How to Become a Floral Designer

Floral designers use their artistic skills and excellent eye for color to create floral arrangements for various social events. They're also hired to decorate homes and offices with plants, flowers, wreaths and planters, both during holidays and on a regular basis.

Things You'll Need

• College Catalogs
• Floral Design Magazines
• Computers
• Online Career Search

Instructions

1. Work in a flower shop during high school to learn the basics of the field.

2. Consider formal training if you want to do more than just sell flowers in a small retail setting. Search the Yahoo! directory for a list of floral design schools.

3. Compare the design school offerings with college programs in floriculture, floral design and ornamental horticulture. Browse the education section of the American Institute of Floral Designers Web site (aifd.org).

4. Be certain to include business and marketing classes in your electives if you want to run your own floral design business one day.

5. Create a portfolio of your floral designs to show prospective employers and clients. Make it as distinctive as possible.

6. Learn more about becoming a floral designer by contacting the Society of American Florists (see safnow.org).

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to work long hours on the days before major holidays.