Artistry Of Shaunte'

Styling is way more tedious than what people give us credit for. We are responsible for “Creating” style. We decide what a person wears, and how they are going to wear it. During my journey as a Professional Freelance MUA and Fashion Stylist. I’ve learned ALOT!!! So I want to share with you all some basic tips on what an aspiring stylist should know, and a fashion Stylist should remember. Hope this helps :)

GETTING STARTED
When getting started in the styling industry research all fields. Know what services you want to offer, (image consulting, fashion styling, personal shopping) what type of styling you want to do, (editorial, celebrity, films etc) what do you want to specialize in (Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear, evening wear, costume etc) what type of career approach you want to take ( freelance, contract, for a store, etc) and what demographic you want to target. These are all important things to think about. I know it seems like alot but don’t get discouraged. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Once you’ve answered those questions its time to….

RESEARCH
You do NOT have to have a fashion stylist degree to be in this industry BUT Fashion History & Education is very important!!! Knowledge is power even in fashion world. Stay on top of the trends, know your designers, and most importantly know your clients!!! (I personally send my clients styling questionaires)

PRACTICE
“PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT” The QUALITY of your work gets you clients. Create a vision board of what ideas you want to try, style your friends for practice and take lots of pictures, assist other stylist to gain experience. All these things will help you get experience until you’re comfortable enough to build your portfolio. (Even as a stylist I still do some of these things ;)

Let’s say now you’re comfortable and you’re ready to start shooting, and you want to take a shot at building your port…

PHOTOSHOOT|EVENTS
Fittings should be done prior to shoot, arrive EARLY or the call time you were designated, and most importantly ALWAYS be prepared. If a model, artist etc. needs five looks for a shoot, you should be pulling atleast 10 + looks. I say this because just in case something doesn’t work out you always have alternatives, and it saves you as well :)

BUILDING YOUR PORTFOLIO
Building your portfolio takes time!!!! Stay focused find great models, photographers mua, designers etc to work with for a successful portfolio. Your portfolio is YOU. It showcases your craft!!! Every Photo you use for your port should say something, it should show style, creativity, personality, and most importantly improvement.

So now you have a port but noone knows about your amazing work…

BRAND YOURSELF
Our field is so downplayed in smaller cities but also very competitive. The quality of our work gets us clients, but we have to market and brand ourselves as well. This is your chance to get out there in the fashion world and put your style on your craft. Blog, create a website, logo, press kits, business cards join social networks, create a youtube channel, send your work to local magazines anything that you can think of. Get your name out there!!!!!!!!

So now you know about skill, and branding…Lets keep it going by…

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS|NETWORKING
You always want to build relationships within the Industry. Showrooms, Boutiques, designers etc. CREADIBILITY is key in this area. These are the people you will need to pull different looks, they play a big role in your career as a stylist. When Styling for an editorial etc. It also pays to work with a GREAT Photographer, MUA, and hair stylist!!! So get out there and NETWORK!!!

MAKING MONEY
This is the goal everyone aims for. You determine how much money you make with your hardwork, dedication, and MOST IMPORTANTLY YOUR SKILL!!! Rates vary in this industry as any other industry. Depending on the assignment it can be hourly, or a set fee.

This is just a basic outline of what goes on in the life of a hardworking stylist. I hope this helps guys feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!! Thanks for reading!!!

SHAUNTE’ ANTIONETTE ATKINSON
ARTISTRY OF SHAUNTE’