Paul was really wonderful to work with! He was thoughtful, pleasant, and completed my pieces with precision. Thank you again!

My boyfriend got a painting I did framed here. He really enjoyed working with Rodolfo to pick out the framing style and materials. What they came up with looks beautiful! read more

Artistic Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Berkeley, California

Very expensive. About 120-130% of say, Underglass Framing or comparable blue chip framers in SF (I compared). Willing to work with you to adjust price a little especially with additional jobs. Very high quality and a great eye on matching patterns, etc. Once you become that silver-haired guy in that 70's drama who breezes into a skyrise office and with a sweeping motion says "Price is no object", this is the place for you. read more

Went yesterday, after reading the other Yelp reviews, to frame a poster we had picked up on a trip to Mexico City. The framing shop had a pretty limited supply of frames -- only a few shades of each color -- and the prices were very expensive. The owner explained that they only do frames with "conservation glass," and it was going to cost upwards of $200 to frame our small poster. I'll definitely be checking out some other shops, since I've had a few posters framed before, and never paid more than about $100. read more

As other reviewers have noted, the gentlemen who run Artistic are very friendly. Fine: I also found them to be friendly, if not a little pushy. Rather than consulting me on whether or not I wanted extra features for my picture (special glass, for example) he just tacked it on the price and then mentioned it casually while tallying the bill. Hold up, buddy, I don't need the extra cost of museum-quality glass! I mean, I was framing a reprint. Let's get real. And yet after I told him I didn't need it, he still tried to sell me on it. I wasn't quite turned off at that point; the dude's trying to run in a business, you know? And I can appreciate that in this economy that's no small feat. But here's the thing: if your prices are too high, you won't get any business! I found this place prohibitively expensive. Even though I saw that other reviewers said it had higher prices, I had a Groupon, so I figured with my discount I would be in good shape. Plus I was only framing one small poster (roughly 16x24), how expensive could it be? $240! What? With the discount I paid significantly less, but really? I figured this was going to be the best damn frame job I had ever seen. Upon receiving it, all I could think was "meh." It was okay, not great. The picture is actually slightly crooked. Next time I need to frame something I'm ignoring the temptations dangled in front of me by Groupon and heading back up the street to North Berkeley Frame where I once got two giant prints framed beautifully for $180. read more

Upon entering the frame shop, Rodolfo greeted us warmly and asked us how he can help us today. I showed him my hot-off-the-press diploma, which came into my possession less than three hours prior! My boyfriend and I wasted no time getting that baby framed. With my record of smooshing papers, I wasn't about to take aaaany chances with the most expensive paper of my life! Rodolfo gave us the rundown of all pertinent framing options available. I'm thankful that he went through the show because it gave me a greater appreciation for what goes into a frame. As Rodolfo chose features with his keen eye for color, he artfully wove stories of his own son's journey through undergraduate school and medical school on the East Coast. The collection of beautiful frames off to the side of his backroom workshop are of his son's own achievements. It was refreshing and heartwarming to converse with such a down-to-earth master framer. I could tell that he fully understood the meaning, hard work, and even sacrifice that culminated into this singular document. With Rodolfo's guidance, we opted for a stately and timeless look; a thin gold reversed bevel border with an elegant black silk mat. The structural surrounding frame is a simple black matte bevel with relief dots all around. As a final choice, we decided on museum glass in lieu of conservation glass. While both glass choices have 99% UV protection, museum glass offers an additional anti-reflective coating for additional protection and clarity in all lighting situations. As Rodolfo was ringing up our purchase, he casually asked when we needed the frame. My boyfriend and I answered that we hoped to have it in one day so that my parents could travel with it back home. In the most funny, yet efficiently wonderful way possible, Rodolfo exclaimed, "WHAT?? Then we need to start work on it right away!!! Brian (motions to his assistant), stop everything. I'll finish up with your customer (a woman with art to be framed); I need you to do X, X, and X with this one, take it to the back." As you can tell, we did the rush order option for an additional 10% more :P The order *was* pricey, but you really do get what you pay for. The reality of service at Artistic Picture Framing exceeded my expectations. I'll always remember how well Rodolfo handled our requests and guided us through frames, all while maintaining professionalism and compassion. Another assistant, Drew, was there to reveal the finished product right on time. I appreciate Rodolfo's expert craftsmanship and the diligence of his assistants. I'll now have a proudly framed diploma for many years to come, if not forever! read more

Artistic Picture Framing - Rodolfo's work! - Framing Near Me - Berkeley, California

I recently had a few canvases that I needed mounted for my garage. yes, my garage. It's a long story, but......to me it's the most important room in the house (it's basically a room for our toys). Anyway, I found Rodolfo at Artistic Picture Framing and couldn't be happier with the work he did, the care taken with the canvases and the price he gave me. As you may have read in some of my other reviews, I'm SUPER picky so trust me when I say it's good work. Not sure what the previous reviewer might have been talking about. I have had experience getting my images mounted and/or framed over the past 15+ years and I can say this is the best work I've seen to date. This time I had three images to frame, two of which were 73 and 52 inches wide. All came out absolutely perfect. I also can't say enough about what a great guy Rodolfo is. We were there at the end of the day and spent a good hour having a nice conversation with him. We also met some of the other framers, all of which were very professional and courteous. Rodolfo priced everything out for us beforehand and as I mentioned above, gave us a more than fair deal. And yes, I had gotten quotes from several other shops that had good reviews here on Yelp. How often can you say that doing something like getting some pictures framed would be a fun experience? Exactly, not often. But dealing with Rodolfo, who is a professional yet fun guy, was exactly that.....a great EXPERIENCE!! (I wish he owned a restaurant as I'm sure that would be great too) Anyway, I highly recommend him. If you need framing, don't waste your time anywhere else. Rodolfo is your guy!! read more

Artistic Picture Framing - One of 3 canvases we had mounted with Rodolfo. This one is 73" wide. Great job on all 3!! - Framing Near Me - Berkeley, California

These guys do a great job of framing, and also have nice artistic input regarding the combination of frame, matting, fillet, etc. Rodolfo and Scott are also very friendly. I would bring a majority of my business here if it were not for three major downsides: 1. Their workload is too high for their small staff, and they suffer from long turn around times. They should probably hire additional framers. 2. Their prices are very high. It's good work mind you, but still on the higher end. 3. There is room for miscommunication regarding the job you want. This is easily addressed by staying on top of them, and the order you requested-- however it should really be the business' responsibility to stay on top of their frame specifications. read more

I've had Rodolfo frame a few posters, and he always does an excellent job. But what really blows me away is his customer service. When I first came to him a few years ago, he did not have my item framed by the deadline he set (a few weeks). He said he rarely missed deadlines and felt bad about it, so he offered to frame something small for free. I brought him my college diploma, thinking maybe he'd limit me to a few cheap framing options, but he went along with some really nice wood I picked out. For free! Then I moved to Orange County and didn't come to his shop for more than 2 years. Fast forward to December: I'd moved back to town and brought in a poster I could have framed months earlier, but I waited because I wanted to bring it to Rodolfo once I moved back. And you know what? HE RECOGNIZED ME! As soon as he saw me. I would be impressed if a barista I saw every day had recognized me two years later, but the owner of a frame shop I went to maybe only a handful of times? That's amazing. Rodolfo gave me a discount for being a return customer, which was really nice (and helpful, because his framing ain't cheap). The poster I brought in was a Christmas present, and with only about 2 weeks until I left for the holiday, I was nervous the job wouldn't be finished in time. Rodolfo told me to remind him a few days before I needed it and promised it would be done the next day. True to his word, it was ready for pickup the day after I called. Because I told him I was transporting it on a long drive, he even took extra care to pack it up with lots of padding. The framed poster made it in one piece and looks awesome. read more

Rudolfo is a great guy and a super framer. He is warm and friendly, but he is also a thorough-going professional. He has a great eye for colors and textures and a very considered approach to suggesting mats and frames. I had a few prints I wanted framed and he spent a lot of time with me to decide how to do it. It was actually a lot of fun, a real adventure, with no pressure to spend, just an appreciation of the pieces and great advice on how to best accent them. I've taken more prints to him since then, with the same great experience. I also like how he interacts with other customers and passers-by on busy Shattuck--he really has an appreciation for people. But back on the focus of what he does, he brings full consideration to that and I've gained an appreciation of how good his materials and craft is. He would be my first choice for framing a special piece every time! read more

Within the last month, on a piece of favorite art that we wanted reframed, you again did a superb job. And another photo, also masterfully framed. This is probably a dozen such experiences with you over the last six years. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Fully worth the $. read more

I had two prints framed here and it exceed my expectations. I came in and didn't know anything about framing, but I knew I wanted beautiful pieces for my new home. The owner too me through how to select a mat and frame that ft my style, the prints and the rolls that they would be in. I will definitely be back! If you are looking for high quality framing and exceptional service then this is your place. read more

Rodolfo was wonderful. I purchased a Groupon because I am always a fan of framing but did not really think it through. I honestly thought I would hardly spend any money on top of what I bought the group on for. Anyways, yes it is expensive, but well worth the money. I am a college student and cannot afford this but in a few years definitely will go back here. Rodolfo was not pushy at all with how to spend my groupon but very conscientious of high quality work. Highly recommend him. read more

Rodolfo always a pleasure to work with; reasonable pricing with excellent results. He has a great selection of frames and is always courteous and informative. I have used him for over 8 years already. read more

I'll add my art when it is complete. I've been looking for a picture framer for a while but not seriously. I looked on Yelp and saw Artistic Picture Framing. I called and had a long conversation with Rodolfo, and I knew this was the place for me. I was so confident in our conversation that I didn't even look at the art that he has uploaded to Yelp, nor his website. I brought eight pieces in today and we had a four and a half hour session, with Rodolfo doing exactly what I asked for, pushing back when I had an idea that he didn't think was right, him showing me things that I didn't think I would like, and I went in with an idea for framing that simply did not work. Rodolfo is a true artist and craftsmen. I had an amazingly great time working with him, deciding on what frame and what matting to use. I asked him to push my boundaries, and give me his opinion oh, and he did just that. He pushed my boundaries into places that were so much better than the idea I came in with. I cannot recommend him highly enough. You will never do better than working with Rodolfo. He is a master at what he does, and now that I've looked through his body of work on Yelp, wow is all I can say. I'm so excited to get this work back conserved properly. He will work with you, he will spend time with you, he will go over and above what you expect, and you will end up with an amazingly framed end product. He's a true master of his craft and art. He's been at it for 40 years and it shows. I left flabbergasted and thrilled with what we came up with. He's a master. You will not find better. read more

Rodolfo is the reason I am writing my first Yelp review ever. I consider him to be a "framing angel"(or a "frangel") I walked into his shop because I had seriously messed up a sentimental concert poster that belonged to a friend and I wanted to make it up to him by framing it. Rodolfo immediately greeted me warmly and said something funny about the poster, and I knew right away he was a genuinely good human. He showed me the basic framing options which were way out of my range, so we were worked out a deal where he could simply put the poster on a mat board which would smooth out the crumpled parts. He told me that he could do in about 5 weeks. I was shocked because I thought it would able to be done in an hour or so. I had mentioned to him that I teach kids and he told me that he has so much respect for teachers for being able to teach other people's kids. He said it was because of that that he would take care of the job within the hour. That was so generous of him to do considering the job wasnt a really serious job for him. I came back in an hour like he asked and not only did he go ahead and frame it for free, but he wrapped it up all nice, talking with me about his life and family and joking around and laughing the whole time. I felt like I was in another country in some small artisan shop and if I would have stayed a few more minutes I wouldnt be surprised if he invited me as a special guest for dinner with his family at his home. When I told him how thankful I was for his generosity, he said something like: "A grain of good deeds every day makes a bucket full of gratitude," except a little more eloquent than that. I told him that sounded like that could be on a mug, and we both laughed and I walked out with a big smile and a great experience to share. read more

Store was beautiful and Rodolfo is very helpful and knowledgeable. He helped me in a pinch for my gallery show! i was able to get 3 uv protectant glass right way. i also asked him for his feedback on my pricing based on his experience and he was really helpful read more

This is a reply to Rodolfo: your comments are completely untrue. I purchased the Groupon earlier this year and got the framing completed this year -- in 2014. I did not even live in the East Bay in 2010. Please do not sully your reputation by lying. Take the criticism with a grain of salt. I have alerted Yelp that your claims are false. And furthermore, how could you have contacted me if you do not have my name??? There was nothing to contact me about and I was never contacted. read more

I had a rush job for the holidays and walked in, to find the owner, Rodolfo (I believe that's his name) ready to not only take my order, but also offered me some excellent design ideas for the framing. The work was done with fabulous workmanship and done right on time. Artistic is simply the best!! read more

I am so impressed and pleased by the service I received! The person who helped me was very patient and a great listener. She worked from my hazy ideas to help me design two frames that were *nothing* like what I had initially conceived, and I could not be happier. read more

I am blown away by the results of how Rodolfo framed my art piece. I liked it before and I absolutely love it now! He received it on Thursday and was delivered to me on Monday. His keen eye for color, mats and choice of frame, made my piece spectacular. He's a true artist! "It's not a piece of art until it's framed" Rodolfo Olirtegui read more

I have seen the light! I am a believer! When I first entered Artistic Picture Framing, I was greeted by Rodolfo and we began discussing framing options for some large wine region maps. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted, but the expert pointed me in the direction of several options that fit my budget and looked amazing. I was a bit skeptical about spending more on framing than I did on the maps, but when I saw the result, it all became clear. The frame does more than just border the art. The frame acts as the transition between the artwork and the real world. It's truly remarkable what Artistic Picture Framing is able to achieve. I'm currently on the hunt for more things to be framed. I think I like the framing more than the actual art! I can't recommend these guys enough. read more

I've gone back again and again to Artistic Picture Framing. Rodolfo has a fine eye for color and texture and he's always found unexpected, creative ways to frame artwork, old prints, photos. Somehow, he picks up a tint in a picture, or senses its mood, and suggests mats and frames that are just right. He involves me in the process, trying out his ideas and working with my responses. I've been living with at least a half-dozen of his framed pictures and continue to take pleasure in them. read more

Love the consultative approach -- Rodolfo gives everyone his full attention, provides a range of great options, explains his recommendations, and you never feel like he's trying to sell you the most expensive option. read more

Extremely professional, friendly, and helpful. Very open to our creative ideas and the final work was perfect and done on time.

I love this place! I bought a Groupon and let the owner know I couldn't afford to spend any extra. He was so kind and went out of his way to help me stay on budget. My artwork looks so beautiful. Artist Expert Pictures has earned 5 stars from me! read more

Great service. Both for expensive frames and small tasks. I ask them regularly to cut custom mats for my custom aspect-ratio photos that I'm fitting to store-bought frames. They're happy to help. (Also did a fine job when I did have need for a custom-built frame.) read more

I bought a Groupon shortly after Christmas, and was excited to see it was for Artistic because I live two blocks away. I had been meaning to get my boyfriend's college diploma framed, and never got around to doing it before Christmas - so this was a belated x-mas gift, and a a very, very (by two years) belated college graduation present. My boyfriend's college colors have historical significance and he really wanted to incorporate them into the framing somehow. So I brought his college graduation hood, which had one of the colors, and then described the other. The man who helped me (I will update this when I remember his name - it wasn't the owner, but the other guy...if that helps), spent a lot of time trying to find a matting that matched the color on the graduation hood, and was nice when I asked him to swap out the other color he had picked for a different shade. He then showed me frames that would complement the matting colors and the colors in the diploma, and I ended up choosing a simple mahogany colored wood frame (which was also the least expensive of the frames, win!). The Groupon I bought was $35 for $100 worth of framing, and even WITH the discount, it still cost me $182. So, thank goodness I had the Groupon. Despite the sticker shock, we could not be happier with the final product. It's better than what I pictured it would look like - you can tell that a lot of thought and work went into this. Although I will not be back anytime soon, because it is way too expensive to bring anything but valuable art, diplomas, or things with great sentimental value to get framed, I will definitely bring my law school diploma here when I graduate and have a bit more cash to spare :) read more

Beautiful job, exactly as expected. Framing is never cheap, so very glad it is well done.

Excellent experience getting help choosing frames and mats. Have used Artistic Framing a few times and the results have always been fabulous. They are helpful and think with you about ideas and choices. The results are are stunning. read more

I had 12 paintings framed here and they handled the job very professionally. Such nice staff too, and the owner is incredibly helpful. Great quality and service at a great price, I highly recommend. read more

Great place. I recently brought in two oil paintings for framing, and can't wait for their completion. This is not my first trip here, he does excellent work and I would not cheapen my art by bringing it to a lesser quality box store. He has increased the value of a Muhammad Ali collectible, a Michael Jordan collection, and various works of art. This is my go-to place. I noticed recently that he has started participating in Groupon (a sign of the times), and some of those patrons have attempted to malign Artistic Picture Framing. I utilize Groupon also, yet when I go to the restaurant I tip on the FULL price, not the discounted price. I have a business and REFUSE to do a Groupon ad, because of its attraction of mooches. Artistic Picture Framing AVOID GROUPON! at all costs. They are bad business for you. If you value your art or whatever you want framed, then trust in this establishment, I do! read more

I used Artistic Framing back in 2009 and they did a great job on my two prints. I came back in 2012 because the mirror I bought from Crate and Barrel had very weak framing hooks. The owner properly mounted the correct hooks and wire assembly and showed me what went wrong. He didn't even charge me for it :) He was just happy to help. I will definitely be back. read more

I don't agree with the people that say they are helpful or talented. The owner was the person that tried to guide me against what I liked. I needed to frame a beautiful, original image (20 1/2" X 17"), print (10/10) on rice paper color off white. I wanted something very simple but eye catching. I wanted a wide passpartou and a thin frame, but he considered that 2" was enough. Unfortunately, I was trusting enough to allow him to do it his way. The result, apart from the null aesthetic, was very, very expensive and very, very, bland an confusing. The image disappeared in the uniform color, the frame is a common, unnoticing piece of wood, and the band is so narrow, that you need to watch very attentively to appreciate the excellent artistic work. Worse yet, when I pick it up from the store and unwrapped over a white sofa, black stains from the frame ruined the seat: they used kin of wax to cover the imperfections of the cutting in such a quantity that I had to clean everything up! The glass, supposedly non reflecting, museum quality, actually was acrylic very thin and reflecting any kind of light around the picture; the wire was copper like the electrical wire -not the thin but strong steel- and finally, the worse of all, at one corner at the top, the very thin rice paper has been glued to the back. So, after spending a lot of money, I have to take the whole thing to someone else to re-do everything, if possible! Of course, I don't recommend this guy at all. Don't waste more money than needed, it is not worth at all! (I'll add photos) read more

Artistic Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Excellent service and delivery! Rodolfo framed a family portrait as a gift for my Mom. Rodolfo asked some questions about my Mom's sense of style and used that to come up with styles that he thought she would like. We worked together making decisions to keep the project within my budget and in under a week I had a beautiful framed family portrait! On top of this, Rodolfo prepared the portrait for its trip across the country and the portrait made it home intact. My Mom was so happy and she continues to get compliments. Works for me:) read more

We had a wonderful experience with Rodolfo. Not only did he do an exceptional job of framing one of our most important pieces but he also helped us masterfully pack it to be shipped cross-country. We are sad to be leaving the area, if we weren't we would be back here all the time! read more

I found this place thanks to Yelp via http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=DmXAzwWvLndc1Rx9qwFFhQ who recommended a "great framer in Berkeley" whose name I quickly forgot. Yelp, so I thought, delivered, but in the end it turns out I ID'd the wrong framer. Boy was I glad I picked the "wrong" one...Artistic Expert Picture Framing was a great find! It's a bit out of my way, but worth the trip. I've brought several items here for framing and every time, I leave happy. I'm no framing expert by any means, and because of that I need a framer who's got a good eye and flair for taking me beyond just a black frame. Rudopho takes a look at everything I bring in, asks me where I'm thinking of putting it, thinks, and comes up with an "out there" suggestion and a conservative suggestion. More often than not, his out there suggestion is spot on and the end result looks amazing. In all honesty, what I get framed costs considerably less that what it costs to get framed, but the framing I get done adds significant aesthetic value to what I bring in to Artistic Expert Picture Framing. I won't even think of going somewhere else read more

I am truly pleased with the framing done on a newly acquired oil painting. Set an appointment with Rodolfo some weeks ago and his recommendation for an Italian frame was spot on. The painting is soft and wanted the viewer to have a feeling of falling into the piece and that was fully accomplished with the frame we selected. So glad!!! We will definitely return and recommend him and the shop to our friends. read more

Rodolfo did a fabulous job with the framing project I had. His prices were fair and he understands what is best for the project. The turnaround was three weeks because he does all the work himself on the premises. While most places do cheap wood frames even for their custom framing, Rodolfo does high qualify metal frames for the lowest cost custom work. His place is clean and well lit and easy to access from street by BART. Highly recommended. read more

As promised I am rating on the following three things. Location, people and food. So here's the scoop. Location - Great! One block from the University of Berkeley, two blocks to Berkeley Bart. People - Rudolfo is a Master framer! His years of framing experience, artistic eye, and endearing personality are only a few reasons he has framed over 9 pieces of art and photography for me. It is almost impossible to walk away not thinking you have made a new friend, he is such a wonderful individual. He also assists a lot of local and national artists with their framing needs, which really impressed me. No matter how small or large of a job you will always get the same superb service, consistently. Rudolfo is a consummate "Master Framer", anyone choosing to use him will not be disappointed. Edible Stuff - Lot's of great places to eat within blocks. Indian, Sushi, Thai, Coffee shops, etc.. read more