Frame Designing and manufacturing

**charan** · 02-02-2011, 06:27 PM

So I've always been interested in frame designing and manufacturing side of the business, I'm wondering if anyone has experience in this area. Since there's so many frame companies I'd like to know where can a person start if I'm looking into getting some information, please let me know if you guys have any ideas.

cheers :cheers:

**rbaker** · 02-02-2011, 06:48 PM

You might want to go to:

http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/product_company_list.cfm?prod_code=9007654

for a rather complete listing of frame manufacturers in the US.

**chip anderson** · 02-02-2011, 09:35 PM

Why bother, they will just use your design and put a known "designer's" name on it. Appearently there are no famous frame designers who actually design frames. Just clothing designers and motorcycle companies that put thier names on frames designed by someone else.

**Jacqui** · 02-03-2011, 07:15 AM

Contact Jerry Huang here on the board. He does some custom designing. Also send me a PM about your ideas.

**Ash** · 02-03-2011, 09:17 AM

I come from the design, factory relation and product development side of the business. Chip is right, there many designers eyewear out there but none of them are designed by them. These companies have their own design team or freelance that makes the designs for them. If you want to make your own P/L line send me a PM and I will try to help.

**opticalcathy** · 02-03-2011, 10:02 AM

Many companies do have what they call 'frame designer' working for them, who work with factories to design their concepts. You can also sign up for for design contests, there are a few for eyewear, in which anyone can enter. Aspiring Designers also put their ideas on sites such as Coroflot and hopefully someone will pick it up. (http://opticalvisionresources.com/category/design)
There is a big trend going on now in wood frame design, starting out in garages and handcrafting. Urban Spectacles has made a pretty good name for himself, and it one of the first to reuse records to make into eyewear.

**charan** · 02-03-2011, 01:05 PM

ok since there's not a lot of info on this trade how about the software the designers use? anyone know what would that be called or anything.

**Ash** · 02-03-2011, 01:08 PM

I come from the design, factory relation and product development side of the business. Chip is right, there many designers eyewear out there but none of them are designed by them. These companies have their own design team or freelance that makes the designs for them. If you want to make your own P/L line send me a PM and I will try to help.