Tips for Artists
In an effort to encourage engagement and provide helpful insights into art topics, a short discussion has been added at the close of our monthly member meetings. Notes from those meetings can be found below. If you would like a specific question addressed, at a future meeting, you can submit your question to Chris Hedges.
February's Tips & Shared Insights
What is a good source for frames?
Frame Factory - reasonable pricing and excellent service
Michaels - sometimes has a two for one sale
Thrift Stores - Snowline
Sacramento Fine Art Center - has a rack of used frames
Blick.com
American Frames
Sarrah Murray - makes custom frames and is and EDHAA member
Jerry's Artarama
Need Professional Photography of Your Art?
A new member of EDHAA, Randall Benton, has expertise in this area. He can be reached at [email protected] or through his website at www.RandallBenton.com.
How to display work?
U-line has black grids & are reasonable
Other Artists - Chris has 7 grids to share for Studio Tour.
March's Tips - QR Codes, Presented by Randall Benton
Finding a truly free QR code generator can be tricky because many "free" sites actually just offer a 7-day trial or limit the number of scans.
For the simplest, no-signup, and "free forever" experience, here are the best options:
1. The "Right-Click" Method (Zero Tools Needed)
If you just need a QR code for a website URL, you likely already have a generator built into your browser.
• Google Chrome: Right-click anywhere on a webpage and select Create QR Code for this page.
• Microsoft Edge: Click the address bar and look for the QR code icon on the far right.
• iPhone/Android: In the Chrome mobile app, tap the Share icon and select QR Code.
2. Best for Privacy: DuckDuckGo
If you don't want to visit a dedicated generator site at all, you can use a search shortcut.
• How to do it: Type qr [your URL or text] into the DuckDuckGo search bar (e.g., qr https://google.com). It generates a clean, simple code instantly on the search results page. Right-click on the QR code and select, “Save Image As” to download the code.
3. Best for High-Quality Downloads: QRCode-Monkey.com
This is widely considered the gold standard for free, static QR codes.
• Why it's great: No account required, high-resolution downloads (perfect for printing), and you can add a logo or change colors for free.
• Catch: Stick to "Static" codes. Their "Dynamic" codes require a paid subscription.
4. Best "Truly Free" Dedicated Site: QRTRAC.com
A newer favorite that emphasizes a "no-gotchas" approach.
• Why it's great: It specifically markets itself as having no ads, no watermarks, and no sign-up for over 50 types of data (Wi-Fi, vCards, etc.).
Important Tip: Always choose "Static" QR codes for free use. "Dynamic" codes work by redirecting through a third-party server, which is why those companies eventually charge you or disable the code if you don't pay. Static codes are permanent and never expire.
Once you have a QR code downloaded to your computer, you can treat just like a photo. Paste it into any promotional material you are preparing to print, just as you would any other graphic element.
VENMO:
When using Venmo to accept payment face-to-face, simply tap the “QR” icon:
At the upper/right corner of the app, then select, “Venmo Me” at the top/center of the screen. Your phone will now display a QR code for your client to scan with their Venmo app.
You also have the option to create a printable QR code that will direct people your Venmo account. To do this, follow the directions above for face-to-face transactions. Below the QR code you should see three icons. Select the email icon at the center:
Now send this email to yourself. You can add this QR code to your printed display to allow clients to pay you directly while looking at your artwork.
What is a good source for frames?
Frame Factory - reasonable pricing and excellent service
Michaels - sometimes has a two for one sale
Thrift Stores - Snowline
Sacramento Fine Art Center - has a rack of used frames
Blick.com
American Frames
Sarrah Murray - makes custom frames and is and EDHAA member
Jerry's Artarama
Need Professional Photography of Your Art?
A new member of EDHAA, Randall Benton, has expertise in this area. He can be reached at [email protected] or through his website at www.RandallBenton.com.
How to display work?
U-line has black grids & are reasonable
Other Artists - Chris has 7 grids to share for Studio Tour.
March's Tips - QR Codes, Presented by Randall Benton
Finding a truly free QR code generator can be tricky because many "free" sites actually just offer a 7-day trial or limit the number of scans.
For the simplest, no-signup, and "free forever" experience, here are the best options:
1. The "Right-Click" Method (Zero Tools Needed)
If you just need a QR code for a website URL, you likely already have a generator built into your browser.
• Google Chrome: Right-click anywhere on a webpage and select Create QR Code for this page.
• Microsoft Edge: Click the address bar and look for the QR code icon on the far right.
• iPhone/Android: In the Chrome mobile app, tap the Share icon and select QR Code.
2. Best for Privacy: DuckDuckGo
If you don't want to visit a dedicated generator site at all, you can use a search shortcut.
• How to do it: Type qr [your URL or text] into the DuckDuckGo search bar (e.g., qr https://google.com). It generates a clean, simple code instantly on the search results page. Right-click on the QR code and select, “Save Image As” to download the code.
3. Best for High-Quality Downloads: QRCode-Monkey.com
This is widely considered the gold standard for free, static QR codes.
• Why it's great: No account required, high-resolution downloads (perfect for printing), and you can add a logo or change colors for free.
• Catch: Stick to "Static" codes. Their "Dynamic" codes require a paid subscription.
4. Best "Truly Free" Dedicated Site: QRTRAC.com
A newer favorite that emphasizes a "no-gotchas" approach.
• Why it's great: It specifically markets itself as having no ads, no watermarks, and no sign-up for over 50 types of data (Wi-Fi, vCards, etc.).
Important Tip: Always choose "Static" QR codes for free use. "Dynamic" codes work by redirecting through a third-party server, which is why those companies eventually charge you or disable the code if you don't pay. Static codes are permanent and never expire.
Once you have a QR code downloaded to your computer, you can treat just like a photo. Paste it into any promotional material you are preparing to print, just as you would any other graphic element.
VENMO:
When using Venmo to accept payment face-to-face, simply tap the “QR” icon:
At the upper/right corner of the app, then select, “Venmo Me” at the top/center of the screen. Your phone will now display a QR code for your client to scan with their Venmo app.
You also have the option to create a printable QR code that will direct people your Venmo account. To do this, follow the directions above for face-to-face transactions. Below the QR code you should see three icons. Select the email icon at the center:
Now send this email to yourself. You can add this QR code to your printed display to allow clients to pay you directly while looking at your artwork.