After bringing the framed piece home, I immediately noticed several issues that weren't apparent at pickup: * My vintage poster is buckling despite its relatively small size. * Spacers used between the white border and brown frame were black (before leaving Dave assured me they were clear, just shadows from the showroom lighting, agreeing it wouldn't look good if they were black). * Actual wooden frame's color doesn't complement the tones of the artwork, as the corner sample did. * Artwork simply isn't centered in the frame, each border is a different dimension. I took it to another framing service and they came up with thoughtful resolutions to more artfully preserve my investment--unfortunately I don't feel confident continuing to work with Artists Frame Service. read more

Emily was great. She helped us price and see the way we could frame art. Friendly and fast service to give us a consultation on how to frame artwork. Very big store and there is another location on Wells street. They are knowledgeable. read more

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I decided that one of my mom's Christmas gifts would be a photo or two of my five month old. But where in the year of our Lord 2023 do you get photos printed besides Walgreens? Turns out, Artist Frame Service is one such place. I've been here yeeeeeaaaarrrs ago--2007 or 2008. But that was for framing, not for photo printing. They do a Fuji quick print (I think that's what they called it) and that costs $3 for a 4x6" and $4 for a 5x7". It also takes about an hour, which is the "quick" part. The other option is a fine art print (perhaps not unlike a giclee, but on photo paper instead of a canvas?). This one was significantly more expensive; it's $9 for a 4x6" $12 for 5x7" print. That one takes up to two days (they quoted me two, but it was ready for me the next day). I bought the fine art print and am very pleased with it. Just wish that it wasn't so expensive to print photos in the digital era! read more

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I've been a customer for years. The selection of frames is vast. One of the best features is their staff. These helpful wizards offer feedback if requested, listen well, and do excellent work. They are happy to collaborate, and seem chameleon-like in their ability to sense what you want, and create it tastefully. Several of them have worked there for years, which makes me even happier to give them my business. My latest project was a delicate pencil drawing, done by a recently deceased family member. The art had been used in "The New Yorker." Antique pencil on paper required framing that was gentle and elegant, but wouldn't overpower the piece. I'm once again delighted. They are a little pricy, which brings me to the reason I'm giving them 4 instead of 5 stars: Artist's Frame did away with their "first Sunday" sales. I really miss those. They helped me frame pieces myself that I can't afford (nor did I need) to have done professionally. Alas. Perhaps they will bring them back one day. A madhouse of a one day annual warehouse event??? No thank you. read more

As a follow up to a prior review about my disappointment with a purchase at Artists Frame Service, I'm thrilled to confirm that AFS reached out to me immediately, with an incredibly heartfelt apology and an immediate offer to "make things right". As AFS noted, they live and breathe by the motto of "We want you to be thrilled". I am! Nice to see a service provider who is conscientious, aware of feedback and willing to make things 1000% right. Right on! read more

This is a revisement! the customer service is wonderfu. Issac assured me that they will come and pick up the framing and redo it the exact way I will like. That is great customer service. I will highly recommend to us their service. read more

I got an estimate to frame two 16x20" photographs with a double mat and a simple black frame. It was $1,100. The sales person was friendly enough even after I said I would take my business elsewhere. On the way out I looked at two good quality black frames with mats for an 8x10 photo. $64 and $88 respectively. Again, sticker shock. I have framed things there in the past and they do beautiful, quality work, but now it's just cost-prohibitive. If you want to spend a mortgage payment on framing, this is the place. read more

AFS was highly recommended to us, so after buying a nice piece of real art, we decided to have it framed professionally, even though it was an hour away from our house. We were very pleased with the time Rosa took to help us pick out a frame, and she and another staff member worked together to help us with our back and forth discussion on the matting. We never felt rushed. Everything was ready by the date promised but when we arrived home we saw a problem. It was a Sunday and when I called AFS I was politely asked to leave a vm for the manager. I figured we'd hear back the next day but Carla called within 20 minutes. Amazing customer service! She immediately said they would reframe the art and offered to pick it up at our home and deliver it back to us a week or so later. I was really surprised and pleased to not have to drive back and forth into the city. Both the pickup and delivery guys were very nice, very professional, and even offered us tips for how to hang it on our plaster walls. Who knew it's best to use two hooks for the art? We're thrilled with our artwork and its beautiful frame, and will be back when it's time to frame another piece. Thank you Rosa, Carla and everyone else involved with our project. read more

Three things I've learned with age: 1) Bad boys eventually lose their appeal. 2) A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit." 3) More often than not, you get what you pay for. When I was younger, framing was never high on my list of things in which to splurge; if I could get a cheap black frame at Target, why spend so much money at a place like AFS? But now that I'm older, I've come to realize that having something done correctly and professionally generally is money well spent. I have a much-adored and treasured memento from a recent life event that deserved to be showcased and preserved, instead of sitting in a corner in our den like a piece of discarded trash just begging to be accidentally thrown out by our cleaning lady. We finally bit the bullet and took it to Artists' Frame Service. It involved being cut and laid out so it made sense, but didn't lose any of the story it told. We were faced with many choices--the frame itself, different sizes and colors of matting, and reflective or non-reflective glass. Who knew there were so many decisions to make? But for a keepsake such as this, we wanted it to be perfect. In working with the staff at AFS, we selected exactly what we wanted and it turned out beautifully. Sure it was expensive, but it was more than worth it. After a week's turnaround, it's now proudly displayed in a well-traveled area of our house so we can look at it every day; happy memories immediately come to mind. The expertise at Artists' Frame Service is second to none. read more

Artists Frame Service - Great job framing a special keepsake. - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have this beautiful antique mirror that's been through a lot moving around with me the past few years...and it's fallen out of it's frame! After vetoing my fiance suggestion to decorate our new apartment with sports and movie posters (oy) I decided this mirror would look perfect in our living room. But first I turned to Yelp to figure out where to fix it! And so I ended up at Artists' Frame Service. Josh was my helpful consultant who really seemed to know the frame business well, but then again...I guess it's his job to know the biz. I held my breath while he pulled up the quote...I was guessing at least $200 based on the other reviews that said this place is expensive. But I was very happy to pay just $45, which was the same price as my meal at Kiki's Bistro the other night! $45 I can handle! And best of all...these guys are fast! They promised my frame will be hanging up in my dining room within a week. I'll update my review after I actually get the frame back, but so far I'm a fan and would come back here for any framing needs. Perhaps even to frame one of the fiance's posters, which he can hang in the closet. :) Edit 8/20/07: Picked up the finished framed mirror and they did a perfect job! I would use them again in a heartbeat! read more

Artists Frame Service has framed my original art, autographed items and posters. It is not cheap, but I have yet to find un-expensive framing, anywhere, unless you DITY or go to the Outlet sale on the first Sunday of the month. Service has always been professional and enjoyable. However, it's the quality and uniqueness of the frames the bring me back every time. The one week turn around time is good and the free parking lot across the street is helpful. I do not live at all close to here, yet this remains my go-to place for anything I need framed. read more

While the quality of the framing and pictures are very nice and professional the service leaves some to be desired. For the prices charged, we wish there would have been more up front consultation and education on sizing, pricing, etc. Experience felt transactional. Owner of store immediately reached out to address concerns, which we are very appreciative of. read more

My go-to framing place in Chicago! Yes, custom framing is expensive but I think Artists Frame Service is both a great value within that space and provides such high quality service. I've trusted them with my diplomas (ask for the "diploma special"), wedding photos, and even a delicate newsprint clipping and have never been disappointed. I also love that the designers all have a very good eye for things and can look up items you've framed in the past to match styles you've done in the past, or make recommendations about how to highlight things with a specific colored mat, slightly different frame style, etc. I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Sunday outlet sale at the beginning of each month, they have a pretty wide variety of remnants in standard and odd sizes and you can get a pretty significant discount. read more

The individual we worked with was knowledgeable regarding the components and composition of our project, as we had our oversized vintage poster framed and were unfamiliar with what to choose and why. Above and beyond customer service, an amazing selection, and excellent taste, helping to guide us to our finished piece, will keep us coming back. I also was very impressed with installers. They were were also very customer service oriented and knowledgeable in trends. (I asked a bunch of questions regarding hanging out piece higher or lower, one side over the other and why) I really appreciated their opinions and the background as to their answers. read more

Absolutely the best framing company in Illinois!! The customer service is exceptional. I had 2 large paintings that were destroyed (Frames) during a recent move and Dave has worked with me to find a perfect match to the previous frames (that were also custom built over 20 years ago) he matched the size, texture, color everything perfectly. Dave was so prompt to offer me options that fit my budget and let me choose what I thought would feel best with these paintings, while also being a genuine guide to what would look best without ever being pushy or up-selling me. This I greatly appreciate and is not common any more. Whenever I had a question or concern, Dave would email me back within minutes, that is unheard of now a days. The companies customer service is top notch! He was very patient with me because I was working with insurance to cover costs of the destroyed frames. I cannot wait to see the final product! I highly recommend Artists Frame Service, ask to speak to Dave for the best quality and care you can get! Thanks so much, they have changed a horrible accident into a beautiful reframing process that has given a fresh life to old oil paintings!! Also there prices can't be beat! read more

I wish I could do 4.5 Professional, on time service Knowledgeable staff We checked and opened my finished product before final purchase. I was quoted a price prior to starting the piece, so I knew what I would pay to have the service done, I just expected to pay less walking in. I told myself: you get what you pay for I got a quality product, made by professionals read more

Our consultant was extremely helpful, and I thought the price was reasonable. Framing something well doesn't come cheap, after all, and you can minimize your cost by picking something simple. Artists Frame Service is also extremely quick--1 week turnaround? That's incredible, and our expected due date even includes a delay so that my boyfriend can sign the mat for our picture. I honestly don't think there's another place where you can get an item framed so quickly, so well for a cheaper price. read more

Kaylee Ray. She's done a great job with my stuff and has been extremely helpful in sticking to my desired price point. I've had her help me with 6 prints/photos/posters and she's done an incredible job. I wish framing was less costly, but that's a fact of life unless you do it yourself or buy something at IKEA. Anyway, I've been pleased with her level of service and they have delivered to me exactly when they said they would. read more

Although the name implies that it is strictly a framing shop, this place is also full of great vintage posters (think Chicago advertising posters and such) & original art, all available for purchase. I went in to get something framed and spent a great deal of time browsing their very nice selections as well. Solid selection of frames in all price ranges and they were kind enough to do a rush job for me on a Christmas present for my father. Employees were very helpful in going through the frames and matting with me and helping me make a selection. BTW, museum glass is only a couple of bucks more here, which I think is a nice touch. My piece was available on time and they did a really nice job on it - $180 for an 10x12 black walnut frame w/the good glass and acid free matting. Weird parking and rather pricey, but overall a great store that I will definitely be going back to. read more

I think this place is a solid store. While I may not want to go there all the time (it is a little expensive), it is great for the special pieces you want to keep forever. My wife and I got our Ketubeh frames here because the groupon made it a more reasonable price. I believe the work to be quality, and I really enjoyed the customer service. All in all I enjoyed the experience. read more

Have to wonder how many shills for Artists Frame Service write these 5-star reviews. Believe the Yelp Skeptic when he says: These guys have their sales game down cold. Yes, they can deliver high-quality framing, and they "want you to be thrilled." But not by the price tag. That, my friends, will give you cardiac arrest, unless you have a bottomless Swiss bank account and a shyness complex for confronting sales B.S. I walked in and asked a sales associate to price out a mat and a frame for an uber-simple, square, 28x28 inch lithograph. He came back with a price that suggested the frame was made of platinum: $460. I told him I could build my own frame at the Great Frame Up for one-third that price. To which he responded: "But there would be a difference in the materials and quality of the craftsmanship." Thanks for insulting me, pal, as I'd be building the frame. Don't go here, not unless you like framing your hundred dollar bills, and paying a few more Benjamins for the privilege. And here's some sales coaching for the reps: When you do an estimate for a small print that comes to $460, be modest and share some of the customer's indignation: "Hey, I'm getting an estimate back of $460, but that sounds wrong. Do you mind if we look at some less expensive options? What's your budget?" That's a bonehead simple sales strategy I could teach to my 10-year-old son. Then again, maybe these folks aren't interested in saving you money. At Artists Frame Service, "We want you to be fooled." Yeah, that's more like it. read more

After reading reviews on this site for framing, I decided to use the Artists' Frame Service to frame my best friends wedding invitation as a gift to her. I went in one afternoon and worked with one of the employees to select the frame and background. The invitation was two pieces and needed to be presented in a shadow box. They promised a two week turn around and deleivered it in that time period. It looked great! I gave it to my friend and no more than a week later it fell apart. It looked as if they just taped the invitation to the matte board. I was extremely embarrassed and furious. After paying a ridiculous amount to have this framed it fell apart in a week. I took it back in and they agreed to fix it, however I still feel ripped off. So beware....there are probably better options out there. read more

I dropped in today to frame a huge poster. The employee who helped me (artist?) was super helpful. The first set of frames/mats ended up being over $750 without tax. I flinched and asked what we could do and she went ahead and figured out a few different ways to bring the price down ($475ish pre-tax). I ended up with the frame I wanted and a slightly different mat. I'll update this to let you know about the finished product. I imagine it will be beautiful. Update: My poster is amazing! While it was expensive, I think years down the line, I'll be glad I spent a bit more on the framing. read more

I went to Artists Frame Service to find a frame for Mother's Day. They are currently undergoing renovation so moved next door from the earlier one. The staff were very helpful offering advice of what frame they would recommend. They have frames from all over and even carry locally made frames from artists in the Chicagoland area. It is a one stop shop because they also carry cards. If you are looking for locally designed frames that are reasonably priced, cards for your gift, and friendly staff then the Artists Frame Service is for you. Come check it out in Lincoln Park! read more

Artists Frame Service - Frames and cards - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I give this place 1 star because I think their prices are excessive and I thought that their customer service, from a sales point of view was poor. I can not comment on the quality of their work. i walked into the shop about a month ago to get prices on getting 6 sports photographs framed. Each photo was 16" x 20". I wanted it double-matted, with a 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" frame. The mats were 2". The price I received was approximately $500 per piece. I went on line and bought similar quality materials, custom cut, for about $70.00 a piece. I realize that their labor is worth something, but $400+ per piece is ridiculous. Also, it took over 30 minutes for someone to help me even though there was only one other customer in the store. read more

Apparently when you hit your 30s, it is time to buy real art. I used Saatchi art (also highly recommended!) and found a piece we loved and it arrived a couple days later. Artist Frame service is right near our house and after a quick yelp gut check, we headed over. The service is very bespoke, you work with a framing specialist that is assigned to you upon arrival. They measure and explain all the options and upgrades. I don't know anything about framing, so having experts that are patient and offer genuine advice was just what I needed. The minus one star is purely on price. In my opinion, this is top of the line. We have now had three pieces framed and each time the price tag surprises me. The service is fast, and the quality is impressive, but I'm sure there are comparable solutions in the city that have more competitive pricing. Two quick tidbits: 1- they messed up an order and couldn't deliver on time, so offered to hang the frame for free, huge gold start for customer service. 2- they are the same owner as Jayson Home read more

Why is Josh so good at framing?!?! I don't understand it but I'm not mad about it. This review is long overdue... Josh has framed many pieces for me over the years and he always does an impeccable job. He has very good taste yet is unique, creative, and thoughtful in his suggestions. Most recently he framed some original Jim Terry art that immortalizes my two cats and was incredibly professional even when I started tearing up because one of those cats is very sick (yes I'm that crazy cat lady!). I can't say enough good things, trust him and you won't be disappointed. In regards to pricing, I highly recommend attending the Sunday outlet days if you are looking to stick to a budget or find something less expensive (don't worry the frame choices are still aaaamazing). read more

This is my first attempt at custom framing and I could not be happier! I took two prints with me to the store during their once a month "Sunday Frame Outlet" sale. I wasn't sure on what to expect (basically there are a bunch of frames on sale and you buy them. Then you can either pay for the framing from them or do it yourself). I found this awesome heavy frame that I thought would look perfect with one of the prints so I met with a woman (her name escapes me) to see about framing options. I wanted both prints to match and when I found out the total price using the outlet frame and a new frame, it was so much more than I wanted to spend. The framer who helped me suggested doing black moulding instead as it was also on sale. So I took her suggestion, added a couple of different mats and I had myself some lovely art. I picked them up this past weekend and they look amazing! I was definitely doing a happy dance! This place can be pricey, but you get what you pay for -- and my art looks so good! I will definitely be coming back in the future. read more

Love the place. It is tailored more to the serious art crowd - one of a kind or just valuable pieces. Not having unlimited funds, I came by on one of their Sunday outlet events. Found the perfect frame for a very large travel print. They were able to re-size it to fit the print exactly at a very reasonable cost. Did not have them add glass as found another vendor offered a significantly lower price. Would recommend to anyone interested in having the job done right for their valuable artwork. read more

I've gotten a few very personal pieces framed here, and I've always been immensely satisfied with the customer service and attention to detail. Very willing to listen to customer's desires, while offering their own professional opinion to maintain integrity of their work and the piece as a whole. read more

Artists Frame Service - Marquee - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm going to give this place a good, middle of the road three, and that's simply because I've never paid for something to be framed, so my feelings would probably be more intense if there was money involved. They run a promotion every summer for those with diplomas sitting around. They'll frame one, free. Awesome, I thought. Went in with my brand, spanking new Master's diploma, and the gentleman who helped me out was very professional. I wasn't made to feel uncomfortable because technically my business wasn't bringing in money. They had specific frames to choose from, but the selection was large. It came with one free matte, but I chose to add one more for a cool extra $20. (That's how they get ya!) The framing is beautiful. It definitely doesn't look "free", and I'd take other items to be framed if needed. read more

I work in New York City and we've used different vendors over the years for our high-end- photographs, and the service and quality from AFS is unrivaled. The turn-around is quick, but the quality of perfection is never sacrificed. I always know that selling their work will result in heirloom artwork, and the price is very reasonable for the longevity of the quality. Carla is our company's liaison and she remembers the details for every client and will even correct mistakes before they happen. I HIGHLY recommend their services. read more

I only go to Artists Frame Service. Great selection. Knowledgeable & creative staff. Ask for Hiram. He brings sensitivity to any project and is easy to work with. read more

I wouldn't allow another establishment handle any of my art or framing projects. The experience and quality at Artists Frame Service is exemplary. If you have empty walls, visit them ASAP. I've brought 6 - 7 major projects to AFS, and have been impressed with the selection and quality. Two recent projects were: 1) a very fragile blueprint of the home my parents built in the 80's and 2) a gift for a client, containing a Tribune article from the early 90's, a Crain's article reprint, and a custom placard. Both of these projects involved irreplaceable items. These are now looking sharp, and are preserved indefinitely. I honestly get a ton of pleasure from the art I have collected over the years. If it were to be presented poorly - I would focus on the crap framing, not the art. It's easy to get wrong, so work with the professionals. Keep in mind, custom framing obviously isn't cheap. It's worth it. Don't freak out. read more

We went here on the advice of my friend Karl to frame a poster I really liked. They did a good job but why is framing so expensive?? I paid triple the price of the poster to frame it. read more

I most remember the friendly receptionist. It was really busy and she was doing at least eight things at once. I think her name was Molly?

I used to live in Chicago and one of the shops in my neighborhood was Artists Frame Service. This is a great place to get art and photos framed or just to buy a nice frame as a gift. The consultants really know what they are doing and give you an artistic perspective not just a sales perspective. They really do great, quality work and usually have quick turn around times. read more

I was really looking forward my visit to Artists' Frame but after my first experience I'm not sure I want to share my projects with them. I wasn't greeted when I entered the place so I began browsing around while the receptionist was on a personal call and doing a google search. I could understand if the place was busy as it was a Saturday afternoon and a few customers were in the store. After browsing single photo frames I had a few questions and she seem disturbed that I approached her. So, that was my visit. read more

I was introduced to AFS approximately 25 years ago when I purchased an Earle through a gallery. They have the best products, the best people, and the best customer service. I just took my fourth painting in to be framed. I am a thoroughly satisfied customer, that's why I keep going back. read more

Artist's Frame Service has framed five pieces for me; a poster, my great aunt's ticket to the 1893 Columbian Exposition, an antique map of Vermont, and two antique book illustrations. They are extremely expensive, but they do a beautiful job. The frame is an integral part of any artwork, and the folks at AFS look at the work they do with an artist's eye. I completely trust them with anything one-of-a-kind or any precious family heirloom. I know it will be very carefully handled, and the finished, framed piece will look stunning. Probably if I had my life to live over again, I wouldn't have had them frame the poster--would have had it done someplace less costly. The other four pieces, though, I would not have trusted with anyone else. I have complete confidence that my artwork will be beautiful when it is returned to me. Highly recommended for your fine or one-of-a-kind works. read more