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Artistic Expert Picture Framing
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
1975 Shattuck Ave
(between Berkeley Way & University Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 665-5951
1975 Shattuck Ave
(between Berkeley Way & University Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 665-5951
Save up to 20% on Framing!
Visit us for full service custom framing and save:
10% for a single piece
15% for 2 pieces…
More »
- Hours:
Tue-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Artistic Expert Picture Framing
I found this place thanks to Yelp via http://www.yelp.com/us... 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
Recommended to me by Bianca K., Rudolpho does amazing framing at a great price. After severe sticker shock at some of the quotes provided by other Berkeley framers, Rudolpho gave me a very reasonable quote.
I should also add, if he makes a framing recommendation you're not too sure of, just trust the guy. He suggested a frame that I would never have thought of myself in a million years (a pink copper!), and sure enough, the print looks amazing.
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..
I was amazed at how Rodolfo transofrmed our paintings into works of art! He doesn't just add any old frame to your paintings, he takes your room decor/colors into consideration and designs a frame that truly enhances your art. He's also framed our family portrait.....I didn't think my baby could get any better looking ;-)
Two hours 'til the pictures had to be displayed at the wedding ceremony in Milpitas. I rushed in with my enlargements and mumbled something to the effect of, "I need these framed and I can't afford a whole lot and I need them done in in an hour and they need to be great but simple, elegant but not gaudy, tasteful but out of the ordinary, straightforward but not bland and sorry my mind's thinking a million different things right now" all in one breath - which was already short from running down the street from elephant pharmacy (where I had the pictures developed - excellent by the way).
Hearing myself ramble on like that made me realize how crazy I must've sounded - demanding what I deemed to be the near-impossible. Boy was I wrong. With a warm smile and a welcoming sweep of the arms, Rodolfo reassures me that all will be well and that he will take care of me. And take care of me he did! He went right to work, asking for my constant input because he didn't want anything I didn't want. When it was clear I was lost as to which colors would fit the background of the picture without compromising contrast while matching the frame but not washing the picture out...he gently stepped in with a few suggestions, some words of encoruagement and off we were again. He was working so fiercely that he had to put off his sweater.
I was surprised by the sweat and blood he was putting into the work - he made it so personal that I almost felt bad. In fact, at one point I muttered something like "I'm so sorry for being a difficult customer" to which he quickly replied with reassurance, almost hurt that I would feel that way - it was no problem at all.
When the dust had settled and the pieces lain in my hands - the brief quiet of admiration was rewarding for both of us.
Out the door I went with two of the most beautifully framed engagement photos ever. What I appreciated most was his eye for art and color, texture and product. Though he is an expert and master at his skill, never once did he brush my opinions aside or leave me in the dust. Rather carried me along, always asking my thoughts, always having me give my input, at one point even telling me not to hesitate in shooting down his ideas because this WAS, in fact, my photographic art work, not his.
At the wedding, I received many a compliment for my photos but no less for the beautiful framing and art that embraced them.
I'm grateful to Rodolfo. I sit here writing the review with this single image in mind: As I walked out of the shop with a sheepish word of awed gratitude - Rodolfo, with sweat glistening off his forehead, gave me a nod and a word of encouragement with the same warmth and composure as he had when I first came into the store - as I raced off to the wedding, on time.
I will be back - there is no question. :) Thanks Rodolfo.
Rodolpho is the best. Beyond courteous, he's downright friendly. He has an artist's eye and a craftsman skill. If he says something is going to be ready overnight, it's ready overnight. I won't take my frameable art anywhere else. Parking is a cinch out in front of the store and because he's downtown you can run other errands while you're there.
