Cómo convertirse en diseñador floral en Columbia

Weddings, funerals, proms, and other life events are all occasions when floral arrangements may be needed. Floral designers are tasked with creating these pieces in a meticulous, purposeful, and timely manner. As a florist, you’ll need to pay attention to detail, understanding how colors, design elements, and styles work together to create beautiful and inspiring arrangements. You may also need to produce work quickly for certain events, especially if the flowers ordered have a short shelf life.

Some clients will look for you to take full control of the design process, while others may prefer to give you specific instructions to achieve the desired result. Either way, you will need to communicate with them clearly, completely, and thoughtfully.

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Requirements to become a floral designer in the District of Columbia

There are no national or state laws that are required to find employment in the sector. Employers generally prefer applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED, but there are some who may be willing to hire candidates without either.

In any case, if you are looking to set yourself apart from your competitors, it is advisable to enroll in a post-secondary training program in floral design. The degree will show employers that you are willing to go the extra mile to get the job. You will find programs at local colleges and universities, as well as national or regional organizations dedicated to training floral designers.

An internship or apprenticeship is another great way to learn the trade. Opportunities like these can be found by networking with industry peers through social media, attending floral design workshops, gardening club meetings, or simply visiting your local florist to express your interest. You may meet an experienced professional who is willing to offer you hands-on experience through mentorship.

You may choose to earn a national certification and leverage this credential to find higher-paying floral design positions, or to help you gain exposure and find clients as a freelance floral designer.

District of Columbia Schools for Floral Designers

There are courses available to teach you industry standards, techniques, and trends. Consider attending a workshop or enrolling in a full floral design course to improve your skill set.

  • Highway to Hill Flowers offers a private floral design class that instructs students on how to create wreaths and bouquets. The cost is $225.
  • Penn Foster College offers a floral design program that is conducted entirely online. Currently, tuition is approximately $640 and students can earn a certificate of completion in just five months.

National Certification for Floral Designers in the District of Columbia

In most cases, you can expect employers to prefer candidates who have had at least six months of professional experience in the trade. However, if you decide to pursue the CFD credential, employers may be willing to hire you without requiring you to have professional experience.

The examination process for this certification is administered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). To become certified, you must complete one of the following:

  • A floral design training program at an AIFD educational center, a recognized state floral association, and earning an 80 percent or higher on the online Professional Floral Design Assessment (PFDE) test.
  • Complete the PFDE online test with a score of 80 percent or higher and participate in the hands-on design assessment.

By completing one of the above requirements, you will receive a CFD pin and certificate, as well as a listing in AIFD’s online and print directories.

Since there are currently no AIFD-approved training programs in the District of Columbia, to become certified in this state you will need to complete the online PFDE test as well as the practical design assessment. This will require payment of a $150 registration fee as well as a $1550 PFDE exam fee.

Every three years, CFDs must provide proof that they have completed at least 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The AIFD provides an online list of all available ways to earn CEUs. Additionally, CFDs must pay an annual fee of $124 to maintain certification.

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Career prospects and salary expectations

Over the 10-year period from 2016 to 2026, the District of Columbia is expected to experience a 9.3 percent decline in the number of florists working in the state. The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) reports that there were 130 floral designers employed in DC during 2016 and that there will be 120 working in the state by 2026.

On average, floral designers in DC earned an hourly wage of $20.60, or $42,840 per year, according to 2017 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The highest-paid floral designers in this state earned more than $70,330 during the same year.

Working as a Floral Designer in the District of Columbia

Washington DC is home to some of the highest-paid floral designers in the country. This is something aspiring florists in this state can look forward to.

You can expect to find work at a local nursery, greenhouse, floral design studio, retail flower shop, or in the floral department of your local supermarket. You may also consider working as a freelance floral designer.

Even with the expected decline in the job market for floral designers in the coming years, there will still be opportunities to build a fruitful career. To do so, it is important to develop your skills and competencies, network, and use online marketing tools. If you are passionate about art, plant life, and serving clients, you may find your egg in a career in floral design.

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