The Pros and Cons of Being a Floral Designer

Pro: Flex Your Creative Muscles Every Day

For many people creativity and art are hobbies, not careers. But with a job as a floral designer you can make creativity your career. Floral designers have many different tasks that they do every day, some more administrative like making appointments and answering the phone, but they also arrange flowers on a daily basis. They select the right flowers and foliage to match the mood and occasion for each customer and arrange them artfully for maximum impact.

Con: There May be Little Room for Growth in Floral Design

Floral designers tend to stay at one level throughout their careers. They work as florists in floral shops, making arrangements for event planning companies, or work for flower wholesalers, so there can be some horizontal movement. But vertical movement to positions that pay more or that entail greater responsibilities are limited. You may be able to move into management in a larger company, but many floral designers work for themselves or for small companies.

Con: Floral Design Can Get Stressful

This may be a pro if you like to keep busy on the job or if you thrive on stress and a tight schedule. But for many people the busy seasons for florists are the worst times of the year. Floral designers are in high demand during the holidays, around Christmas, at Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, and in the summer during wedding season. Floral design can also be stressful, because flowers are perishable. Timing is crucial and displays can be ruined if made too early.

Pro: No Degree Required

A great advantage to working in floral design is that you can usually get to work and start earning very quickly. Unlike many other careers, you won’t need to get an advanced degree or even any post-secondary education at all. Many floral shops will hire people without degrees and train them on the job. It can be beneficial, though, to complete a certificate or diploma program in floral design to learn the basics and to get ahead in hiring. An education is also important if you want to open your own floral shop and if you plant to take the American Institute of Floral Designers exam for national certification.

You can get started with one of the many excellent local classes we feature on this site or even start training online with a course such as Penn Foster’s career diploma.

Pro: Floral Designers are Often Entrepreneurs

If you are interested in business as well as a creative career and have always dreamed of being self-employed and owning your own company, floral design can be a great choice. Nearly 20 percent of floral designers are self-employed. When considering this type of floral design career it definitely makes sense to earn a certificate or diploma. Alternatively, you may want to consider apprenticing with a florist or floral designer before you take the plunge and open your own shop.

People will always need floral designers, because fresh flowers never go out of style. While trends may change, there will continue to be a need for creative, competent professionals to create displays and arrangements for special occasions, for hotels and businesses and for holidays. You could be a part of this industry by training or learning how to work as a floral designer.