By: Joan Tupponce, Joan Tupponce & Associates, Inc. Pieces of art intrigue Mary Fender, president of Frame Nation LLC. Fender began her career as a professional picture framer after she was an art student at college.

"I learned how to cut mat boards and that knowledge allowed me to get a job as a picture framer," she says. "I had a lot of on-the-job training."

Many professional picture framers have a background in art or are artists themselves. "You have to have an artistic eye," Fender says. "Customers are looking to you to design picture framing treatments."

As part of their job, professional picture framers work one-on-one with customers. "Clients will bring in their artwork and you have to look at and start asking questions about where the art will hang, what type of décor they have, etc.," Fender says. "Then you can make recommendations."

Using art history and current design trends, framers help customers choose the right mat, frame and glass for their artwork.

"You really have to guide the customer through the design process," Fender says. At the end of that process, framers begin to create what they have designed. They order the material, cut the molding to size, assemble the project and complete the framing. Most framers are on their feet most of the day.

"The job is really two different mindsets," Fender says.

Anyone interested in the field should be mechanically inclined and have manual dexterity. "There are lots of hats to wear," Fender says. "Good communication skills are necessary so that you can work with the customer. You want to make the client feel comfortable since many are unfamiliar with framing. It?s also nice if you have an artistic background."

Framers must have at least one year of experience before they can become a certified picture framer (CPF). An experienced framer can average from $10 to $14 an hour. A manager or head framer can make $30,000 or more a year.

"They recommend you study for six months in advance for the exam," Fender says. "The test which is administered by the Professional Picture Framer?s Association (PPFA) takes about three hours and involves 150 questions."

Certified picture framers must be recertified after a four-year period. At that time, they can apply for master certified picture framer (MCPF) credentials.

"The MCPF exam is a hands-on test as well as a written test," Fender says. "It?s very strenuous testing. After the test your work is judged."

Custom picture framers can also apply for the Guild Commended Framer (GCF) classification of Fine Art Trade Guild.

"The test contains about 100 questions and you have to bring three pieces of framed artwork to the test site where you perform framing tasks," Fender says. One of the challenges of the job is being able to manage both the business and creative sides of the work.

"You have to have the ability to meet deadlines and problem solve," Fender says. "Along with that, you have to have business sense and be good at follow-up."

The job can also be hazardous during cutting and assembly.

"Many framers compare their scars," Fender jokes. "Seriously, there are many safety measures you have to take."

The work is creative and fun while being labor intensive, according to Fender. "It really gives you a sense of accomplishment," she says. "You know that something you?re working on will become an heirloom in someone?s home."