| Floral design is the only design occupation that does | | | | marketing, and computer technology are helpful. |
| not require formal postsecondary training; most floral | | | | · Certification and other qualifications. The American |
| designers learn their skills on the job. Employers | | | | Institute of Floral Designers offers an accreditation |
| generally look for high school graduates who have | | | | examination as an indication of professional |
| creativity, a flair for arranging flowers, and a desire to | | | | achievement in floral design. The exam consists of a |
| learn. | | | | written part covering floral terminology and an onsite |
| · Education and training. | | | | floral-arranging part in which candidates have 4 hours |
| Most floral designers have a high school diploma or | | | | to complete five floral designs: funeral tributes, table |
| equivalent and learn their skills on the job over the | | | | arrangements, wedding arrangements, wearable |
| course of a few months. Although typically not | | | | flowers, and a category of the candidate's choosing. |
| required, some private floral schools, vocational | | | | Floral designers must be creative, service oriented, and |
| schools, and community colleges award certificates in | | | | able to communicate their ideas visually and verbally. |
| floral design. These programs generally require a high | | | | Because trends in floral design change fairly quickly, |
| school diploma for admission and last from several | | | | designers must be open to new ideas and react |
| weeks to 1 year. Floral design courses teach the | | | | quickly to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and |
| basics of arranging flowers, including the different | | | | the ability to work independently and under pressure |
| types of flowers, their color and texture, cutting and | | | | also are important traits. Individuals in this field need |
| taping techniques, tying bows and ribbons, proper | | | | self-discipline to budget their time and meet deadlines. |
| handling and care of flowers, floral trends, and pricing. | | | | · Advancement. Many florists gain their initial |
| Some floral designers also can earn an associate or | | | | experience working as cashiers or delivery people in |
| bachelor's degree at a community college or university. | | | | retail floral stores. The completion of formal design |
| Some programs offer formal degrees in floral design, | | | | training, however, is an asset for floral designers, |
| while others offer degrees in floriculture, horticulture, or | | | | particularly those interested in advancing to chief floral |
| ornamental horticulture. In addition to floral design | | | | designer or in opening their own businesses. |
| courses, these programs teach courses in botany, | | | | Advancement in the floral field is limited. After a few |
| chemistry, hydrology, microbiology, pesticides, and soil | | | | years of on-the-job training, designers can either |
| management. | | | | advance to a supervisory position or open their own |
| Since many floral designers manage their own | | | | floral shop. |
| business, additional courses in business, accounting, | | | | |