From Artist to Framer: My Journey to Dan the Frame Man
My journey into the world of picture framing started unexpectedly. Around 1996, fresh out of high school and pursuing my passion for art, I visited a local frame shop to order a frame for one of my paintings. When I stopped by a few weeks later to check on my order, the owner surprised me—not with my frame, but with a job offer!
I started learning the craft from the ground up, building picture frames and assembling artwork. Before long, I became the shop’s full-time framer, honing my skills in custom matting, conservation framing, and artwork presentation.
In the early 2000s, the rise of giclée printing caught my attention. I jumped in, taught myself Adobe Photoshop, and began printing high-quality fine art reproductions for local artists. This new skill deepened my passion for bringing artwork to life, whether through printing or framing.
A few years later, I took a leap and purchased a small frame shop in a coastal town. Though we loved the adventure, we quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for our family. We returned home to Vermont, where I continued framing and printing—eventually buying out my employer and moving my shop to a Main Street location, where we still are today.
In 2017, I decided to test the waters on Etsy. But with a busy shop and growing family, I quickly realized I wasn’t quite ready. Fast forward to 2025, and I’m excited to officially launch Dan the Frame Man on Etsy!
Here, you’ll find custom matting, professional picture framing, and high-quality materials to showcase your artwork and photography. Whether you're an artist, photographer, or collector, I’m here to help you frame and present your work beautifully.
When I’m not in the shop, I’m traveling with my family, going on scenic photo drives, or painting in my studio. I also enjoy shooting and editing videos, capturing the world around me one frame at a time.
Thank you for visiting my shop—I look forward to helping with your framing and matting needs!
