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Have you ever looked at a floral arrangement at a wedding or party and admired what you saw?
Such arrangements are the works of floral designers.
These people cut and arrange flowers and decorative plants to produce different floral designs.
If you’re generally interested in flowers and want to create such art while earning from it, you may be interested in a career in floral design.
This article highlights the steps you can take to achieve this dream in Arkansas.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Arkansas
Start your journey to becoming a floral designer by following these steps.
Step 1: Finish Your High School Diploma or GED
Having a high school diploma or GED will help you land an entry-level position as a floral designer.
Of course, to get employed, you need to be creative as well and show that you’re passionate about this career.
Step 2: Get Some Experience
Although you can skip this step and go to the third one, it’s advisable to gain some experience as a floral designer before post-high school education.
Experience will broaden your perspective on floral designs and teach you what it takes to run a business.
Plus, considering that you can get employed in this field even with a high school diploma, wouldn’t it be nice to gain some experience before approaching clients and employers?
Step 3: Enroll in a Post High School Training Program
Post-high school education may not be required, but completing it will make you more appealing to employers and clients.
Many training programs are offered in local colleges, universities, and others by floral shops.
Some courses can also be done online.
These certificates are appealing for many reasons, but most importantly, if you’re starting, they will help you attract clients.
Step 4: Intern With a Floral Designer
There’s no better way to advance your career than by leaning under the guidance of a seasoned floral designer.
Such a person will help unleash your potential.
You will learn from their mistakes and successes, and avoid common mistakes that new floral designers make.
Reach out to gardeners, horticulturists, and gardeners for intern opportunities.
Step 5: Design Your Portfolio
Before you can start looking for clients or better employment opportunities, create your portfolio first.
This will be like your resume showing people what you have achieved in the field.
Therefore, always take photos of your work, as that is what will motivate clients and employers to give you work.
Floral Designer Programs and Classes in Arkansas
There are different types of programs and classes you can enroll in to become an expert in floral design.
Some classes cost as little as $50, with longer courses taking up to six months.
The timeline and cost will depend on the school and your availability.
Schools That Offer Floral Designer Programs and Classes in Arkansas
Take a look at the schools and institutions where you can get some training to become a floral designer.
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University offers a course called Preston Bailey’s Fundamentals of Floral Design that takes about 6 months.
This course teaches the fundamentals of floral design under the guidance of Preston Bailey, one of the best floral designers in this industry.
If you have no experience in floral design, flower arrangements, or with flowers in general, this is the course for you.
The course teaches complex floral designs, giving you a strong foundation to become an expert in the field.
The cost is $1,795, and you can take the classes online.
You can contact the school at 855 520 6806 or visit their website for more information.
Zimmerman Events
Zimmerman Events is a business that also offers business classes on how to thrive in floral design.
Jessica Zimmerman, a wedding planner with experience in this field, runs it.
The course is called Business Behind the Blooms and is designed to train students in the business aspect of floral design.
These classes happen online and cost $1997, with enrollment happening once a year.
Be on the lookout for that, as there is often a waitlist.
Zimmerman also offers one-on-one sessions that cost $400 per hour.
You can check out her website for more information.
Penn Foster Career School
This School offers a floral design diploma program, which you can finish in five months.
The course is comprehensive, covering topics like:
- Plant care
- Floral design tools
- Various design styles
- Floral arrangements for different holidays
- Creation of floral arrangements using artificial or dried flowers
- Floral arrangements for weddings
The classes are online, and you choose the time to attend.
Although you’ll be working independently, expert instructors are just a phone call away to help you with the coursework.
Tuition is around $640, and the school offers payment plans.
Contact the school at 800 851 1819 or check out the website.
Rose of Sharon Floral Designs
If you’re looking for private lessons to learn about flowers, consider the Rose of Sharon Floral Designs.
It’s located in Fayetteville, and the classes cover different design techniques.
One class costs $50, and each class takes about 90 minutes.
You can register in as many classes as you wish.
This is not a school but rather a business that welcomes students ready to learn.
For more information, contact the school at (479) 973-0588 or check out their website.
Floral Designer Schools in Arkansas – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | 2105 East, Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA |
| Zimmerman Events | 850 Court St, Conway, AR 72032, United States |
| Penn Foster Career School | 925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18515, United States |
| Rose of Sharon Floral Designs | 1726 Elm Springs Rd, Elm Springs, AR 72762, USA |
Salary of a Floral Designer in Arkansas
According to the latest data from Salary.com, the average annual salary of a floral designer in Arkansas is $50,174.
The highest-paid designers earn $70,163 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $50,348 |
| Fort Smith | $47,626 |
| North Little Rock | $50,348 |
| Fayetteville | $49,671 |
| Jonesboro | $50,145 |
| Pine Bluff | $48,798 |
| Springdale | $49,671 |
| Conway | $49,857 |
| Rogers | $49,377 |
| Jacksonville | $50,282 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 60 | $31,730 | $15.26 | $36,200 | $25,270 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 80 | $31,840 | $15.31 | $35,700 | $28,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities in Arkansas can you expect to earn the highest as a florist?
The best-paying cities in Arkansas for a florist include Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Jacksonville.
How are beginner florists trained?
If you lack any experience or are starting from scratch, you can be trained by taking a flower design course or by interning at a local flower shop.
Is there a florist association in Arkansas?
There is a florist association in Arkansas called the Arkansas Florists Association (AFA).
It’s a non-profit organization that serves the floral industry by bringing businesses and individuals in the floral community together.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State