Floral Design & Flower Arrangements >> Easy Flower Design » Flower Design

Focal Point in Design

Joe Guggia — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:41:28 +0000

In the floral design world (and really in any type of design) there is always a focal point, which is that area which everthing in the design seems to “grow” from. Once you understand this you can design anythings. While many designers have great mechanical skills, if their focal points aren’t right on, the design just won’t seem right. I’m a designer who loves definate focal points. It makes me feel secure in my designs and enables me to continue using my product in a creative way to finish the arrangement so the recipients are incredibly happy.

Focal points are extemely necessary in decorative design also. The quality in which a wall area is set up really depends on the focal areas the designer has designated. Once these are established all the accessories can be organized and will look pleasing to the eye. If you’ve ever looked at something and it just doesn’t look quite right, it’s probably because the balance and focal points weren’t handled correctly. Sometimes we just can’t put our finger on it, but 9 times out of ten, that’s what is wrong with the setting. So make sure your focal points are always designated and you’ll all be happy campers!

Checkn’ Out The Design Process

Joe Guggia — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:33:41 +0000

I’ve been doing this floral design thing for over 30 years (over 40 in the industry) and I gotta tell you that it’s no easy task. It is a constant learning process that really takes fortitude and an extreme passion for the design industry. There are always new things to learn with new projects on the horizon. Not a day goes by that I don’t look at something in a different way meaning I see something about it’s design that I may not have noticed before. Oh, that’s a bit taller than I thought. Or, wow that color is really more teal than I realized. And the depth of that chair really shows it true dimension!

A floral design I create may be more simple or traditional but still requires proper technique to complete the arrangement to the satisfaction of myself and the client. After all these years I still make sure it all goes together properly and that all items are inserted correctly to draw water and make it throught the delivery process to it’s destination. The minute I notice I’m not aware of these things is when I stop myself and regroup. Then it’s on again to create the proper way and maintain my integrity to the world. Always reafirm your design perspective while checking out your work. The reward is great and will always keep you at your best in the design world.

Selecting Yard Plants

Joe Guggia — Sat, 24 May 2008 17:57:54 +0000

One of the most wonderful things about contemporary floral design is the availability and use of creative foliage and flora. Living on California’s Central Coast, I’m extremely fortunate to be able to plant and grow many useful items such as succulents, a variety of asparagus ferns, curly willow, yarrow, various eunomys, varigated and green pittisporum, kangaroo paw, papyrus, and many other amazing things to work with. These plants are available at your various nurseries and big box stores, but make sure the quality and size is good for the price. I would rather spend a little more at the custom locations and receive great size and color than get an item less expensive, and proportionately grown. The bigger and better quality, the faster and more exuberant the foliage and/or flowers. Because I’m not close to a larger flower market (LA three hours away) where numerous items are available at one location, the personnal access to my product is incredible! If I have a special design that needs to be created, from April through October I have a large variety of foliage and flowers to choose from. The succulents are fresh and large, the asparagus “ming fern” is architectural and impressive, and my 40 pitt plants yeald beautiful foliage that lasts and gives a wonderful texture to the designs. Trust me, no matter where you live, growing certain items can be exciting and a valuable way to satisfy your clients. If it’s cold where you are, order or build a small green house to grow different items. Get the Sunset Garden plant manual for your area, and learn what will grow where, and what time of year. And it is definately a savings that we all can well use! Any questions, let me know and I will fill you in.