Is age 60 too old to test for AIFD?

Rhonda

Rhonda

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Nov 1, 2002
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www.millinocketflorist.com
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Okay so here it goes..
2013 will be Ann Jordan's Presidental Symposium to be held in Las Vegas.
Considering all Ann has done for Maine florists and our Association (and so many good friends here as well), we're organizing a group to attend Symposium. A few of us are mmfd certified (through Ann's teaching the course) and since we are planning NOW for 2013, why not test? :dearbob:
Sooooo, I'm trying to organize a "study group" with some of the mmfd members to brace up our skills and to see how many would test while we're there. Is age 60 too old to test for AIFD?
 
I don't think you are ever to old to become AIFD!! The study group is a WONDERFUL idea!! Amazing for you and just think of all the joy in your heart, you will even feel 10 years younger!
 
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Why, are you too old to design?

Rhonda, I would have SO regretted not trying when the urge hit me. Who knows, I may even try again. Age has nothing to do with it at all except for the fact that you aren't getting any younger.

I love the study group idea, that is not a bad idea for states to consider. Not just for testing for AIFD but just for refreshers. I like it.

You go girl!
 
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Not at all, you spry spring chicken...go for it for you!!!
 
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There is no age limit on when you can test......Go for it. At the very least, you'll have some gorgeous floral decorations for your walker and cane.....lol.
 
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Do it! And by the way, AIFD has on-line classes as well as a few workshops throughout the year. Why not start with one of the on-line classes. They are very reasonable. Your group can take the class together and, perhaps meet to work on designs together.
 
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RWK said:
There is no age limit on when you can test......Go for it. At the very least, you'll have some gorgeous floral decorations for your walker and cane.....lol.
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You just created a whole new category!! You are a visionary!
 
Ok Rhonda! That's it! If you test in Vegas- I will too! Hey Flower chatter! Thanks for the info! I'm totally going to take online classes! Why not!
Oh and BTW- I'm thinking of going to that show/class/workshop or what ever it is in South Carolina in April. If all goes well Donnie and I are totally going. Plue it will be our 10 year wedding anniversary and we never have been east of west Arkansas.
 
RWK said:
There is no age limit on when you can test......Go for it. At the very least, you'll have some gorgeous floral decorations for your walker and cane.....lol.
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Ya''l realize I was having some good-natured fun. Now, An AIFD workshop in SC ? I had not heard of this one. If you go Shannon to my home state, then I recommend one place to visit. Historic Charleston. Take about a week and explore. You Will FALL IN love with that town.
 
RWK said:
Ya''l realize I was having some good-natured fun. Now, An AIFD workshop in SC ? I had not heard of this one. If you go Shannon to my home state, then I recommend one place to visit. Historic Charleston. Take about a week and explore. You Will FALL IN love with that town.
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Oh crap- I'm sorry- It's in Orlando....But I plan on going up to Myrtle Beach. Donnies Aunt (who is One year older than me) lives there with her family. If we end up going that is.
 
The only time it's too late to learn new things is when you're dead.

Do it!

V
 
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AIFD has nothing to do with your age.
It's all about your ability to design...

Granted, it has been a while since I was inducted, but I don't think they asked me how old I was....

I did however, have to show that I was capable of designing arrangements that were above average in creativity, with an emphasis n the understanding of the elements and principals of design, for different applications.

So if you feel you are ready to take the challenge, they hey, go for it! What do you have to lose?

True enough, the rules and standareds for admission to AIFD have changed over the years, and there are some people who feel they have been loosened in order to attact more members. However, in my opinion, AIFD continues to represent the highest level of qualification for floral designers.

It's a great way to learn more stuff, and, if you are invited to join after showing your talent, then it will bring you much satisfaction, affirmation, and joy.

If you do not qualify for nomination for admission, then at least you will recieve terrific advice on how you should proceed, if you wish to continue your journey.

Even if you decide that the whole experience is bogus, you will still have been given an experience where you can compare your work against the others who are considered to be the best in the country, and, with pointers from the judges, you will be able to make huge gains in your eduacation.

Truly, I do not see a down side in going for it.
Let us know how you fair out.

JP
 
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Hey Rhonda- OB1s post made me think of something...

The critiques-

Rhonda- have you ever entered a design contest? You should enter as many as you can between now and then. The critique sheets you get after the contest will help you sooooo much. I know they help me. Some comments were down right hard core But those are the one I remember the mostI can get 3 score sheets, 2 of the scores can be in the 90's but the third that is a "73" is the one that I focus on. Just helps me to focus on how to be a better designer AND to check myself.

I also think entering design contests will help with nerves at testing time. My first contest, I got literally sick (I wont tell you how) and I totally choked. I really really highly recommend entering a few contests between now and then.
 
My wife's thinking of jumping in and I'll be there also (marketing seminars) not design...........We can call ourselves "ole florists rule" gang.....................
 
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shannonlovesflowers said:
Hey Rhonda- OB1s post made me think of something...

The critiques-

Rhonda- have you ever entered a design contest? You should enter as many as you can between now and then. The critique sheets you get after the contest will help you sooooo much. I know they help me. Some comments were down right hard core But those are the one I remember the mostI can get 3 score sheets, 2 of the scores can be in the 90's but the third that is a "73" is the one that I focus on. Just helps me to focus on how to be a better designer AND to check myself.

I also think entering design contests will help with nerves at testing time. My first contest, I got literally sick (I wont tell you how) and I totally choked. I really really highly recommend entering a few contests between now and then.
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Actually since I became mmfd I've judged and ran the design contests since. Haven't been able to compete. Will have to say no next show..
 
I agree that the critiques help A LOT. However, like Shannon pointed out, there can be a vast difference in judges and what they like and do not like. For me, same design, one judge wrote "too much texture" and another wrote "love all the texture" with corresponding low or high scores. There is no getting past some of the subjective personal tastes.

If you are planning on having a group, I imagine critique will be a heavy part of it. I would suggest coming up with themes and specific uses so things like scale and creativity can be looked at. What a lot of fun to get together like that!
 
Take another opportunity. If you have a close AIFD member near you, talk with them, get them to critique. One part of our code of ethics is to help encourage other designers to become AIFD. This includes helping you to be come a better designer.
 
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