part-time Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: part-time Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Santa Ana-3921 S Bristol St, United States of America

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Custom Framing / Retail Design Support

Date Posted: June 13, 2025

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Engage directly with customers to understand their framing needs and provide personalized design consultations for custom framing solutions.
• Execute the technical process of custom framing, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and timely completion of projects.
• Maintain the organization and presentation of the ready-made frame department, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing and functional retail environment for customers.
• Support overall store operations by assisting customers, processing transactions, and contributing to a safe and clean workspace.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Company programs to ensure compliance to applicable laws and requirements; execute Company policies and standards.
• Embrace and execute personal designer by using Elevated ABC Deliver to build relationships with all customers while creating Custom Framing solutions. * deliver sales and production results.
• Complete framing orders with a high degree of quality and on time.
• Maintain the ready made frame department and other assigned areas including SISO and Directed Replenishment.
• Deliver friendly customer service; help customers shop and find what they are looking for; provide a well merchandised and in-stock store for the customer to shop.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs.
• Support shrink and safety programs.
• Interacts with others in an accepting and respectful manner; remains positive and respectful, even in difficult situations; promotes commitment to the organization’s vision and values; projects a positive image and serves as a role model for others.
• Participate in the truck un-load and stocking processes to ensure truck standards are followed and completed within budget.
• Operate cash register and execute cash handling to standards.
• Acknowledge customers, help locate product and provide solutions.
• Assist with Omni channel processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient for this role, with a focus on creative arts or design being beneficial but not explicitly required.

Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience is required. Experience in retail, customer service, or a creative/design-related field is preferred. A portfolio is not a standard requirement for this level, but demonstrating creative aptitude or past project examples during an interview could be advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for order processing and system navigation.
• Basic measuring skills for accurate framing work and material calculation.
• Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutter safely and effectively.
• Strong customer service skills for engaging with customers and providing assistance.
• Ability to work effectively within a team retail environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, particularly in a customer-facing role.
• Experience in sales, specifically selling products and/or services to customers.
• Basic design principles knowledge (color theory, composition) for providing framing consultation.
• Problem-solving skills to address customer needs and framing challenges.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal design portfolio is not typically required for this retail framing position, demonstrating examples of personal creative projects or successful framing consultations during the interview process could be beneficial.
• Be prepared to discuss how you approach design decisions when helping customers choose framing options (e.g., material selection, color choices, matting).
• Highlight any experience with visual merchandising or creating appealing displays.
• If you have experience with digital design tools, mention how that might inform your understanding of visual aesthetics, although this is not a primary focus.

Process Documentation:

• Be ready to explain your process for understanding a customer's vision for their artwork and translating that into a suitable framing solution.
• Discuss how you ensure accuracy in measurements and material selection for framing projects.
• Describe your approach to handling customer requests and ensuring their satisfaction with the final framed piece.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.50 - $20.60 per hour. This range is provided by the employer and is competitive for a part-time retail position in the Santa Ana, California area, considering the cost of living and minimum wage standards in the region.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision) - Available for eligible part-time team members.
• Paid Time Off - Accrual based on hours worked, providing flexibility.
• Tuition Assistance - Support for continuing education and skill development.
• Generous Employee Discounts - Significant discounts on Michaels products, beneficial for creative individuals.
• Additional benefits may be available; refer to mikbenefits.com for full details.

Working Hours: Part-time hours, which may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, typical for a retail environment. The schedule will likely be flexible but require availability during peak customer hours. This structure allows for potential creative pursuits outside of work.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail / Arts & Crafts. Michaels is North America's leading creative destination, focusing on providing supplies and services for various creative pursuits, including custom framing.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (LinkedIn). As a large retail chain, Michaels offers a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for internal movement.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a strong brand presence and a focus on fostering creativity.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the in-store team, likely reporting to a Framing Manager or Store Manager.
• Collaboration with other store associates is essential for customer service and operational tasks.
• Interaction with the Artistree manufacturing division (owned by Michaels) may occur indirectly through ordering and receiving custom framing materials.

Methodology:

• Customer consultation and needs assessment is the initial step in the framing process.
• Utilizing design principles to recommend framing options based on the artwork and customer preferences.
• Precise measurement and cutting of materials (matting, glass, frame).
• Assembly of the final framed piece, ensuring quality and accuracy.
• Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all framing and retail tasks.

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

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Entry to Junior Level within a retail/craft service context. This role is focused on executing framing services and providing basic design consultation, serving as a foundation for developing skills in customer interaction, technical framing, and visual presentation.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Framing Manager, Department Lead, or Store Management, working closely with other store team members.

Design Impact: The primary design impact is on individual customer projects, helping them enhance and preserve their artwork through thoughtful framing choices. Success in this role directly contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty within the custom framing department.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the framing department to roles with more responsibility, such as Lead Framer or Framing Manager.
• Opportunities to develop deeper expertise in framing techniques, materials, and design consultation.
• Potential to transition into other roles within the Michaels retail structure or corporate teams, including visual merchandising or customer service leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Retail Store Setting with a dedicated Custom Framing area. The public areas are climate-controlled, while some stock rooms may not be. The framing area contains specialized equipment.

Office Location(s): Santa Ana-3921 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA. This is a specific retail store location, requiring on-site presence.

Design Workspace Context:

• The framing workspace is a blend of a design consultation area and a workshop for cutting and assembling frames.
• Access to various frame samples, matting options, and glass types for customer selection.
• Requires comfort working with tools and equipment such as glass cutters and heat presses.
• Interaction occurs primarily with customers and fellow store associates.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with hours that may include nights, weekends, and early mornings to align with retail operating hours. Flexibility in scheduling is common in retail environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial application submission through the company's Workday ATS.
• Likely involves one or more interviews with the Framing Manager or Store Management.
• Interviews will assess customer service skills, basic math and measuring abilities, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.
• Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience in retail, crafting, or design-related hobbies.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't required, be prepared to talk about any creative projects you've completed or your approach to visual aesthetics.
• If you have images of past framing projects (personal or professional), having them available to share during the interview could be impactful, focusing on the "before and after" and the design choices made.
• Be able to articulate your process for helping someone choose framing options, emphasizing how you meet their needs and enhance the artwork.

Challenge Preparation:

• You might be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a hypothetical framing scenario.
• Be prepared to answer questions about handling challenging customer interactions or resolving issues with an order.
• Familiarize yourself with basic color theory and how different matting and frame styles can affect the appearance of artwork.

ATS Keywords: Framing, Custom Framing, Retail, Customer Service, Sales, Measuring, Glass Cutter, Heat Press, Basic Computer Skills, Art Supplies, Crafting, Visual Merchandising, Problem Solving, Communication, Teamwork, Part-time, Santa Ana, California, Michaels Stores.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Manual Framing Equipment: Including mat cutters, glass cutters, and frame joiners, requiring manual dexterity and precision.
• Heat Press: Used for mounting and laminating artwork.
• Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and potentially digital measuring devices for accurate work.
• Computer System: For order entry, inventory management (SISO, Directed Replenishment), and processing transactions.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Direct Communication: Collaboration with customers to understand needs and present options.
• Team Communication: Working with other store associates to ensure smooth operations and customer assistance.
• Order Forms/Systems: Documenting customer specifications and order details for execution.

Research & Testing:

• Customer Consultation: Gathering requirements and preferences directly from the customer.
• Visual Assessment: Evaluating artwork to recommend appropriate framing solutions.
• Quality Check: Inspecting finished pieces for accuracy and quality before customer pickup.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Fueling the Joy of Creativity: Aligning with Michaels' core purpose by helping customers bring their creative visions to life through framing.
• Personal Designer Approach: Empowering employees to act as design consultants for customers, building relationships and providing tailored solutions.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Emphasizing attention to detail and precision in executing framing orders.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and providing friendly, helpful service throughout the framing process.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborating with other store departments to assist customers and maintain store standards.
• Customer Engagement: Working directly with customers in a consultative and collaborative manner to select framing options.
• Team Support: Assisting colleagues with various tasks, including stocking and truck unloading.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Balancing customer preferences with practical framing considerations and material availability.
• Providing creative solutions while adhering to established framing techniques and quality standards.
• Managing multiple customer requests and framing projects simultaneously, requiring good organization and time management.
• Staying updated on new framing materials, techniques, and design trends to offer fresh perspectives to customers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-job training in framing techniques and equipment operation.
• Opportunities to develop expertise in different types of framing (e.g., conservation framing, shadow boxes).
• Skill development in customer service, sales, and design consultation.
• Potential for cross-training in other areas of the store or advancement into leadership roles within the framing department or store management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe your process for helping a customer choose the right framing for their artwork. How do you approach understanding their vision and recommending options? (Prepare to discuss your consultative approach.)
• Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem or overcome a challenge during a creative project. How did you approach it? (Highlight problem-solving and adaptability.)
• How do you ensure precision and attention to detail in your work, particularly when dealing with measurements and materials? (Emphasize accuracy and quality focus.)

Company Culture Questions:

• What does "fueling the joy of creativity" mean to you, and how would you embody this in your role as a Framer at Michaels? (Connect with the company's purpose.)
• How do you approach working as part of a team, and how would you collaborate with your colleagues to ensure a positive customer experience? (Discuss teamwork and interpersonal skills.)
• How do you handle difficult customer interactions or situations where a customer is not satisfied? (Demonstrate customer service and conflict resolution skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have personal creative projects or examples of framing work, select a few pieces that demonstrate your eye for detail, ability to work with materials, or understanding of visual composition.
• When discussing your examples, focus on the "why" behind your design choices and the process you followed.
• Be prepared to verbally walk through your approach to a hypothetical framing scenario presented during the interview.

📌 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, crafting, or roles requiring precision and attention to detail. Use keywords from the ATS Keywords list.
• Prepare to discuss your interest in creativity and how you can help customers achieve their framing goals.
• Research Michaels' brand and their commitment to creativity and customer service to demonstrate alignment with their values.