General Info

[markpounder]

Hello,
I am currently an Engineering Technician in the RAF and have 3 and a bit years left in, so I am looking at my options. My wife is a keen cross stitcher so I am hoping to attempt to frame some of her latest pictures. I have found some good info on this forum. If I try framing and feel it is what I would like to go into , would you suggest say specialising in doing needlework or to be a general framer, looking at various topics I would aim to do things `properly` and use lacing etc. Had a thought today does anybody take pictures of work in progress to show customers stuff is done how you say it is.
Cheers
Mark

[John]

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the forum.

If you find enough work in your area, by all means specialise in framing needlework. However, unless you plan on turning stuff away, your customers will decide the type of work you end up doing. If you are like the rest of us, you will never refuse a job. Any time you feel that you have bitten off more than you can chew, there will always be someone here to give you advice on how to proceed.

I like your notion of supplying the customer with a photographic record of how their job was completed, just as long as they don't want an audio record as well. Most of our comentary would be strictly post-watershed listening, and would probably require a government health warning for people of a nervous disposition.

[sarah]

Welcome Mark!

Are you sure you just don't want to relax and enjoy a bit of R&R

Great bunch on here, they will give you loads of hints and tips and general advice on really any subject. I just provide sarcasim and entertainment.

Seriuosly though if you need help this is the place to get it!

Welcome aboard.

[Royall]

Hi Mark
Once you've got yourself trained up at stretching and framing needlework art why not do what I do and offer yourself to one of the many WI's/ladies clubs etc that exist as their guest speaker for their monthly meetings - they are always looking for new and interesting speakers. Although they are willing to pay you they wont pay very much and I normally get £15 to £20 for each talk.

BUT....use it as a marketing tool. You may have anything from 15 to 40 people in the room. You'll have a captive audience and unless they drop off to sleep (happened to me once) they have to listen to you and watch how you stretch needlework art using the lacing method etc. This is far better method than just having photos available and you must remember that probably at least half the number of people in the room will be active stitchers so if you can impress them with your knowledge and expertise then you'll undoubtedly gain a few new customers.

[John]

If you gave the gift of the gab this is a win-win opportunity.

Thanks for the tip Mike, and welcome to the forum.

[markw]

Mark
You have plenty of time to get ready - My advice would be to use this time getting as many qualifications as you can - Guild Commended Framer going on to GCF Advanced textiles. You just dont have the time once you start a business - and as a new business customers will be impressed that you know what your doing. I suspect that most framers took the profesional plunge with very little preperation and learnt the hard way how to run their businesses. The Fine Art Trade Guild have branches all over the UK - the meetings can be very informative - www.fineart.co.uk for info.

(look Steven- I have said some nice things about the FATG! )

[Merlin]

Hi Mark. Welcome to the forum. As an ex serviceman, I know exactly where you are coming from. I left in 2000. A huge step from being clothed, fed, watered and even a guarantee pay cheque each month. Then there is N.I. VAT TAX to name a few that as a serviceman, Hey somebody does that for you.

Start work on a business plan, go and talk to other framers, or even ask the questions on here. Then revise your business plan. Whatever your figure per month, add on 25%, coz MURPHY will come round with a big bat and smack you one. As well as other expletives, the words of "S%$^ I didnt even think of that!" will come forth.

My wife and I started 2 years before I left with a cottage (well garage really) industry. Within a year we totally outgrew that and an extension. So 1 year before the big boot, we took on a retail shop on the local high street. We have just renewed out 'trial' lease of 6 years, to a long one, unfortunately the rent also increased.

As many will tell you, read and read, when you think you have read enough, then start again.
I will echo MarkW about getting the courses and the qualifications completed before you actually start. Your resettlement package will definately help you to accomplish that. There are many good courses available. I completed my course then consolidated for one year, then successfully sat the GCF.

[sarah]

See Mark told you this was the place to come for advice.

And some great advice too - getting the qualifications and training is maybe something you could be working on during any leave you get. I know that I regret not doing some proper training I have been learning by using the 'sitting by nellie' approach - watching someone who is supposed( ) to know what they are doing.

In addition if you have the business plan and training before you jump ship you'll be hitting the groung running.

Keep us posted and if you need any help just log on here.


Ps. Steven 'sqaureframes' McKee offers residential (I think) training courses. You get training and your wife gets a nice holiday - win win