In an event-based industry like floral design, the best way to get started is through freelancing. Becoming a part of the freelance floral design industry will give you multiple opportunities to earn client referrals and learn methods of doing things before you decide to start your own floral design business. With that in mind, here are some tips to help every aspiring freelance floral designer get started.
One pro tip to help you get started is to reach out and learn from other floral designers in your area whose designs appeal to you. Once you’ve listed out a few favorites, you may schedule a meeting with them or offer to come help process flowers for free so you can learn from them while they work. You may want to choose someone who is fun to be around and is open to teaching since you’re going to spend a lot of time together once you decide to start freelancing for them.
Whether you’ve taken some floral design courses on the internet or made DIY bouquets as a bridesmaid, it is important to get your flower boots on the ground and start designing. Trying out different flower industry jobs as a freelancer is, by far, the best way to learn floral design and get paid to do it. If you’re serious about getting started, some of the required skills that you will need to learn and develop include flower care knowledge, floral design skills, project management skills, online selling, and some basic accounting.
Not only will you build some experience with freelance floral design, but you will also get the chance to be connected to an amazing network of other flower lovers who are equally passionate about flowers and creating beauty just like you. Doing so can help attract potential clients and give you an opportunity to partner with event companies or wedding planners to get regular flower design projects from them.
Having a floral portfolio can be a clever way to showcase your designs, skills, and history of work with flowers. This gives prospective clients an idea of what you can offer them and what kind of floral work you wish to do in the future. Building your florist portfolio doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, your Instagram account can be a great starting place to showcase your professional work and grow your reputation as a freelance floral designer.
There are a number of ways to promote your services as a freelance florist and start working with multiple promising clients. Online platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be your best bet if you’re starting out small but still want to reach a larger audience at a relatively low cost. Another helpful tip is to just keep being present at fairs or local events to show that you’re serious about your work and to arrive at a point where your name quickly pops into the clients’ heads when they have fresh floral design jobs available.
The journey of becoming a freelance floral designer is as colorful as the flowers themselves. While learning the ins and outs of the industry is never easy, be sure to celebrate your small wins and accomplishments every now and then as you spread your wings as an artist. It is also important to be patient with yourself even if your first takes a long time, because with repetition and practice, you’ll be flying through them once you hit your 20th one!
Above All Flowers & New Bloom Solutions is here to help make your floral career dreams a reality. Stay connected to all sectors of the floral industry through “The Bloom Show” on YouTube and our Newsletter.
