Your anxiety about what it will look like framing your own art is definitely the trickiest of the three. On the one hand, the framing makes the whole thing look so much more professional and (for want of a better word) gift-ish than a raw canvas.
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On the other, I can see how it might come across as a little bit presumptuous, even vain. So here’s my first piece of advice: what about presenting it as a framed work without mentioning who the artist is?
You could keep it a secret forever, or you could wait to see if the response is positive, and only then reveal the truth – perhaps quietly to the recipient at a later time.
Of course, there’s a good chance someone will ask who it’s by and where it’s from, but if you’re worried about being seen as up yourself, I think saying you don’t know, or being vague (“an artist from [whatever state or city you’re from]”) is a perfectly acceptable white lie.
If you’re not keen on telling a fib, or you think the idea above defeats the purpose of a self-made gift, I have an alternative suggestion. Buy the book, but make a card to go with it.
You can get blank greeting cards pretty easily at art or stationery shops; using one, you could paint or draw your own design on the front (and inside, if you like). If you take this approach, there’s no need for a frame, no worries about seeming “cheap”, and much less risk of seeming like you rate your own talents too highly.
As I mentioned at the start, I sympathise with your worries, but don’t let them get you too anxious. You said in your question you feel a painting “would be more meaningful than another kind of present”.
Trust your instincts. In the end (yes, I know it’s a hoary old cliche, but it’s a good one) it’s the thought that counts. And you’ve put plenty of thought into this gift – no matter what it ends up being.
Work Therapy will take a break over Christmas, but will be back in early January. Keep sending questions to jonathan@theinkbureau.com.au
