Meet Ben Osborn | Owner and Operator, CharlestonFrames LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Osborn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing people might not realize about the picture framing industry is the level of craftsmanship and expertise needed for high-quality custom framing. It’s not just about putting a piece of art in a frame; it involves understanding the materials, colors, and design elements that complement and enhance the artwork while also ensuring its longevity. Preserving art requires knowledge of archival materials and techniques to protect against factors like UV light, humidity, and acid degradation, all of which can affect the aesthetics and integrity of the piece.

Additionally, many people may not be aware of the wide range of materials available for framing beyond traditional wood and metal. One aspect of my business involves manufacturing frame moulding from hemp, which I sell to other custom framers. Hemp boasts unique qualities—it’s 20% stronger than oak and grows 100x as fast as an oak tree. It can be harvested in just 120 days, and the process is carbon negative. Not to mention it looks very cool and unique. This is just one example of how innovation and sustainability is shaping the industry.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My art is deeply rooted in storytelling. Whether framing photographs, paintings, or family heirlooms, I try to amplify the narrative behind each piece. Take, for instance, my framed photograph of the iconic Angel Oak- a 500+ year old tree located in John’s Island just outside Charleston, SC. I milled a piece of oak to make the frame and painted it with a homemade iron acetate solution to mirror the tree’s texture and hues. In another project, I framed a beautiful piece of charcoal art with a pine frame which I charred with a blowtorch. This really created a nice rhythm between art and frame. During a trip through Thailand I took a photograph in a serene Buddhist temple, which inspired me to craft a frame capturing the temple’s gilded beauty, while the mat was wrapped in fabric sourced from the region. One of my most cherished projects, though, was framing an ultrasound picture for an expectant grandmother. I embedded a sound module activated by a Victorian key, which played the baby’s heartbeat—a piece I aptly named “Key to My Heart.” Witnessing the emotional reactions of my customers when they see these personalized creations is profoundly rewarding.

My journey into framing began unexpectedly in 2011 when I moved to Austin, Texas, and crossed paths with Sara, a beautiful and creative soul who ignited my passion for photography. Faced with the challenge of displaying our captured moments, I considered framing them myself. Drawing from my father’s woodworking skills, I embraced the craft as a means to bridge generations and celebrate memories. Sara’s fearless spirit encouraged me to take the plunge, leading me to acquire equipment from a closing business and transform a rented garage into a makeshift studio. I learned largely through trial and error, by taking classes, and through online framing groups. One of my first clients was the Austin School of Photography, who I made frames for in exchange for photography education for Sara and I. As I built a website and expanded my customer base, it was a very difficult journey. Overcoming setbacks and injuries—from a near toe amputation to a severe wrist laceration—taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance and humility.

My story underscores the belief that formal schooling and rigid plans aren’t prerequisites for success. Instead, it’s about embracing risk, authenticity, finding joy in the process, and making incremental strides toward one’s passion. It’s a reminder that imperfection is part of the journey and that staying true to oneself is paramount.

By the way, I married Sara in 2013 and that’s when we moved here to Charleston, SC. We now have two incredible kids: Evelyn, age 10 and Evan, age 6.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If you have a friend visiting town, what are some spots you could take them to?
When it comes to planning a trip to Charleston, SC, timing truly makes all the difference! I’d suggest Spring or Fall, without a doubt. Here’s an action-packed schedule I’d propose:

Day 1:
Start the day by swinging by my shop to meet up and talk about framing, of course! For lunch, we should head over to Lewis Barbecue for some mouthwatering Texas-style BBQ, my absolute favorite in the area. Then, we can head to Shem Creek, a local hotspot known for its fantastic restaurants and bars with stunning waterfront views of the Charleston harbor. If interested, we can stop by Patriot’s Point nearby to tour the USS Yorktown.

Day 2:
We begin the day with a scenic walk downtown, starting from the famous Pineapple Fountain and meandering past Rainbow Row, eventually reaching the historic Battery. I’d suggest Thai Zapp for lunch and then we can visit Savannah Bee Company for a unique mead tasting experience. We can then spend the afternoon exploring museums and galleries, with highlights including the Gibbes Museum of Art and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.

Day 3:
Beach day! We should definitely head to Mount Pleasant for breakfast at Vicious Biscuit, and then take a short drive to Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island for some sun and relaxation by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We can check out the beachfront restaurants for some fresh seafood, mixed drinks and great views. Or, if they’d rather visit the other side of town, we can go to Folly Beach and then check out the majestic Angel Oak on Johns Island.

Day 4:
We stop by Riverfront Park for a morning walk and Bloody Marys at nearby Momo. For the kids, let’s visit Park Circle, home to the world’s largest inclusive playground. The nearby restaurants offer some great lunch options! Then we can take a bike ride along the scenic trails around Daniel Island and consider a ferry ride downtown.

Day 5:
We explore the natural beauty of the area with a visit to either Mount Pleasant (with Palmetto Islands County Park and Boone Hall) or West Ashley (with Charles Towne Landing and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens). It’s great to immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes, but we need to watch out for alligators!

Day 6:
It’s a great day to explore the diverse dining scene in downtown Charleston. I especially love Magnolias, Rutledge Cab Company, and Tempest. We can visit the Charleston City Market, which is next to another favorite: Kaminsky’s Dessert Café.

Day 7:
We wrap up the week with a sunset cruise along the Charleston harbor, enjoying views of the city skyline and surrounding marshes. I’d suggest the Tiki Tour! Finally, we toast to an unforgettable week of fun and exploration with drinks and live music. If we walk along King Street, there’s no shortage of options.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a massive shoutout to all those who have taken a chance on me, even when I might seem like a bit of a risk. Working from my home studio, navigating the industry solo without big-name associations or a flashy storefront, I know I might not be the obvious choice. Yet, despite the odds, customers trust me with their most treasured possessions, from family heirlooms to priceless works of art. The fact that they choose me, a small independent framer, speaks volumes. Each piece entrusted to my care is not just a job; it’s a testament to the confidence my customers place in me, and I take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness.

I’m also appreciative to those who travel from all over the United States (and beyond) to attend my custom framing workshops. I’ve had the privilege of training numerous artists, collectors, retirees, aspiring entrepreneurs, evolving businesses and individuals from all walks of life in the art and science of picture framing, igniting their artistic journeys. I know it’s a leap of faith to invest time and resources in someone who isn’t a household name, but their trust means a lot to me and fuels my determination to continue delivering the best possible service.

Website: http://www.charlestonframes.com

Instagram: @eastbound_ben

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlestonframes