📍 Job Overview
Job Title: PT Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Kirkland-9755 NE Juanita Dr, Kirkland, WA, United States of America
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: Framing / Retail Design
Date Posted: June 10, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site
🎨 Role Summary
- Engage customers to understand their framing needs and provide personalized design solutions for their artwork and keepsakes.
- Execute custom framing orders with precision, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and timely completion according to design specifications and customer expectations.
- Maintain the framing workspace and retail areas, including the ready-made frame department, ensuring a clean, organized, and visually appealing environment for customers.
- Contribute actively to sales and production targets by effectively communicating design options, material choices, and the value of custom framing services.
🖼️ Primary Responsibilities
- Build strong customer relationships by actively listening to their framing requirements and offering expert design recommendations for their art.
- Utilize framing design principles and product knowledge to create custom framing solutions that complement the artwork and meet customer preferences.
- Operate framing equipment and tools safely and effectively to cut materials, assemble frames, and mount artwork according to established quality standards and design specifications.
- Manage the framing order workflow, from initial consultation and design selection through production and final customer pickup, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Assist customers throughout the store, providing design inspiration and guidance on framing and other creative projects, contributing to a positive shopping experience.
- Maintain the visual merchandising standards of the framing department and surrounding areas, ensuring displays are appealing and products are easily accessible.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. While not explicitly stated, experience or coursework in art, design, or a related creative field can be beneficial for understanding color theory, composition, and design principles relevant to framing.
Experience: Entry-level position requiring 0-2 years of experience. Previous experience in retail, customer service, or a creative field where attention to detail and manual dexterity were important is preferred. Experience involving hands-on creative work or design consultation is highly relevant and should be highlighted in a portfolio or resume.
Required Skills:
- Basic computer proficiency for order entry, inventory management, and accessing design software or tools.
- Fundamental measuring skills for accurate cutting and assembly of framing materials.
- Ability to learn and safely operate framing equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively consult with customers and understand their design needs.
- Attention to detail and precision for executing framing designs and maintaining quality standards.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced retail environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous retail experience, particularly in a creative or craft-focused store.
- Experience in sales, with the ability to recommend products and services based on customer needs and design preferences.
- Basic understanding of design principles, color theory, and composition as they relate to framing and artwork presentation.
- Problem-solving skills to address customer concerns and find appropriate framing solutions.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
While a formal design portfolio might not be a strict requirement for an entry-level framing role, demonstrating creative aptitude and attention to detail is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss past projects or experiences that showcase their manual dexterity, precision, and creative problem-solving skills.
Portfolio Essentials:
- If available, include examples of personal creative projects that demonstrate attention to detail and craftsmanship, such as crafting, art pieces, or small DIY projects.
- Highlight any experience working with tools or materials that require precision and manual skill.
- Showcase any instances where you helped others with creative projects or provided design advice.
- If you have prior framing experience, include examples of completed framing projects, focusing on the quality of the work and the design choices made.
Process Documentation:
- For any creative projects presented, be prepared to discuss your process, from initial concept or inspiration to the final execution.
- Explain the steps you took, the materials you used, and any challenges you encountered and how you overcame them.
- Articulate the design decisions you made and the rationale behind them, even for simple projects.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $16.75 - $19.70 per hour. This range reflects the part-time nature and entry-level experience level for a retail position in the Kirkland, WA area. The actual rate within this range will likely depend on factors such as prior relevant experience, specific skills demonstrated during the interview process, and potentially the volume or complexity of framing work the candidate can handle.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support overall well-being.
- Paid Time Off: Earned time off to support work-life balance.
- Tuition Assistance: Opportunities for financial support for continuing education, which could include coursework relevant to art, design, or retail management.
- Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products, including framing materials and supplies, encouraging personal creative pursuits and product knowledge.
Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Specific working hours will vary based on business needs and employee availability, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, which are common in a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is often a key aspect of part-time retail roles.
🎯Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Retail (Specialty Retail - Arts, Crafts, and Framing). Michaels is a leading retailer in the creative industry, providing materials and services for a wide range of artistic and crafting pursuits, including custom framing.
Company Size: Large (10,001+ employees globally, with over 1,300 stores). Working for a large retail chain like Michaels means being part of a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for learning within a broad network.
Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long history in the arts and crafts retail space, establishing itself as a key destination for creative individuals.
Team Structure:
- Framers typically work within the store team, reporting to a store manager or a designated department manager.
- Collaboration with other store associates is essential for providing comprehensive customer service and maintaining the overall store environment.
- Interaction with the Artistree manufacturing division (owned by Michaels) may occur in terms of understanding product availability and technical specifications for custom orders.
Methodology:
- Customer consultation involves understanding the artwork, the customer's aesthetic preferences, and the intended display environment to design appropriate framing solutions.
- Framing production follows established procedures and quality control measures to ensure consistent and high-quality results.
- Retail operations involve standard processes for customer service, sales transactions, inventory management, and store maintenance.
Company Website: www.michaels.com
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: Entry-Level Framing and Retail Design Associate. This role is focused on developing foundational framing skills, design consultation abilities, and customer service expertise within a retail setting.
Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Store Manager or a dedicated Framing Department Manager, depending on the store's size and structure.
Design Impact: While not a traditional digital design role, the Framer directly impacts the presentation and preservation of customers' artwork. Their design recommendations and execution quality significantly influence customer satisfaction and the perceived value of their framed pieces. They act as design consultants for individual customers.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the framing department to a Lead Framer or Framing Manager position, taking on more complex projects and supervisory responsibilities.
- Opportunities to move into other roles within the retail store, such as a Department Manager or Assistant Store Manager, leveraging customer service and operational skills.
- Potential for growth within the broader Michaels organization, including roles in merchandising, training, or corporate functions, depending on interests and qualifications.
🌐 Work Environment
Studio Type: Retail Store Environment with a dedicated Framing Department/Studio. The primary workspace is within a public retail store, interacting directly with customers and other store associates. The framing area is often a semi-enclosed or designated space within the store.
Office Location(s): The specific location is the Michaels store at Kirkland-9755 NE Juanita Dr, Kirkland, WA. The work is entirely on-site at this retail location.
Design Workspace Context:
- The framing workspace contains specialized equipment like glass cutters, mat cutters, and a heat press.
- It is a hands-on environment requiring the use of tools and working with various materials like wood, metal, glass, and matboard.
- Collaboration with colleagues is frequent, whether assisting customers, receiving deliveries, or maintaining the workspace.
Work Schedule: Part-time, with hours varying based on the store's operating hours and business needs. This includes working during peak retail periods, evenings, and weekends. The nature of retail work requires flexibility in scheduling.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
The application process for a part-time Framer role at Michaels typically involves submitting an online application. The review process will likely focus on assessing basic skills, customer service potential, and reliability. For this role, demonstrating an interest in creative work and attention to detail will be beneficial.
Design Interview Process:
- Initial screening, potentially a phone or video call, to assess basic qualifications and interest in the role.
- In-person interview at the store location with a Store Manager or Hiring Manager.
- The interview may include questions about past work experience, customer interaction scenarios, and potentially a brief assessment of measuring or basic manual skills.
- Discussion about availability and understanding of the part-time retail schedule.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- While a formal portfolio isn't mandatory, be prepared to discuss any personal creative projects or experiences that highlight your manual skills, attention to detail, and creativity.
- Bring photos of projects you've worked on, if applicable, especially anything involving crafting, building, or precise assembly.
- Be ready to articulate your process and the care you took in completing these projects.
Challenge Preparation:
- Be prepared for potential questions related to handling customer requests, dealing with challenging situations, and demonstrating patience and problem-solving skills.
- Brush up on basic math and measuring skills, as these are essential for accurate framing.
- Consider how you would approach helping a customer choose the right framing options for their artwork.
ATS Keywords: Customer Service, Framing, Retail, Sales, Cash Handling, Basic Computer Skills, Measuring Skills, Art, Crafts, Custom Framing, Problem Solving, Communication, Teamwork, Attention to Detail, Manual Dexterity, Creative, Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
While not a software-heavy role, the Framer utilizes specific tools and potentially internal systems.
Primary Design Tools:
- Mat Cutter: Used for precisely cutting matboard to the desired size and shape for framing. Skill in operating different types of mat cutters (e.g., manual, computerized) is beneficial.
- Glass Cutter: Essential tool for cutting glass or acrylic glazing to fit the frame. Requires precision and safety awareness.
- Frame Joining Equipment: Tools like underpinners or joiners used to assemble the frame corners securely.
- Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and sometimes digital measuring devices for accurate measurements of artwork, matboard, and glass.
Collaboration & Handoff:
- Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer orders, including custom framing details, pricing, and payment.
- Internal Order Tracking System: Likely a system used to manage the status of framing orders, track materials, and communicate with production facilities (like Artistree).
- Communication Tools: In-store communication systems (e.g., radios, internal messaging) for coordinating with colleagues and management.
Research & Testing:
- Product Catalogs & Samples: Utilizing physical samples of frame moldings, matboards, and glazing options to help customers visualize and select materials.
- Design Guides & Resources: Internal resources and guides on framing techniques, design principles, and conservation methods.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Michaels' stated purpose is "to fuel the joy of creativity" and their slogan is "Everything to create anything." This suggests a company culture that values creativity, customer service, and providing resources for artistic expression. In a retail store setting, the team culture likely emphasizes collaboration, customer focus, and a shared passion for arts and crafts.
Design Values:
- Customer-Centric Design: Focusing on understanding individual customer needs and preferences to create personalized framing solutions that enhance their artwork.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Committing to executing framing orders with precision and attention to detail to ensure a high-quality finished product.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Finding innovative ways to frame challenging or unusual artwork and meeting unique customer requests.
- Enthusiasm for Creativity: Sharing a passion for arts and crafts, inspiring customers, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the framing department.
Collaboration Style:
- Inter-Team Collaboration: Working closely with other store associates to provide seamless customer service and support overall store operations.
- Customer Collaboration: Engaging customers in a collaborative design process to select the best framing options for their needs and budget.
- Knowledge Sharing: Learning from and sharing best practices with fellow framers and colleagues in the store.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Balancing Aesthetics and Conservation: Advising customers on framing choices that not only look good but also properly preserve their artwork, especially for valuable or sentimental pieces.
- Working with Diverse Artwork: Handling a wide variety of art types, sizes, and mediums, each requiring a unique framing approach and technical considerations.
- Meeting Tight Deadlines: Managing multiple framing orders simultaneously and ensuring timely completion, especially during peak seasons.
- Educating Customers: Clearly explaining technical framing terms, material options, and the benefits of custom framing to customers who may be unfamiliar with the process.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn more complex framing methods, such as conservation framing, object framing, or handling oversized artwork.
- Material Knowledge: Deepening knowledge of different frame moldings, matboards, glazing options, and their properties.
- Sales and Design Training: Receiving training on sales techniques, design principles for framing, and customer consultation skills to become a more effective framing consultant.
💡 Interview Preparation
Preparing for an interview for a PT Framer role at Michaels involves demonstrating your reliability, customer service skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for creative work. Be ready to discuss how your skills and interests align with the responsibilities of a framer in a retail setting.
Design Process Questions:
- "Describe a time you helped someone with a creative project or offered design advice. What was your approach?" - Be prepared to discuss your process for understanding their needs and offering suggestions, highlighting your communication and problem-solving skills.
- "How would you approach helping a customer choose the right frame and mat for a specific piece of artwork?" - Explain your process for assessing the artwork, considering the customer's preferences, and recommending materials based on aesthetics and potentially conservation needs.
- "Tell me about a time you had to be very precise or detail-oriented in a task. What was the task and what was the outcome?" - Use an example that demonstrates your ability to work accurately and carefully, which is crucial for framing.
Company Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about working at Michaels and specifically in the framing department?" - Research Michaels and the role to articulate your genuine interest in the company's mission and the creative nature of the framing work.
- "How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment with direct customer interaction?" - Emphasize your ability to multitask, stay calm under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude while assisting customers.
- "Describe your experience working as part of a team. How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" - Highlight your collaboration skills and willingness to support colleagues.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- If you bring examples of personal projects, be prepared to briefly present them and explain your process, the materials used, and why you made certain creative choices.
- Focus on demonstrating your manual dexterity, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions or a design plan.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this design position:
- Submit your application through this link on the Michaels Stores careers portal.
- Carefully review the job description and tailor your resume and any application materials to highlight relevant skills, such as customer service, attention to detail, experience with tools, and any creative or crafting experience.
- Prepare to discuss your interest in framing and art, as well as your ability to work effectively in a retail environment with direct customer interaction.
- Research Michaels Stores, their products, and their custom framing services to demonstrate your understanding of the company and the role.