My Philosophy on Flowers
by Tim Farrell on April 13, 2011 at 1:36 am
Being a floral designer, I find myself fortunate to have a career working with the most beautiful product on the face of the earth. Flowers, themselves, have such character and personality. Each bloom speaks to us with a distinctive color or form. They draw us in with their fragrance and texture. Like the sirens in Greek mythology, they lure us in to get a closer experience of the joy they hold within.
My passion for floral design not only lies in the intrinsic beauty of the product I work with, but also in the challenge to use my skills to develop my designs into aesthetically pleasing compositions. Understanding line, form and space have become so important in my work. Balancing colors, patterns and textures are challenges I relish. Making sure the design is appropriate to the environment and never underestimating the power of fragrance when enjoying flowers have become part of my daily routine.
I find it is best not to be too predictable or static when planning a good flower arrangement. Let the mood of the occasion influence the materials you choose as well as the design style of the composition. Also, really look at the chosen flowers and foliages. Find inspiration from the line of 
the stems of the materials. Use advancing and receding colors appropriately to pull your eye through the design. Most importantly, select a container that has some compatibility to the flowers you will be using.
One of the greatest attributes and added bonuses that come with a career in floral design is the opportunity to help others express emotions through flowers. I consider it an honor to help a client send sentiments of sympathy for a loved one who is experiencing a loss. I jump at the opportunity to help nervous brides select the perfect combination of flowers and design style to complete their dream wedding. I am continually a part of some of the most memorable moments in life by creating floral compositions for all phases of life’s celebrations. In all of this…I find great reward.
For advice on working with your florist, visit aboutflowers.com. Need to find a florist? Click here.
These flowers are quite beautiful, I think that flowers can be great gifts for many occasion. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely is one of the best jobs in the world!! Thanks for sharing!
There’s nothing more delightful than witnessing the transformation from single flowers, which are already beautiful and interesting on their own, into stunning visual and fragrant masterpieces! I truly believe that your love for what you do is what draws people to your creations, as that passion is clearly translated into the design. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with us!
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to work and create things with what god has given us. It is great to be able to go to a job that we love.
As a floral designer I couldn’t agree more!
A florist is someone with God-given talent that is developed by training under floral designers with more experience, studying our craft and then practicing and practicing. As we learn more about design, we seem to adapt our own version, our own style.
I am always inspired by designs created by other florists, at inventive design programs, then use that inspiration in my own work. Passion for our industry is past on from one designer to another, making both better.
And Tim, I could not agree more, our clients make us reach further, whether it is a simple bloom to fill a favorite bud vase or an elaborate composition for the greatest of celebrations. I, too, find great reward.
Being part of the memorable moments in people’s lives has always been my favorite part of the floral business. In one day you can be part of the birth of a baby, a new relationship, the passing of a loved one. What other industry lends itself to such important experiences. Great post! Thanks for sharing.
I love your thoughts on sharing other peoples live’s through your own creativity! Great post!
Tim speaks eloquently about design and its ability to impact clients. The perspective I have is the opportunity to see Tim’s influence on students learning to create designs. In Longwood’s continuing education classes, he easily shares his expertise with new artists; teaching them to share emotions through flowers in a totally different way.
Rewarding!
I has been my distinct pleasure to have Tim as an Instructor and to have worked with Tim bringing education to Florists in the State of Arkansas. Tim’s enthusiam about design is both refreshing and inspiring. He is an asset to our profession and his community.
I’ve never heard it said better! Thank you, Tim!
I don’t think people realize how important the job of a florist is. Flowers really add something to a room or to someone’s mood. Tim is right, a florist is there for someone’s good and bad times, and the flowers really do make a difference!
Wow! Tim expresses himself so well! You can hear his passion through the words he choses. In fact, so much so, that I want to run out and buy some flowers!
When I was just learning how to work with flowers I went to a flower show in Connecticut. I saw Tim do his wonders with a trunk full of textures and colors. It was so beautiful I never forgot it and made me love the art of designing. Great article Tim. How lucky we are to work with something so beautiful.
I can’t agree with you more Tim, as florists we are so fortunate to work with the most beautiful products in the world. We get to work with customers and make some of their happiest occasions even more memorable. I can honestly say that I have found a career that I enjoy waking up and going to everyday. Ok, maybe most days…lol
Tim, what a well-written post! Many thanks.
I am so proud to be a floral designer…it is more then a job! Every season I have something new to experience and share! Right now it is Spring…Daffodils and Lilac fill my shop with Love and Glory! Thank you Tim for a wonderful story about your world of Flowers!!!
Perfectly stated! We are very lucky to work with fabulous product and wonderful people. No other industry brings solace to the heartbroken and joy to the celebrant like ours does.
Helping you express yourself is our business! That’s my store tag line and it rings true in what you Tim, and everybody else has said. I don’t think there is another commodity in existence that can do all of the things one single flower can do. They truly are magic. Every day, flowers inspire me to try something new.
I agree with this guy’s philosophy. I don’t know a whole lot about flowers, but he explains just how much thought and effort goes into arranging flowers. A lot of people don’t understand all of the work involved in floral design. Many flower shops have to work hard to compete with grocery stores. That’s why I would get flowers from someone like this, because he knows what he’s talking about.
Great article Tim! I think your “Philosophy on Flowers” is excellent and well said.
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of meeting Tim, I would like to share a brief story.
My wife Julie and I recently met Tim earlier this spring, while attending the 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show. As we watched Tim demonstrate and listened to him explain the elements, concepts and techniques of floral design, we were amazed by the beauty of his work and literally in complete awe.
After a short while of watching and listening, we began speaking to Tim. At first we spoke about various topics of floral design and asked him about managing and owning a flower shop. Before long, we mentioned that we are young designers and new to the business, and asked if he had any advice on starting out. Without even one hesitation, as if he was obligated and it was his duty to his profession and us, Tim offered to meet with us in his spare time to help and provide his professional advice. This is the type of person Tim Farrell is!
Tim, I personally feel you are a terrific and inspirational designer, an excellent instructor and an asset to the world and art of floral design, and to your community alike.
Furthermore, my wife Julie and I both truly appreciate your friendship, invaluable guidance and professional advice as we enter into the profession of floral design.
We cannot thank you enough!!!
Tim…a beautiful piece on what it means to be a floral artist! Thank you for articulating the passion we have.
Tim, excellent article! Flowers say so much when words are not enough.
Tim is such a wonderful person and an excellent educator! You can really tell how much passion he has for this industry! It is a joy for me to go to work everyday, even though it is very emotional at times! I look forward to expressing feelings with flowers everyday!
Well said, Tim! Thanks for sharing your passion for flowers with everyone you meet. Flowers that bring joy to others also bring joy to the designer’s soul.
Tim, I have always been in awe of your remarkable talents and couldn’t agree with you more about how wonderful it is to be a florist, or as I put it…. “an artistic designer of fleurs.” There’s a saying I painted on my shop wall that says it best. “A flower shop is a fragrant piece of Heaven.” I am truly blessed to have a job I love so much! Thank you for reminding us all… to never take it all for granted!!
Thank you Tim for expressing what so many of us feel. How fortunate we are to work in an industry that we truly love, not only the flowers but the people too.
I have found this article like I find the man — multi-faceted and inspiring. I thank my God every day for the gift and beauty of flowers. It is such a blessing to go to work doing something that you love. Thank you Tim for a great article
Tim could not have said it better. We should all take a page out of his book. He reminds us all of who we are, floral designers! I think the industry is a better place for having Tim in it — for all that he brings to all of us!
I couldn’t agree more Tim. There is nothing more satisfying then being able to help a client express their emotions through the art of floral design.
I share your thoughts having made people’s lives truly special through wedding floral works of my own. In their happiness, I have lived vicariously.
Tim’s words were very inspirational. Tim is definitely a leader in the floral industry. He is able to put into words the way we feel about our job and reflect why we came into the industry in the first place.
I share your thoughts. From a very young age, I realized the importance of flowers, and the happiness it brought to the people I gave them to. I could not have a more fulfilling career. I am lucky to work with beautiful flowers and be inspired by the creative people in our industry, like Tim.
Tim, it was great, you bring life into the words and in your design work. Having the opportunity to work with you was wonderful.