How to Become a Floral Designer in Arizona

Do you want to spend most of your days surrounded by flowers and plants?

Does designing different floral arrangements day in and day out sounds like a career for you?

Then you may want to become a floral designer in Arizona.

But before becoming an expert, there are steps to follow, as highlighted below.

Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Arizona

These are the steps involved in becoming a floral designer.

Step 1: Complete Your GED

The minimum qualification you need to become a florist is to complete a high school diploma.

With a GED, you can get an entry-level position in a floral shop.

While in high school, art and business classes are essential as they can boost your creativity and help you run your floral shop in the future.

Step 2: Gain Some Hands-on Experience

Before joining any programs, consider getting some experience from an experienced floral designer.

Here you will learn about what it takes to be a floral designer and run a shop.

Remember that this is a world that embraces creativity, and coming up with unique styles will separate you from others.

Step 3: Join a Program

Even if you have the skills, it’s highly advised to get a formal education in this field.

There are several institutions in Arizona where you can pursue a floral design course.

You can choose a short course which takes only a few weeks, or a certificate which takes about six months.

Classes will cover topics like types of flowers, how to care for them, and how to arrange them.

Longer courses are more comprehensive and will teach you about the business aspects of floral design.

Step 4: Get Certified

One of the best ways to set yourself apart from other florists in Arizona is by getting professional certification.

Arizona State Floral Association, approved by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), offers this certificate.

National certification shows you’re dedicated to being among the best in this field.

Step 5: Build Your Portfolio

As you gain experience, it will be nice to create a portfolio of your previous work.

You’ll use it when bidding for jobs or looking for employment.

Include different flower arrangements that will show off your skills.

Step 6: Join a Professional Organization

Consider joining the Arizona State Florists Association (ASFA), where you can network with other florists.

This body will help you find job opportunities and give you access to many other resources.

Floral Designer Programs and Classes in Arizona

You can choose to complete a certificate program at a college or university or opt for private classes through workshops.

Whichever you decide, taking a class in this field will help you thrive in your career.

Most floral designer programs and classes are short, taking about a week to complete, while others are more comprehensive and take a few months.

Floral design classes are not that expensive if you compare them to the salary you’ll earn.

Some are as cheap as $100, while others cost about $5,000, depending on the program’s length and the school.

Schools That Offer Floral Designer Programs in Arizona

Some of the schools you can study floral design include the following:

1. Phoenix School of Flower Design

In this school, you’re taught by Michael Gaffney, a master designer of floral designs.

You will learn tips and tricks in this industry and different designs for funerals, weddings, parties, galas, and other events.

The classes are divided into four categories.

There’s the design sampler class which is just a day but covers three different projects.

This class introduces you to the world of floral design by teaching you how to make different floral arrangements and keep flowers alive for longer.

The class costs $195, and the school will provide the materials.

They also have an Introduction to Flower Design class which takes three days and covers more than what you learn in the sampler class,

This class costs $495

The third class is Design Star Class, which takes a week.

It’s more intense than the other two, covers 24 design styles,  discusses buying and marketing techniques, and costs $1850.

The last class is the master’s class, which also takes a week.

Take this class after taking the other three classes to complete the programs.

The class focuses on design for funerals, weddings, and hotel décor and is also $1850.

To find out more about Phoenix School of Flower Design, call them at 414-617-7162 or check out their website.

2. Poppies Flower Shop

Poppies Flower Shop isn’t a school but a shop offering floral design classes.

The classes take four weeks and cost $595.

The course teaches you how to create different and unique flower arrangements for different events.

You’ll also learn about flower care and how to create vase arrangements.

Contact the shop at (480) 649-7100 or check out their website for more information.

3. The Arizona Flower Market

This is also not a school but a flower shop where they offer classes.

Every month they have at least three classes that cover different floral designs for various occasions, such as weddings.

As the class is limited, book early to reserve your spot.

The classes cost between $40 and $75.

You can contact the shop at 602 707 6294 for any inquiries or check out their website.

4. Flower Bar

This is a flower shop that regularly hosts workshops on floral design.

These classes are $100 and take 90 minutes.

Check out their website or call them at 480 463 4887 for more information.

Floral Designer Schools in Arizona – Summary Table

Floral Designer Salary in Arizona

The average salary of a floral designer in Arizona is $53,745, with the highest-paid designers earning about $75,157.

This is according to recent data from Salary.com.

Regional Salary in Arizona

Floral Design by State