Why I Love What I Do!

Written by Erik Witcraft
In the last few weeks, I have spent my time preparing for a Annual holiday show at our local Flower Market in Portland, Oregon. In the process, I have been thinking a lot about design, flowers, my job and the industry. I have been contemplating why I love what I do, and how I have made this 13 + year career so enjoyable. The truth is...the people I have met, the customers I have created and the rewards that they have brought to me have meant way more than the floral designs that I have created throughout the years.In the last 13 + years, I have taught floral design to adults and high-schoolers. I have worked in mom and pop shops, as well as high end flower shops. I have become a lead contemporary designer synonymous with style and simplicity in our area...and a key player in the wedding market. However, the truth is...it’s the customers that keep me coming back each day in love with what I do.My advice for all you budding designers of the world...don’t lose site of the goal. Whether you are a wedding designer, a free-lancer or a new designer in the industry...it’s easy to get wrapped up in the work...in creating the next best design. Don’t forget about the main "bread & butter" which is our customers. Take some time to look up from your counter. Strike up a conversation with a old face in your store...take a moment to fill a balloon for a child that is hanging out with mom. That’s how you create return satisfied customers. That’s how you create a satisfied self in this industry.

Erik Witcraft has worked as a floral designer in the Portland, Oregon area since 1995. He graduated from the Floral Design Institute and then began work as a lead instructor of the basic and advanced floral design programs. Now he shares his time between designing at Flowers Washougal and teaching High school students at Moutainview High School in Vancouver, Washington.