Part-Time Picture Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Picture Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Orleans-4220 Innes Rd Unit 2, Canada

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Custom Framing / Retail Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-07T00:00:00

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Engage directly with customers to understand their artistic vision and framing needs, providing expert design consultation for custom framing solutions.
• Execute high-quality picture framing services, ensuring precision in measurements, cutting, joining, and finishing techniques according to established standards.
• Maintain the visual merchandising and organization of the ready-made frame department, contributing to an inspiring and accessible retail environment for creative projects.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, assisting shoppers in finding materials and providing creative guidance to enhance their crafting and framing endeavors.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Provide personalized design consultations to customers, advising on matting, frame styles, glass options, and overall aesthetic to create custom framing solutions that complement their artwork or memorabilia.
• Accurately measure and cut framing materials, including matboard, glass, and frame moulding, using specialized framing equipment and tools while adhering to safety protocols.
• Assemble framing packages, including fitting artwork, mounting, joining frame corners, and applying finishing touches to ensure a professional and durable final product.
• Process custom framing orders within specified timelines, managing workload and prioritizing tasks to meet production goals and customer delivery expectations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe framing workspace and retail area, including the ready-made frame department, ensuring materials are stocked and displayed effectively.
• Operate the cash register and handle customer transactions accurately, processing payments and returns according to company procedures.
• Assist with store operations, including receiving and stocking merchandise, participating in truck unloads, and supporting Omni channel order fulfillment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred. While formal design education is not required, a passion for art, design, and creative projects is highly beneficial.

Experience: Entry-level position with 0-2 years of experience. Previous retail experience or experience in a creative or craft-related field is preferred. Experience in a framing environment is a significant asset but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for order entry and system navigation.
• Accurate measuring skills using rulers, tape measures, and potentially specialized framing tools.
• Ability to safely operate framing equipment, including mat cutters, glass cutters, and frame joiners (training may be provided).
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity for precise cutting and assembly work.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, particularly in a customer-facing role.
• Experience selling products and/or services directly to customers.
• Basic understanding of design principles, color theory, and visual composition as they relate to framing and artwork presentation.
• Problem-solving skills to address customer needs and framing challenges effectively.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal design portfolio is not typically required for this role, candidates are encouraged to share examples of personal creative projects, especially those involving crafts, art, or DIY framing, during the interview process.
• If you have previous framing experience, be prepared to discuss specific examples of custom framing projects you have completed, highlighting the design decisions made and the techniques used.
• Be ready to articulate your creative process for personal projects, explaining how you approach design challenges and bring ideas to life.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how framing enhances and protects artwork or objects, showcasing an appreciation for the craft.

Process Documentation:

• For any creative projects you share, be prepared to walk through your process, from initial concept or inspiration to the final execution.
• Discuss how you might approach understanding a customer's framing needs, from initial conversation to recommending specific design elements.
• Explain how you ensure precision and quality in your creative work, relating it to the importance of accuracy in framing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on typical part-time retail positions in the Orleans, Ontario area and considering the entry-level nature of the role, the estimated hourly wage is likely in the range of CAD $16.55 to $18.50 per hour. This estimate is based on current minimum wage laws in Ontario (CAD $16.55 as of Oct 1, 2024) and typical entry-level retail wages in the region, factoring in the specialized skill of framing. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and company policy.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision) - Specific coverage details for part-time employees should be verified with the company.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - Accrual rates and eligibility for part-time team members.
• Tuition Assistance - Opportunities for financial support for education or training, potentially applicable to design or craft-related courses.
• Generous Employee Discounts - Significant discounts on Michaels merchandise, including framing supplies, art materials, and craft items, supporting personal creative pursuits.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Specific hours will vary based on store needs and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility in scheduling is often required in retail environments to accommodate peak business hours and seasonal demands.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail / Arts & Crafts / Creative Services

Company Size: Large (10,001+ employees globally)

Founded: 1973

Team Structure:

• Picture Framers typically work within the Custom Framing department of a Michaels store, reporting to a Framing Manager or Store Manager.
• The framing team collaborates closely to manage workload, share best practices, and ensure quality and efficiency in order fulfillment.
• Framers also interact frequently with other store team members in departments like art supplies, craft materials, and customer service to assist shoppers.

Methodology:

• Framing work follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for measurement, cutting, assembly, and quality control to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Customer consultations involve understanding client needs, providing design recommendations, and utilizing company systems for order entry and material selection.
• Emphasis is placed on delivering high-quality craftsmanship and timely completion of custom orders.

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

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Entry-level position focused on developing technical framing skills and customer service abilities within a retail design context.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Custom Framing Manager or Store Manager.

Design Impact: Directly impacts customer satisfaction and the presentation of their valued artwork and memorabilia through skilled framing design and execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to develop advanced framing techniques and become proficient with a wider range of materials and complex framing projects.
• Potential for increased hours and responsibility within the framing department, potentially leading to a full-time position.
• Opportunities to cross-train in other areas of the store, expanding retail and customer service skills.
• Potential for advancement into a Framing Manager or Assistant Store Manager role with proven performance and leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Retail store environment with a dedicated Custom Framing department/workshop.

Office Location(s): Orleans-4220 Innes Rd Unit 2, Orleans, Ontario, Canada.

Design Workspace Context:

• The framing department is a specialized area within the retail store, equipped with tools and machinery for cutting and assembling frames.
• It serves as both a production area and a consultation space for customers.
• The environment requires adherence to safety protocols due to the use of sharp tools and machinery.

Work Schedule: Part-time schedule with variable hours, including evenings and weekends, typical of a retail environment. The schedule is designed to meet customer demand during peak shopping times.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial application review focusing on retail experience, customer service skills, and any relevant craft or framing background.
• Potential phone screening to assess basic qualifications and availability.
• In-person interview(s) with the Store Manager and/or Framing Manager. Be prepared to discuss your interest in framing, customer service approach, and ability to follow instructions and procedures.
• Expect questions about problem-solving, working in a team, and handling customer interactions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While not a formal portfolio review, be ready to verbally describe any personal creative projects or experiences that demonstrate your attention to detail, manual dexterity, and passion for crafts or art.
• If you have prior framing experience, be prepared to discuss specific projects, the techniques used, and the design choices made.
• Focus on articulating your process and problem-solving skills, which are highly relevant to custom framing.

Challenge Preparation:

• There may not be a formal design challenge, but you could be asked about how you would handle a specific customer framing request or problem.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would measure accurately or approach a task requiring precision.
• Familiarize yourself with basic framing terminology and components (e.g., matboard, glass types, moulding styles).

ATS Keywords: Custom Framing, Picture Framing, Retail, Customer Service, Sales, Craft, Art, Design Consultation, Measuring, Cutting, Assembly, Matting, Glass Cutting, Frame Joining, Visual Merchandising, Stocking, Cash Handling, POS Systems, Problem Solving, Communication, Teamwork, Manual Dexterity, Attention to Detail, Art Supplies, Creative Services.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Mat Cutters: Used for precisely cutting matboard to specified dimensions and openings. Proficiency in using both manual and potentially computerized mat cutters is valuable.
• Glass Cutters: Essential for safely and accurately cutting glass to fit frames. Requires careful handling and technique.
• Frame Joiners / Underpinners: Tools used to join the corners of frame moulding securely and discreetly.
• Various hand tools: Including measuring tapes, rulers, utility knives, pliers, and other tools used for assembly and finishing.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Internal Point of Sale (POS) and Order Entry Systems: Used to process custom framing orders, record measurements, material selections, and pricing.
• Communication with team members: Collaborating with other framers and store staff to ensure smooth workflow and customer service.

Research & Testing:

• Customer Consultation: Gathering requirements and preferences from customers through detailed discussions to inform design choices.
• Material Knowledge: Understanding the properties and aesthetic qualities of various matboards, frame mouldings, and glass types to make appropriate recommendations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Fueling the Joy of Creativity: Embracing Michaels' core purpose by helping customers realize their creative visions through custom framing.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Commitment to producing high-quality, precise, and durable framing solutions.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing customer needs and providing personalized design consultations to ensure satisfaction.
• Attention to Detail: Valuing precision and accuracy in all aspects of the framing process.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaborative Team Environment: Working closely with other framers and store team members to support each other and ensure efficient operations.
• Open Communication: Sharing knowledge, best practices, and feedback within the framing department.
• Cross-Functional Support: Assisting other departments as needed and contributing to the overall positive store environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Balancing speed and precision: Efficiently completing orders while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy in cutting and assembly.
• Addressing complex framing requests: Working with unusual artwork sizes, materials, or customer specifications that require creative problem-solving and advanced techniques.
• Staying updated on framing trends: Learning about new materials, techniques, and design styles in the framing industry.
• Managing workload during peak periods: Juggling multiple orders and customer consultations during busy seasons while maintaining composure and quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-job training to develop proficiency in using framing equipment and mastering various framing techniques.
• Opportunities to learn about different types of art, preservation methods, and design principles through exposure to customer projects.
• Potential for internal training programs related to customer service, sales, and retail operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe a time you had to complete a task requiring high precision. How did you ensure accuracy? (Relates to cutting and assembly)
• Tell me about a time you helped someone choose something creative or solved a problem related to a craft or art project. (Relates to customer consultation and design)
• How do you approach learning a new skill, especially one that requires using tools or machinery? (Relates to operating framing equipment)

Company Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in working at Michaels and specifically in the framing department? (Demonstrates interest in the company and role)
• How do you ensure a positive experience for every customer you interact with? (Focuses on customer service, a key aspect)
• Describe a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal. (Highlights collaboration skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• As mentioned, a formal portfolio isn't typically needed. Instead, be prepared to verbally share examples of personal creative projects, highlighting your process, attention to detail, and passion for making things.
• If you have relevant experience, be ready to discuss specific framing projects and the steps you took from start to finish.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your resume to highlight any retail experience, customer service roles, or involvement in crafts, art, or DIY projects, using relevant keywords.
• Prepare to discuss your interest in custom framing and your understanding of the importance of attention to detail and quality in this craft during the interview.
• Research Michaels as a company, understanding their focus on creativity and their position in the arts and crafts retail market.