Are you a great designer?

[Robert Jones]

ChoiceArt, an Internet based framed art retailer, has flextime, home based positions available for framed art designers. Applicants must be computer literate, possess an Internet connection and have previous art design experience. For more information go to www.choiceart.com. (http://www.choiceart.com.)

[Frame Harbor]

With other words, help us do business and become an e-competitor of yours. Is that right?

I don't know other proud framers' take on this but, I wouldn't ever commission, rent or sell my design ability to anybody. Our design ability is the main reason we are in this business, in the first place and, ultimately, our reliable life preserver. I had visited your site and I learned of your management team combined business experience of over 40 yrs. And how many managers are there? Two, three or four?!
I may not always fully agree with the grumblers but, I look up to say JBR's single handed forty years of framing experience as to a cathedral. And, you know, he's not the only tower in the city. These people's design experience you mean to rent or commission?! You gotta be kidding!

Robert, I'll pass on this money making op. But don't despair, one way or another you'll find some suckers.

[This message has been edited by Frame Harbor (edited March 04, 2001).]

[Bogframe]

I have to go with FrameHarbor on this one. I've been designing framing for over 20 years now, and my designing ability and innovation is what keeps me ahead of my competitors. Maybe this company IS offering a way to make the major bucks, but if it's all the same to y'all, I'll stay small-time and true to myself and my clients.

------------------
Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it

[JRB]

Frame Harbor is "right on the money" on this one. I'll pass.
John

[Jim Miller]

Was there a mention of "major bucks" in the deal? I missed that part. Indeed, I saw no mention of income potential.

[Sherry]

Why was this not posted in the want ads section?

[CThomps]

I have been surfing this site for over 8 months and this is my first post. I must say that I totally disagree with the previous replies on this thread, but then again I am an employee of a frame shop and not an owner.

I have been working in this business for over 14 years and I must admit that there are parts of the job I do not enjoy. I am not a major fan of dealing with the owner, impossible customers, framing, taking inventory, cleaning the back room, etc., but I love to design. For someone like me this is a perfect opportunity to use my creative abilities and not have to deal with the other tasks normally associated with a framing business.

As far as Frame Harbors comment that she wouldn't ever commission, rent or sell her design ability to anybody, I am currently(and so is FH) selling my designs to every customer who walks in the door and I am also selling my designs to my employer.

So am I going to check into this opportunity? Absolutely. It may give me an opportunity to partake of my true passion, earn an income and in the process become an even better and more experienced designer.

[Frame Harbor]

CThomps,
Welcome in our select club http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gifAnd I mean it. We don't usually hear from our employees but what they think we like to be told. Be true to yourself and spell your thoughts just the way you did it.
As of signing in with that design program, I wish you luck and keep in touch with us. Tell us what your experience was like. I have a feeling for what your future reports are going to look like, but I am not in business to discourage you. One thing is for sure: they pay peanuts if anything for each design idea and only if that idea flies the author gets some more. How do you know when your good idea took off as to claim your prise? Oh, I see, you trust their word!


[This message has been edited by Frame Harbor (edited March 07, 2001).]

[JPete]

Belongs on the job forum.

[po' framer]

Well, however this turns out, welcome to the forum, CThomps, and about durned time you quit lurking and spoke up!

[Frame Harbor]

I disagree, JPete. Initially it might have belonged there but, for now it may develop some new roots like employer/employee connectivity and conflicting interests. Aren't you curious to hear what employees might think and do in order to make an extra buck or feel more appreciate for their talents or skills?

[po' framer]

Chasing-a-rabbit-down-another-path Warning.

If you continue reading this post, you may be offended. But it's your own durned fault! You've been warned! So deal with it!

After glancing at the website, I find that I continue to be amazed at our ingenuity and the way humans will innovate when creative energies are unleashed. Is this a great Internet or what?

We see lots of creative things happening out here (yes, I could have said 'there', but that would imply that I don't know where it is actually happening) in the past few months, even. Think of FrameYourArt.com, Jay Goltz's Framerselect, the CustomFramer program which seems to have unfortunately receded, the many galleries which are signing up web partners, artaffairs.com... the list seems endless and people are still coming up with ideas. Some of these are going to become the catalyst for what will become standard industry practice and most will pass by the wayside, and how can we, at this point in time and with as little info as we have, tell the difference?

All I can say is thank God for framer & forums like this and the elders who share their insight with the rest of us unwashed. I think of Jim Miller repeating the idea that the only chance we small framers have of survival is to do it better than anyone around, and Bob Carter telling us that we better figure out what "it" really means and learn to position and manage it properly or nothing else will help. And Rob Markoff repeating the mantra of both of them.

Or John Baker, Orton, John Ranes or Scarfinger sharing something out of the depth of their experience which will keep someone from having to learn the hard way that they did. And all the other experienced framers from around the world who so willingly share every part of their business with someone who will listen.

Thanks to all of you, and especially the ones I didn't mention, and may we all develop some intuitive sense of great judgment as we wander through this sometimes confusing path.

[MerpsMom]

Well and clearly spoken.

[Rick Granick]

I second that! Continuing thanks to everyone.
Love the Grumble! ;) Rick

[rosetl]

Very well stated, Po.

TL - Studio Frame

[Susan May]

You got that right!!! How could we be offended, when you take the words from our mouths?

Good O'l Sue