Unlike any other design book in the framing industry, The Principles of Framing Design examines traditional Design 101 art concepts, but reconfigures them to fit within the structure of picture framing. Never before has a design manual redefined the aspects of line, color, texture into the elements that make up frame design including mats, moulding, and layout.
This was written for serious custom framers, artists and photgraphers who do their own framing, and those interested in designing for competition. Chapter-by-chapter discussions include in depth discussions of the elements of line, color, texture, shape, intensity, and space; and the factors of rhythm, proportion, balance, emphasis, and unity to form the palette of principles that make up design.
Broken into sixteen chapters and four sections, it covers the five stages of the design process; all building block elements (line, color, texture, shape, intensity, space, rhythm) and mortar factors (proportion, balance, emphasis, unity) of design; forming the palette of principles that remain the fundamentals of successful frame design.
This newest release from Designs Ink Publishing, completing the Paschke series, is a laminated, soft cover, 172 page, 7"x 9" format, selling for $39.95. It is written in essay format, including line art, diagrams, tips, glossary, contents, appendix, plus complete and extensive index and bibliography.
Launching in January 2026, it should also be available at WCAF Framing Expo Orlando at PFM and PPFA bookstores. Signed copies are always available directly from Chris Paschke and Designs Ink.