At Frame Today, our expert framers aren’t just passionate about preserving memories - they’re true artists in their own right. In this edition of our Meet Our Expert Framers series, we introduce Robbie, the creative mind behind some of the most innovative and heartfelt custom picture framing projects in Queensland. From mounting full-sized Captain America shields to preserving North Korean silk tapestries, Robbie has turned even the most challenging items into beautifully framed works of art.
Robbie isn’t just a frame; he’s an artist of preservation, and he sees potential in everything.
“When you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail; but when you're a framer, everything looks like an artwork.”
If you’re looking for custom picture framing in Brisbane or anywhere across Queensland, Robbie’s story is one you’ll want to read.
From Coffee Cups to Creative Conservation
Before entering the world of custom framing, Robbie spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry as a barista and waiter in Brisbane cafés. But after years of making fleeting creations, he yearned for something more lasting.
“I reached a point where I could no longer stand the impermanence of what I was making. I needed to create something that would leave a longer impact.”
This desire for permanence led him to Frame Today, where he quickly discovered that custom framing offered the perfect blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and emotional connection.
The Design Advantage: Where Art Meets Framing
Robbie’s background in Graphic and Communication Design from Griffith University gives him a powerful edge in the framing world. His studies in colour theory, visual hierarchy, and historical art movements inform every consultation and design choice.
“My background helps me understand not just how to frame something beautifully, but how to enhance what the artwork is trying to say.”
His methodical and design-led approach ensures that every picture frame is both aesthetically striking and conservationally sound, preserving your artwork for generations.
When the Impossible Becomes the Masterpiece
Robbie thrives on unusual and complex framing challenges. One of his favourite projects involved North Korean silk tapestries mounted across a six-panel folding screen.
“It was my first time using fishing wire and Mylar to secure delicate items. It made me fall in love with complex framing.”
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Another standout was designing a frame for two full-sized Captain America shields. The solution? Using the shields’ own leather straps to secure them through the backing - an elegant fix that stayed true to the objects' design.
He’s also framed everything from tiny sentimental objects to historical memorabilia; each piece treated with care and creativity. “To a customer, a single coin or old jacket might be priceless,” Robbie says. “It’s our job to make sure it’s honoured.”
The Emotional Impact of Framing
One of the most meaningful moments Robbie recalls was framing a customer’s late grandfather’s Harley Davidson leathers, complete with badges and a belt mounted on Harley orange matboard.
“When she saw it, she burst into tears. She said it felt like a version of him was back in her home again - safe and sound.”
It’s this emotional connection that drives Robbie to go above and beyond on every project. Framing, he believes, isn’t just about the object, it’s about the story it tells.
Personal Projects with a Twist
Robbie’s creativity doesn’t stop when he clocks off. His favourite personal project? A framed Kindle eReader loaded with rotating black-and-white artworks. Complete with a custom charging setup and built-in wake mechanism, this project allows him to update the artwork anytime.
“I love showing people my ‘new artwork’- then it changes right before their eyes!”
It’s just one example of how Robbie blurs the lines between traditional framing and modern, interactive design.
Advice for Framing Sentimental Items
Robbie’s message for anyone considering framing something meaningful?
“You don’t need to justify loving something. Whether it’s a valuable painting or a leaf you picked up on a walk, if it matters to you, it’s worth framing.”
At Frame Today, Robbie and the team take the time to walk customers through their options, explaining the best conservation framing methods to ensure their memories are protected for life.
Why Frame Today Stands Out in Queensland
Robbie believes what makes Frame Today Queensland stand out is the passion of the people behind the frames.
“We’ve built a friendly, approachable team of skilled framers. You’ll get different personalities, but the same commitment to excellence.”
Every custom picture frame is backed by Frame Today’s lifetime guarantee, and every client receives a tailored consultation to bring their vision to life - whether it’s for art framing, memorabilia framing, or 3D object display.
What's Next for Robbie?
Robbie is always exploring new framing techniques, especially those that involve unusual materials or unconventional formats. He’s also developing personal projects that challenge the traditional idea of what a picture frame can be.
When asked what he'd be doing if he weren't a picture framer, Robbie says he’d likely be working as a graphic designer - “but probably spending weekends at the gallery wishing I was framing instead.”
Visit Us for Custom Picture Framing in Queensland
Whether you're looking to frame artwork, memorabilia, textiles or 3D objects, Robbie and the team across Frame Today’s Queensland stores are ready to help you design the perfect display. With a commitment to creativity, conservation and customer care, you’ll always leave with a frame that’s as meaningful as the memory it holds.
