Framer at Michaels Stores

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Harvey-1601 Westbank Expy, Ste C, United States of America

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Custom Framing & Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Engage directly with customers to understand their creative vision and provide expert guidance on custom framing options.
Utilize design principles and product knowledge to recommend suitable framing materials, mats, and glass that enhance and protect artwork.
Perform precise measurements and calculations to ensure accurate framing specifications and material requirements.
Contribute to the overall aesthetic and organization of the custom framing department, maintaining a visually appealing and functional workspace.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the description emphasizes customer interaction and design solutions for framing, indicating a blend of technical skill and creative consultation within a retail design context.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Build strong customer relationships through personalized service, actively listening to their framing needs and providing creative solutions.
Execute custom framing orders with meticulous attention to detail, adhering to quality standards and ensuring timely completion.
Operate framing equipment, including mat cutters, glass cutters, and fitting tools, safely and effectively to produce high-quality framed pieces.
Maintain the organization and visual merchandising of the ready-made frame department, ensuring products are well-stocked and easily accessible to customers.
Assist customers throughout the store, providing friendly service, locating products, and offering creative project ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight the importance of both technical framing skills and customer-facing design consultation, crucial for a retail framing role where customer satisfaction and creative problem-solving are key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred, with an interest in art, design, or crafting.

Experience: Basic computer skills and measuring skills required. Previous retail experience and experience selling products and/or services to customers are preferred, demonstrating an ability to engage with clients on their creative projects.

Required Skills:

Basic computer proficiency for order entry and system navigation.
Accurate measuring skills essential for precise framing work.
Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutter safely and effectively.
Strong interpersonal skills for building customer relationships and providing excellent service.

Preferred Skills:

Previous retail experience, particularly in a creative or customer-facing environment.
Experience in sales, demonstrating the ability to understand customer needs and recommend suitable products or services.
Familiarity with different types of art and framing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualifications emphasize foundational skills like measuring and computer use, typical for an entry-level role, while also valuing customer service and sales experience, critical for the client-facing aspect of custom framing design.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

While a formal design portfolio isn't typically required for this role, be prepared to discuss any personal crafting or design projects during the interview.
Be ready to articulate your approach to problem-solving in creative situations, even if it's related to personal hobbies or past work experiences.
Highlight any experience with visual arrangement or presentation, demonstrating an eye for aesthetics that is relevant to framing and display.
If you have examples of past framing work (even personal projects), be prepared to briefly describe your process and the creative decisions made.

Process Documentation:

Focus on explaining your thought process when approaching a design or creative task, such as selecting colors or arranging elements.
Describe how you would work with a customer to understand their vision for a framed piece.
Discuss any experiences where you had to adapt a creative approach based on material constraints or customer preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a retail framing role, the "portfolio" is less about a traditional design portfolio and more about demonstrating an understanding of aesthetics, customer needs in a creative context, and a process for bringing a creative vision to life through framing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on similar part-time retail positions with creative or specialized skill components in the Harvey, Louisiana area, the estimated hourly wage for a Framer at Michaels could range from $10.00 to $14.00 per hour. This estimate is based on publicly available salary data for retail positions in the region and factors in the specialized nature of the framing role. Specific compensation may vary based on experience and company policy.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision plans, providing important support for employee well-being.
Paid time off, allowing for work-life balance and personal time.
Tuition assistance programs, supporting continuous learning and professional development.
Generous employee discounts on merchandise, enabling team members to pursue their own creative projects.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Specific working hours will vary based on store needs and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings to accommodate retail operating hours and truck unload schedules. Flexibility in scheduling is often required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical part-time retail wages in the specified location, adjusted for the specialized skill required in framing. Benefits are based on the information provided in the job description, highlighting those most relevant to employees in a retail environment.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail - Arts and Crafts, specializing in creative supplies and services, including custom framing.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees globally, indicating a large, established retail organization with standardized processes and potential for structured career paths.

Founded: 1973, demonstrating a long history and established presence in the arts and crafts market.

Team Structure:

Framer roles typically report to a Store Manager or Framing Manager within the retail location.
Collaboration is essential with other store team members to provide comprehensive customer service and maintain store operations.
Interaction with the Artistree manufacturing division may occur indirectly through the handling of custom framing orders.

Methodology:

Customer engagement focuses on understanding individual framing needs through dialogue and visual assessment.
Framing execution follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure quality and consistency.
Inventory management in the framing department utilizes systems like SISO (Scan-in, Scan-out) and Directed Replenishment.

Company Website: https://www.michaels.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is based on the provided LinkedIn information and general knowledge of large retail operations. The "design culture" in this context relates to the company's mission to "fuel the joy of creativity" and how that translates into the customer experience and the role of the Framer in providing creative solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is an entry-level role within the custom framing department. It focuses on developing foundational framing skills, customer interaction, and understanding of framing design principles.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to the Store Manager or a dedicated Framing Manager, if the store size and structure support that role. This provides direct guidance and support for skill development.

Design Impact: The Framer directly impacts the customer's creative outcome by providing expert advice and executing high-quality custom framing solutions. Their recommendations and craftsmanship directly contribute to customer satisfaction and the aesthetic presentation of artwork and cherished items.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential advancement within the framing department to roles with more responsibility, such as Lead Framer or Framing Manager, depending on store size and structure.
Opportunities to expand knowledge of framing techniques, materials, and design trends through on-the-job training and potentially company-provided resources.
Development of valuable customer service and sales skills applicable to other retail roles or creative industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career analysis is based on the entry-level nature of the role and typical career progression within a large retail environment's specialized departments like custom framing. Growth is likely focused on skill mastery and potential movement into supervisory roles within the framing area.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Retail store setting with a dedicated custom framing area. The environment is public-facing, requiring interaction with customers throughout the day.

Office Location(s): Located at the Michaels store at 1601 Westbank Expy, Ste C in Harvey, Louisiana. This is an on-site role requiring physical presence at the store location.

Design Workspace Context:

The framing area contains specialized equipment like mat cutters, glass cutters, and a heat press, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
The workspace is designed for both customer consultation and the execution of framing tasks.
Collaboration with other store team members is frequent, contributing to a dynamic retail environment.

Work Schedule: Part-time hours, which may include a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. The schedule is likely to vary based on store traffic and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Work environment details are inferred from the job description's mention of a "public retail store setting" and the nature of a custom framing department within such a store. The inclusion of specific equipment highlights the practical, hands-on nature of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial application submitted online.
Potential phone screening by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.
In-person interview(s) with the Store Manager and/or Framing Manager. Be prepared to discuss your interest in framing, customer service experience, and ability to learn new skills.
A practical assessment of measuring skills or a brief discussion of how you would approach a simple framing scenario might be included.

Portfolio Review Tips:

As mentioned, a formal design portfolio isn't expected. Instead, be prepared to talk about any personal creative projects or experiences that demonstrate attention to detail, an eye for aesthetics, or problem-solving skills.
If you have any exposure to framing (even personal projects), be ready to describe your process and why you made certain design choices.
Focus on communicating your ability to understand a customer's vision and translate it into a tangible product.
Highlight any experience working with your hands or learning technical skills.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for questions about how you handle customer requests, especially if they are challenging or require creative problem-solving.
Practice basic measurement conversions if needed, as accuracy is crucial in framing.
Think about how you would explain different framing options to a customer in a clear and helpful way.

ATS Keywords: Custom Framing, Framing, Matting, Glass Cutting, Picture Framing, Art Handling, Retail, Customer Service, Sales, Measuring, Basic Computer Skills, Crafting, Visual Merchandising, Inventory Management, Retail Operations, Part-Time, Michaels, Artistree, Creative Solutions, Customer Relationships, Quality Control, Problem Solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process and interview preparation are based on typical retail hiring practices for entry-level positions, with a focus on assessing practical skills, customer service capabilities, and cultural fit within a creative retail environment. The "portfolio review" is adapted to the context of a framing role where tangible work examples might be personal projects rather than professional design case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Mat Cutters: Used for precisely cutting mat board for framing. Proficiency involves understanding measurements and cutting techniques.
Glass Cutters: Essential for cutting glass to fit frames. Requires careful handling and accurate scoring.
Fitting Tools: Including point drivers, brad pushers, and other tools for securing the contents within the frame.
Heat Press (potentially): Used for mounting artwork or photographs. Requires understanding of temperature and pressure settings.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer orders, including custom framing specifications and payments. Requires basic computer skills for accurate data entry.
Internal Communication Tools: Used for communicating with other team members and management regarding orders, inventory, and customer needs.

Research & Testing:

Physical Samples: Utilizing samples of mat board, frame mouldings, and glass to help customers visualize options and make design decisions.
Measuring Tapes and Rulers: Essential tools for accurate measurements of artwork and frame components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" is focused on the physical tools and systems used within the custom framing department of a retail store, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role rather than digital design software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Fueling the joy of creativity: Encouraging customers and team members to explore their creative potential through framing.
Customer-centricity: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and providing personalized framing solutions that meet their needs and vision.
Quality craftsmanship: Emphasizing attention to detail and skill in executing framing orders to ensure high-quality results.
Collaboration: Working effectively with other team members to provide a seamless customer experience and support store operations.

Collaboration Style:

Direct interaction with customers to understand their creative projects and framing requirements.
Collaboration with fellow framers and other store associates to manage workload, share knowledge, and assist customers throughout the store.
Communication with management regarding orders, supplies, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Design values and collaboration style are inferred from Michaels' stated purpose ("fuel the joy of creativity") and the nature of a retail environment where customer interaction and teamwork are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing customer preferences with practical framing considerations and available materials.
Working with a variety of artwork types and sizes, each requiring unique framing solutions.
Managing multiple framing orders simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
Staying updated on current framing trends and materials to provide relevant recommendations to customers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

On-the-job training to develop proficiency in using framing equipment and techniques.
Learning about different framing materials, their properties, and best uses for various types of artwork.
Developing advanced customer service and sales skills through interactions with a diverse customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are based on the practical aspects of the framing role in a retail setting, focusing on skill development, problem-solving, and customer interaction.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe a time you helped someone realize a creative vision (even if informal). How did you approach understanding their needs? Prepare to discuss your customer interaction approach.
How do you ensure accuracy when working with measurements or precise tasks? Provide examples of your attention to detail.
If a customer had a unique or challenging item to frame, how would you approach finding a solution? Discuss your problem-solving skills.

Company Culture Questions:

What does "fueling the joy of creativity" mean to you? Connect your personal interests or experiences to Michaels' mission.
How do you approach working as part of a team to achieve a common goal? Provide examples of successful collaboration.
How do you handle situations where a customer might be dissatisfied or have a complaint? Discuss your customer service approach and ability to resolve issues.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

If you have any personal framing or creative projects, be prepared to share photos or briefly describe them. Focus on the process and the creative decisions you made.
Highlight any experiences where you worked with your hands or learned a new technical skill.
Emphasize your enthusiasm for creativity and helping others with their artistic endeavors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are framed to assess the candidate's aptitude for the role's core requirements: customer interaction, attention to detail, problem-solving, and alignment with the company's focus on creativity.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Tailor your resume to highlight any experience in retail, customer service, or roles requiring attention to detail and manual dexterity.
Prepare to discuss any personal creative projects or experiences that demonstrate your interest in art, crafting, or design during the interview.
Research Michaels' custom framing services and products to show your familiarity with the offerings.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Framer