Learn the Principles & Elements of Design with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI

Pablo Picasso said it best, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

While it may seem simple enough to drop flowers in a vase and call it an arrangement, even more pleasure can be derived once you’ve learned the fundamentals of design.

These guidelines, the Principles and Elements of Design, are the technically correct manner of placing materials in a design. Learning the proper principles, elements, mechanics and techniques to achieve floral design mastery will help you expand your skills and truly enjoy the artform. This podcast is a great place to start learning the basics.

"Solve problems to create new business," suggests Lenny Walker, VP of sales and operations at Kennicott Brothers Company. Like many business models, the floral industry is changing. Sharon McGukin and Lenny discuss viable ways to enhance your floral business by “Partnering with your Wholesaler.”

Consider their suggestions for communicating with one another, focusing on growing the business and industry together, and reminding consumers of the value of flowers – in order to inspire success. “One flower bunch or stem at a time.”

A Texas Cowboy in Philly? You couldn’t miss this Oasis Ambassador.

On the last day of the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, a Texas Cowboy wandered along the flower-fragrant aisles without his horse. Dressed in his Texas cowboy hat, boots, and shirt - with a Texas flag and lone star on it, stood Abel Gonzalez Mencio, AIFD, PFCI, TMF of Casa Granada Floral in La Feria, Texas. He wore a banner that read ‘Texas Designer of the Year’ with his name on the back.

Abel won an Oasis Ambassador contest that sponsored his travel to Philly where he volunteered on the international Schaffer Design team.

“It was amazing!” responds Abel when asked about his first visit to the famous Flower Show. “There’s no other word for it.” When people asked to take photos with him, “I told them a little bit about Texas, Oasis, my Ambassadorship and getting to work with talented designers from around the world.”

Abel shares more of his “amazing” adventures in this podcast.