Cómo convertirse en diseñador floral en Maryland

There is a wide spectrum of emotions that floral arrangements can symbolize. Floral designers are responsible for interpreting those emotions that clients convey to them and translating them into floral arrangements. Skilled florists will know how to work with simple or complex flowers, with bright or muted colors, to create a design that perfectly suits each occasion. You will be responsible for caring for the plants, cutting live flowers, deciding which design elements should be included in each project, and informing clients about what to expect from the products they choose.

Being a good listener and creative will help you stand out from your competitors in the business. Customers should feel comfortable talking to you and confident that what you are going to offer them is the best they can expect. Building that trust is critical to making your business thrive.

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Requirements to become a floral designer in Maryland

In Maryland, there are no statewide regulations governing the practice of floral design. There are also no national regulations. This means that you may be able to get a job with a high school diploma or GED. In some cases, you may even be able to find employment without either of these credentials.

Enrolling in a post-secondary education program or finding a local internship will help you advance in the industry. You’ll learn the terminology of the business and begin to pay attention to details in a way that only an experienced florist can.

You’ll find floral design programs on campus or online at local colleges, universities, or regional organizations. Certificates of completion can usually be earned in less than a year, while associate degree programs will take two years to complete.

In parallel, you can develop your skills through an internship or apprenticeship. You can find opportunities by networking with industry peers or visiting local flower shops. Real-world experience will help you progress quickly.

If you are interested in earning nationally recognized credentials in floral design, you can become a Certified Floral Designer (CFD). This can be especially attractive to floral designers looking to do freelance work. Having a CFD will build trust with clients as they view you as a qualified professional.

Maryland Schools for Floral Designers

There are many ways to improve your skills as a floral designer. Below are some training programs you may want to consider:

Washington Flower School offers four-week workshops and certificate courses in floral design. Workshops last one day, even one to two hours, and cost around $75, while certificate courses cost $750.
Palace Florists is located in Rockville and offers floral design workshops for $75. Private workshops are also available.
Carroll Community College offers a certificate in floral design, which takes 96 hours to complete. The school is located in Westminster and tuition is approximately $1734.

National Certification for Floral Designers in Maryland

If you do not have professional experience as a floral designer, you may choose to become certified as a CFD in order to get a job, or simply to show potential clients that you are serious about your career. This certification can be obtained by completing the exam offered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).

Attend and successfully complete the appropriate floral design education programs at an AIFD educational partner center, approved State Floral Association, or SAIFD Chapter (AIFD Student Chapter) and then pass the online Professional Floral Design Assessment (PFDE) test.
Take part in the PFDE online test and practical design assessment.

You will receive a CFD Certificate, PIN and listing in AIFD’s online and print directories upon completing any of the above options.

Since there are no AIFD-approved training programs in Maryland, you will need to obtain this certification by passing the PFDE online test and the practical design assessment. This requires payment of a $150 registration fee as well as a $1550 PFDE exam fee.

To maintain CFD status, you will need to renew your degree every three years by submitting a form and providing documentation that you have completed at least 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The AIFD provides an online list of all available ways to earn CEUs. Additionally, you will need to pay an annual fee of $124 to maintain this certification.

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Career prospects and salary expectations

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), floral designers in Maryland earned an average of $14.05 per hour in 2017, which equates to $29,220 per year. The highest-paid florists in this state earned $39,180 during the same year.

Data from The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) reports that there were 960 people employed as floral designers during 2016. By 2026, that number is expected to rise to 1,020. This indicates a 6.3 percent increase in Maryland florists over the 10-year period between 2016 and 2026.

Working as a Floral Designer in Maryland

Nationwide, the BLS reports that there will be a six percent decline in the floral design job market by 2026. The same data shows that Maryland florists should not be fazed by this number, as it is projected to decline in this state, unlike in others.

Maryland is one of the best states to work as a floral designer, as the job market in this area will continue to improve in the coming years. The highest salary will be recorded in Maryland cities such as Towson, Bethesda, and Sliver Spring.

You’ll find employment in local grocery stores, retail stores, greenhouses, and more. Be thorough in all aspects of your job, including communication.