Taking part in a floristry competition is one of the best feeling in the world for a florist.
Why?
Because there are so many good, positive learnings, friendships are made and opportunities become available.
How?
Well, here’s my story……
Right from the early days, of when I was a trainee florist, attending college whilst working for a very busy florist, I had huge ambition to try and be the best, to get to the top of the ladder in floristry.
That feeling has never left me, all throughout my career, I have always been driven to achieve more and floristry competitions helped me greatly to achieve what I have achieved so far.
Floristry competitions allow a creative mind to go beyond everyday thinking and push the boundaries. There are highs and lows on the journey of being a competitor, but the highs and benefits far outshine the lows! In my experience as a competitor and professional international judge, I would advise anyone in our beautiful floral industry at any level, to enter floristry competitions. It’s truly amazing; successful competitors can travel the globe, appear on world stages, write books and article and become global sensations for their skill, ingenuity and creativity. Here are some of my hints and tips to help you achieve the results you dream of when competing in the floral world.
Be passionate about the competition; you must want to do it, you must want to be the best…. Live it, breathe it!
Read and re read the schedule; this is so important. It can be very easy to think that you have read the schedule, but every word must be understood. Do your research, some words can have different meanings, so make sure you understand all the options that the schedule could be leaving open for you. Schedules are written by professionals, who deliberate over every word. A well written schedule allows the competitor to be open and creative.
Read the Terms & Conditions carefully and adhere to them.
Read the Q & As that will have been pre-written to help you.
Plan a head: type of design? Which materials to use? How will it work? Does it follow the schedule and Terms & Conditions?
Practice, practice, practice.
If travelling to compete, think ahead about the logistics and delivery of your competition pieces to the competition room.
If the competition is online, think carefully how you will photograph the competition design. Where will you photograph it, what background will you use, how will you light it, do you need to include props or a model? Remember in this type of competition, the photographs are the only means the judges have of marking your design.
If you are uncertain about anything, contact the organisers as early as possible through the appropriate channels. (N.B.: there is usually a cut-off date for your queries to be submitted).
Gather as much support behind you as possible, whether that’s employers, employees, colleagues, family and friends; their support will help you tremendously with your head space, creative space and will generally give you confidence.
And finally, remember: entering competitions allows you to be open, creative and let yourself go, you will learn so much, especially from your fellow competitors.
Taking part is incredible, but winning is amazing!
Karen Barnes
NDSF, IoPF, AIFD, CFD, CAFA, UKFJG
