📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Part-Time Custom Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Stoney Creek-1779 Stone Church Rd E, Unit 2, Canada
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: Custom Framing / Design Arts
Date Posted: 2025-06-14
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site
🎨 Role Summary
- Engage with customers to understand their art and design preferences, providing expert guidance on custom framing solutions.
- Utilize design principles and product knowledge to create aesthetically pleasing and protective framing designs.
- Execute precise measurements and operate framing equipment to produce high-quality custom frames and finished art pieces.
- Contribute to the overall store environment by assisting customers, maintaining visual merchandising standards, and ensuring product availability in the ready-made frame department.
🖼️ Primary Responsibilities
- Build strong customer relationships through personalized service, understanding their artistic vision and framing needs.
- Design and recommend custom framing solutions, applying knowledge of matting, moulding, glass, and mounting techniques to complement various art styles and mediums.
- Accurately measure artwork and framing materials, ensuring precise cuts and assembly for a perfect fit.
- Operate specialized framing equipment, including mat cutters, glass cutters, and heat presses, following safety protocols and quality standards.
- Complete custom framing orders efficiently and accurately, meeting production deadlines and maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.
- Maintain the organization and visual appeal of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, ensuring products are well-stocked and accessible.
- Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers with product location and offering creative solutions for their crafting and framing projects.
- Adhere to company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and programs, including those related to safety, shrink prevention, and cash handling.
- Participate in store operations such as truck unloading, stocking, and supporting Omni channel processes to ensure a smooth customer experience.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While a formal design degree is not strictly required, coursework or certifications in art, design, visual arts, or related creative fields is beneficial. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically expected.
Experience: This is an entry-level design-adjacent role. Prior experience in a retail environment, particularly in a creative or arts-focused setting, is preferred. Experience involving precise measurements and hands-on work with materials is advantageous. A portfolio showcasing personal creative projects or any prior framing/crafting work, even if informal, can be a strong asset.
Required Skills:
- Basic computer proficiency for order processing and system navigation.
- Accurate basic measuring skills using rulers, tapes, and other tools.
- Ability to operate framing equipment (training will be provided, but a mechanical aptitude is helpful).
- Ability to operate a glass cutter (training will be provided).
- Strong attention to detail and precision in handling delicate materials and artwork.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous retail sales experience, particularly in a customer-facing role.
- Experience selling products and/or services, demonstrating an ability to understand customer needs and recommend solutions.
- Basic knowledge of art materials, styles, and preservation techniques.
- Experience with visual merchandising or maintaining product displays.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials: While a formal professional portfolio is not strictly required for this entry-level position, candidates are encouraged to showcase any relevant creative work or projects during the interview process. This could include examples of:
- Personal art or design projects (drawings, paintings, digital art, photography).
- Crafting projects that demonstrate attention to detail and skill with materials.
- Examples of any prior framing, matting, or presentation work, even if for personal use.
- Visual documentation of a creative process or project from concept to completion.
Process Documentation: For any creative examples shared, informally articulating your process is valuable. Be prepared to discuss:
- Your approach to starting a creative project (research, inspiration).
- How you experiment and iterate on ideas.
- How you select materials and techniques.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on typical part-time retail wages in the Stoney Creek, Ontario area for an entry-level position, and considering the specialized skill involved in custom framing, the estimated hourly wage is likely in the range of CAD $16 - $20 per hour. This estimate is based on publicly available wage data for similar roles in the retail and arts/crafts sector in the region as of mid-2024.
Benefits: Specific benefits for part-time team members at Michaels may vary but typically include:
- Health Insurance options (medical, dental, and vision plans may be available, potentially pro-rated for part-time).
- Paid Time Off (accrual rates may vary based on hours worked).
- Tuition Assistance programs to support continued learning and skill development.
- Generous Employee Discounts on merchandise, encouraging personal creative pursuits.
Working Hours: This is a part-time position with flexible working hours that may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, typical for a retail environment. The specific schedule will depend on store needs and employee availability, often requiring adaptability to support peak business periods.
🎯Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Retail / Arts & Crafts. Michaels is the leading creative destination in North America, offering a wide range of art supplies, crafting materials, and custom framing services. The industry is focused on enabling creativity and providing resources for artistic expression.
Company Size: Large (10,001+ employees globally). As a large retailer, Michaels offers structure and established processes, while the custom framing department within the store operates as a more specialized, hands-on team.
Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a deep-rooted presence in the arts and crafts community.
Team Structure:
- This role is part of the store team, reporting to a store manager or department manager.
- Within the custom framing department (Artistree), you will likely work closely with other framers and sales associates.
- Collaboration with other store departments is necessary for overall store operations and customer service.
Methodology:
- Emphasis on customer consultation and understanding their vision for their artwork.
- Application of established custom framing processes and quality standards.
- Focus on efficient production and timely completion of framing orders.
Company Website: https://www.michaels.com
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: This is an entry-level role, serving as a foundational step for individuals interested in custom framing, visual arts, or retail management within a creative environment. It offers practical experience in design application, material handling, and customer interaction within a specialized creative service.
Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer typically reports to a Custom Framing Manager or Store Manager, providing a direct line for guidance and performance feedback within the store's operational hierarchy.
Design Impact: While primarily a service and production role, the Custom Framer's design recommendations and quality of work directly impact customer satisfaction and the presentation of valuable artwork, contributing to the company's reputation as a creative destination.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the custom framing department to roles with more responsibility, such as Lead Framer or Framing Manager, focusing on technical skill development and team leadership.
- Opportunities to move into other roles within the Michaels store structure, such as department management or visual merchandising, leveraging retail and customer service experience.
- Potential for growth within the broader company, including corporate roles in areas like merchandising, training, or operations, particularly for those with demonstrated leadership and business acumen.
🌐 Work Environment
Studio Type: Retail Store with a dedicated Custom Framing workshop area. The environment is a public retail setting, designed to be welcoming to customers.
Office Location(s): Stoney Creek-1779 Stone Church Rd E, Unit 2, Canada. The work is performed on-site within the store location.
Design Workspace Context:
- The Custom Framing area is a dedicated space within the retail store, equipped with specialized tools and materials for framing.
- It is a hands-on environment requiring precision and attention to detail while working with framing equipment and delicate artwork.
- Interaction with customers occurs directly within this workspace as you assist them with their framing needs.
Work Schedule: Part-time hours, requiring flexibility for nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings to align with store operating hours and customer traffic patterns. The schedule will likely be variable based on business needs.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process: The interview process for this role will likely focus on assessing your customer service skills, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and potentially your interest in art and creativity. It may include:
- An initial screening interview (phone or in-person) to discuss your experience and interest.
- An in-person interview with the Store Manager or Framing Manager, where you may be asked about your problem-solving skills and how you handle customer interactions.
- A potential hands-on assessment or demonstration of basic measuring or handling of materials, depending on the interviewer's approach.
Portfolio Review Tips: While a formal portfolio isn't required, if you choose to share examples of your creative work, focus on:
- Presenting clear photos or examples of your projects.
- Briefly explaining your process and the techniques you used.
- Highlighting any projects that demonstrate precision, attention to detail, or working with different materials.
Challenge Preparation: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common customer service scenarios and demonstrate your ability to follow instructions accurately. Practice basic measurement techniques if you are not already comfortable with them.
ATS Keywords: Customer Service, Custom Framing, Retail, Art, Crafts, Measuring, Cash Handling, Sales, Visual Merchandising, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Communication, Teamwork, Creative, Hands-on, Materials Handling, Retail Operations.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- Mat Cutters: Used for precisely cutting mat board windows to frame artwork.
- Glass Cutters: Essential for cutting glass or acrylic glazing to fit frames.
- Heat Press/Mounting Equipment: Used for mounting artwork onto backing boards.
- Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and specialized framing rulers for accurate measurements.
Collaboration & Handoff:
- Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer orders and payments.
- Internal Communication Systems: For communicating with colleagues and managers within the store.
Research & Testing:
- Product Catalogs and Samples: Used to show customers different framing options (moulding, mat board colors, etc.).
- Customer Consultation: The primary method for understanding customer needs and testing design ideas.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Design Values: Michaels' culture emphasizes fueling the joy of creativity. For the custom framing team, this translates to:
- Helping customers preserve and display their cherished artwork, contributing to their personal creative journey.
- Taking pride in the craftsmanship and quality of the finished product.
- Providing expert guidance and creative solutions to meet individual customer needs.
- Working collaboratively to ensure a positive customer experience and efficient workflow.
Collaboration Style:
- Close collaboration within the custom framing team to manage orders, share knowledge, and support each other.
- Interaction with other store team members to assist customers and maintain store standards.
- Direct and frequent communication with customers to ensure their framing vision is realized.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Balancing customer design preferences with practical framing considerations (e.g., preservation, structural integrity).
- Working with a variety of artwork types and sizes, each requiring a unique framing approach.
- Managing multiple orders simultaneously and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Troubleshooting issues that arise during the framing process and finding effective solutions.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Hands-on training in custom framing techniques and equipment operation.
- Opportunities to learn about different framing materials, their properties, and best uses.
- Skill development in customer consultation and sales within a creative service context.
- Potential for cross-training in other areas of the store or specialized crafting techniques.
💡 Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions: While not a traditional design role, be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving and completing tasks accurately. Questions might include:
- Describe a time you had to be very precise in your work.
- How do you ensure accuracy when following instructions?
- Tell me about a time you helped someone find a creative solution.
Company Culture Questions: Show your enthusiasm for creativity and customer service. Consider questions like:
- What do you enjoy about helping people with their creative projects?
- How do you handle difficult customer interactions?
- What interests you about working at Michaels and in the custom framing department?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy: If you bring creative examples, be ready to briefly and enthusiastically talk about them. Focus on the process and the skills involved (e.g., attention to detail, working with materials).
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this design position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Review your resume to ensure it highlights any experience with customer service, retail, hands-on work, or creative hobbies.
- Prepare to discuss your interest in art, crafting, or custom framing during the interview.
- Gather any informal examples of creative work you are comfortable sharing and be prepared to talk about your process.
- Research Michaels and the types of products and services they offer, particularly in the custom framing department.