Rhonda
Well-Known Member
did mine yesterday, haven't printed the pic out to see what it will actually look like, but I take crappy pictures so....
What the heck! Fun to play !
What the heck! Fun to play !
*Design Competition* Your Best Dozen Roses - Discussion
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Joe Mioux
Well-Known Member
not joe this time...
i was commenting on the judging process, not the Artsy v Saleable(?) debate.
btw: do we have free reign over the container used?
Hi Sharron- Like your post to me after I was red dotted "For the record, I didn't red dot you."
Yes, I wish I would not have posted it..... but let's all get beyond it. Thanks!!, Clay :>
Salable VS Artsy
Parie,
I completely agree with you. Balance is the key. Many people who diss artsy designs don't understand the power that "unsellable" designs can have for an industry.
A customer may see and artsy design and may have insecurity about buying it without hand-holding. This always happens with a concept that is new or different. It is the job of the "sales person" (different from a "clerk", who just rings up a sale) to show the attributes of the design, explain why it could be preferable to what they are used to, and help bring the customer to the next level.
I sincerely believe that we lose a lot of potential sales because the public has lost excitement for the designs that most florists put out there. I'm not talking about losing a sale of someone who comes into your shop to buy flowers. I'm talking about people not thinking of flowers as an exciting gift or an exciting addition to their home. You think you're competing against other florists, but actually we are competing against any other place where people potentially spend discretionary income.
When people go to a Parade Of Homes, they may not actually want to buy every new concept they see, but seeing new over-the-top is what builds excitement about what they could do in their own home. Their home is level 2. The model home is level 10. They try to bring their home up to 3 or 4, not up to level 10.
Look at the fashion industry. Fashion week in NYC or Paris or Milan. Most of the designs are over-the-top. You don't see people wearing this stuff on the street every day. But this is the stuff that builds or breaks a reputation. The interest that is created by "non-sellable" fashions creates the reputation for the design lines that actually do sell. The sell watered-down versions. But the artsy stuff is what gets people interested.
My over-the-top artsy stuff may not always fly out the door, but it creates interest that brings people into my shop. Then they buy something that is close, but not quite as artsy. Sometimes the right customer actually wants the arty stuff, too.
Arthur from Babylon, who has a great gallery here at FC, has built his reputation in Denver by showing completely unsalable designs. Especially the bizarre flowers-in-hair fashion show stuff. But he sells small gorgeous hair pieces for brides and people going to parties. The weird stuff gets their attention. The watered-down version gets their wallets.
I did an over-the-top bridal bouquet made of just beargrass, wire and orchid blossoms for the wedding program on stage this year at AIFD. I made it again for the Colorado Retail Florists Association wedding bouquet design contest and won (pictures on my gallery page). All the other bouquets were cascading or massed. My artsy piece was exciting because it was so different. Salable? I've already had two brides book this bouquet (at $600) for their upcoming weddings - one this month, one in Oct. I plan to sell it many more times over the next year.
If an item is unsellable, it's often because the seller doesn't believe in the product being sold or because of lack of sales ability. Can every good sales person sell every product to every customer? No, of course not. But most people who say that something isn't salable just don't want to sell it or can't sell it.
I know that styles need to be appropriate for people's lifestyles. Part of what a designer must do is make adjustments with this in mind.
I hope that some of the artsy "non-salable" designs get votes based on their design, and not just what people "think" might sell in their shops. If the top 12 are safe salable items, it will create little excitement for the public or for florists.
Parie,
I completely agree with you. Balance is the key. Many people who diss artsy designs don't understand the power that "unsellable" designs can have for an industry.
A customer may see and artsy design and may have insecurity about buying it without hand-holding. This always happens with a concept that is new or different. It is the job of the "sales person" (different from a "clerk", who just rings up a sale) to show the attributes of the design, explain why it could be preferable to what they are used to, and help bring the customer to the next level.
I sincerely believe that we lose a lot of potential sales because the public has lost excitement for the designs that most florists put out there. I'm not talking about losing a sale of someone who comes into your shop to buy flowers. I'm talking about people not thinking of flowers as an exciting gift or an exciting addition to their home. You think you're competing against other florists, but actually we are competing against any other place where people potentially spend discretionary income.
When people go to a Parade Of Homes, they may not actually want to buy every new concept they see, but seeing new over-the-top is what builds excitement about what they could do in their own home. Their home is level 2. The model home is level 10. They try to bring their home up to 3 or 4, not up to level 10.
Look at the fashion industry. Fashion week in NYC or Paris or Milan. Most of the designs are over-the-top. You don't see people wearing this stuff on the street every day. But this is the stuff that builds or breaks a reputation. The interest that is created by "non-sellable" fashions creates the reputation for the design lines that actually do sell. The sell watered-down versions. But the artsy stuff is what gets people interested.
My over-the-top artsy stuff may not always fly out the door, but it creates interest that brings people into my shop. Then they buy something that is close, but not quite as artsy. Sometimes the right customer actually wants the arty stuff, too.
Arthur from Babylon, who has a great gallery here at FC, has built his reputation in Denver by showing completely unsalable designs. Especially the bizarre flowers-in-hair fashion show stuff. But he sells small gorgeous hair pieces for brides and people going to parties. The weird stuff gets their attention. The watered-down version gets their wallets.
I did an over-the-top bridal bouquet made of just beargrass, wire and orchid blossoms for the wedding program on stage this year at AIFD. I made it again for the Colorado Retail Florists Association wedding bouquet design contest and won (pictures on my gallery page). All the other bouquets were cascading or massed. My artsy piece was exciting because it was so different. Salable? I've already had two brides book this bouquet (at $600) for their upcoming weddings - one this month, one in Oct. I plan to sell it many more times over the next year.
If an item is unsellable, it's often because the seller doesn't believe in the product being sold or because of lack of sales ability. Can every good sales person sell every product to every customer? No, of course not. But most people who say that something isn't salable just don't want to sell it or can't sell it.
I know that styles need to be appropriate for people's lifestyles. Part of what a designer must do is make adjustments with this in mind.
I hope that some of the artsy "non-salable" designs get votes based on their design, and not just what people "think" might sell in their shops. If the top 12 are safe salable items, it will create little excitement for the public or for florists.
I'm not sure what to think of this whole thread.... I didn't see where it was mandatory for all members to submit a picture!
:soapbox: :soapbox: :soapbox: I wish I could keep my mouth shut but I can't.
IT'S A DOZEN ROSES FOR GOODNESS SAKE!
I gave a program earlier this week in the Northeast. When the attendees arrived I had an average, fall arrangement sitting on the table. And I do mean average. Mixed fall colors, mixed flowers, in a basket... I started my program by saying "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking why did I get out tonight if this is what I'm going to see. Right?" After most nodded in agreement I asked "how do you think you're customers feel when they see this arrangement in your shop?" You should have seen the looks on their faces. Lightbulbs were going off all over!
I then used the exact same flowers and did a simple parallel arrangement grouping the flowers and they all agreed it was a much more pleasing arrangement suitable for lots of applications. In this case not out there, but different.
Isn't this contest supposed to do the same for us? I can always use and appreciate someone else's take on any design. I can guarantee I'm going to love some and dislike others but I'm going to learn from them all!
I look forward to seeing new twists on the traditional Doz roses.
:soapbox: :soapbox: :soapbox: I wish I could keep my mouth shut but I can't.
IT'S A DOZEN ROSES FOR GOODNESS SAKE!
I gave a program earlier this week in the Northeast. When the attendees arrived I had an average, fall arrangement sitting on the table. And I do mean average. Mixed fall colors, mixed flowers, in a basket... I started my program by saying "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking why did I get out tonight if this is what I'm going to see. Right?" After most nodded in agreement I asked "how do you think you're customers feel when they see this arrangement in your shop?" You should have seen the looks on their faces. Lightbulbs were going off all over!
I then used the exact same flowers and did a simple parallel arrangement grouping the flowers and they all agreed it was a much more pleasing arrangement suitable for lots of applications. In this case not out there, but different.
Isn't this contest supposed to do the same for us? I can always use and appreciate someone else's take on any design. I can guarantee I'm going to love some and dislike others but I'm going to learn from them all!
I look forward to seeing new twists on the traditional Doz roses.
I'm really excited about this contest and look forward to seeing the designs.
You know, everyone designs flowers differently. Some do well and enjoy designing flowers that are "salable" and others are really good at creating and designing the "artsy" stuff. Both are wonderful and needed. I do better with the "salable" stuff but I secretly wish I could do the artsy stuff like Shannon (anyone would be insane if they didn't want to design like Shannon...she rocks!).
Anyway, If I can get my camera working on time, I'll be submitting a more salable design (while silently envying the artsy designs).LOL!!!
We get to pick 12 winners and I'm sure that there will be a broad spectrum of designs chosen both salable, artsy and in between.
Good Luck everyone and remember...have fun doing the design style you love!
You know, everyone designs flowers differently. Some do well and enjoy designing flowers that are "salable" and others are really good at creating and designing the "artsy" stuff. Both are wonderful and needed. I do better with the "salable" stuff but I secretly wish I could do the artsy stuff like Shannon (anyone would be insane if they didn't want to design like Shannon...she rocks!).
Anyway, If I can get my camera working on time, I'll be submitting a more salable design (while silently envying the artsy designs).LOL!!!
We get to pick 12 winners and I'm sure that there will be a broad spectrum of designs chosen both salable, artsy and in between.
Good Luck everyone and remember...have fun doing the design style you love!
Absolutely. You gonna do some fab woodwork and create a cool unique look? I'd love to see that.
Kebbie & V - thanks for the wise comments.
Joe Mioux
Well-Known Member
I am hoping....
just one small problem... I have been way busy! not too just way busy.
lots of weddings and funerals and poinsettias and daily!
OT: just got back from a wedding where a former bride customer (she was one of 8 bridesmaids in today's wedding) and her mother came up to me at separate times and each gave me a hug. former bride customer told me she is telling all her friends to use me. GTLI!
back on topic...
hopefully tomorrow I can do something with wood.
Hi RWK,
Alot of office supply stores have scanning service. If you have film developed you can do it that way or I know that CVS will put it on a disk if developed there. I'm sure other places do as well.
Alot of office supply stores have scanning service. If you have film developed you can do it that way or I know that CVS will put it on a disk if developed there. I'm sure other places do as well.
Again...not me... BTW I have never given out a red dot. Clay
Knife's Wife
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I gave Shannon the red dot because I did not approve of the digression of this idea and the thread. I did not however purposely NOT sign it, that was an oversight.
I give them and sometimes I get them...Yeah I also give out lots of greens some i sign some i don't . I never hear anyone complain when they get a green dot and it was not signed...why is that??
Joan
I give them and sometimes I get them...Yeah I also give out lots of greens some i sign some i don't . I never hear anyone complain when they get a green dot and it was not signed...why is that??
Joan
I guess I'm more inclined to express disatisfaction with the way a thread is going by using my thoughts and words (you all know how much I love words).
Shannon and Clay and everyone else, we have expressed our thoughts and some may agree and others may not... however, nothing in here deserved tarnishing a reputation with a red dot.
I do wish the whole dot thing would disappear... it's becoming more of a hindrance than a help when abused.
Joan, I have on occasion given out a green dot without signing simply because my fingers move too quickly sometimes. I almost always let the recipient know what happened.
I am truly looking forward to seeing all the wonderful offerings made by any and all participants.
As far as people not making an issue out of anonymous green dots... that makes perfect sense as they are given out of a positive action, not a negative one.
This is being posted without any prejudice, and just a modicum of frustration at how silly we (me included) can be sometimes.
V
Shannon and Clay and everyone else, we have expressed our thoughts and some may agree and others may not... however, nothing in here deserved tarnishing a reputation with a red dot.
I do wish the whole dot thing would disappear... it's becoming more of a hindrance than a help when abused.
Joan, I have on occasion given out a green dot without signing simply because my fingers move too quickly sometimes. I almost always let the recipient know what happened.
I am truly looking forward to seeing all the wonderful offerings made by any and all participants.
As far as people not making an issue out of anonymous green dots... that makes perfect sense as they are given out of a positive action, not a negative one.
This is being posted without any prejudice, and just a modicum of frustration at how silly we (me included) can be sometimes.
V
Man Up! Sign them dots.
You can go back and change the message on your dots if you forget to sign them.
You can go back and change the message on your dots if you forget to sign them.
And they're off!........
OK - I'm brave. I went first.
It's artsy, I know, but we've delivered this design before with no problem. The bowl goes along dry, and the swirled rose cluster in a cylinder vase. When the driver arrives, he sets the bowl where it will be displayed, sets the roses in the bowl and pours some water from the cylinder into the bowl. Presto, easy, no problem.
So for those of you who want to say it is undeliverable, I'm here to tell you: NO IT AIN'T!!
Some of you may hate it, some of you may like it, but at least it's creative and different. I know none of you has ever done this before, 'cause I thought it up myself.
Cathy, What a fun idea this contest is!!
And who's next?
OK - I'm brave. I went first.
It's artsy, I know, but we've delivered this design before with no problem. The bowl goes along dry, and the swirled rose cluster in a cylinder vase. When the driver arrives, he sets the bowl where it will be displayed, sets the roses in the bowl and pours some water from the cylinder into the bowl. Presto, easy, no problem.
So for those of you who want to say it is undeliverable, I'm here to tell you: NO IT AIN'T!!
Some of you may hate it, some of you may like it, but at least it's creative and different. I know none of you has ever done this before, 'cause I thought it up myself.
Cathy, What a fun idea this contest is!!
And who's next?
Connie
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