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Picture framer

Picture framers mount items like photographs, paintings and other artwork for display.

Average salary (a year)

£13,500 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

weekends flexibly

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.

More information

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.

More information

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
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

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.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a picture framer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Picture framing and mounting

  • Provider: CITY LIT
  • Start date: 15 July 2019
  • Location: London

Picture framing and mount cutting

  • Provider: LBHF
  • Start date: 29 April 2019
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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