Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Odds are it's been asked before!
Where do you get your algae?
Truly, all over! My two go-to's are the Atlantic coastline, all throughout the South Jersey shores, and Long Island Sound, right off New York and Connecticut. The running joke is that I bring containers with me every time I go to the beach!
Will the color fade?
The short answer is no. While there are some more sensitive species with more transient pigments, I intentionally avoid those in all of my original artwork. One specific species I use actually often gets an even darker shade of purple as time goes on, enhancing the color. All art with that species is clearly marked in the description. I have family members that have had pieces now for 5+ years, and they look exactly the same as the day I gave them.
That being said, this is a completely natural medium and it would be unfair to both of us for me to give you a 100% guarantee. I’m constantly refining my method and technique to get better, but nothing is perfect. In extremely rare cases some color may be lost, though in most instances it is just a small shift. If for any reason the color in your piece fades, please do not hesitate to reach out. In the incredibly unlikely event that the fading is considerable, I am happy to replace your artwork.
Where do you get your frames?
One of the core pillars of my business, and my personal belief system, is sustainability. In alignment with that, every frame you’ll find in my shop is upcycled from local thrift stores and finds. It’s a chance to give beautiful and often brand-new frames a second life. It also means that my frame collection is just as unique as the algae – you’ll rarely find two of the same!
I’m looking for something specific. Do you take custom orders?
I absolutely love working on custom pieces! Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, the best way to commemorate a cherished moment, or how to bring your favorite beach home—we can make it happen. In the past, I’ve created custom memorial pieces, matching sets, and even written names in algae! Click here to read more, or if you're ready to turn your vision into reality, please reach out!
Do you offer wholesale ordering?
I do – thank you for asking! Right now, I offer wholesale ordering for all of my greeting cards, tote bags, and stickers. Please visit the contact page to connect and we can chat about pricing based on what your needs are.
How did you come up with this idea?
Okay be honest, did you have any idea algae was so stunning?
That’s why! Most people think of algae as gross or slimy, and that’s because they’ve never seen it like this. As a lover of our environment, I have always found beauty in nature – from the smallest intricacies to the largest phenomena. I studied marine biology in college and quickly found myself enthralled by the complexities of life below our waters, even down to the algae. As a junior, I took a Marine Botany course and was blown away by the vibrant color and diverse species right in our backyard. Combine that with three years of my dad telling me what a great idea it would be, and Algae Art was born.
What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of my artwork, I do not currently offer returns. If your order arrives to you damaged please email your name and order number, a photo of the damage, and photos of the box/envelope it was shipped to algaeartstudio@gmail.com and I will be happy to replace your art.