relationships. Preserving these relationships in nature is important for future generations.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I have been traveling to the rainforests of Costa Rica for 30 years. I am awe-inspired by the diversity I have seen. I have learned that it is important to keep learning, traveling, getting out in nature. Nature is the best inspiration and teacher!!!!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I LOVE color and I find that I am able to express the joy I find in nature by using color. I feel that my work shows the appreciation I have for nature by using color to express this feeling of wonder.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>At times I find that I am feeling stagnant. When this happens I usually get out of the house and get into nature. It can be planting in my garden, going out in my kayak or traveling to a favorite destination. I am also inspired by learning from other artists and continue to take workshops and classes.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Abundance of choice. I am a color junky and I find that I probably have too many watercolors, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, gouache, pastels etc. I am not a purist and often combine different mediums in my art. I am not sure I could live without all of it!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>I am currently working on a dual show with another artist, Patricia Wynne. It is an exhibition of \u003Ca href=\"https://www.mindylighthipe.com/gallery-solar-etching/\">Solar Etchings\u003C/a> of Birds of the World. I was introduced to printmaking in college. I would have liked to pursue it but the chemicals turned me off. Solar Etching is a non-toxic form of printmaking that I am super excited about. The process is safe. I am able to create a limited edition of hand-pulled prints the old-fashioned way. Once printed in a black ink I am able to custom hand tint with watercolor to add color.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003Cbr>Super tough for me. I would have to say that PURPLE is my favorite color. Carbazole purple by Daniel Smith but then there are specialty colors like Hematite, Moonglow and other paints that separate and do magical, spontaneous things on the paper.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Images-Lighthipe2/FD-Arties8-Images-Lighthipe2.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_1024,h_534,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661494900/blog/FD-Arties8-Images-Lighthipe2/FD-Arties8-Images-Lighthipe2.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Mindy Lighthipe\" class=\"wp-post-3698 wp-image-3719\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661494900\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u003Cem>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C/div>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Last Updated Sept 18, 2024\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\n","\u003Cp>From the colorful detail of her paintings to the haunting beauty of her solar etchings, Mindy Lighthipe is a force of nature — for nature. The call of the wild. When an artist can find beauty in a Round Tortoise Beetle, it’s hard to ignore. Especially when the artist imparts loveliness to an insect most […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-10-17T09:06:01","2024-09-18T13:48:45",[232],{"name":168,"slug":169},{"url":234,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FD-Arties8-Images-Lighthipe.jpg",{"id":236,"title":237,"uri":238,"content":239,"excerpt":240,"date":241,"modified":242,"categories":243,"image":245},"cG9zdDozMzc4","It All Started with a Mickey-Matic: Meet Photographer Joshua McCann","/arties-eight/joshua-mccann-spotlight","\u003Cp>Variety is the spice of life for Joshua McCann, a commercial photographer and videographer in Michigan. “Sometimes it is the subject that finds the photographer,” he explains. Wedding photos and family portraits capture happy faces at milestone moments, while Joshua’s commercial videos record everything from synchronized skaters to the man behind a natural shoreline landscaping company.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Beautiful and brooding.\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>It seems that the beautiful, brooding work Joshua shares with us here has a cinematic vibe not unlike his commercial videography. One explanation may be found in Joshua’s answer to question #4 of the Q&A. Joshua is also certified to pilot remote drones, allowing him to capture sweeping aerial footage.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>His choice for glazing.\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Joshua’s talents extend to other media. Like old windows. Last fall, he was putting together a show of some windows he had refurbished to serve as frames for black-and-white photographs. Along with the black mat he bought from Frame Destination, Joshua says he “fell in love with the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/non-glare-acrylic.html\">Non-Glare Acrylic\u003C/a>.” We love helping our artists find just what they know will best showcase their creativity!\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>See more of his work.\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Visit\u003Cstrong> \u003Ca href=\"http://www.jmcpic.com/portfolio/\">jmcpic.com\u003C/a>\u003C/strong> or follow him on Instagram to see more of Joshua's work: \u003Cstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/jmccann_photography/\">https://www.instagram.com/jmccann_photography/\u003C/a>.\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If you’re curious about where Joshua was trained and the light source he can’t work without, read on.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Now for Artie’s Eight with Joshua McCann…\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>I was given a Kodak Mickey-Matic camera when I was around 6 or 7 years of age and have been taking photographs ever since. I pursued my interests of photography and filmmaking by attending Full Sail University, completing my degree there. Now I own and operate a photography and videography service provider.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>2. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>The importance goes hand-in-hand with the connection itself and sometimes it is the subject that finds the photographer. Some of my best work has come from unguided processes where I've allowed the subject to manifest on its own, instead of being directly sought out.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>There will be many obstacles and hurdles to get over and self-doubt will linger around. The best thing is to accept these truths and focus on the core love for the art.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>I have been told that my work has a very mysterious and ambient feel that sits somewhere between beautiful and dark. This would most likely come from my love of filmmaking and the movies I experience growing up in the ’80s and ’90s.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Creative blocks are best dealt with by taking breaks and switching projects. Taking a nap, going on a trip or working on something else always clears these up for me.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Our sun and the natural light it provides us.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Currently I am working on seasonal landscape photography of the water sheds located in my county.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>I am very careful with my tool/gadget purchases and I can honestly say that I currently have no gadget regrets.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero-JoshuaMcCann2/FD-Arties8-Hero-JoshuaMcCann2.jpg\" class=\"alignnone wp-post-3378 wp-image-3383 size-full\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_951,h_497,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661778960/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero-JoshuaMcCann2/FD-Arties8-Hero-JoshuaMcCann2.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Featured Photographer Joshua McCann\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661778960\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply\u2028to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Variety is the spice of life for Joshua McCann, a commercial photographer and videographer in Michigan. “Sometimes it is the subject that finds the photographer,” he explains. Wedding photos and family portraits capture happy faces at milestone moments, while Joshua’s commercial videos record everything from synchronized skaters to the man behind a natural shoreline landscaping […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-09-16T10:00:56","2019-10-03T15:35:38",[244],{"name":168,"slug":169},{"url":246,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FD-Arties8-Hero-JoshuaMcCann1.jpg",{"id":248,"title":249,"uri":250,"content":251,"excerpt":252,"date":253,"modified":254,"categories":255,"image":257},"cG9zdDozMzY4","A Double Take With Artist David Hoque","/arties-eight/david-hoque-spotlight","\n\u003Cp>Maybe it’s the precision and discipline of having spent his career in the military that influences the intricate, exacting detail in David Hoque’s work. Whatever it is, we admire the juxtaposition of reality with the rich jewel tones that come to life in his colored pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. They often cause viewers to do a ‘double take’ when they realize they are not actually photographs.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel and soul.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>David is mainly self-taught, although he has worked under internationally known watercolor masters Laurin McCrackin and Soon Warren. Born in California, David has traversed the world and is now settled in Virginia. He believes that extensive travel has greatly impacted his role as an artist to visually express a society’s soul, culture and individual states of mind.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Framing his art.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The colored pencil drawing David shares with us here is a celebration of his granddaughter, Josie. He framed the piece with our Wood Frame Profile 810, with mats in Snowflake White (8313) and Spanish White (8463). “I use Frame Destination’s products exclusively for my work,” David tells us. Thanks, David! We are humbled and happy to help showcase your amazing art.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See more of his work.\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Want to see more of David's richly detailed, colorful work? Visit his \u003Ca href=\"https://www.artbyhoque.net\">online gallery\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For David’s insights into YouTube, yin/yang dualism and why he paints “with a heavy hand,” read the Q&A below.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now for Artie’s Eight with David Hoque…\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>1. What is your background; how did you get started?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I am an American artist born in Monterey, California. Primarily self-taught with some formal art training in watercolor and colored pencil art pieces, I do commissions and participate in exhibitions throughout the year. I'm also a professional member of the \"International Guild of Realism\" and a signature member of the \"Colored Pencil Society of America.” I have had art pieces juried into both of their prestigious annual international exhibitions every year that I have been a member. I have also been published in Artist Portfolio Magazine, Ann Kullberg's Color Magazine and her annual CP Treasures Vol. III and IV, as well as Colored Pencil Magazine. After retiring from the military, we settled in Virginia where I have been a Magistrate for the Commonwealth since 2000.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I think the artist plays a part in reflecting the human condition and we visually help convey the soul of our societies, our cultures and personal states of mind. We convey emotion through the mediums we use. I hope that when a person looks at one of my paintings or drawings, they do not just enjoy it, but they walk away with a richer and more expanded state of mind than before they saw it and took it in.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I think my most profound formative experience was living all over the world and being lucky to experience the people’s and cultures in many places all over the world. It’s had a profound impact on how I understood humanity and the places I’ve seen have made me believe that we are truly living on a very special planet which is abundant in beauty and life. These facts inspire me greatly and they motivate me to produce well-done, meaningful pieces of art for people to see and enjoy.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I draw and paint with a heavy hand. Meaning I like to work the color into the surface. I also enjoy drawing pieces that have stark contrast between light and dark tones and color. I think these contrasts complement each other like the “yin and the yang.” My pieces reflect realism and balance. All of these aforementioned artistic concepts greatly reflect my personality. Although I probably would be considered an introvert, my art still reflects my strong will and a need for order and balance.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I used to get them quite a bit! Probably more frequently than I would have liked! To overcome this I’ve taught myself through YouTube and other sources how to improve my photography skills. I have found that having good skills in this field is critical as a realist painter and it also helps me to take excellent subject photos for my work. Now my creative blocks are few and far between.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I would say my personal reference photos. I am wired to draw and paint precisely what I see. Which means I don’t have much of an imagination. I’m also a realist, so I need to see great realism in front of me. To do this I have to take and use superb subject photos. Plus, most exhibition entries require that artists use their own work, including reference photos.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I just studied under the great watercolorist Laurin McCrackin. Now armed with his superb techniques in this medium, I am busy creating my own nice still-life watercolor pieces.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>8. What is your favorite paint color name?\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I enjoy making my own “black” that I keep in a mason jar for my watercolor pieces. I’ve learned this mixing recipe from Laurin McCrackin and it’s a black that is used for my still life backgrounds.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg data-public-id=\"blog/FD-Arties8-Hero-DavidHogue2/FD-Arties8-Hero-DavidHogue2.jpg\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/images/w_951,h_497,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1661472193/blog/FD-Arties8-Hero-DavidHogue2/FD-Arties8-Hero-DavidHogue2.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-post-3368 wp-image-3385\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1661472193\" data-seo=\"1\">\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?\u003C/strong> Simply respond to the questionnaire \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/interviewform\">here\u003C/a> to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.\u003C/p>\n","\u003Cp>Maybe it’s the precision and discipline of having spent his career in the military that influences the intricate, exacting detail in David Hoque’s work. Whatever it is, we admire the juxtaposition of reality with the rich jewel tones that come to life in his colored pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. They often cause viewers to […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-09-01T15:12:24","2023-05-15T14:06:50",[256],{"name":168,"slug":169},{"url":258,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FD-Arties8-Hero-DavidHogue1.jpg",{"id":260,"title":261,"uri":262,"content":263,"excerpt":264,"date":265,"modified":266,"categories":267,"image":271},"cG9zdDozNjAz","4 Secret Professional Framing Tricks Anyone Can Do","/picture-frames/secret-professional-framing-tricks","\n\u003Cp>SPECIAL NOTE: Frame Destination mascot Artie the Panda penned this month’s blog. He kept bugging us about it, so we finally said yes. Does he have the writing chops to do this again? \u003Ca href=\"mailto:marketing@framedestination.com\">Let us know\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Say you’ve finally finished that project you’ve been working on for months. A labor of love and creativity like no other. How can you showcase this beauty so that you get top dollar from astute clients and art aficionados? If you’re keeping the piece, how can you add an extra twinkle in the eyes of admiring friends and family?\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Then again, perhaps the art aficionado is \u003Ci>you\u003C/i>. You’re strolling through an outdoor festival one crisp fall weekend, and your gaze is captured by a something sublime — a whimsical watercolor or a hypnotic black-and-white photograph. Whatever the case, it’s calling your name. \u003Ci>You have to have it. \u003C/i>You buy it, bring it home, and start wondering what’s the best way to display it?\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Here’s a suggestion for either scenario: Give it a custom frame that provides added protection, creative mounting options, or cool effects that help your art stand apart.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>In other words, trick that baby out.\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>These \u003Cstrong>Advanced Options,\u003C/strong> found in the Build-A-Frame™ section of our site, are featured in the latest video by Frame Destination co-founder, Mark Rogers, (my boss). He takes you through the four main ways you can display and protect your art in extra-special ways — and I promise it’s easier than you think! Just take a look at the video.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\n\u003C/div>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Here’s more on the reasons why you may want to consider advanced options:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Add Spacers to Give Your Art Some Breathing Room and More Protection\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For truly cherished paintings or photos, the first thing you’ll want to do is add \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-spacers.html\">picture frame pacers\u003C/a> to your frame package. Spacers help protect your art by creating a space between your art and glass. (We all need our space, right?) Over time art can become stuck to the glass, ruining the art if you try to take it out of the frame. Of course, a mat will also provide a gap, but if you’re not going with a mat, spacers will do the trick.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Make Specialty DIY Cuts or Float Your Art With Mats\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the world of mat boards, a blank mat differs from a window mat in that it’s solid, with no \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/pre-cut-mats.html\">pre-cut\u003C/a> opening. You may want a blank mat if you plan to “float” the image, meaning the art is smaller than the mat window, creating a border between the mat edge and the image edge. In this scenario, you would be able to see the background the image is mounted on, which would typically be white from the foam core. If you don’t want it to be white, you would mount your image on the blank mat (in the color of your choice) and place it under the window mat. (By the way, there’s a difference between \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/resources/float-mounting-vs-floater-frames-whats-the-difference\">float mounting and floater frames\u003C/a>.)\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Use Additional Backing to Offer a Museum-worthy Presentation\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A third option is additional backing. In previous steps, you’ve already selected, for example, a 3/16-inch foam board to serve as the frame back. Frame Destination acid-free foam core is archival, but if you want to make the frame package truly museum archival, you can add two-ply foam board — a pure cotton-rag mounting board. This additional backing will protect your image even further. To learn more about these backing options visit our foam board category \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board.html\">here\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Create Special Effects by Adding Glass or Acrylic\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Finally, why not do something super fly by adding extra glass or acrylic? With this option, your art is “sandwiched” between two pieces of glass or two pieces of acrylic. If the glass is larger than the artwork, you’ll have a clear border around the image, allowing you to see through to the wall behind the picture frame generating a “hover” impression. Pretty cool effect!\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>See our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/choosing-the-right-framing-glass-for-clarity-and-protection\">Choosing the Right Glass\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Artie Tip: In extreme conditions, this method could result in the art sticking to the glass over time so use this method for non-priceless art only.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There you have it! \u003Cem>Four ways to take your custom frame to the next level\u003C/em>. Simple, right? That’s our mission here at Frame Destination — to make your life a little easier and arty-er.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Have you taken advantage of these advanced options? Let us know how it went in the comments below, or share your art with us on social media be using the hashtag #Framedestination. We’d love to see your tricked out creations.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Written by \u003Ca href=\"/info/mark-rogers-author.html\">Mark Rogers\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/c_lpad,dpr_2.0,q_auto/v1/media/wysiwyg/Mark_Rogers.jpeg?_i=AB\" alt=\"Mark Rogers\"> Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.\u003C/p>\u003Cbr>\n\n\n\n\n","\u003Cp>SPECIAL NOTE: Frame Destination mascot Artie the Panda penned this month’s blog. He kept bugging us about it, so we finally said yes. Does he have the writing chops to do this again? Let us know. Say you’ve finally finished that project you’ve been working on for months. A labor of love and creativity like […]\u003C/p>\n","2019-08-28T10:05:56","2025-01-30T16:47:25",[268],{"name":269,"slug":270},"Picture Frames","picture-frames",{"url":272,"label":157},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FD-BlogHero_IMG-4SecretTips.jpg",321]