International award winner, educator, mentor and presenter Phil Rulloda AAF, AIFD, PFCI is one of those names that resonates through the industry and will continue to for many generations to come. From his design philosophy to intense level of skill, Phil always takes floral design and education to a higher level.
The Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design has mentored many on their path to national competition titles, AIFD Accreditations, and highly recognized businesses. The high regard the school has for floral design and floral art takes designers on a unique journey of elevating their mental state and physical design skills. From single day to 10 day classes, designers can find courses that fit their personal design level and schedule perfectly.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
THROUGHOUT FLORAL EDUCATION MONTH WE WILL HAVE INTERVIEWS FOLLOWED BY HOW TO GET IN TOUCH AND FOLLOW ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE INVOLVED.
Where have you found the greatest enjoyment in all the years of educating at the Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design?
My greatest joy is having been a mentor to many for over forty years. A mentor is loyal friend, advisor, teacher, coach and educator. A mentor brings hope and passion to ones dreams. He or she helps add clarity to one’s knowledge and information. Trainers teach you “how”, educators teach you “why”, and mentors teach you insight and are willing to make a commitment to help individuals attain mastery. A mentor offers an unwavering resolve to assist with discovery and perfection of your greatness from within. He or she may “raise the bar”, because the goals are attainable. If you could do more and be more, wouldn’t you? I believe in my students before they believe in themselves. I enjoy helping students realize their dream of working in the floral industry, assisting students succeed in competitions, and reach their goal of becoming AIFD members.
Photo Property of Sheryl Timmermann CFD
What struggles do independent floral schools face that major university programs or floral shops don’t have to face?
Marketing power. Most have brand recognition.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
In your personal opinion what are some of the shortcomings in floral education that the industry should strive towards working on?
Recognizing that education is a worthwhile investment. Education is the key that separates the hobbyist from professional. Education costs but no education costs much more.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
Why do you think continuous education is so important to personal and design growth?
The Japanese have a word “Kaizen” meaning: “ongoing-continual learning”. What can you reason but from what you know. When you know a little, you can’t do much. When you know a lot and can apply it, you can go a long way. You have to reinvent yourself every day. Inject yourself with some “mental protein” and do some “brain ups” every day. You can’t celebrate sameness and survive into today’s economy. You need to create designs smarter than the day after tomorrow. Increase your sales skills and provide service beyond the sale.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
Where are the best outlets for designers to look for floral education courses in their area’s or internationally?
AIFD Partners, Social Media, and floral trade publications.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
Do you have a philosophy when it comes to floral education?
‘Discere Faciendo’: “Learn by doing”; Education is for a life time. Doing is remembering. You hear it, you see it, you do it, you retain it, and you teach it.
With our ever-changing industry, where have you seen the floral industry change the most over the past 5-10 years?
Consumer spending their dollars at outlets, other than traditional flower shops.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
What advice do you have designers looking to progress further in the floral industry?
Make sure you are current with design styles and current trends. Position yourself in an environment where you can utilize your skills and talent. One caveat. There is a difference between financial practicality and floral art.
What do you think are some of the top floral educational advancements that have helped progress the industry?
The internet and social media has been a wonderful vehicle for opportunities to learn and exchange ideas.
Photo Property of Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design
Who do you think are some of the next generation floral educators the industry has to look forward to?
That is a difficult question. There are many talented designers throughout the country. Many of my former students are now teaching. Only time will tell.
Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design Website : www.philrulloda.com Email : info@philrulloda.com Phone : (800) 981-7445 ~ (714) 776-7445 Class Schedule
“If you’re ready for a career in floral design or want to advance to the next level of floral arrangement skills, our classes have a proven track record of training the finest floral designers in America. All hands-on instruction from North America’s most award-winning team of teachers is taught here. Their record of design championships and successful flower shop operations teach real-world skills about the art of floral design and the operation of a retail flower business. All the classes are small in size with individualized attention to hone the skills necessary to succeed as a career floral designer.” – Phil Rulloda AAF, AIFD, PFCI
Thank you again to Phil for taking the time to answer some of our questions about floral education and a bit about the Phil Rulloda Southern California School of Floral Design. Floral.today has worked with people who’s lives and design have been influenced by this wonderful man and hope your able to get the chance.
We are happy to bring you all of these great talents and schools next week starting Monday!
Doug Bates Wire Work
Rittners School of Floral Design
and
UK School of Floristry
We shall see you on Monday,
