📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Sterling-46301 Potomac Run Plaza Unit 180, Sterling, VA, United States
Job Type: Part-Time
Category: Custom Framing Design & Production
Date Posted: 2025-06-13
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site
🎨 Role Summary
- Engage directly with customers to understand their custom framing needs and provide personalized design solutions for their artwork and memorabilia.
- Execute custom framing orders with precision and attention to detail, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and timely completion according to established standards and customer expectations.
- Contribute to the overall store environment by maintaining the custom framing department and other assigned areas, including product merchandising, inventory management, and ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
- Support the retail store operations by assisting customers with shopping needs, operating the cash register, handling transactions, and participating in inventory processes like truck unloading and stocking.
🖼️ Primary Responsibilities
- Build strong customer relationships through effective communication and understanding of their custom framing preferences and requirements.
- Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" method (likely a proprietary Michaels process) to provide personalized design consultations and create unique custom framing solutions.
- Achieve sales and production targets for the custom framing department by effectively presenting design options and completing orders efficiently.
- Perform framing tasks with a high degree of quality, including measuring, cutting materials (mat board, glass, frame moulding), assembling frames, and finishing framed pieces.
- Ensure all custom framing orders are completed by the promised deadline, managing workflow and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Maintain the appearance and organization of the ready-made frame department and other designated areas, including stocking shelves and ensuring accurate inventory counts (SISO - Sell In, Sell Out and Directed Replenishment).
- Provide friendly, helpful, and efficient customer service across all store areas, assisting customers with locating products and resolving inquiries.
- Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs related to safety, loss prevention (shrink), and operational compliance.
- Process customer transactions accurately using the cash register and follow established cash handling procedures.
- Assist with Omni-channel processes, which may include fulfilling online orders or managing buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) requests.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While a specific degree is not mentioned, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for this type of retail position. Experience in art, design, or crafts can be beneficial.
Experience: This role is listed as Entry Level (0-2 years of experience). Basic computer skills and measuring skills are required. Preferred qualifications include retail experience and experience selling products or services to customers. Experience with custom framing or related craft production is highly advantageous.
Required Skills:
- Basic Computer Proficiency
- Basic Measuring Skills
- Ability to Operate Framing Equipment (e.g., mat cutter, glass cutter, heat press)
- Customer Service Skills
- Communication Skills
- Ability to Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Ability to Work in a Team Environment
Preferred Skills:
- Retail Sales Experience
- Experience Selling Products/Services
- Custom Framing Experience
- Visual Merchandising Skills
- Basic Math Skills (for measurements and calculations)
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials: While a formal design portfolio isn't typically required for this level of retail framing role, demonstrating an understanding of design principles and a passion for creative projects is beneficial. If you have examples of personal framing projects, art pieces you've framed, or other creative work, be prepared to discuss them. Focus on showcasing attention to detail and an understanding of visual aesthetics.
Process Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to creative projects or problem-solving. Explain how you would approach helping a customer choose the right framing materials to complement their artwork, considering factors like color, style, and protection. While not formal documentation, thinking through this process mentally is key.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary for a Part-Time Framer at Michaels in Sterling, VA is estimated to be in the range of $12.00 to $16.00 per hour. This estimate is based on typical entry-level retail positions in the Virginia market, considering factors like cost of living in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area and the specific responsibilities of a part-time role involving customer interaction and basic production tasks. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, specific store location, and company policies.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) - Eligibility may vary based on part-time hours and company policy.
- Paid Time Off - Available for part-time team members, likely accrued based on hours worked.
- Tuition Assistance - Potential opportunity for assistance with educational expenses.
- Generous Employee Discounts - Significant discounts on Michaels products, which can be valuable for individuals interested in arts and crafts.
Working Hours: This is a Part-Time position. Specific working hours will vary based on business needs and scheduling. Flexibility, including availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings, is likely required.
🎯Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Retail / Arts and Crafts. Michaels is the leading creative destination in North America, focusing on providing supplies and services for various creative endeavors, including custom framing.
Company Size: Large (10,001+ employees globally, with over 1,300 stores in the US and Canada). This indicates a structured environment with established processes and potential for internal movement within the retail operations.
Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long history in the arts and crafts retail space, suggesting a stable and established company with a focus on creativity.
Team Structure:
- You will likely work as part of a store team, reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager.
- Within the store, you will collaborate closely with other Framers and team members in the custom framing department.
- Cross-functional collaboration with other store associates is essential for providing overall customer service and maintaining store standards.
Methodology:
- Customer consultation and design collaboration to determine framing needs.
- Precise measurement and cutting of framing materials according to specifications.
- Assembly and finishing processes for custom frames.
- Adherence to established quality standards and production timelines.
Company Website: https://www.michaels.com/
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: This position is best described as an Entry-Level Production & Design Assistant role within the custom framing department. The focus is on learning the fundamentals of custom framing, customer interaction, and production processes.
Reporting Structure: You will likely report to the Custom Framing Manager or a member of the store's leadership team (e.g., Assistant Manager or Store Manager).
Design Impact: Your direct impact will be on the quality and aesthetic appeal of the custom framed pieces you create, directly contributing to customer satisfaction and the store's reputation for quality framing services.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the Custom Framing department to roles like Lead Framer or Custom Framing Manager.
- Opportunities to develop more advanced framing techniques and design skills.
- Potential for cross-training in other areas of the store or advancement into general retail management roles.
🌐 Work Environment
Studio Type: Retail Store with a dedicated Custom Framing workshop area. The public areas of the store are climate-controlled. The framing workshop may have specific equipment and materials.
Office Location(s): Sterling-46301 Potomac Run Plaza Unit 180, Sterling, VA. This is a specific retail store location.
Design Workspace Context:
- The framing workshop is where the majority of the production work takes place, involving tools like mat cutters, glass cutters, and a heat press.
- Customer interactions for design consultations will occur in a designated area within the store, likely near the framing department.
- The work environment involves both customer-facing retail space and a production-oriented workshop.
Work Schedule: Part-time schedule requiring flexibility, including availability during store operating hours, which typically include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings for tasks like truck unloading.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process: The interview process for this role will likely be less focused on a formal design portfolio review and more on assessing your customer service skills, ability to follow instructions, basic technical aptitude (measuring, computer skills), and your interest in arts and crafts or custom framing. Expect questions about your past work experience, how you handle customer interactions, and your ability to learn new processes.
Portfolio Review Tips: While a formal portfolio is not expected, be prepared to discuss any personal projects or experiences related to art, design, or crafting that demonstrate your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to work with your hands. If you have framed anything yourself, be ready to talk about your process and choices.
Challenge Preparation: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a simple framing scenario. Be prepared to explain how you would help a customer choose a mat color or frame style for a specific piece of art. Focus on clear communication and a customer-centric approach.
ATS Keywords: Customer Service, Framing, Custom Framing, Retail, Sales, Production, Craft, Art, Measuring, Basic Computer Skills, Cash Handling, Stocking, Merchandising, Communication, Teamwork, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Visual Arts, Design Consultation, Workshop, Part-Time.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- Mat Cutter: Used for precisely cutting mat board to frame artwork.
- Glass Cutter: Tool for cutting glass to the required size for framing.
- Heat Press: Used in some framing processes, potentially for mounting or laminating.
- Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and other instruments for accurate measurements.
Collaboration & Handoff:
- Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing customer orders and payments.
- Internal Communication Systems: For communicating with other team members and management.
- Order Management System: To track custom framing orders and their status.
Research & Testing: While not traditional design research tools, you will utilize:
- Product Catalogs and Samples: To show customers different framing options (moulding, mat board, glass types).
- Visual Display Software/Tools: Potentially used to show customers digital previews of framing options.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- Fueling the joy of creativity: Encouraging customers and team members to engage in creative projects.
- Customer-centric approach: Focusing on providing memorable and personalized framing solutions.
- Quality craftsmanship: Emphasizing attention to detail and high standards in framing production.
- Team collaboration: Working together to support store operations and customer needs.
Collaboration Style:
- Direct interaction with customers for design consultations.
- Hands-on collaboration with other framers in the workshop.
- Cross-functional communication with other store associates to ensure smooth operations.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Balancing customer design preferences with practical framing considerations and budget constraints.
- Working with a variety of art types and materials, requiring adaptability in framing techniques.
- Managing multiple framing orders simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
- Staying updated on new framing materials, techniques, and design trends.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- On-the-job training in custom framing techniques and design principles.
- Opportunities to learn about different framing materials and their applications.
- Potential for cross-training in other areas of the store, broadening retail skill set.
💡 Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- Describe a time you helped someone choose something creative. How did you understand their needs? (Focus on customer interaction and understanding preferences)
- How would you approach framing a piece of artwork that is unusually shaped or delicate? (Demonstrate problem-solving and understanding of framing basics)
- Tell me about a time you had to pay close attention to detail to ensure a high-quality outcome. (Highlight attention to detail and craftsmanship)
Company Culture Questions:
- What interests you about working at Michaels and specifically in the framing department? (Show alignment with the company's focus on creativity)
- How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks? (Address the retail environment and workflow management)
- Describe your experience working as part of a team. How do you contribute to a positive team environment? (Highlight collaboration skills)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy: If you have any personal projects to share (e.g., framed art, craft projects), focus on explaining your creative process, the choices you made, and what you learned. Emphasize your passion for creativity and your ability to work with materials.
📌 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, arts and crafts, or hands-on work that requires precision and attention to detail.
- Consider including a brief cover letter expressing your interest in custom framing and your passion for helping customers with their creative projects.
- Be prepared to discuss any relevant personal projects or experiences during the interview that showcase your creativity and manual dexterity.
- Research Michaels' custom framing services and the types of products they offer to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the role.