What’s green about picture framing?

From the desk of John Hiemstra

“When I started working closely with The Frame Maker on this website and developing a forward looking plan of action for the business last year, I began right away on the “green” mission I’ve been carrying along to different degrees since I was a kid.

Having been in and around custom framing since 1990 in San Francisco, I’ve given the “green picture framing” project a lot of thought over the years. Of course the initial response was a mix of laughter and blank stares captured in the flat response, “There is nothing green about the picture framing industry.”

When put that way, of course, I was forced agree. The point I was making was about taking some initiative as a business that was already a leader and authority in its niche, not only to do what’s right for our community an the planet, but also to take advantage of the pop culture swell of all things “green” all around us. In other words, “If people are asking, why don’t we answer them?”

They only thought I was crazy until we began selling some of the green picture frame designs I prototyped and we discovered that “green” was the biggest wave in the hospitality design sector.

If I hadn’t been working on these ideas since the early 90’s, I’d think myself cynical and perhaps opportunistic right now. Rather I see the opportunity to create real change because people are seeking to vote with their dollar on “green” issues, and this is what makes real change possible.”

The next several posts here on The Frame Maker’s Design blog will focus on the changes John has brought to The Frame Maker just as picture framing industry leaders react to the green design movement as well.

The Frame Maker offers the largest selection of green design options available anywhere in custom picture framing, right here in San Diego.