What skills are the most crucial for a career in styling?
Styling is a very collaborative profession. The ability to work well with others and a willingness to collaborate on projects are definitely really important skills.
Which is more important, a formal education or having hands-on experience?
I’m a proponent of college degrees — I would look for fashion design or fashion marketing majors, or a basic fashion history or basic textiles class — but styling is a hands-on profession. Getting experience is really the only way to break into the industry and for an aspiring stylist to build his portfolio.
How do you get hands-on experience?
“Testing” is how most stylists break into the industry. It’s an unpaid collaboration between aspiring photographers, hair and makeup people and models. In the past, my students have found testing opportunities through photography departments at local art schools.
Where should people look for styling internships and assistant positions?
Reach out to stylists directly. It’s good to have at least one or two test shoots under your belt before you start looking for an assisting opportunity — it shows the lead stylist you’re serious and you have an idea how to go about doing a photo shoot.
How can wannabe stylists differentiate themselves from the competition?
Brand identity is important — good promotional materials like a Web site, a business card and a portfolio should look like one another so you’re communicating one identity.
Do you have to live in New York or LA to make it?
There’s opportunity everywhere, but if you’re in a smaller city, you may have to diversify or be willing to travel for jobs. A stylist based in Tampa might travel to Miami or Orlando for work, or they might diversify into other areas of styling, like prop styling.