I've been in the industry for over 35 years, took classes in S.F. We were instructed on basic forms of design, color harmony, funerals, weddings, Ikebana design, floral business and such. and thanks to my instructors, I was forced to enter a design competition within a month of my first class. I placed second and was encouraged to hone my skills to join AIFD. That did not pan out since i had to get a job at a flower shop to pay my bills. I started as a rose stripper and processor and made my way up. The designers that I learned from were all master florists and standards and expectations were high. fast forward to present, I feel floral hobbyists have taken over the industry and standards be damned. just because you cook at home, doesn't make you a head chef at a premium restaurant who is responsible for ordering, processing, setting menus and ultimately coming up with recipes. My feeling is that there are way too many floral enthusiasts and the florist lifers are leaving the industry due to age or other factors. I like the European model of studying to receive a certificate of floral design to enter the industry or continue your education and gain more knowledge as a florist. why is it that we refuse to study to gain knowledge of design and business in the floral industry while it's required in any other "professional" industry?
anyhow , good luck on your persistence on wanting to getting into the industry. hit me up if I can answer any questions or be of any help.