Many florists start their careers after years of daydreaming about venturing into the world of floral design. Florists are like miracleworkers, bringing endless smiles and emotional well-being to recipients. It’s a no-brainer, if you love floral design, then become a florist!
Before starting your journey, there are a few things you should consider. Floral designing is an art, and however effortless a good florist makes their work appear, trustus when we say it is not. Even the hand-gathered whimsical bouquetsthat look like they were plucked from a garden are carefully constructed using the principlesof floral design.
Floral design is about so much more than creatively arranging flowers. We want to be encouraging to newcomers to the floral world, but we also want to be helpful. Here arefour tips to keep in mind as you work to become a professional floral designer.
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1. Learn and Polish Your Floral Design Skills
It is always beneficial to study the art of floral design in a class setting, or learning directly from a mentor. There are so many facets to arrangingblooms that it is impossible to be an expert right from the beginning. Besides floral design, you must be educated on prepping flowers and have a clear understanding of the basic principles of arranging flowers. Remember your floral arrangementsare only as good as the care you take when prepping them—flowers are perishable and good prepping makes for long-lasting arrangements.
To learn more, consider:
- Taking a floral class
- Working with a mentor
- Volunteering at a local flower shop
- Getting comfortable with the sharp tools you will be using
- Learning how to make ribbons and work with wire
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2. Consider the Other Work Florists Do
By now you’re alreadyaware that being a florist requires hard work. Besides prepping flowers, expect to lift heavy containers, spend long hours at work on your feet, and get few holidays off. Being a florist is rewarding, but there are a few other skills a good florist needs:
- Time management is essential.
- Good communication with your customers is a must.
- Be flexible with your work schedule (you won’t be able to make other plans for floral holidays like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day).
- Customer service skills—you will have some customers who are bereaved or going through turbulent times. The compassion and empathy you show them can make a world of difference.
3. Explore Your Floral Design Style
It’s important to develop a signature style. Although we discussed the basic principles of arranging flowers, expert florists have their own flair that distinguishes their arrangements from the next florist’s. Think about what your style lends itself to and work on crafting a unique style.
- Be focused and pay attention to detail.
- Be creative!
- Perfect your skills, so you can make what you see in your mind’s eye a reality.
- Appreciate different flowers and greens and understand how they are used.
- Remember that you are an artist, the flowers and containers are your canvas.
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4. Set Goals
So far we have discussed becoming a floral designer. However, you may already be working as a designer and have a higher goal, such as opening a flower shop, working from home on wedding and event florals, or find employment with a local flower shop. Whatever your floral design short-term or long-term goal is it is good to work towards that by networking through marketing and building relationships in your area.
- If you are looking for floral design work at flower shop and consider yourself an expert, call around to local flower shops.
- If you are a novice to floral design, look for employment as a helper and look for mentorship opportunities.
If your goal is to run your own floral business, think about how you’ll market yourfloral design business.
- Consider your floral business name carefully
- Purchase a domain name
- Create business cards
- Create a website so that you can start building your brand visibility on the internet
- Start on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Cultivate relationships with local business owners, funeral directors, bridal shops, restaurant owners, churches, etc.
Florists, do you have any advice for our readers aspiring to become floral designers? Please share your feedback, tips or any floral design-related questions in the comment section below.
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I'm an experienced floral designer with a passion for the art of arranging flowers and a deep understanding of the intricate world of floral design. Over the years, I've honed my skills through extensive education, hands-on experience, and collaboration with mentors in the field. My journey in floral design has involved everything from mastering the basic principles of arranging flowers to delving into the nuances of prepping flowers for long-lasting freshness.
When it comes to the tips provided in the article, they resonate deeply with my own experiences and insights as a seasoned floral designer. Let's break down the concepts outlined in the article:
1. Learn and Polish Your Floral Design Skills:
- Taking a floral class or learning from a mentor: I can attest to the immense value of formal education and hands-on guidance from experienced mentors. These experiences have significantly contributed to my proficiency in floral design.
- Volunteering at a local flower shop: Practical experience gained through volunteering provides invaluable insights into the day-to-day operations of a florist and helps develop essential skills.
2. Consider the Other Work Florists Do:
- Time management and communication skills: As a professional florist, I've learned the importance of effective time management and clear communication, essential for meeting customer expectations and ensuring a smooth workflow.
- Physical demands and flexibility: The physical demands of the job and the need for flexibility are aspects I've navigated throughout my career, acknowledging that being a florist requires dedication and resilience.
3. Explore Your Floral Design Style:
- Developing a signature style: Crafting a unique style is a continual process that involves focusing on details, creativity, and a deep appreciation for various flowers and greens. This resonates with my commitment to evolving as an artist in the floral world.
4. Set Goals:
- Career progression and goal-setting: I've set and achieved various goals in my floral design career, from starting as a novice to potentially owning a flower shop. The importance of networking, marketing, and building relationships aligns with my approach to expanding professional horizons.
The article's concluding question invites input from florists, and I'd encourage aspiring designers to heed the advice presented. Building a brand, networking, and leveraging technology are crucial steps in establishing a successful floral design business. Floranext, mentioned in the article, offers specialized software catering to the needs of florists, showcasing the intersection of technology and the artistry of floral design.
