Frequently Asked Questions
How are you priced differently from other craft stores?
Because we are a small operation compared to the big craft stores, it's typically assumed that we will cost more. Wrong! Most of the time we typically cost LESS than our big box competitors. We pride ourselves in doing everything in house for a multitude of reasons. Our turn around time is faster, since we are not having to send out more than half of what you order. On top of that, with how we've set up our in-house production, it actually keeps the costs down for us, so that means the costs are down for you! While deciding to work with us, you're not only supporting a small locally owned business, but you are saving money doing it too.
How long does it take to get a piece done?
Our maximum lead time is approximately 2 weeks. Typically we prefer to under promise & over deliver, so usually it's sooner than that. However, that 2 week window allows us time to order any necessary materials we don't already have in stock, and to keep a proper assembly line of our volume of orders from our 5 locations.
Are you in a time crunch? No worries, we are flexible. Contact us by phone or email with your rush job inquiry and we will can discuss our options.
What does it cost?
This is a very tricky question. As a business who specializes in custom orders, they all come with custom costs. Our framing selection varies widely in pricing. For example, when framing a diploma, you can look at anywhere as low as $65 for the basic items, or as great a $300 for a specialty frame, specialty glass, etc. It depends on the materials you pick out, the size, the labor involved, and so on. Either way, we are always happy to work with your budget to provide a quality product.
Where can I get an art appraisal done?
A lot of us have purchased or inherited art, and we're unsure of the value of it. We have a certified appraiser here on staff who can take a look at the the art pieces in question and give you a value for it.
Appraisals start at $25 per piece to tell you if the art piece has worth. If the piece does have worth, we charge a $175/hr fee for proper research and documentation stating it as such. Not a big price to pay if your piece is worth $20,000, right?
To have your work appraised, you must call or email to schedule an appointment.
I'm looking for a specific piece of art, do you have it?
We stock thousands of works of art in house, but there are millions more constantly being created. As an art business, we can find the piece you need for your home in house, or we can order what you're looking for. We work with several art groups that provide artwork in the colors and styles to match your home.
Where can I find out about more events?
You can go to our Events or our Contact page and find the section to subscribe to our mailing list. We have two different lists so whether you are an artist looking to participate in an event or simply an art lover looking for events to attend we will send you the email blasts your interested in. You are also more than welcome to send us an email & ask us to subscribe you.
Framing FAQ
What are your frames made out of?
All of our frames are made up of 100% solid wood. These means a few things: wood is a strong, stout material that will protect your piece forever. This is not something you would get from a metal, particle board, or an acrylic frame. Those kinds of materials are not strong and as gravity takes its course, it has a great potential of falling apart. Even in the case of (i.e. moving, redecorating, etc.) if an accident were to happen where the piece fell or was dropped, the wood frame will absorb the shock and protect the piece far better than a small frame made out of weak material.
These type of materials do not ensure longevity with the additional materials they are made out of. Particle board, for instance, is typically wrapped in vinyl and peels up over time.
Our frames are handcrafted with designer finishes. Our frames are not covered in vinyl or painted on with cheap paint. Our frames come finished with a range of materials, such as patina, encaustic wax, or actual metal leaf. These designer finished are all laid on by hand. We strive for the utmost quality when it comes to not only protecting your work but also dressing it up beautifully.
Why should I frame my items?
Framing is an important part for all aspects of life. Whether you are an artist, a college graduate, or have semimetal items in a shoebox, or a fan of sports, music, you name it! Everyone has something they want to get framed. Framing will guarantee the longevity, and also helps present it beautifully on the wall. It not only means something to you, but you can hang it on the wall for others to enjoy as well.
What can you frame?
Our framing doesn't just stop at drawings, paintings, posters, and photos. We can frame a large array of items. From jerseys, to wedding dresses, to wine bottles to baseball bats, to guitars, to cymbals, and much much more. No job is too big, or too unusual for us. You have something semimetal you want to display, and you want to ideally keep the dust off of it, framing is the best choice.
Why is Art & Company different than other framing stores?
We are different in many ways. We are a big time operation put into a small locally owned business. Serving the greater Chicago area. Quality comes first. We specialize in framing and do everything in house. Our designers on staff are experienced creatives and are regular people just like you. We pick out the frames that we would hang in our house too! We have the customers interest in mind and we have kept it that way for 40 years.
Printing FAQ
What is a Giclee Print?
A Giclee (pronounced Gee-CLAY) is a print created with an high quality inkjet printer. Our Epson Surecolor Aqueous printer contains 10 ink cartridges to capture the widest color spectrum for our fine art printing. Inkjet prints are created by the printhead nozzles spraying tiny droplets of ink onto the substrate to create the image (The literal translation of Giclee is "to spray"). This system ensures the best quality and longevity of your prints. Inkjets inks are UV resistant on archival substrates and will not fade or yellow over time.
What printer is better?
This is a common question we get, one printer is not "better" than the other, they are just different! We will make the best informed decision when it comes to what printer to use for your print needs. One printer may have the ability that the other printer does not. For instance, if you needed a matte print, we would use our Aqueous printer, but if you needed print that was 60" wide, we would use our solvent printer!
Some materials, such as gloss canvas, which is used on both printers will produce a relatively similar outcome. If you have a particular taste for printing, I would choose the aqueous printer for quality and wide color spectrum. If you're looking for something big, large, and/or durable, I would pick a solvent print!
What are the benefits of printing?
As an artist, you gain the benefit of offering another option for selling your work. While original artwork is still highly sought after, prints are growing in popularity in the art field across the board. It's an economical way for a broader audience to support you, and keeps you afloat in your sales.
Our printing doesn't just apply to artwork, if you have sentimental photos or even photos you need restored. Our service in printing offers a great benefit and gift for your friends, family, and loved ones.
What's a substrate? And what are the differences between them?
A substrate is basically the material we print on. For example, if you plan on having a print done on canvas, the canvas is the substrate. If you print on metal, paper, acrylic, photo paper, etc. Those are all examples of substrates.
These are our 3 primary substrates:
Gloss Canvas: Our canvas is 388gsm poly cotton blend with a smooth gloss finish. This popular option is ideal for both fine art and photography. When framing canvas you do not put mats and glass over it, which can be a benefit in many cases. You can either have it finished as a gallery wrap or a frame.
Photo Paper: Our Premium Luster photo paper is a thick paper (260gsm) with a luster, or satin-like finish. Very ideal for any kind of photography. Can be finished with accenting mats or just dry mounted with glass and a frame.
Fine Art Paper: This is our Matte paper option. We use Moab Entrada Rag Bright 290. This is a thick (230gsm) paper. This is an ideal option for those who prefer their fine art prints to be on paper. It's bright white, smooth, but gives colors a nice subtle finish. Can also be finished with accenting mats or just dry mounted with glass and a frame.
How much does it cost to print?
The cost completely depends on the size and material you are interested in printing on. Contact us about your project details and we can give you a quote!
What are the sizes I can print?
Our aqueous 44" printer can print virtually up to any size 44" wide. Consider allowance for approximately 1" on each side for paper and 2" for canvas.
Our Solvent printer allows for material up to 64" wide. Consider allowance for approximately 1" on each side for paper and 2" for canvas.
I'm an artist who sells my work online and ships my items? Can I just send you the files?
Absolutely! That's all you would need to do, and we can take care of the rest! From the order, to printing, to shipping, we will provide you with the tracking number to ensure it gets to its destination safely. See our shipping page for more details
Corporate FAQ
I have a lot of wall space that I need to fill, can you help?
We may be a small company, but taking on large projects is a very common in our facility. One of our design consultants on staff will help you pick out the pieces you are looking for and tactically and beautifully design your space so there's a nice flow.
Help, I have a space and I have no idea what to do with it!
No worries, we've been doing this for 40 years! One of our design consultants on staff will travel to your location and take a look at your space. From there we can make suggestions per your approval and get beautiful artwork hung on your walls!
I have this large project and need it done relatively quick, can you do it?
We have the inventory and framers on staff to get whatever job you need done, whenever you need it. We understand as a business owner you have many things going on, we want to help take the load off your shoulders and do what we know best. Let us help, you'll be happy with the results.