1. Floral Designer By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Taylor Ginn Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 Agricultural Careers

2. Duties and Responsibilities Confer with clients regarding price and type of arrangement desired Decorate buildings, halls, churches or other facilities where events are planned Order flowers and hard goods from the wholesaler Select flowers and foliage for arrangement Prepare and store flowers Pack and prepare completed arrangements May conduct classes, demonstrations or train other workers Estimate costs and price arrangements Plan arrangement according to client's requirements Utilize knowledge of design and properties of materials Select appropriate standard design pattern.

3. Qualities and Skills While most floral design work is performed independently at the design table, there are many times a floral designer must work directly with the customer. While taking an order or making a sale, one must be good listeners and give full attention to what the customer wants. They must give appropriate floral suggestions to the customer. Organizational skills are a must in order to keep up with the orders, inventory and lay out of store.

4. Salary In 2002, annual wage range was between: $14,812 - $30,765. This range represents the middle 50% of workers. Some (25%) earned more than this, while others (25%) earned less. Only the most talented floral designers, with years of experience and a state or national reputation are at the top if this salary range. Beginners earn as little as $6 per hour or about $12,500 per year.

5. Work Environment Floral shops Supermarkets Discount store floral shops Public and private party sites Mainly indoors

6. Becoming a Floral Designer Enroll in high school horticulture and floral design classes Compete in the FFA Floral Design Career Development Event Enter floral design competitions at local and state fairs While in high school, work part-time or intern at a local florist’s business and learn how the business works. On the college level, students need to take classes in business management so that they may have the option to develop their own business. Enter a college program to learn floral design, plant identification and plant care

7. Career Resources Society of American Florists 1601 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Internet: http://www.safnow.org/ American Institute of Floral Designers 720 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21230 Internet: www.aifd.org