Taken in Baltimore: Custom Framing with Direct Pricing and Local Art Focus

Taken is a custom framing studio in Baltimore that designs and builds frames to order, working primarily with local artists, photographers, and homeowners who need finished pieces rather than off-the-shelf solutions. The shop handles everything from mat cutting and glass selection to frame assembly, and prices transparently by project rather than by preset packages.

What Taken actually is

Custom framing differs fundamentally from big-box frame retail. Instead of choosing from 200 pre-made frame options, you work with a framer to select materials, proportions, and mounting methods specific to your art, photograph, or textile. Taken operates as a design consultation plus fabrication service. Most jobs take two to four weeks depending on material availability and complexity. The shop is staffed by framers trained in preservation standards, meaning acid-free mat board, UV-protective glass, and archival adhesives are standard rather than upsells.

Services and pricing

Taken charges by the project. A simple frame job—11x14 poster in basic moulding with regular glass and mat—typically runs $80 to $150. A larger or more elaborate frame using museum-quality materials, specialty moulding, and UV glass can reach $300 to $600. Shadowboxes for three-dimensional objects (medals, fabric samples, jewelry) start around $120 and often exceed $400 depending on depth and finish. Pricing includes consultation, design mockups, and one revision round.

The studio offers mat cutting with custom bevels, preservation-grade mounting for valuable work, and glass options ranging from standard clear to museum UV to non-glare. Framing textiles requires different techniques than framing paper; Taken uses reversible mounting methods for heirloom quilts or vintage clothing rather than permanent adhesives. If you bring a damaged frame needing repair, the shop assesses whether rewrapping or partial rebuilding makes sense; expect $50 to $150 for restoration work depending on the original construction.

Turnaround depends on frame availability. Stock mouldings and standard glass mean a two-week turnaround. Custom-cut moulding from specialty vendors or rare mat finishes can add two weeks more. Call ahead to confirm lead times before dropping off art you need by a deadline.

How Taken compares to other Baltimore framing options

Michael's (multiple Baltimore locations) and Hobby Lobby both offer in-store framing counters with same-day turnaround on basic jobs. Those services use preset moulding selections, limited mat colors, and faster (cheaper) assembly. Pricing runs $40 to $100 for standard sizes. The trade-off: no design consultation, no preservation materials unless you pay upgrade fees, and limited ability to handle unusual dimensions or fragile originals.

Aaron Brothers (now operating through Michaels) works similarly. Taken's model reverses the priorities. You pay more upfront for custom design, archival materials, and expert handling of delicate work. Taken suits art you intend to keep for decades; the big-box route suits temporary displays or casual decoration.

Some Baltimore framers operate as one-person operations working from home studios or shared commercial space. Those shops may offer lower prices but require appointment-only visits and have unpredictable hours. Taken's studio location in Baltimore provides walk-in feasibility during posted hours and the stability of a dedicated workspace.

Who suits Taken and who does not

Choose Taken if you own original art, heirloom photographs, vintage textiles, or pieces with sentimental value. If you are framing a child's artwork or a concert poster you do not expect to keep ten years, the Michael's framing counter costs less and suits the purpose. If you have a 27x40 movie poster or an oddly sized print that standard frame shops cannot accommodate, Taken's custom approach is necessary.

Taken also works well if you are indecisive about design. The framers guide you through moulding finish, mat color, spacing, and glass type so the final piece matches your décor and your intentions for the art. Conversely, if you want fast turnaround (under one week) and low cost, a chain framing service is more practical.

What the first visit involves

Bring your art or item to frame. The framer will discuss purpose (display, preservation, frequent moves), room setting, and your budget range. You will look at actual moulding samples and mat swatches rather than photos. Most framers sketch or digitally mock up the design before you commit. If the job is complex—a shadowbox with uneven objects, or a textile requiring specialized mounting—the framer may take the piece to the workroom and contact you with recommendations and a quote.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Verify current hours by phone before visiting; studio hours shift seasonally and with staff availability. Street parking is available on the block; confirm whether the studio has a dedicated lot. Bring art flat or well-protected in a box. For large or valuable pieces, some framers will arrange to pick up from your home or schedule a delivery appointment after the frame is complete. Shipping framed work is possible but adds cost and breakage risk; local pickup is standard.

Taken fills a practical niche: Baltimore residents with art worth preserving now have a local alternative to chain-store framing that sacrifices quality for speed.