A Day in My Life as a Stylist

Being a stylist is not just a job; it's a lifestyle filled with creativity, collaboration, and the thrill of bringing visions to life. My day-to-day routine is a whirlwind of emails, phone calls, and meetings as I work tirelessly to organize shoots, events, and personal consultations. While the pace can be hectic, the satisfaction of seeing my ideas materialize alongside a talented team makes every effort worthwhile. Each detail, no matter how small, contributes to the overall quality of the final result. Here’s a glimpse into a day in my life as a stylist.

Conceptualizing the Vision

Every project begins with a concept, whether it’s an aesthetic choice or a message I aim to convey. The first step in this creative journey is to compile my ideas into a mood board. This visual representation serves as a guide, providing a clear direction for the shoot. Utilizing online resources, I gather images of outfits, hairstyles, makeup, props, and backgrounds to create an inspiring mood board. For a recent lookbook shoot titled “Rawhide,” I selected striking black and white portraits of men shot in the studio, paired with an image of bold black eyeshadow to set the makeup tone.

Assembling the Perfect Team

Once the mood board is complete, I have a solid understanding of the desired aesthetic. The next crucial step is organizing the right crew. I quickly reach out to a photographer to secure the studio space, followed by contacting a model. Luckily, my chosen model is exceptionally talented, with skills in both hair and makeup, allowing us to skip hiring a separate artist.

Shopping for the Look

With the team in place, my model and I coordinate a shopping day to find the perfect outfits for the lookbook. In this instance, we focused on denim and leather pieces. It’s essential to schedule our shopping trip close to the shoot date, ensuring we can return the items for a full refund afterward. This allows us to essentially use the clothes free of charge, maximizing our budget for the project.

The Shoot Day Experience

Finally, the shoot day arrives. I go to my model’s home to help him pack all the outfits and ensure we have everything we need. We travel to the studio, where we meet the photographer and his assistant. While the model prepares with makeup, I discuss the lighting setup with the photographer and organize the clothing for the shoot.

During the shoot, it’s vital to take a moment to adjust and style the clothes to achieve the desired look. Standing behind the photographer allows me to see how the clothing appears through the camera lens, helping to gauge the angles and framing of each shot. This attention to detail ensures the shoot runs smoothly, allowing ample time for experimenting with poses and angles to capture the intended tone of the images.

The Result of Collaboration

As the shoot progresses, the organization and vision come together beautifully. The collaborative effort between the model, photographer, and myself results in stunning images that reflect the concept we set out to create. The satisfaction of seeing my ideas come to life is immeasurable, and it drives me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Key Takeaways

• Effective communication is essential for organizing a successful shoot.
• Creating a mood board helps clarify and focus the creative vision.
• Assembling a talented team can streamline the process and enhance the final product.
• Attention to detail during the shoot can significantly impact the outcome of the images.

Conclusion

A day in my life as a stylist is filled with challenges and rewards. The process—from conceptualization to the final shoot—requires dedication, creativity, and teamwork. Each project is an opportunity to express my artistic vision and collaborate with others who share a passion for fashion and style. The hustle and bustle of a stylist’s life may be demanding, but the end results make every effort worth it.

References:

• Smith, J. (2020). The Art of Styling: A Guide for Fashion Professionals. Fashion Press.
• Johnson, L. (2021). Behind the Lens: A Photographer's Journey. Creative Insights.
• Williams, R. (2022). Fashion Mood Boards: A Complete Guide. Style Publishing.