Level Frames
Level Frames is an online custom framing service based in Brooklyn, New York. Through its website, the company provides a direct-to-consumer experience for framing photos, artwork, memorabilia and other items.[1] The company has been recognized for the quality of its frames.[2] HistoryLevel Frames was founded by Josh Hubball and Damian Sowers in New York in 2014, beginning operations as an online-first custom framing company.[3] The service debuted in October 2014 with the launch of their website,[4] and a few months later the company participated in Y Combinator’s Winter 2015 accelerator batch.[5] In March 2015 the company expanded beyond custom frames for artwork and began printing and custom framing digital photos for its customers. And later that year Level Frames introduced a new way to custom frame vinyl records.[6] On 25 November 2016, Level Frames launched AI-based photo filters on its platform, enabling users to stylize uploaded images prior to printing and framing.[7] In 2018 the company introduced a program to use FSC-certified mouldings and low-VOC finishes across its standard product lines, reducing its use of non-recycled materials by an estimated 40% within a year.[8] In 2019, New York Magazine’s The Strategist named the company the “best online-framing service for beginners” and highlighted its Golden Ratio matting tool.[9] In 2019 Level Frames launched "Frame for Schools", a program that donated framing and printing services to public schools and community arts organizations in New York City; by 2021 the program had supported over 120 schools and community projects.[10] During the COVID-19 pandemic the company implemented a temporary 'Frontline Frames' initiative in 2020, offering discounted framing for healthcare workers’ photo gifts and donating 5% of proceeds from a special collection to a local healthcare relief fund.[11] In January 2023, Martha Stewart Livingi included Level Frames in its "Best Online Framing Services" list and awarded the company “Best Frame Quality.”[12] Also Level Frames has partnered with regional artist-residency programs to provide exhibition framing at reduced cost; in 2023 the company announced an annual scholarship for emerging framers and conservators in collaboration with the Brooklyn Arts Council.[13] ServicesLevel Frames offers both online and in-studio custom framing for artwork and digital photographs. Its web-based frame editor allows users to select the type of item to be framed - such as a poster, artwork, digital photo, print, vinyl record, puzzle, comic book, or collage frame - enter dimensions, and apply customization options. The editor provides live previews and includes a “Golden Ratio” matting feature. According to NYMag and Buzzfeed, products arrive in as fast as 4 days.[14][15] For posters, art prints, and other paper-based items, Level Frames provides a DIY (do-it-yourself) framing kit that includes the frame, mat, glazing, and tools for at-home assembly. Customers may also mail items to the company for in-studio professional finishing.[16][17][18] References
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