New Online Education Center Opens!
Because the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is at the forefront of the floral industry, education is, and will continue to be, one of the Institute's core values. Education is stressed at each AIFD function - locally, regionally and nationally. Proudly, and in keeping with the high standard of excellence in floral design through continued education, AIFD presents the new Online Education Center. (Click here to visit.)
Through the Online Education Center, floral designers can show their commitment to the industry by participating in online courses and even embarking on the path to achieving the coveted status as an AIFD accredited member.
Since the announcement of the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) recognition program at the 2009 National Symposium in Kansas City, Mo., hundreds of floral designers have contacted AIFD to learn more about how to get involved.
"Despite the information being available online at www.aifd.org, our staff has been inundated with inquiries about the process since the moment the program was announced," said AIFD Executive Director Tom Shaner. "Because we're only planning one on-site design evaluation in the next year, we're encouraging anyone who contacts us to get enrolled quickly; design evaluation positions will be awarded on a first-come/first-serve basis."
With the ultimate goal being to obtain the coveted stature as an Accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, aspiring floral designers must first earn the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation. According to the AIFD staff, the most common question is how a designer qualifies to be able to enroll as a CFD Candidate.
The answer: To enroll as a candidate, a designer must first successfully complete one of five education-based pathways aimed at assuring the designer has a fundamental grasp of the elements and principles of the art of floral design, as well as design techniques and concepts.
The Education Pathways are: 1) Complete a series of online and classroom design classes offered by AIFD-effective December 1;
2) Complete design education programs offered by AIFD-approved private floral design schools (AIFD Education Partners); 3) Complete an undergraduate degree or studies in a qualified program, such as an SAIFD Chapter; 4) Complete state florist association design courses that meet AIFD-established learning objectives; or 5) Be in floristry business for more than three years and complete a Professional Skills Assessment appropriately.
The online courses offered in the Education Center include, Introduction to Floral Design, Elements and Principles, and Design Techniques and Applications. Personal Flowers: To Wear or Carry and Arrangements: Everyday & Sympathy are also courses that will be offered as a supplement to the online courses.
Introduction to Floral Design is designed to acquaint the student with basic information about the floral industry, including origins from a historical perspective; basic floristry tools, supplies, and mechanics; identification of commonly used cut flowers/foliage and plants; and an overview of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).
Elements and Principles of Design is designed to acquaint the student with the elements and principles of design. The elements of design include line, color, form, space, pattern, fragrance, size and texture. The principles of design include balance, dominance, rhythm, proportion, contrast, harmony and unity. The material presented in this course will help the student develop sensitivity for design and its uses as a positive environmental element. Mastering the elements and principles of design provides limitless possibilities for creating pleasing floral designs.
Design Techniques and Applications is designed to illustrate and define the terms and processes related to the "nuts and bolts" of assembling a flower arrangement. Combined with the elements and principles of design, these techniques and processes will help floral designers better understand the practical applications involved in creating a successful floral design.
After completing the CFD pathway of their choice appropriately and successfully enrolling as a PFDE Candidate, the candidate will then be instructed to go online and a take a test based on information that can be found in The AIFD Guide to Floral Design: Terms, TEchniques, and Traditions. They must achieve a mark of at least 80% or better on this initial written PFDE test in order to be eligible to participate in a PFDE design session.
After successfully completing the education pathway, enrolling as a candidate and scoring 80% or better on the online test, the Candidate is fully eligible to participate in the PFDE design session, provided he or she does so within 12 months of having originally made his or her Candidate application. It should also be noted that the online written exam must be completed two months in advance of the PFDE design session.
