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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Very informative,

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!

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.

Mark has a unique way of looking at design and he has brought that again with this Festive Thinking 2023 short course and tutorial. What I like about his courses are he gives you suggestions of useful techniques, detailed instructions and many examples of unique completed designs for inspiration. After you’ve submitted your design Mark reviews it and gives a detailed constructive analysis about the work. He indicates what works and what improvements or other possibilities to enhance the design. Always insightful and thought provoking. In addition to this, it is so good to see how other participants interpret the brief and the amazing designs they create. It’s a great opportunity to delve into the world of floral design. Highly recommended.

Love the ebooks and videos. Clear instructions and illustrations. Have received today the next brooks . Looking forward to being part of this community .

I highly recommend this course to anyone who is involved in floral design and judging The feed back and the exercises are extremely valuable in judging your own work and others as well.

Mark's Designing to Win course exceeded my expectations - his analysis of each of the compositions presented and his recommendations on how to strengthen the piece was quite in-depth. I learned much more from attending as a member of the audience than I thought possible. I would love the opportunity to attend as a participant.

Design to win would be. A great help to new competitors as well as experienced. We should all keep an open mind to changes and accept challenges

I enjoyed doing my designs with the titles and would like to have more challenging titles

Fantastic learning opportunity with our amazing Mark Pampling. Incredible amount of content to learn and grow with. Thank you Flower Thinking it was fantastic!

Designing to Win enhanced my understanding of the marking schedule and how to use the allocated point system as a reference when designing for competition work. The feedback sessions and notes Mark provided allowed for reevaluation of the first submission. Using this information to rework a second version. This continual improvement process is invaluable to self growth and development in refining the design cycle from concept to creation.

I'm just amazed at how able you are to in a very positive way, give criticism, it's fantastic. You really have a skill there of not making people feel inadequate and yet you do make all the points that are important.

Excellent video Mark, this information is priceless. Preparing for World Cup 2023 is a exciting yet daunting task. I appreciate your insight and expertise!

I will encourage my friends to participate in future courses as they are very well explained and even if you learn one small thing it is well worth it...Thank you Mark

Fantastic course very informative and well explained

Thank you to Mark for providing this wonderful platform to globally connect designers, by affording participants the opportunity to be inspired by his designs and his sickle component. To learn and to keep learning and improving from his crit on each design, well done Mark Pampling.

This is a good learning curve for any designer who is wanting to sharpen up on the skills required when competing in shows.