Picture framer
Picture framers mount items like photographs, paintings and other artwork for display.
Salary range: £13,500 to £30,000
How to become a picture framer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
College
You could start by taking a short course in picture framing run by a college or adult education centre. Some colleges may also cover picture framing as part of a broader art and design course.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
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Work
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.
Other routes
You could train in picture framing by doing specialised courses with a gallery or framing company. You can find details of training providers through the Fine Art Trade Guild.
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Career tips
Gallery experience or skills in woodworking may be useful.
Further information
The Fine Art Trade Guild has more advice on how to get into picture framing.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of the 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
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- 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
Working environment
You could work from home or at a store.
Your working environment may be dusty.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could start your own business or take a franchise.