Another thread on the forum recently raised the topic of washlines, and the diminished demand for them. The Guild requirements for GCF candidates clearly states that candidates must be able to use a bow pen!
I have been practising a lot recently and have yet to succeed in completing what I would regard as a satisfactory single, let alone double or triple, line around a mount. I am using a good bow pen and watercolour paint not mixed to thinly, but I still can't seem to finish a single line without problems, blobbing mostly.
The other thing that bothers me about the GCF test is the time allowed for practical tests. I am by nature slow and methodical, any attempt to rush, or even just speed up invariable results in mistakes. I can envisage a combination of tasks during the GCF test that would leave me without sufficient time to complete them. THis latter point, perhaps more than the use of a bow pen, is making me very reluctant to think about doing the GCF test, even though I had planned to do so in my first year of framing.
I do wonder if it is concerns like these that put other people off applying for the test.
Look forward to comments on this.
Les Sutherland
Requirements for GCF Test
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less
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon 15 Aug, 2005 10:26 am
- Location: Crediton, Devon
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markw
Les
Blobbing - clean the pen very well - wash it with soapy water - then meths - just make sure its very clean. Use distilled water - the mix doesnt need to be very thick - the effect you are looking for is a semi translucent line with a hard dark outer edge when dry (tramline). Try and get hold of an Ecobra pen - they are wider than normal bow pens and hold up more fluid. when you get the mix right you will be able to manage it - its easy - just takes a bit of practice - you will still end up cursing the occasional blob - it happens.
Time allowed - its a practical test and your expected to show that you know what your doing - if you have been framing for a few months I expect you will have seen your ability and confidence grow - the test doesnt set a tough time and even with a methodical and careful approach you should be able to do it.
Ask the fine art trade guild if any local test is going on and see if they are doing any pre test training.
Despite having been in this business for a few years I was very nervous about taking the test - in fact, I think the group of us that took the test had 50 - 60 years experience between us - and we were all nervous untill we got started. I have heard many framers who havent taken the test say that its too easy - few that have taken it agree.
Blobbing - clean the pen very well - wash it with soapy water - then meths - just make sure its very clean. Use distilled water - the mix doesnt need to be very thick - the effect you are looking for is a semi translucent line with a hard dark outer edge when dry (tramline). Try and get hold of an Ecobra pen - they are wider than normal bow pens and hold up more fluid. when you get the mix right you will be able to manage it - its easy - just takes a bit of practice - you will still end up cursing the occasional blob - it happens.
Time allowed - its a practical test and your expected to show that you know what your doing - if you have been framing for a few months I expect you will have seen your ability and confidence grow - the test doesnt set a tough time and even with a methodical and careful approach you should be able to do it.
Ask the fine art trade guild if any local test is going on and see if they are doing any pre test training.
Despite having been in this business for a few years I was very nervous about taking the test - in fact, I think the group of us that took the test had 50 - 60 years experience between us - and we were all nervous untill we got started. I have heard many framers who havent taken the test say that its too easy - few that have taken it agree.
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less
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon 15 Aug, 2005 10:26 am
- Location: Crediton, Devon
Mark,
thanks for the reply, I'm not sure of the make of my pen but will check out the ecobra and try again. I have done a lot of calligraphy practice in the past so using a pen isn't, or shouldn't be a problem, but of course I was forming letters then. Drawing straight lines seems just a little more difficult than it should be!
My point about the test, is that it might not be easy for me personally to complete a set of tasks in the time allowed, which seems to be about 45 minutes. Of course I could get lucky and be asked to do things I'm reasonable good at, on the other hand....
I do want to do the GCF test, and go further, so maybe I will just have to wait until I have a couple of years under my belt (even though the Guild asks members to take the test in their first year of membership!)
Les Sutherland
thanks for the reply, I'm not sure of the make of my pen but will check out the ecobra and try again. I have done a lot of calligraphy practice in the past so using a pen isn't, or shouldn't be a problem, but of course I was forming letters then. Drawing straight lines seems just a little more difficult than it should be!
My point about the test, is that it might not be easy for me personally to complete a set of tasks in the time allowed, which seems to be about 45 minutes. Of course I could get lucky and be asked to do things I'm reasonable good at, on the other hand....
I do want to do the GCF test, and go further, so maybe I will just have to wait until I have a couple of years under my belt (even though the Guild asks members to take the test in their first year of membership!)
Les Sutherland
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markw
less - The GCF test isnt mandatory - take it when you feel ready. The test piece is normally very straight forward - cut mount - make frame - cut glass - backing board - put it all together - they only want to see that you can actually do it, its not designed to weed out those that take time over the work.
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Merlin
- Posts: 1540
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- Location: Cornwall
- Organisation: Merlin Mounts
- Interests: Aviation
Less. As MarkW says, the test is not mandatory. Like you I was very worried about the time allotted to do the practical, as by nature I too am methodical.
One also tends to put oneself under self pressure during any type of test or exam.
I was very fortunate in that I managed to get a 'training day' in at LIONS in Brum before my test, which I also sat at LIONS. Well worth it. Knowing their layout and using their equipment, relaxes you that little bit more.
It is not about producing a 'finished article', you are also being assessed on your knowledge - I was questioned during my practical - also that you are 'safety aware' and using the 'correct' procedure when using any of the equipment and also that you do not take short cuts.
I ran out of time on my practical, in that I did not have time to tape up the back. That was not a problem according to my tester.
He was looking at my choice of colour for the mountboard and that they complemented rather that detracted (that was a bit difficult, because we had different tastes) also that the frame mitres were tight, that there were no over cuts in the double mounts and that it all fitted together with the required expansion gap.
Hindsight and experience are wonderful. I look back now and think, I made it quite hard for myself. Especially as I am now producing basically the same requirements for customers, yet in half the time. The only difference is that I am very familiar with my own workshop/shop equipment and routine whereas at the test centre, there was equipment I had not even seen before.
One also tends to put oneself under self pressure during any type of test or exam.
I was very fortunate in that I managed to get a 'training day' in at LIONS in Brum before my test, which I also sat at LIONS. Well worth it. Knowing their layout and using their equipment, relaxes you that little bit more.
It is not about producing a 'finished article', you are also being assessed on your knowledge - I was questioned during my practical - also that you are 'safety aware' and using the 'correct' procedure when using any of the equipment and also that you do not take short cuts.
I ran out of time on my practical, in that I did not have time to tape up the back. That was not a problem according to my tester.
He was looking at my choice of colour for the mountboard and that they complemented rather that detracted (that was a bit difficult, because we had different tastes) also that the frame mitres were tight, that there were no over cuts in the double mounts and that it all fitted together with the required expansion gap.
Hindsight and experience are wonderful. I look back now and think, I made it quite hard for myself. Especially as I am now producing basically the same requirements for customers, yet in half the time. The only difference is that I am very familiar with my own workshop/shop equipment and routine whereas at the test centre, there was equipment I had not even seen before.
John GCF
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georgeh
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Thu 02 Mar, 2006 7:03 am
- Location: Sibu, Sarawak Malaysia
GCF Test
hi Les
i'm in much the same position as yourself i'm in the first year of making the transition from hobby to professional framing and preparing for the GCF Test.
Nothing I've read so far would put me off from taking the test, the thing I would find challenging is having to use unfamiliar equipment as John from Merlin Framers said although I think I would need about 3-5 days practise on the equipment before taking the test.
I recently went for training on the guillotine and underpinner at the suppliers factory and although it was exactly the same equipment I have i found it very difficult working in a different environment.
I'm based in Malaysia at present and it's taken me 6 months to locate suppliers and equipment, I'm just at the stage now of producing good quality work with the equipment I have my timescale now is to take another 6 months producing work to the FATG specs. gradually incorporating mount decoration washlines etc. when I'm confident that I can meet the requirements of the exam I will arrange for a course hopefully at the test centre to accclimitise and get used to the equipment and iron out any problems before the exam.
I'm finding this Forum very very helpful the guys on here have enough confidence in their ability and position in the industry to give good advice to people coming into the industry, thats very encouraging.
Regards
George Hannah
Sibu, Sarawak
i'm in much the same position as yourself i'm in the first year of making the transition from hobby to professional framing and preparing for the GCF Test.
Nothing I've read so far would put me off from taking the test, the thing I would find challenging is having to use unfamiliar equipment as John from Merlin Framers said although I think I would need about 3-5 days practise on the equipment before taking the test.
I recently went for training on the guillotine and underpinner at the suppliers factory and although it was exactly the same equipment I have i found it very difficult working in a different environment.
I'm based in Malaysia at present and it's taken me 6 months to locate suppliers and equipment, I'm just at the stage now of producing good quality work with the equipment I have my timescale now is to take another 6 months producing work to the FATG specs. gradually incorporating mount decoration washlines etc. when I'm confident that I can meet the requirements of the exam I will arrange for a course hopefully at the test centre to accclimitise and get used to the equipment and iron out any problems before the exam.
I'm finding this Forum very very helpful the guys on here have enough confidence in their ability and position in the industry to give good advice to people coming into the industry, thats very encouraging.
Regards
George Hannah
Sibu, Sarawak
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less
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon 15 Aug, 2005 10:26 am
- Location: Crediton, Devon
Hi,
thanks for all of the replys and encouragement. It's strange what a little advice and encouragement can achieve,so once again especial thanks to MarkW, I managed to finish a six line mount this morning and then went on to do a three line sampler for a customer coming in tomorrow! Maybe I'll my GCF this autumn after all!
Regards
Les Sutherland
thanks for all of the replys and encouragement. It's strange what a little advice and encouragement can achieve,so once again especial thanks to MarkW, I managed to finish a six line mount this morning and then went on to do a three line sampler for a customer coming in tomorrow! Maybe I'll my GCF this autumn after all!
Regards
Les Sutherland
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markw
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Roboframer
I think the GCF test is fine - I just don't think it warrants letters after your name - it shows commitment, as long as you can relay that commitment to your customers and are not just doing it to feel good! I and your competition don't give a stuff if you are a GCF or not! I have a GCF competitor who displays the latest limited editions - un-framed - in his window with clothes pegs on a wire (honest).
We see someone moving from hobbyist to professional who will no doubt pass the test. I and hundreds of other none- GCFs could train him to pass. Does that make me/them better than a GCF? The answer is 'YES' to some and 'NO' to others! But are there better framers out there than the 'no's' YOU BETCHA there are!
The 'G' in 'FATG' bothers me - not one of our customers, or most anyone else's, has ever heard of The Fine Art Trade GUILD, and most of the trade are like me, they know it for what it is - an ineffectual, profit-making body that DEFINITELY does not have the best interests of framers at heart, because subscriptions from framers represent a very small % of its turnover.
They pander to the big potatoes - sod it - the big potatoes RUN IT!! Take the latest issue of ABT - a very insconpicuous article on the guild's new thinking on limited edtions - the first name mentioned was 'Committee chair' Colin Ruffel - so who is this guy? Some impartial geezer? Oh no - an ARTIST an artist who makes/sells PRINTS. Like I'm gonna take HIS word...... NOT!
I'm not saying 'Don't take the test' - it IS a good thing to do - it gves a reality check and. if you want to & know how - you can use the award to raise awareness in your customers. Just get to know and understand the trade body that awards it and don't let your standards rest at what you have been taught. Lately - in both our main trade magazines there have been articles/advice from big name GCFs that are simply RUBBISH!
(I can elaborate!)
We see someone moving from hobbyist to professional who will no doubt pass the test. I and hundreds of other none- GCFs could train him to pass. Does that make me/them better than a GCF? The answer is 'YES' to some and 'NO' to others! But are there better framers out there than the 'no's' YOU BETCHA there are!
The 'G' in 'FATG' bothers me - not one of our customers, or most anyone else's, has ever heard of The Fine Art Trade GUILD, and most of the trade are like me, they know it for what it is - an ineffectual, profit-making body that DEFINITELY does not have the best interests of framers at heart, because subscriptions from framers represent a very small % of its turnover.
They pander to the big potatoes - sod it - the big potatoes RUN IT!! Take the latest issue of ABT - a very insconpicuous article on the guild's new thinking on limited edtions - the first name mentioned was 'Committee chair' Colin Ruffel - so who is this guy? Some impartial geezer? Oh no - an ARTIST an artist who makes/sells PRINTS. Like I'm gonna take HIS word...... NOT!
I'm not saying 'Don't take the test' - it IS a good thing to do - it gves a reality check and. if you want to & know how - you can use the award to raise awareness in your customers. Just get to know and understand the trade body that awards it and don't let your standards rest at what you have been taught. Lately - in both our main trade magazines there have been articles/advice from big name GCFs that are simply RUBBISH!
(I can elaborate!)
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georgeh
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Thu 02 Mar, 2006 7:03 am
- Location: Sibu, Sarawak Malaysia
GCF Exam
hi Roboframer
Very interesting post re the exam
When you see MBE's & OBE's handed out like toffees letters after your name are more or less irrelevant these days.
with regard to the exam making you a better framer than anyone else your point is very well put, I would add to that that there are probably hobbyist framers out there also who have been framing for a number of years and could put up an argument for being as skilled as some of the professional framers around.
The main reason why I will be taking the exam is exactly what you are saying as a reality check the Study Guide says that the aim is to distinguish the skilled from the semi-skilled, I believe that I should be producing work to the required standard before taking the exam.
The GCF course and the exam I see as a verification that i am working to the industry standards.
The Study Guide also states that "The successful candidates will be experts at the essentials of picture framing". I think "expert" a bit OTT, proficient would surely suffice but it does stress that you are being tested on the basics.
I'm not familiar with the Politics of the FATG but my background is in the Construction Management Industry and my experience of professional bodies there is that they are all run by and for the big players, I notice that the Sponsers are listed in the cover page of the study guide, i think i would be very worried if B&Q or IKEA's names appeared there.
George Hannah
Sibu
Sarawak
Very interesting post re the exam
When you see MBE's & OBE's handed out like toffees letters after your name are more or less irrelevant these days.
with regard to the exam making you a better framer than anyone else your point is very well put, I would add to that that there are probably hobbyist framers out there also who have been framing for a number of years and could put up an argument for being as skilled as some of the professional framers around.
The main reason why I will be taking the exam is exactly what you are saying as a reality check the Study Guide says that the aim is to distinguish the skilled from the semi-skilled, I believe that I should be producing work to the required standard before taking the exam.
The GCF course and the exam I see as a verification that i am working to the industry standards.
The Study Guide also states that "The successful candidates will be experts at the essentials of picture framing". I think "expert" a bit OTT, proficient would surely suffice but it does stress that you are being tested on the basics.
I'm not familiar with the Politics of the FATG but my background is in the Construction Management Industry and my experience of professional bodies there is that they are all run by and for the big players, I notice that the Sponsers are listed in the cover page of the study guide, i think i would be very worried if B&Q or IKEA's names appeared there.
George Hannah
Sibu
Sarawak
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markw
Roboframer - I find it amusing that you hypocritically denounce the use of any letters after your name. GCF in terms of a framing forum does have a little relevance. You havent taken the test for what reason? your not worried that your idiosyncratic views might not pass muster.
Surely the whole point of the GCF is to make people aware that you work to a certain standard - What does BFA (hons) indicate - other than you probably got a late educational award that you are overly proud of - certainly has very little relavance on any framing forum.
people who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones!
Surely the whole point of the GCF is to make people aware that you work to a certain standard - What does BFA (hons) indicate - other than you probably got a late educational award that you are overly proud of - certainly has very little relavance on any framing forum.
people who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones!
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Roboframer
Ah well Mark, glad to be amusing, and that is the whole point of the letters 'BFA (hons)' after my name. They stand for 'Best Framer in Angmering (honest!)' and you have proved a point - you don't know what they mean - just 'some qualification' maybemarkw wrote:Roboframer - I find it amusing that you hypocritically denounce the use of any letters after your name. GCF in terms of a framing forum does have a little relevance. You havent taken the test for what reason? your not worried that your idiosyncratic views might not pass muster.
Surely the whole point of the GCF is to make people aware that you work to a certain standard - What does BFA (hons) indicate - other than you probably got a late educational award that you are overly proud of - certainly has very little relavance on any framing forum.
people who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones!
and that is what 'GCF' means to the average and even not so average man on the street.
I'm no hippocritter!
Idiosyncratic means 'peculiar to the individual' and believe me, my thoughts on the qualification and the FATG in general are not peculiar to me by a LONG way.
I did speak postively about taking the test though - in my first sentence and most of the last paragraph.
Why havn't I taken the test? It will do diddly spit for my turnover or my own personal skill levels, that's why. I know I can do all the stuff required and do daily, my levels of framing meet or exceed the Guild's.
'Commended level' - not good enough!
I use artcare boards as standard - nothing to brag about - but I believe they out-perform 'Cotton Museum' Boards (and what the hec does THAT mean to the man on the street?) and the FATG has failed to put them in a category of their own, where they most definitely should be, why? for fear of upsetting other suppliers/manufacturers. We have to find out the hard way what is best, they won't tell us. This is where a forum like this is such a great resource and it seems big names are getting to realise it too.
What would we say to someone saying it's OK to drymount a PASTEL?
Well, someone did, a GCF in the FATG's own magazine.
I'll be adding 'SGF' after my name too 'Supreme Grumbler Framer' now that I AM proud of!!!!
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markw
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Roboframer
Bad Framers Anonymous
Big Fat ......................
Oh and Batchelor of fine art is, I think, a US qualification and whether it is or not it is written with the 'f' and the 'a' in lower case - thus 'Bfa'
So my qualification is still cool!
I think the FATG should drop the 'F' - then there'd be no 'F' in Art Trade Guild!!!
!
Big Fat ......................
Oh and Batchelor of fine art is, I think, a US qualification and whether it is or not it is written with the 'f' and the 'a' in lower case - thus 'Bfa'
So my qualification is still cool!
I think the FATG should drop the 'F' - then there'd be no 'F' in Art Trade Guild!!!
!
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absolute framing
- Posts: 279
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- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- Organisation: Absolute Framing
- Interests: Reading the Lion Catalogue
- Contact:
Hi Less,
I am a member of the FATG and a recent GCF. I think it is well worth taking the test. I find it puts you in the right "frame" of mind, ie - once you learn how to do the job right you dont wana do it wrong.
I hear what roboframer is saying, there are people ou there who will do it just to get the letters after their name, and go back to their old ways.
However, for me it was a great guide as to how to frame in a professional manner, and i am a better framer because of it.
I dont agree with all the FATG have to say, but they put me on the right track !
As for the test, my examiner was great, and for the practical they were more concerned with my methods and techniques, rather than the amount of time i took. However it may differ from tester to tester. But the impression i got was, quality, rather than quantity !
As for wash lines, maybe contact someone in your area who has done the GCF. Every framer i have come in contact with through the guild has been more than helpfull ! Saying that, if there is anyone in my area thinking of doing the GCF, i would be more than happy to show them wash lines. I can also recommend a good framing school if interested.
good luck,
stephen
I am a member of the FATG and a recent GCF. I think it is well worth taking the test. I find it puts you in the right "frame" of mind, ie - once you learn how to do the job right you dont wana do it wrong.
I hear what roboframer is saying, there are people ou there who will do it just to get the letters after their name, and go back to their old ways.
However, for me it was a great guide as to how to frame in a professional manner, and i am a better framer because of it.
I dont agree with all the FATG have to say, but they put me on the right track !
As for the test, my examiner was great, and for the practical they were more concerned with my methods and techniques, rather than the amount of time i took. However it may differ from tester to tester. But the impression i got was, quality, rather than quantity !
As for wash lines, maybe contact someone in your area who has done the GCF. Every framer i have come in contact with through the guild has been more than helpfull ! Saying that, if there is anyone in my area thinking of doing the GCF, i would be more than happy to show them wash lines. I can also recommend a good framing school if interested.
good luck,
stephen