A picture framer is part artist and part businessperson. They must be detail-oriented
enough to run a business, yet creative enough to visualize the perfect setting
for a piece of art. Most of all, they must be talented enough to carry it
off.
At least that's what framer Nancy Burdick of Columbia, Missouri, believes.
"It's difficult sometimes to visualize what all the components will look
like when the job is done. Even if I'm confident of the final look, sometimes
it's difficult to convey that visualization to the client," she says. "But
the most exciting thing is seeing it all done and looking like you imagined."
Framer Michael Kotchonoski agrees. "People must have an innate flair for
design and style," he says.
However, attention to detail and patience are also important, Kotchonoski
says. "Each job requires time and patience in order to get everything right.
Being meticulous is an asset."
For Burdick, being a professional picture framer is a dream come true.
"I love art. I love being an independent businessperson. I love the look of
a beautifully framed piece of art," she says.
"This work is very creative and challenging. It has tremendous rewards
when the result is wonderful, rich, well-presented art," says Jay Blank of
El Segundo, California. "It's never the same from day to day. I meet many
interesting people with interesting stories."
Enjoying new experiences is another essential for the picture framer. You
are continually learning new skills. That's according to framer John Van Doren.
"Like most any industry, you never stop learning," he says. "I have been
attending classes, reading journals, and traveling to seminars for many years
to acquire the knowledge and skills I use."
There are downsides to the business as well.
"There is always a risk, sometimes a very great risk, that you'll make
a mistake that will cost you money. Either you have to buy materials again,
or worse yet, you ruin someone's piece of art," Burdick says.
There are also the financial risks that accompany small business ownership.
Kotchonoski points out that this is usually the only route open to framers
who wish to make a living.
"A top framer with years of experience may only be compensated between
$12 and $16 per hour," he says. "Most long-term framers end up owning their
own business, be it storefront or home based."
Simply owning a business is risky, but even more so for picture framers,
Kotchonoski says. "Art and framing is a luxury in our society. When times
are good, business is good. But as the economy turns down, framing becomes
unnecessary as other priorities take over. Our industry stats tell us that
only two percent of the population purchase our framing services in good times."
Van Doren recommends beginning picture framers work for a reputable framing
shop for three to five years before opening shop. "I think it would be very
wise," he says. "Just to gain the basic knowledge of framing."
While learning basic picture framing skills is essential, learning to be
a good businessperson is also important. That's according to Molly Webb, who
is the past vice-president-retail for the Professional Picture
Framers Association (PPFA).
The skills she considers important include customer service, retail sales,
production management and personnel management. Custom frame design and hands-on
picture framing are also essential.
"Small custom framing businesses are becoming more polished and professional
by the minute, in order to keep up with the sophistication of other retailers
in related industries," she says.
Whatever the risks, becoming a picture framer was one of the best things
that ever happened to Burdick. "It allowed me to have my own business, to
work closely with art and be creative," she says.
She takes great satisfaction in her work because she believes it is important.
"Art and the preservation of art enriches society," she says. "The preservation
of memorabilia and objects with sentimental value enriches tradition. The
appreciation of art and of family tradition are important to me."
Burdick is not alone.
"Most people I have talked to within our trade love the work they are doing,
myself included," Kotchonoski says. "It has given me an appreciation of the
art world and the realization of the zeal which artists continue to do their
work with."
"The art of presentation has a very strong influence on us, whether we
think so or not," says framer Joseph Volk.
"Art, along with the correct presentation, can and does enhance the quality
of life for all of us. It's important that we, as art dealers and framers,
do our best to educate the public and don't just try to sell them something.
If we all operated this way, art and framing might just end up being the next
'in' thing to do."