Floral designers, also called florists, combine knowledge of flowers and plants with design techniques to produce floral and plant gifts and decorations.
Just about all floral designers work in retail flower shops, many of which are small and employ only a few people. Many of the shops are owner operated.
Floral designers must know the seasonal availability and lasting qualities of many flowers and have a sense of form, color harmony, and depth. They prepare bouquets, corsages, funeral pieces, dried flower arrangements, and decorations for weddings, parties, and other events.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Flower shops are located throughout the country with at least one in nearly every city and town.
Floral designers stand during much of their workday. Work areas are kept cool and humid to preserve the flowers, and designers are subject to sudden temperature changes when entering or leaving refrigerated storage areas.
A 40-hour workweek is usual, but this often includes Saturday hours. Floral designers work very long hours around certain holidays such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Good color vision and manual dexterity are necessary for a floral designer. Business and selling skills are important for those who operate their own shops.
High school courses in business arithmetic and bookkeeping are helpful. Part-time or summer jobs in a plant nursery or flower shop can provide valuable experience.
Many floral designers acquire their skills through on-the-job training. They work under the guidance of an experienced floral designer for about two years to become fully qualified.
The trend in recent years, however, is toward more formal training. Adult education programs and flower shops offer courses in flower arranging, while junior colleges and commercial floral design schools offer wider training. The longer programs provide training in basic horticulture, flower marketing, and flower shop management as well as floral design. Such training is especially useful for floral designers who intend to open their own shops.
Potential and Advancement
The field is expected to grow as the population increases. Ups and downs in the economy may cause temporary slow periods, but over the long run, the outlook is good.
Income
In large flower shops, flower designers may advance to shop manager or to design supervisor. Others advance by opening their own shops. A new flower shop in an area with many other florists faces stiff competition and must establish a reputation by efficient operation and outstanding work if the business is to succeed. Floral designers who can provide such workers are always in demand.
Floral designers receive relatively low pay. The earnings of shop owners vary greatly depending mainly on locality and the size of the community being served.
Additional Sources of Information
Society of American Florists 1601 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314
