Three Ways To Stand Out As a Studio Staff Photo Stylist

There are several ways to work as a Photo and Prop Stylist.  You can be a Freelance Stylist, sign with an Agency or you can work as a Studio Staff Stylist.  In this post, we're talking about studio staff stylists and how to stand out in your styling career. There can be alot of opportunity to be promoted to other creative roles inside the company that has a studio, such a Junior Art Director, Photo Art Director or Creative Director.  Having worked at a Corporate Studio, I have seen promotions of Photo Stylists first hand.  But, ya gotta stand out, be bold and have a plan.  You know  doors open to those who are bold and brave to knock, right?!  Here are 3 things you can do:

1.  SPEAK UP AT CREATIVE MEETINGS

Oftentimes, Studios have regular creative meeting for the creative staff, including Photographer, Creative Directors, Production Assistants (PA's) and Photo Stylists.  Be an active meeting participant and join in on the conversation in these meetings! Speak up using positive language about your ideas:  Avoid phrases like:

"I think we maybe should”
"I'’m just “throwing this out there”
"You probably won’t like this idea, but”.

While all your ideas may not be used, you will develop a reputation as a problem solver, collaborator and contributor.  In the short (& long term) those traits get noticed and rewarded.

2.  ASK FOR ASSIGNMENTS / SHARE IDEAS

Know something is coming up on the production/photo schedule and you want to be the one to style it?  Have a great idea to showcase their product or service? Know studio/company will be going to a great “on location” spot to do their next campaign?  ASK FOR THE ASSIGNMENT! What’s the absolute worst that can happen from asking . . . “no”.  We Photo Stylists can handle that!  

*** I did this when my client was going to be doing a on location shoot and I asked for the job. The Production Department actually said . . . oh, I wouldn’t think that you would travel for that long (It was a 2 month assignment) - THEY made an assumption that I won’t want a “traveling job”?  People do this ALL the time.  Make it known what you want & ask for it.  EVERY major assignment I have received in my styling career is because I did the asking.  I did not "wait" to be promoted or work for a brand I love!  You can do it!

3.  ORGANIZE A “FIELD TRIP”

Studios ( & clients, in general) love a “proactive” stylist!  What’s a way to build teamwork, build camaraderie within a styling team, get stylists inspired, and get them all together for a fun day together?!  A day outing (Field Trip!)  This shows your creativity, leadership ability, organization skills and your proactive nature! aka ~ YOU getting noticed! 

I did this for a trip to Brimfield Flea Market with stylists and creative team members.  Rented vehicle (company paid for) and planned a place for lunch (company paid for) All stylists came back with props, refreshed inspiration & better relationships with each other! (& ideas for client/company!!!)  So win-win for everybody, right?!  (Couple days after trip, we had a wrap up meeting about the day)

After trip and wrap-up meeting, I asked Creative Director for “Feedback” - which, let’s have #realtalk ~ basically a testimonial on the idea/trip. Got it!! & I use it in my collateral material to promote my business.  (Always ask for “feedback” aka “testimonial”.)  You may not use testimonial right away, but start to collect a file of them. (This happens to be for idea/trip ~ but ask for feedback from jobs you have done.)

So. develop a plan to stand out!  You do not want to get caught up in what I call the when I syndrome as a photo stylist.  You could be thinking:  I will create a plan to stand out "when I" have more years styling" or "when I" get "better" at styling.  We could be thinking of alot of "when I's".  But, don't wait ~ take on your photo and prop styling challenges as well as the business challenges you have!

What are your thoughts and ideas on standing out at work?  Email me [email protected] or on Instagram.  Would love to hear from you!

Bonnie - 

Image Credit  ｜  Getty Images via Canva