Question
Jessica,
I took classes online, and now I am working on my final exam. I have to make 4 different arrangements. My arrangements just don't have the professional look. I know that probly takes practice, but I am worried i won't pass, and receive my deploma. Any suggestions.
Thanks,
Kay

Answer
Kay, this truly is an instance where practice makes perfect.  The only things I can say are:

Try to keep it balanced - using odd numbers of the same flower usually works best.

Use depth - although your arrangement will have an overall shape, you should place a few flowers deeper than the general line of the arrangement.  This will give it texture and keep it interesting to the eye.  Likewise, use some soft trailing greens or curly willow or ting-ting to reach beyond the outside line of the arrangement a bit.  This way, you won't end up with an unattractive, uninteresting roundy-moundy arrangement.

Don't be afraid to combine colors - although they don't sound like they'd mesh well, orange and yellow are absolutely stunning against purples and blues.  Mixing vibrant colors will make a bold and interesting statement.

Make sure to cover your mechanics - I always recommend to cover floral foam and tape with a layer of sheet moss soaked in water.  And containers which aren't of decorative value should be covered with some trailing greenery.

Pick a focal flower - decide on a bold, large flower (roses, lilies, protea), and base your arrangement around them.  You want all the rest of the flowers to complement the focal flowers you choose, not distract the viewer's eye from them.

Keep it simple.  In general, stick with a few colors and a somewhat small selection of flowers.  Using one or two stems of a ton of different flowers is going to confuse the eye and look disorganized.  Keeping groupings of like flowers and colors is going to make the highest and most pleasing visual impact.