Frequently Asked Questions About Our Courses

What skills do I need to do a Flower Thinking course?

Most of our programs are created for participants with some hands-on experience with flowers and a basic understanding of the elements and principles of design. You don't need to be an expert. The programs allow you to use your existing skills and to try out new mechanics, if you want, whilst placing a primary emphasis on applying the principles of design and improving individual creative processes. The programs are not suitable for beginners or those with very limited practical floral design experience.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no specific prerequisites. Some previous practical experience working with flowers and plant materials is ideal. Being familiar with the core concepts behind the principles of design, in any discipline (arts, craft, fashion, interiors, etc.), is also a great starting point from which to elevate and expand your understanding. While not prerequisites, participants with an enthusiasm for learning and a desire to take their designing to the next level have gained the most.

How much time do I need to commit?

As per the old adage - the more you put in, the more you get out. However, the practical requirements are not onerous. We encourage and support you to use the skills that you already have, work at your own level of experience and be resourceful in your approach to material use. A simple, time efficient approach to a practical task can reap considerable benefits in learning to understand and grow the power of your own creative process through applying the principles of floral design more consciously. A couple of hours per task is usually sufficient time to plan, design, create and photograph your compositions for each practical task. You are, of course, welcome to invest much more time and energy in your practical task submissions. If you especially enjoy using elaborate or intricate techniques and mechanics and paying close attention to detail, you are equally welcome to take this approach. Whether you have a highly methodical and structured creative system, or a more liberal, organic, free-form process, the choice of how much time to invest is yours.

What sort of tools do I need?

There are no prescribed tools. You will need the basic floral tool kit requirements for working with flowers (see https://flowerthinking.com/blogs/flower-thoughts) along with any tools or equipment that fit with the techniques you choose to employ - which will usually be techniques you already know and tools you are already familiar with.

What sort of materials will I need, and what would they potentially cost?

Generally, design ingredients are free choice, so you can easily control the amount you use and the amount you spend. Past participants have relied on materials from commercial suppliers, their own gardens and/or forgeable sources. Many of the design examples provided for our courses use only foraged, garden and/or recycled components. We encourage resourcefulness as a valuable learning tool. The practical tasks do not demand the inclusion of expensive or abundant materials. An economical approach can easily be taken for the assignments.

What time zone are the online meetings run in?

Live course content is delivered on Sydney time - generally GMT + 11 hours. Sydney time can vary by one hour according to the time of year - standard or daylight saving time. Times are noted and confirmed in advance and referenced as:
AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT+10)
AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight Time (GMT+11)

Can I still participate if I can't make an online meeting?

Yes. Joining online meetings live, while encouraged, is optional. Each online session is recorded. Soon after each meeting program participants are sent a link to an edited version of the recording to watch at their convenience. If you cannot attend a session live, you can watch the recording later. Recordings can also be watched to help refresh and retain any learning content.

Are there deadlines?

Yes. A program timetable is provided for each course. This document details each scheduled aspect, including the due dates for the submission of practical tasks. Generally there is around two or three weeks allowed to design, create and submit images for each practical task. Submission deadlines are usually 48 hours before the live discussion/meeting associated with the task. Late submissions are accommodated, if possible, where time and resources allow, at the next possible online meeting.

What happens if I can't make a deadline?

You are still welcome to submit your designs if you have missed the stated deadline. Designs will be reviewed and evaluated when they can be accommodated, most likely at a future online discussion, in course notes or via email individually. Whilst we will make every effort to analyse and generate feedback on all submissions at some point throughout the course program, this is not guaranteed for those received after the programmed deadline.

I have other questions I'd like answered.

We'd love to hear from you. Just contact us and ask us anything. We're here to answer your questions. No sales pitch, no pressure. Just answers.

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Lesson on leaning

It is a great learning and thank you for sharing your knowledge

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A Lesson In Leaning
Pat Golding
I'm leaning towards leaning designs

I appreciated the clear list of requirements. Then the step by step description of how to get started, gave me the desire to do just that. It also gave me confidence to adapt a flattish bowl container I have. Mark gave clear, concise, but detailed directions of every step with effective pictures to keep me confident of the procedures. The 2nd design gave me enough repetition but with variation to create a second leaning design. I immediately thought of other containers and materials I have in my stash of stuff which could be used effectively and creatively. This is a well constructed e-book which can be easily followed by a beginner or someone more advanced in Contempory work.

Excellent

Excellent book. Important knowledge explained perfectly. Exactly what I needed.

Amazing ideas. Thank you.

Designing to Win Uncommon Threads

Designing to Win Uncommon Threads. The course provided the unusual opportunity to respond to a competition brief not once but twice. Using Mark’s detailed ebook as a guide to interpreting a marking scheme and competition brief. All participants produced a design. In a group forum we all received Mark’s insights and expert analysis, including advice on improvements and modifications. Producing a second design with this feedback. Mark held a second forum discussing the second design interpretation from the feedback given. Such a study in floral design and self improvement. Flower Thinking and Mark provide designers to tools to make considered choices in floral designing. I look forward to the next course and learning journey.

Building confidence

Love this book.

M
Designing to Win (Audience)
Marleen Pratt OAM
Uncommon Threads

I enjoyed the critiqued detail of the 1st design presented by participants in the theme Uncommon Threads. 2nd design was changed to improve its presentation to fill the brief of an opening Event for a fashion boutique.

"Designing to win" is a winner

The intriguing theme,"Uncommon threads", captured my attention and thinking. I initially thought this short course,"Designing to win", would be too challenging. I found that it was actually comprehensive, well organized and structured, and rewarding eventually. This course was about understanding the rules and schedule of a competition. It was about learning how to evaluate one's design for a competition against an essential list of marking criteria for judging. Mark conducted two virtual discussion forums fluently, meticulously and constructively by giving clear analysis with concise explanations. He posed questions and made suggestions on each participant's design in #1 submission. The task of improving/adjusting/changing in order to achieve a better outcome became the necessary challenge for #2 submission.
The learnings from all the other submissions was just as important as those of mine. After having completed this course, I gained a better understanding of the entire process of designing to win and the crucial decision making that hinged on the points/marks for judging. The "wow factor" which can contribute to winning can be achieved by more critical evaluation of a design. Learning to be a better designer is always my aim in participating in Mark's courses. I truly felt that I achieved it and it was a likely "win" for me. The instructional eBooks and video tutorials on competitions were valuable bonuses given after completion of the course.

Thank you, Mark, for this great opportunity to learn from you.

Designing to win uncommon threads

Excellent course, I learnt a lot just need to put it into practice now.😊

F
Designing to Win (Designer)
Fiona Leman Leman
I thought it was a good title with lots of scope for interpretation.

I thought it was a great course! I learnt a lot from the in depth evaluations of each design, and I think the true value of the course can be seen in the huge improvements of all the submitted designs. Thank you Mark.

Floral Competition Essentials

Very informative,

One Container, Five Elements expanded my design processes and choices. Analysing the container and looking for a link to each of the five elements. Focusing on one element was a disciplined journey, one that became more complex the further I travelled along the path, albeit a rewarding journey. On reflection it allowed me to consider my choices and to give each element of design a voice in my arrangements. I likened it to a choir where one voice may lead but if the supporting harmonies are not in pitch the whole auditory experience is not quite right. I found myself falling to my favourite elements and constantly self-evaluating to see what was often needed, often editing rather than adding. During the group feedback sessions, I gained new eyes not only on my own work but that of my peers. Such a rewarding experience.

I am thrilled to have found Designing to Win classes. Mark is an excellent teacher, looking at the work from both a competitor's and evaluator's point of view. I learned so much watching his thorough critiquing of each design and suggestions on improvements. I would love to try this as a competitor next time. A great educational experience!

Each task or assignment for this course pushes you to think more about placement of components in order to ensure that the elements and principles of design are used to create a harmonious result. Mark encourages creativity by providing examples before leaving you to work in your own way, this is incredibly stimulating. All feedback provided is done in a positive way which encourages you to assess your own work better each time - however I still manage to repeat some of the same faults over and again ;) so plenty more to learn.

Festive Thinking expanded my design process. Mark’s books and video explained the task clearly and with detailed instructions and examples. The feedback session was informative providing suggestions on improvement and self reflection on the design created. Mark’s detailed analysis gives insights into the application of the elements and principles of design. I enjoyed the course and look forward to the next Flower Thinking offering.

This course is totally fabulous, taking one container and working with that in totally different ways with the focus on each of the Elements of design really make you think. Using the container as a starting point for inspiration but then pushing it on alternative ways is most refreshing. Mark's feedback and guidance throughout is so clear and well thought out and is delivered both verbally and in writing. This course is a great opportunity to learn from a master... But it is also self lead in that you choose your own design and work to stretch yourself in what ever way you like. So good I am considering a second round using different container.

That the Festive Thinking courses are extremely worthwhile, cost effective and so convenient to be able to watch the videos at home and then revue at one's leisure.

The sickles are very versatile and can be used in many different ways, not only for a festive design. I liked the fact that a subtle Christmas feeling was encouraged for the designs in this forum.

Festive Thinking provided an opportunity to work to a theme and then see just how totally different everyone's ideas are, when developing that theme. The feedback provided was clear and focused on improvement. It was also great to have certain design styles discussed - in particular the explanation of displacement from container was insightful.

Enjoyed the challenge and learnt so much. Mark's ability to see what might be with a few subtle changes is amazing.

A must if you are looking to improve your designing and challenge yourself to trying out new ideas.

I really enjoyed the course and particularly found the critique process really helpful, as Mark carefully explained what worked well with the designs we had each produced and how they could potentially be improved further. At each stage, Mark explained how the design principles applied and helped me to develop my understanding of contemporary work.

This was a fantastic class and I highly recommend it. Mark opened up my creativity and taught me to look at every element in different ways.

This course has boosted my confidence and understanding of what is expected in good floral design. The practical, eloquent and positive feedback has been really valuable. Not only does Mark possess true natural flair and talent, but also comes with vast experience and above all, is an excellent teacher who is able to clearly share his understanding with his students.