Ever wonder what it’s like to run a custom framing shop? Well today, all the way from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Kyley and
Ammo from
Studio 3 are here to tell us exactly what it’s like from the human and doggy perspective. Plus they share tips so you can frame your own photos with ease!
1) What do you and Ammo love about the custom framing business and why?
I really love working with my hands and being able to be creative, getting to see a lot of different artist’s work is also a really fun part of the business. Ammo definitely loves the customers, especially our regulars who never fail to bring him dog cookies.
2) Could you please describe your typical day in the shop and what Ammo gets up to?
After opening up shop we usually break out the dog toys for a tug-of-war session to get the day started. Then Ammo passes out on his dog bed in the back for several hours while I get to framing and tending to other business matters. He usually only emerges from his blanket fortress to greet customers and play with the mailman. Ammo has a little bell that he rings when he needs to go outside, so some days we take a mid-day walk or a trip to see Ammo’s friends at the bank (who always have cookies). I’m pretty sure that Ammo thinks I work for him, as he lives the life of leisure when we’re at the shop.
3) How do you keep your framing solutions fresh and inspired?
I like to keep up with all of the new framing trends through magazines and industry publications. I also read a lot of design blogs to get inspiration with colors and see what’s in style right now in home decor. Pinterest is also a fun way to see what’s popular in the world of art, color, and design.
4) On a scale of one to ten (ten being the highest) how helpful is Ammo around the shop?
Ammo is great at his job as store greeter, he even helps to entertain our customer’s children so their parents can focus on framing. But there are those occasions when he gets a wild look in his eye which will prompt him to shred a piece of cardboard or drag all of his toys out all over the shop. Most of the time his naughty antics are directed towards me as a way to get me to stop framing and pay attention to him. Most times it works.
5) What is your favourite work lunch and Ammo’s?
Ham and cheese sandwiches are our staple – and since Ammo was a pup he’s become a master at stealing my lunch if I am interrupted to answer the phone or help a customer. I think subconsciously I sometimes pretend not to notice so we can order takeout!
6) Who is more of a morning person, you or Ammo?
Probably me. Most mornings I have to drag Ammo out of bed, as he’d sleep in until well past noon if I let him. Some days if we’re running late he gets carried straight from bed into the car, and has to eat his breakfast at the shop. It’s just so difficult to be a working dog!
7) What would be your advice for people trying to frame their pet photos on their own?
I always recommend choosing framing options that compliment your photos vs. framing for the room you will be putting it in. Adding mating to your framing also helps to not only protect your pet’s photo, but it visually adds to the overall piece. When framing memories of your pets sometimes it helps to think outside the box, like adding collars, id tags or even plaques with your pet’s name.
8) If you and Ammo were to travel the world, where would be your first stop and why?
I think it would be fun to take a trip across the country to San Diego, California. Granted it’s not some huge exotic trip destination, but being able to visit some dog friendly beaches and restaurants that offer their own doggie menus sounds like a really fun time for both Ammo and I.
9) How do you two like to spend your days off?
Most days after we close up shop we head out to my family’s horse farm. Ammo loves to help me train our trick ponies and play with the cats on the farm. We also love to travel and camp and Ammo’s been having a blast getting started in agility classes lately.
***
Thank you Kyley and Ammo for taking us into your studio! Would you like to see your profession and pet featured on Pawsh? Send an email to
[email protected] and introduce yourself! We don’t bite — promise!
