Printing in Boston area: Recommendations?

[squirrelitude]

I commissioned a portrait by a webcomic artist that I really enjoy (there was a fundraiser) and I'd like to get it printed and framed by the end of the month (ideally), when my parents visit. However, I know nothing of printing and framing! Does anyone have recommendations of where I should go for each part? (I'm looking through past "framing" posts on DS LJ, so I guess I'm more interested in printing recommendations, unless there's a new framer since 3 years ago.)

I assume that I'd ask the printer to print it at some standard size, and that the framing shop could then pick an appropriate frame and matting for me. Is that right, or should I already have a frame picked out?

Bonus for T-accessible locations; carrying a framed picture by bike would be annoying.

ETA: I ended up using Big Picture for the framing based on these recommendations, and they in turn recommended Gnomon Copy of all places for printing. So I went with that, even though the latter's pricing structure is exceedingly silly.

Comments

[totient]

Now that Cameras Inc is gone, I usually have things printed at Hunt's online and then pick them up at either their Harvard Square or Oak Grove locations depending on which is more convenient for me that day.

[muffyjo]

If you know what you want the frame to look like and feel confident in your taste and style, I might suggest Michael's in Porter Square as they have a whole section of the shop dedicated to framing and I have heard good things about them (although have no personal experience). My favorite framer is out in Natick and does excellent work but no, not quite T accessible.

[smacaski.livejournal.com]

Cambridge Offset Printing (https://www.cambridgeoffset.com/page.php?id=24) is a local, woman-owned business near Porter Square that's done very well by me. I've had to get some large, water-proof posters printed for shows, and they've done great work--I've also seen some photo and art prints they've done, and they look great, too. They're right down the side street next to Big Picture Framing, which has also always done very well with helping me get pictures and posters framed. They've also been extremely helpful when it comes to choosing frames and mats to complement my art that also fits my budget.

[blacktigr.livejournal.com]

I can second the Porter Sq Michael's. They have a method of scanning your piece to visualize how it will look in its new surroundings.

(Make sure you get a coupon.)

[nonelvis]

I had some really nice framing work done at Big Picture Framing in Porter Square. Their website says they'll print images for you, too, though I don't know what specs they require.

[ron_newman]

Adding "office services" tag because it may have some old posts about printing.

[she-of-emeralds.livejournal.com]

I second this.

[mem-winterhill.livejournal.com]

Agree. I had a kind of strange custom thing done there (a 2 panel mat and and odd size) and I was very pleased with the work and the quality.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

Custom framing is rather expensive, so you might want to explore customizing the size of your print to a decent pre-cut mat/frame (I use mpix.com and Aperture to print on-demand, but really almost anything other than a drug store will do a decent enough job.) Since a web comic would probably work better in a modern frame anyhow, this might be more to your liking. The art stores in Central Square all have decent selections.

If you do go the Michael's route, just be sure to check retailmenot.com for coupons first (there are always 40-50% off coupons available) :)

[thespian.livejournal.com]

actually, for michael's, I wouldn't go there without a 60% of custom framing coupon. they're offered at least twice monthly. watch for them! ;-)

[squirrelitude]

I was confused by their website. I didn't see anything that looked to me like art prints.

[smacaski.livejournal.com]

I'd give them a call--I've definitely seen art they've printed up in their shop.