Part 1
Submitted by Alicia Springfield
8/26/21
When the universe speaks, listen. When nature shows, observe. Floral artists constantly make decisions informed by the natural world. As we mature in our craft, our reactions become mechanical. It took volunteering at Awaken, the 2019 AIFD® Symposium, before I listened and observed enough to realize that I was ready for the Professional Florist Design Evaluation (PFDE®). I applied as a candidate and began to study.
Like so many things in 2020, those plans gave way to the pandemic. As a retail florist in a small shop and in a small town, I had my own challenges. No events, no coworkers, no local association meetings, and no educational opportunities– I am not a good webinar learner. I was an island, and I had an awful lot of time to myself. During that time, I realized that our craft is essential. We create comfort. We create beauty. We create connections. We create!
With that realization, I began to look forward again. I would still have my chance at the PFDE® but I had to be patient, and I needed to double down on my preparation. To start, I reacquainted myself with the textbook. The AIFD® Guide to Floral Design is an unparalleled resource and has everything a designer needs to prepare for the PFDE® online test. I made changes around the shop to help prepare for the hands-on portion of the PFDE® printing and displaying posters that list the principles and elements of design.
The biggest risk I took was getting creative with open orders and standing orders for longtime customers. I wrote out note cards with design styles and design types, then drew random pairs at least once a day to challenge myself and sharpen my skills. As luck would have it, I have often been able to fill those open orders with my creations!
The big day is about four weeks away, and my preparations continue. I will observe and listen in the time between now and then, and you can bet I’ll practice, practice, practice! I’m excited to be a candidate in the first PFDE® in two years, and I can’t wait to share my testing experience in a future post.
Bio:
Alicia Springfield has been in the floral industry since she was a teenager in the ’90s. She has been a full-time designer since 2001, and became a North Carolina Certified Professional Florist in 2003. She is the North Carolina State Florists Association 2019 Designer of the Year. She’s finally listening to all the people who have told her to take the PFDE.
Love this story and thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. I was going to take the PFDE in Orlando and just recently cancelled. I didn’t feel ready. After reading your story, I realize there is a lot more I should be doing to prepare. I will test in July.
Best of luck to you!!!