The UK School of Floristry is one of the UK’s leading floristry schools, providing excellent training and development on beginner, professional and master class courses in floral art and design.
The UK School of Floristry is lead by one of the UK’s leading botanical artists, Joseph Massie, with five RHS Chelsea Gold Medals to his name, the School is a vibrant hub for developing talent and excellence in the floral industry. Joe is one of Floral.todays favorite international designers to watch and we look forward to the exciting future the UK School of Floristry has to offer.
YOU CAN FIND ALL THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR The Uk SChool of Floristry AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
Where have you found the great impact when teaching floral design, demonstrations or workshops?
I love teaching students that are just at the very beginning on their journey. Teaching the principles and elements through practice and theory, how to spiral a beautiful hand tied bouquet, to the perfect way to wire a rose bud – that is where I get the greatest joy.
What struggles have you found with teaching floral education around the world?
When teaching around the World, sometimes you can have small issues in venues with incorrect materials, or maybe sometimes you’re missing just the right container that you’d for the job, but it’s never a huge problem, you know. There are ways and means.
In your personal opinion what are some of the shortcomings in floral education that the industry should strive towards working on?
I must admit I get a little fatigued of seeing repeatedly simple courses by professionals on simple loose, natural hand-tied bouquets, or loose natural arrangements. I’d like some educators to realize that the current popular style of loose, natural flowers is a trend, and that underneath, solid, practiced, well rounded design skills are fundamental. A chicken wire compote will not change the World, and a chicken wire compote, created with limited understanding of proportions, origins of growth or line movement is even worse.
Why do you think continuous education is so important to personal and design growth?
In my opinion, working with flowers, either in an art or design based practice, is a craft, and one that requires consistent development to stay fresh, innovative and at the top of your game. Continuous professional development (CPD) is essential to ones creativity and passion on the job. The surest way to stop enjoying what you’re doing is to stop innovating, to stop trying new things and to stagnate. Education keeps you fresh, keeps your business fresh, and brings new clients to your door. Its win-win.
Where are the best outlets for designers to look for floral education courses in their area’s or internationally?
There’s several good sources for floral education – have a look online by Googling ‘floristry schools’ or ‘floristry classes’, read industry magazines or check social media. Also, take the time to ask around. We’re incredibly proud of our re-booking rate here at the School – our students and their success stories are absolutely our best advert.
What floral topics do you feel in your personal opinion are either over taught or need to be focused on more?
Over taught classes – average bridal work. Under taught classes – real floral art and design Masterclasses at an advanced level. It’s something we’re proud to cater for here at the School and we have such good numbers on those classes.
Where have you seen the most drastic changes in floral education in the past 5-10?
In general we’re seeing so much more interest in floral art and design these days – theres a real resurgence in this practice, and we’re delighted to be a part of that.
What advice do you have for designers looking to become floral educators?
My advice would be to take it slowly, start where you’re comfortable, and really think about the quality of what you’re putting out there. Why are you teaching what you’re teaching? To teach is to take responsibility, both for your craft and for another’s learning. Take that responsibility seriously, and really think about how you can translate the best of your knowledge into another’s skill set.
What do you think are some of the top floral educational advancements that have helped progress the industry?
It goes without saying that the internet and social media has changed the way florists around the world operate. You can view the work of a designer half way around the world and gain inspiration with just a few clicks of your phone. It really allows trends, insights and developments to travel so much faster than they used to.
Amongst yourself, who would you say are the future floral educators the world should be keeping an eye out for?
On my recent tour of Australia, I spent a lot of time with the staff of the Matthew Landers Academy in Perth and was impressed by the talent, skill and dedication of the staff there. Marjorie Milner College of Melbourne was also excellent.
UK School of Floristry Website: www.ukschooloffloristry.com Email: hello@ukschooloffloristry.com Phone: 07985201874 Class Schedule Social Media Facebook Twitter
Thank you to the UK School of Floristry and Joe for taking the time to tell us their feelings on floral education. Go check out the many courses that the school offers and to follow all that the school and Joe are up to around the world.
Have a wonderful Friday,