Floral designers must be creative, service oriented, and able to communicate their ideas visually and verbally. Because trends in floral design change fairly quickly, designers must be open to new ideas and react quickly to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure also are important traits. Individuals in this field need self-discipline to budget their time and meet deadlines.
Many florists gain their initial experience working as students /part time help, cashiers, or delivery help on the job. The completion of formal design training, however, is an asset for floral designers particularly, if interested in advancing or opening their own business. TSFA offers classes for beginners, TMF certification, and advancement in specialty designs. Private floral design schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and universities offer additional education in design.
Job duties often vary by employment setting. Many florists specialize in custom orders, events i.e. weddings and parties, sympathy designs, or everyday work. Floral designers may help set up floral events, design product for cooler display, clean and display fresh flowers, create silk botanical designs, build window displays and not to forget - answer phones and wait on customers.
Floral designers have frequent contact with customers and must work to satisfy their demands, including last-minute holiday and sympathy orders. Because most flowers are perishable, orders cannot be completed too far in advance. Consequently, some designers work long hours before and during holidays. Many work nights and weekends to complete large orders for weddings and other special events.
However, I would say, it the most rewarding profession, in that you work with a beautiful product each and every day, share the emotions of your customers at all stages of life, meet some of the most creative people in the world and never watch the clock!
Interested in pursuing a floral designer career? Find out about educational opportunities available through the
Texas State Florists' Association website or contact them via phone at (512) 834-0361.