Floral Design |
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Who Are Floral Designers? Floral designers use their artistic talent and creativity to cut and arrange silk, dried, or live flowers into beautiful displays for retail purposes or special events such as weddings, banquets, or funerals. Many floral designers are self-employed and therefore must take on the extra tasks of running a business. Floral design employment provides artistic and innovative individuals with the rare opportunity to execute their ideas into unique and spectacular floral arrangements. What Do Floral Designers Do? Floral designers often work long hours to cater to customers’ special orders. As flowers are perishable, floral designers aren’t always able to plan and design displays in advance. This requires a floral designer to be able to work quickly and efficiently and to make good customer service a priority. Floral design takes hard work and creativity, but it is rewarding as it literally makes the world a more beautiful place. Who can imagine a wedding without flowers? Floral Design Training and Certification Although there are formal floral design programs available at some vocational schools or community colleges, floral designers are not required to have postsecondary training. Like many occupations, floral designers typically learn their skills on the job. However, for those eager to improve their skills or learn new techniques, courses in floral design are available and can provide useful tips on current styles, pricing, and how to properly care for various types of flowers. For those wishing to achieve a professional floral design status, the American Institute of Floral Designers provides accreditation after an examination is passed. This would be ideal for a floral designer interested in advancing to open his/her own business or become the chief floral designer at his/her place of employment. Floral Designer Job Prospects Floral design employment may decline some in the next decade. Even so, job opportunities will be available as current floral designers who change careers will need to be replaced. The best opportunities will be in retailer floral shops located in grocery stores or on the Internet. Floral design jobs depend on the state of the economy as flowers are a luxury bought with disposable income. Therefore a weak economy may lead to a decline in employment while a strong economy will provide more employment opportunities. Floral Design Salaries Floral designers earn relatively low wages; salaries typically range from $17,690 to $27,330. However, for artistic individuals looking for supplemental income or a way to turn their creativity into a passion, floral design is an exciting career. |