About the Book
All the basics are covered in this handbook: the logistics of the styling business for aspiring stylists, photographers, Instagrammers, foodies, and creatives of all types. It shortens the learning curve so stylists can hit the ground running, whichever styling path you take. Up your styling skills, avoid common pitfalls, and give the world your best top-notch creative storytelling with this comprehensive guide to the business of prop styling. Imagine spending your days telling visual stories; dreaming up ideas for photo shoots; scouring boutiques, flea markets, and antique shops for the perfect props; working with beautiful objects; and collaborating with photographers, art directors, and other creative minds. Prop styling can encompass all of these, and here's the guide to teach you the basics. Professional stylist Robin Zachary explains the many types of prop styling that exist, and how to choose which is best for your goals: tabletop, food, crafts, events, soft goods, interiors, and more. You'll learn the components and steps of a styling job from start to finish, including everything from creating client questionnaires and winning jobs to the best processes for estimating your costs; pricing your services; making your merchandise shopping list; choosing props, surfaces, and backdrops; managing your photo shoot's logistics; and more. Throughout, "real life" spotlights offer tips and suggestions from a range of successful professional and emerging stylists; many of them have transformed themselves from other careers while working with Robin. The included styling resources provide key tools: checklists, schedule plans, helpful forms, and more to help you work like a pro. Understand every aspect of styling, including gathering and arranging objects to tell a story or sell a product, photographing or filming for a media outlet, creating an environment to exhibit a specific theme and cohesive style, and working for varied clients and brands. Learn how to advocate for yourself in negotiating with clients, and how to bring your vision to every kind of audience.This comprehensive, zingy guide to the business of prop styling helps newcomers skip over some first-timer failures and approach styling work professionally. Stylist Robin Zachary explains the many types of prop styling that exist, and how to choose which is best for your goals: tabletop, food, crafts, events, soft goods, interiors, and more. You'll learn the components and steps of a styling job from start to finish, including everything from creating client questionnaires and winning jobs to the best processes for estimating your costs; pricing your services; making your merchandise shopping list; choosing props, surfaces, and backdrops; managing your photo shoot's logistics; and more. Covers how to get started, how to work on a job with clients, and how to network and promote yourself. Plus, tips and suggestions from a variety of successful professional stylists will help you find your own style. AUTHOR: Robin Zachary (New York City) has styled and directed hundreds of fashion and still-life shoots around the world. The creator of The Prop Styling Experience, a custom-designed hands-on styling workshop, she is also contributing home editor at Bridal Guide Magazine and its former creative director. Zachary is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. She has been on the faculty of Fashion Institute of Technology and has taught classes at the New York Botanical Gardens, the Penumbra Foundation, and West Elm. Her clients span corporate product brands, national magazines, e-commerce, and social media. 80 colour images
Table of Contents:
CONTENTS
Preface: Why I Wrote This Book
Introduction
About Me & How I Became a Prop Stylist
SECTION 1: GETTING THERE
What Is Prop Styling?
• Prop Styling Is…
• Media Outlets
• Why is Prop Styling so Appealing?
How does one become a Prop Stylist?
What Type of Person Becomes a Prop Stylist?
• Developing your Personal Style
• What are you good at?
• Assess your Creative Skills
• Lifestyle Considerations
Professional Prop Styling Niches
• Food stylist Spotlight: [name to come]
Prop Styling for Events and Experiences
Professional Stylist, Content Creator, Influencer, Photographer + examples
• Stylists on Social media
• Infographic
• Maker, Seller, Shop Owner
SECTION 2: THE JOB EXPLAINED
A Day in the Life of a Prop Stylist
Possible Prop Styling Roles
What is a Creative Brief?
Creative Direction
• Client Questionnaire
• Mood Boards
How to Plan a Kick Ass Photo Shoot – A Timeline
Photo Shoot Logistics and Worksheet Intro
• Photoshoot planning/brainstorming worksheet
• Merchandise Shopping list
• Pickups and Deliveries
• Photo shoot Call Sheet
• Credits for Items Photographed
• Job Estimating Worksheet
Renting vs. Buying vs. Borrowing Props
• Prop House spotlight: [name to come]
Essential Prop, Surface and Backdrop Collection
• Props to Own
• Surfaces
• Backdrops
• Aquiring, Procuring and Collecting Props
Packing and Transporting Props
Styling Assistants
• Styling Assistant Duties
• Styling Assistant Etiquette
• Stylist Assistant Spotlight: [name to come]
Being on Set
• Working with Clients: It’s All About Them.
SECTION 3: THE BUSINESS
What are Your Goals?
Presenting Your Work
Define Your Brand But Avoid Being Too Nichey
Should you Fake it till you Make It?
What Do I Charge?
• Sample Budget or Estimate
• Making/Preparing Your Invoice
Styled Shoots, Test Shoots or “Credit Only” Shoots
Agency Representation
Where the Work is or Finding Work
• Styling on Staff
• Styling for Freelance or Part Time Gigs
• How do Clients Find You?
SECTION 5: WRAP UP
Styling Myths
Opportunities for Stylists
In Closing
• The Prop Styling Experience
• Where to Go Next
SECTION 6: APPENDIX
Styling Resource Guide: What you need to know to find things in your area
The Styling Kit
• Styling Kit Items
Planning Worksheets Intro
• Photoshoot planning/brainstorming worksheet
• Merchandise Shopping list
• Pickups and Deliveries
• Photo shoot Call Sheet
• Credits for Items Photographed
• Job Estimating Worksheet
Glossary
CREATIVE RESOURCES
What are you shooting?
4 essential elements
Photo Orientation
Placement and Arranging
Working with Color and texture
Storytelling: establishing the theme and style
Other assorted tips
Sketching and using thumbnails
Moodboards how-to
Photo frames
About the Author :
Robin Zachary has styled and directed hundreds of fashion and still-life shoots around the world. The creator of The Prop Styling Experience®, a custom-designed hands-on styling workshop, she is also contributing home editor at Bridal Guide Magazine and its former creative director. Zachary is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. She has been on the faculty of Fashion Institute of Technology and has taught classes at the New York Botanical Gardens, the Penumbra Foundation, and West Elm. Her clients span corporate product brands, national magazines, e-commerce, and social media. She lives in New York City. www.thepropstylingexperience.com www.robinzachary.com
