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- Create frames for pictures, photographs or objects
- You'll need excellent practical skills and attention to detail
- Work for yourself or work as part of an established business or gallery
As a picture framer, you'll make frames to protect and display items like photographs, posters and pictures, certificates, and 3D objects like medals or football shirts.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Talking to customers about what they want
- Advising on the best colours, styles and materials for the mount and frame
- Working out costs and providing quotes and timescales for jobs
- Cutting glass and materials to the correct size
- Mounting the object and assembling the frame
- Packing and delivering the finished framed items
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
A lot of the work is done by hand, but you may use computerised cutting machines for larger jobs. If you own a shop, you might also sell other items like prints, cards and artists' materials. You'll also carry out the administrative tasks needed to run a small business.
You'll use specialist equipment, like mounting and laminating machines, and glass cutting equipment. Workshops tend to be dusty, so you may need to use protective equipment like a face mask.
You'll need
To be a picture framer, you'll need thoroughness and attention to detail, knowledge of fine arts, the ability to work on your own, ambition and a desire to succeed, the ability to sell products and services, persistence and determination, the ability to come up with new ways of doing things, and customer service skills.
You could do a short course in picture framing at a college or adult education centre. Some colleges also cover picture framing as part of a broader art and design course.
It may be possible to work your way into this role by starting as a picture gallery assistant. Working alongside an experienced framer may give you the chance to train on the job.
You could train in picture framing by doing specialised courses with a gallery or framing company.
Gallery experience, or skills in woodworking may also be useful.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could start your own business or take a franchise.