Competition Training

UKFJG student competitor training courses

The UK Floristry Judges Guild are pleased to announce  a new and exciting training course, aimed at floristry competitors who like competing or have a desire to start to do so.

Competing helps to develop your floristry skills, giving you the confidence to move forward and try new designs.

The training will be a one day course, held at different college locations throughout the country.

It is a full day course hoping to demystify what competitions are all about, explaining how to interpret the schedule, where to get your inspiration from and how the designs are judged.

Why compete?

  1. To show your skills as a professional florist
  2. To learn from other competitors
  3. To get feedback and encouragement  from the judges
  4. To gain confidence
  5. To display your results in your workplace for customers to see how good you really are

Tutors can contact us to find out more details about how your college can be involved.

Email chair@floristryjudgesguild.co.uk

Take a look at the criteria and facets used in judging here

UKFJG training advice

In addition to the course above there are things you can do on your own and we have prepared the below advise to asist you to do this.

Enter the right competition for you by looking at the Schedules available. Some will indicate a level you should be at to enter, for example a L2 or L3. Others will be free for any competitor to enter. If you are nervous start small and work your way up. Sometimes it is good to enter higher competitions to push your self and to view the work of your peers.

Some people like to get the basics right first and then push the boundaries. Some competitors like to stick to their tried and tested methods adapted slightly each time whilst others like to be more free. Competitions are for you to enjoy and find out your strengths as well as identify weaknesses. You’ll mix with peers and feed off each others talents. What kind of competitor are you? Have a go and find out!

IDEA

Within idea, research the words used to describe your task. Use the dictionary as well as internet, books and magazines to find out the possibilities open to you. Research the theme, A judge will have researched it too so explore the title, task and theme thoroughly. The trick is to make sure your piece is related to the task with out needing explanation.

COLOUR

Explore what colours you will use. Colour often links or comes with your idea, although not always. Explore the traditional colour harmonies and advance your design by using tints, tones and shades. The tiniest details of colour in the stems, petals and throat of a flower can help to transition through the colours. Take care with quantity of colour too. Flower and plant variety knowledge will give you a great advantage.

COMPOSITION

This section is where your Elements and Principles of design come into play. Making a harmonious piece which uses each element and principle effectively is a great skill and some find it useful to sketch a design first to see placements in 2D before creating the real thing.

TECHNIQUE

Make sure whatever you make is practiced. Neatness is the key. Ends of wires, glue or oasis showing will all loose you valuable points. In addition think about your method of construction too. Is it suitable for the design, have you used the right gauge wires for example to support the weight of the flowers?

As the UKFJG, We would advise to always practice your design for competition. Practice timing yourself to minimise stress on the actual making day. Test your flowers and how they react to heat, lack of water and cold. Practice with water sprays and finishing products to see what suits your florals and the design with regard to longevity. Your design must always be fit for purpose. Practice by repetition to wire, tape, glue, arrange and tie designs until you are happy so it might be wise to set aside some days prior to the competition to do this. 

Above all make sure you are enjoying what you do. If you find it all a bit overwhelming remember that other competitors are only worrying about their design, make friends and encourage others always. The Judges look forward to meeting you and seeing your creations!