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Picture framer

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Design, arts and crafts
Produce Create

Career outlook for picture framer

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£16,000

Experienced

£25,000

Currently employed in Scotland

2,800

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would make frames to protect and display people’s pictures, photos and other items.

You might frame posters and pictures, certificates or even 3D objects such as medals or dried flowers.

You would:

  • Talk to the customer about what they want to frame
  • Decide or advise on a style and material for the frame
  • Work out the costs for the customer to approve
  • Cut glass and materials for the backing, mount and frame to the correct size
  • Mount the object on the backing
  • Assemble the frame
  • Fix the object in the frame

Once you’ve completed the object you’d show it to the customer to make sure they are happy with it. You’d wrap it in packaging to protect it so they can take it away. Or, instead of the customer picking it up, you might deliver it to them.

If you run your own shop, you may also sell other items such as prints, cards and artists' materials. And you’d also need to do the administrative tasks involved in running a business.

Working conditions

Hours

As a picture framer in a shop or gallery, or with a specialist manufacturer, you would usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. This could include weekends. As a self employed framer, you would work irregular hours, possibly from home.

Environment

You could work in a shop or gallery, or possibly work at home. You would use specialist equipment, such as mounting and laminating machines, and glass cutting equipment. Workshops tend to be dusty, and you may need to use protective equipment such as face masks.

UK employment status

Full-time

54%

Part-time

6%

Self employed

41%

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  • Time management
  • Implementing ideas
  • Developing a plan
  • Attention to detail
  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Respecting
  • Observation
  • Creative
  • Working with numbers

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Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers value a good general education.

Useful subjects

  • Art and design
  • Design and manufacture
  • Practical woodwork
  • Maths

Helpful to have

 Qualifications that show your ability to use tools such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).