Part Time framer at Michaels Stores

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part Time Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Foothill Ranch, CA

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Custom Framing / Retail Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-11

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Engage with customers to understand their creative vision and framing needs, providing personalized design solutions.
Utilize custom framing design principles and technical skills to create high-quality, on-time framing projects.
Maintain a well-organized and visually appealing custom framing workspace and ready-made frame department.
Provide excellent customer service, assisting shoppers with product location and offering creative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core function of this role involves applying design principles (composition, color theory, material selection) within the context of custom framing. While it's a retail environment, the "personal designer" aspect and focus on "creating Custom Framing solutions" highlight the design-oriented nature. The experience level is estimated as Entry Level based on the "basic computer skills and basic measuring skills" requirement and preference for retail experience.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Build strong customer relationships through consultative design conversations to determine optimal framing solutions for various art pieces and keepsakes.
Execute custom framing orders with precision, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to production timelines.
Operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively to cut, assemble, and finish custom frames and mats.
Manage and maintain the ready-made frame department, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and ensuring product availability.
Provide friendly, knowledgeable customer service across the store, assisting customers in finding products and offering creative project ideas.
Adhere to company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for custom framing production, retail operations, and safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are detailed to reflect the dual nature of the role: customer interaction/design consultation and technical framing execution. Specific actions like "consultative design conversations" and "operating framing equipment" are inferred from the job title and description to provide a clearer picture of daily tasks beyond basic retail duties.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred, with an interest in creative arts, design, or craftsmanship.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience required. Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred. Experience in a custom framing or creative environment is a significant asset, demonstrating an understanding of materials and design application.

Required Skills:

Basic computer proficiency for order entry and system navigation.
Accurate measuring skills essential for precise cutting and assembly of framing components.
Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutter safely and effectively.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building customer relationships and providing design guidance.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy boxes and frames.

Preferred Skills:

Previous retail experience, demonstrating customer service and sales capabilities.
Experience selling products and/or services to customers, particularly in a creative or design-related field.
Basic knowledge of art materials, framing techniques, and design principles (color theory, composition).
Ability to assist with visual merchandising and maintaining department standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualifications are expanded to include the design and creative aspects relevant to framing. Education and experience requirements are clarified based on the listed skills and the typical entry points for such roles. Preferred skills highlight areas that would make a candidate stand out, particularly those demonstrating a flair for design and customer interaction in a creative context.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: While a formal portfolio isn't typically required for this role, demonstrating your creative aptitude during the interview is beneficial. Be prepared to discuss:

Examples of personal creative projects or crafts that showcase attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility.
Any experience you have with design, color selection, or material coordination, even in a personal capacity.
Instances where you've helped others with creative tasks or problem-solving.
Your understanding of visual presentation and creating appealing displays.

Process Documentation: Not explicitly required for this role's application, but be ready to talk about:

How you approach understanding someone's creative vision or needs.
Methods you might use to select appropriate materials or colors for a project.
Your process for ensuring accuracy and quality in a hands-on task.

📝 Enhancement Note: A formal design portfolio isn't a standard requirement for this type of retail framing role. This section is tailored to suggest how candidates can still demonstrate their creative potential and relevant skills through discussion and examples from personal projects or experiences, aligning with the "personal designer" aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.75 - $19.70 per hour. This range is explicitly stated in the job description and is competitive for a part-time retail position in the Foothill Ranch, CA area, considering the cost of living and minimum wage standards in California.

Benefits:

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision) - Available for part-time Team Members.
Paid Time Off - Accrual based on hours worked, providing flexibility.
Tuition Assistance - Support for continued education and skill development.
Generous Employee Discounts - Significant discounts on Michaels products, encouraging personal creativity and product knowledge.

Working Hours: Part-time hours, typically requiring flexibility including nights, weekends, and early mornings to support store operations and customer demand in the custom framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the job posting. Benefits are detailed as listed, highlighting those particularly appealing to individuals interested in creative pursuits (employee discounts, tuition assistance). Working hours are clarified as part-time with the expectation of flexibility common in retail environments.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail - Specializing in Arts, Crafts, and Custom Framing. Positioned as the leading creative destination in North America.

Company Size: Large, with over 10,001+ employees and over 1,300 stores.

Founded: 1973. A long-standing presence in the creative retail market.

Team Structure:

Part of a larger store team, reporting to store management.
Works closely with other framers and retail associates.
Cross-functional collaboration with various store departments to assist customers and maintain store standards.

Methodology:

Focus on delivering personalized "Custom Framing solutions" through customer interaction and design consultation.
Emphasis on adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both framing production and retail operations to ensure quality and efficiency.
Process involves understanding customer needs, recommending materials, executing the framing process, and ensuring timely completion.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is drawn from the provided data and general knowledge of Michaels Stores. The "Design Culture" is interpreted through the lens of providing creative solutions and fostering customer creativity within a retail framework. Team structure and methodology are based on typical retail store operations with a specific focus on the custom framing aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Entry-level position focused on developing fundamental framing skills, customer interaction, and retail operations within the custom framing department. This role serves as a practical entry point into the custom framing industry and retail design.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Custom Framing Manager or Store Manager, working closely with other members of the framing and store team.

Design Impact: Directly impacts customer satisfaction by providing personalized framing design recommendations and executing high-quality custom framing projects that preserve and enhance their art and memories.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential for advancement to Lead Framer or Custom Framing Manager roles with increased experience and demonstrated skill.
Opportunities to deepen knowledge in advanced framing techniques, materials, and design trends through on-the-job learning and potentially company training programs.
Development of valuable customer service, sales, and problem-solving skills applicable to various retail and creative fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth is analyzed based on typical retail structures and the specialized nature of the custom framing department. The "Design Impact" focuses on the direct influence on customer experience and the preservation of creative works. Growth opportunities highlight potential paths within Michaels' custom framing or retail management structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Retail Store Setting - The custom framing department is typically a dedicated area within the larger Michaels retail store.

Office Location(s): On-site at the specified store location: Foothill Ranch-26752 Portola Pkwy, Foothill Ranch, CA.

Design Workspace Context:

A dedicated custom framing area equipped with specialized tools and materials, including a glass cutter and heat press.
Includes space for customer consultations, design layout, and frame assembly.
Interaction with customers and other store team members is frequent.

Work Schedule: Part-time schedule requiring flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and potentially early mornings, as per retail operational needs. The schedule supports customer traffic patterns in the custom framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on a typical Michaels store layout, emphasizing the dedicated custom framing area and the tools found within it. The schedule details reflect the part-time, retail nature of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process: The interview process will likely focus on assessing your customer service skills, ability to follow procedures, basic math/measuring skills, and enthusiasm for creative work and helping customers. Be prepared for:

Discussion of your past customer service or retail experiences and how you handled challenging situations.
Questions about your attention to detail and ability to perform tasks accurately.
Discussion of your interest in art, crafts, or custom framing and how you would approach assisting customers with design choices.
Potential for a practical assessment of basic measuring or problem-solving skills related to fitting and assembly.

Portfolio Review Tips: A formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, focus on verbally conveying your relevant creative experiences and skills during the interview. Be ready to:

Describe personal creative projects that demonstrate your aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
Explain how you would help a customer choose the right frame or mat for their artwork.
Showcase your ability to listen to customer needs and provide helpful suggestions.

Challenge Preparation: While a formal design challenge is unlikely, be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to customer interactions, handling delicate artwork, or problem-solving common framing issues. Practice explaining measurements and basic arithmetic.

ATS Keywords: Customer Service, Framing, Custom Framing, Retail, Sales, Art, Crafts, Measuring, Basic Computer Skills, Cash Handling, Visual Merchandising, Teamwork, Communication, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Creative Solutions, Production, Quality Control, Inventory Management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is tailored to a retail/craftsmanship role rather than a traditional design position. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating practical skills, customer interaction abilities, and enthusiasm for the creative/framing process. ATS keywords are selected based on the job description and common retail/framing terminology.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Custom Framing Equipment: Including mat cutters, glass cutters, joiners, and heat presses for mounting artwork. Proficiency will be developed on the job.
Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and specialized framing measurement devices for precise work.
Computer System: Used for order entry, inventory lookup (SISO - Sellable Inventory, Stock on Hand), and processing transactions. Basic computer skills are required.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing customer transactions and order payments.
Internal Communication Tools: Likely involves in-person communication with team members and potentially internal messaging systems for coordination.

Research & Testing:

Product Catalogs and Samples: Used to show customers available framing options, materials, and styles.
Visual Displays: Utilizing samples and finished projects to help customers visualize potential framing solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" is adapted to the specific tools used in a custom framing retail setting, rather than digital design software. This includes physical equipment and systems for order processing and inventory. Proficiency with specialized framing tools will likely be learned on the job, but comfort with basic tools and computer systems is necessary.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Fueling the Joy of Creativity: Encouraging customers and team members to explore their creative potential through products and services like custom framing.
Creating Memorable Solutions: Focusing on delivering personalized and high-quality framing that customers will cherish.
Being Better Together: Emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support within the store environment to provide excellent customer service.
Accepting and Respectful Interaction: Fostering a positive and inclusive environment for both customers and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

Direct and in-person collaboration with fellow framers and store associates to manage workflow and assist customers.
Team-oriented approach to achieving store goals, including sales targets and operational standards.
Working closely with customers to understand their needs and collaborate on the best framing design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are derived from Michaels' stated purpose ("fuel the joy of creativity") and descriptions of employee interaction ("Interacts with others in an accepting and respectful manner"). These are framed within the context of the custom framing role, highlighting how these values translate to daily tasks and customer interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing customer design preferences with technical framing constraints and material availability.
Working efficiently to complete custom framing orders accurately and on time, especially during peak seasons.
Handling delicate or unique artwork that requires specialized framing techniques and careful handling.
Staying updated on new framing materials, techniques, and design trends to offer fresh solutions to customers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Hands-on training in custom framing techniques, equipment operation, and material selection.
Development of consultative sales and design skills through customer interaction and mentorship.
Opportunities to become proficient in various aspects of retail operations, including inventory management and visual merchandising.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the practical nature of custom framing in a retail setting, including technical constraints and customer interaction. Growth opportunities focus on the specific skills gained in this role, which are valuable within the framing industry and broader retail sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe a time you helped someone with a creative project or design choice. What was your approach? (Focus on listening and understanding needs.)
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail when working on a hands-on task? (Relate to measuring and assembly.)
Imagine a customer wants to frame an unusual item. How would you approach finding a solution? (Demonstrate problem-solving and creative thinking.)

Company Culture Questions:

What does "fueling the joy of creativity" mean to you, and how would you embody this in your role? (Connect to the company's purpose.)
How do you approach working as part of a team to achieve shared goals? (Discuss collaboration and mutual support.)
Describe a time you provided excellent customer service. What made it successful? (Showcase customer focus and positive interaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: Focus on storytelling about your creative experiences and how they relate to helping customers achieve their framing goals. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn and apply framing techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation advice are tailored to the retail and custom framing context. The focus is on behavioral questions that assess customer service, attention to detail, teamwork, and a genuine interest in creative work, rather than traditional design portfolio reviews.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Review the job description carefully and tailor your resume to highlight any relevant experience in customer service, retail, arts, crafts, or hands-on work that requires precision.
Prepare to discuss your interest in custom framing and how you enjoy helping others with their creative projects during the interview.
Research Michaels Stores and their custom framing services to understand their offerings and customer base.

⚠️ 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.

Part Time framer