Flowers and floral arrangements are a beautiful way to mark any occasion, from a first date to a funeral, or even a parade float. Floral designers provide the creative force to turn petals and stems into a celebration. Also called florists, floral designers cut and arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories. Using their sense of artistry and specialized knowledge of flower properties and arrangements, florists choose the appropriate flowers for each occasion… and advise customers on how to properly care for them. Many floral designers work full time, although their hours may vary. A large number of florists are self-employed. Stand-alone shops operate during regular business hours but floral departments within grocery stores and shopping malls may stay open longer. Around holidays, florists are at their busiest. Because freshly cut flowers are perishable, most orders cannot be made in advance, so designers often work additional hours just before and during holidays. Floral designers generally have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their skills on the job. There are floral design programs at private floral schools, technical schools, and community colleges.
What they do:
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
On the job, you would:
Confer with clients regarding price and type of arrangement desired and the date, time, and place of delivery.
Select flora and foliage for arrangements, working with numerous combinations to synthesize and develop new creations.
Order and purchase flowers and supplies from wholesalers and growers.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
create new and original ideas
group things in different ways
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
high school diploma/GED or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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