Since joining Walter Adams Framing in January 2021, John Sheriff has become a trusted creative partner for our clients and a skilled hand in our production process. As both a Custom Framing Designer and a Framing Production Associate, John blends artistic sensibility with technical precision to beautifully showcase treasured artwork and memorabilia.

A True Passion for Custom Framing

John’s journey into the world of custom framing began in 2009, when he started working part time in framing. What began as a side role soon grew into a true passion — one that led him to work full time and ultimately manage several frame shops across the San Francisco Bay Area before coming to Walter Adams. Over the years, John has honed both his design eye and his craft, developing a deep appreciation for how framing can honor and elevate meaningful pieces.

“I’m passionate about framing and enjoy designing memorable pieces for clients,” John shares. “Utilizing my years of experience and art education, it is a rewarding feeling to make something that will be enjoyed by our clients for years. It’s nice to feel a sense of accomplishment when I see a framed art piece go from a concept to a finished product.”

For John, the best part of the job is the creative process — imagining a design that not only complements art but enhances its presence in a space. He draws on his years of experience and foundation in art to find the perfect balance of materials, color, and composition. Seeing a concept evolve from initial idea to finished piece is deeply fulfilling, especially when those creations become cherished treasures in a client’s home.

John’s framing journey has included some truly standout projects — from a piece of the Berlin Wall to an electric guitar signed by members of U2, and even a vintage Sutro Baths swimsuit — each one presenting its own creative challenge and reward.

Areas of Expertise as a Custom Framing Designer

John brings a rich set of skills to every custom framing project, including:

• Archival Framing: Utilizing reversible methods of mounting that preserve the art and minimize alteration to preserve value.
  
• Unique and Creative Designs: Applying fine art expertise to deliver bold, striking, or elegantly subtle framing solutions, depending on a client’s preferences.
  
• Shadowbox and 3D Object Framing: Designing displays for memorabilia that also preserves the object inside. Displays have included everything from jerseys to guitars to golf balls and more.
  
• Specialty Design Elements: Details like hand-wrapped fabric mats, multi-opening layouts, floated art, and double-sided frames where the back of the art is visible.
  
• Production: Integrating stability and longevity, so that every piece is not only visually beautiful but structurally sound for lifelong enjoyment.
  

John holds an Associate of Fine Arts Degree from the Delaware College of Art and Design, and his grounding in art fundamentals directly informs his work. His understanding of contrast, color theory, composition, and proportion helps him frame pieces to gallery standards — always with an eye for presentation and impact.

Custom Framing with Intention

At Walter Adams Framing, John doesn’t just design frames — he helps preserve stories. Whether you’re looking to highlight fine art or transform a meaningful object into artful keepsake, John’s thoughtful approach and careful craftsmanship ensure that every piece is beautifully framed.