Interesting in framing ...

[TammyP]

I’m at the early stages of researching the framing industry. Ideally, I’d like to start a small framing business. I figured the first thing I should do is get some hands-on to determine if it still appeals to me. Since I already have a fulltime job and little ones, a part-time job in a frame shop is pretty much out of the question at this time. I thought I would attend a framing school (4-5 days) and then attempt to develop the skill by working on my own stuff (and perhaps family & friends – with no expectation to actually make any money… just to gain experience. )

Can anyone recommend (or recommend against) a framing school ? It’s a lot of money to invest.

And/or does anyone have any alternative ideas in ‘breaking’ into the biz? learning the skill ?

Thank you.

 

[JRB]

Tammy, Welcome to The Grumble. What on earth are you thinking? Why would you want to learn a craft that is this frustrating?

Think of yourself at say two in the morning, trying to get the one last picture framed on a thirty piece order that has to be ready at ten that same morning. You finally have it completely finished and are in the process of wrapping it, when you see a little chud between the mat and glass. All you want to do is go home and get some sleep, but oh noooo, you have to tear the whole thing down and re-fit it. What fun, I'll bet you can hardly wait to get started.

You have to be real careful about what you wish for Tammy, you may just get it.

If you think you are going to just frame for family and friends, think again, it does not work that way. One of the first things you will discover is, that it is your family and friends, God given duty, to put you out of business as quickly as possible.

You are going to have to find paying customers to cover your losses generated by family and friends, ergo, working at two O'Clock in the morning.

What I have described is just the beginning, if you think you can learn this trade in a few hours, your in for a big surprise. This is one of those trades that the learning never stops, it continues on through your entire career.

It is not a hobby to get cheap framing for yourself and family and friends. A sheet of mat board can cost eight to twenty or more dollars, it is real easy to screw up a sheet of mat board. A stick of some mouldings can cost over a hundred dollars, again, easy to screw up in the cutting.

Remember, family and friends are going to want those good mouldings, that they can not afford, when they go to the local custom picture framer.

Like I said, think about what you want, your just liable to get it.

If your bent on doing this, do a search on your computer for framing schools, or continue checking this thread.

Love always,

John

 

[Framar]

Hi Tammy - Welcome to our little discussion group! My first suggestion would be to use the Search feature or just start back at the beginning of the Grumble and read it ALL!!! This may take a month or more - depending on your connection and your reading speed. I have been hanging around here for over three years and no way I have read everything.

I might also suggest finding a friendly framer in your area and making a new friend. I have trained a number of "wannabes" in my career and it is both annoying and enjoyable to have someone hanging on my every word for a couple of days.

Framing is a microcosm of the macrocosm. Is can be breathtakingly wonderful and absolutely horrible. We do it for love OR money - rarely both at the same time!

You could also start with some good books on framing.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[Puppyraiser]

I tell people that framing is like chess... a short time to learn the moves and a lifetime to master. Or maybe that's golf...

 

[sandymc]

Hi Tammy! I agree with Framar. I took a class that a local community college offered. It was actually taught at a framing shop by the owner. I opened my shop six months later and located about an hour away and not in competition with them. I learned the very basics from the class BUT...what was more important is that I found a mentor. He is a master certified framer and his knowledge is invaluable. Not only that but in the beginning I used him as a supplier, since he bought in volume. Whenever I get a job that is beyond my ability. (which happens often!) I take it to his studio. Especially if it involves equipment which I don't have. He has offered to let me come in on Sat. and work with him. I was very fortunate to find this situation. So, just get out there and make as many contacts as you can. And this site is great. I am always amazed at how many "old pros" (not intending that they are old in the "age" since! Don't want to lose the new friends I've made!!!)are willing to share their knowledge. Good luck!

 

[AnneL]

Welcome TammyP,

I see your in Waukesha. Wisconsin happens to have a very active professional framers group with alot of very good and friendly framers in it. Quite a few are in your area. Some of them would probably be able to give you some advise.

Besides taking framing classes, business classes would also be a very good idea since you state you plan to open your own shop. You might also want to do a business analysis to see if there is a need for another frame shop in your area. Maybe Ron Eggers can come talk to you about owning your own shop and framing since he just closed his in downtown Appleton and final got a real job after 20 years.

One question: are you thinking of starting your own business under the assumption that it will allow you to make more money than your full time job and spend more time with your kids? If so, the reality is usually just the opposite! I've been a business owner for 15 years and a mom for 19. Early on, my daughter learned to have to fend for herself for meals, holidays, etc. Not that she was negelected, just that mom was often to busy to bake for xmas, or decorate, or do the laundry, etc, etc.