At Frame Today, we're proud to showcase the talent and dedication of the expert picture framers behind each beautiful custom piece. In this edition of our Meet Our Expert Framers series, we introduce Yuliia, store manager at our Tuggerah location. Known for her perfectionist eye and creative flair, Yuliia shares how she found her passion for custom picture framing and why she loves turning treasured items into stunning wall décor.
From Specialty Coffee to Conservation Framing
Yuliia's path to picture framing is anything but ordinary. Originally from Ukraine, she holds a degree in English philology and trained to become a teacher of English language and literature. Her career journey took her from the world of specialty coffee in Europe, where she developed a refined palate and appreciation for craftsmanship - something she now brings to every framing job.
“Coffee was a bit of a passion,” she explains. “We had the best beans from all over the world. It’s a bit like being a sommelier, but in the coffee world.”
Three years ago, Yuliia began her career at Frame Today Tuggerah, and it was love at first cut. With no prior experience, she trained through Frame Today’s rigorous qualification program and quickly discovered a deep passion for design, preservation, and the hands-on creativity of custom picture framing.
A Perfectionist’s Touch for Preserving Art and Memories
What Yuliia loves most about her job is the art itself.
“It’s special to frame a 200-year-old painting or original artwork that someone has cherished. Being part of that preservation process is amazing,” she says.
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Yuliia’s strong sense of design and attention to detail, allows her to bring out the best in every piece. Her personal favourite technique? Float mounting - a premium conservation method where the item appears to "float" within the frame.
“We use hidden conservation techniques to attach the item to the backing. It creates the illusion of a floating object, which looks beautiful for things like 3D objects or fine art with raw edges.”
She also has a soft spot for museum glass - a product she enthusiastically recommends to customers for its near-invisible clarity and superior UV protection.
Framing Masterpieces: From NASA to Natural Wonders
Yuliia’s most memorable project? A bespoke Apollo 13 memorabilia frame, featuring rare documents, signed photos, and postcards collected over 20 years.
“It was amazing to work with such historic items,” she says. “The customer was very particular about the layout, and I used full conservation techniques to protect the pieces. He was thrilled with the result—and it looked incredible.”
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Another standout project involved fragile gypsum crystals from Chillingollah in Victoria.
“They were beautiful but heavy and very delicate. I had to use special heavy-duty nylon and drill tiny holes in a reinforced backing. I placed the nylon carefully between the crystals so it wouldn't damage them. It turned out strong, safe, and visually clean.”
Whether it’s fine art framing, memorabilia or 3D object framing, Yuliia loves the design challenge and seeing the customer's emotional reaction.
“We’ve seen tears - especially when the item has sentimental value.”
Framing Her Own History
One of the most personal pieces Yuliia has ever framed is a tapestry made by her great-grandmother, given to her by her grandmother before moving to Australia.
“I’d never seen it before - she always kept it in a wardrobe. I decided I wanted it on my wall, so I used full conservation materials and, of course, museum glass.”
It’s that same level of care and attention she brings to every customer consultation.
Advice from the Expert
For anyone bringing in a cherished item, Yuliia offers this advice:
“Trust your framer! We’re trained in conservation framing techniques and will always recommend the best options to preserve your item. We take the time to walk you through the choices and explain why we suggest certain materials or methods.”
At Frame Today, our framers are qualified professionals and every frame is backed by our lifetime guarantee on workmanship and materials. Yuliia believes that’s what sets the company apart.
Always Learning, Always Framing
While she’s already completed her Framing Apprenticeship, Yuliia is eager to grow further - especially in conservation framing. She’s also started her printing apprenticeship to support a new offering at Frame Today that allows customers to turn digital memories into physical art, all in-house.
And if she weren’t a framer? “I love Pilates. I was planning to get my instructor certificate before I started at Frame Today. So maybe I’d be doing that!” But lucky for us, and for customers across the Central Coast, Yuliia found her true calling in custom picture framing.
Visit Yuliia at Frame Today Tuggerah
Whether you're looking to frame original art, cherished photos, sports jerseys, or family heirlooms, Yuliia and her team at Frame Today Tuggerah are ready to help you turn your memories into masterpieces.
Find us at:
📍 Frame Today Tuggerah
🕒 Same-day framing available (subject to availability)
🔒 Lifetime guarantee on materials and craftsmanship
Ready to get started?
Visit Frame Today on the Central Coast or find your nearest store.
