1. Fashion Stylist
Do you remember the last time you thumbed through your favorite magazine and was enticed to go out and buy the outfit you saw in that ad? Ever wandered how it is that the movie stars look so pulled together on the red carpet? Then you have seen the work of a fashion stylist first hand.
What does a fashion stylist do?
Fashion stylists are responsible for pulling together a look for an advertiser or person to project a certain theme or image. As a fashion stylist you are hired by advertisers, photographers, designers or individuals to translate their vision into a physical creation by coordinating apparel, accessories, hair and makeup.
What does it take to be a fashion stylist?
Fashion stylists must have a passion for fashion, be personable, creative, fearless, reliable, organized and detail oriented. As a fashion stylist, your ability to multi-task, follow directions and meet deadlines is critical. Fashion stylists work under time restrictions, with various personalities and often with very little notice. Therefore, you must be flexible and a team player.
What are the working conditions for a fashion stylist?
Fashion stylists are primarily home based. They conduct their business/clerical duties i.e. research, billing etc. from their home offices. The physical work is typically performed on set at an outdoor location or in a photography studio. When working with celebrities and other individual clients forpress junckets or red carpet events, stylists may work at the clients home i.e. fittings, last minute alterations etc. Fashion stylists spend a significant amount of time traveling to sets and to and from clothing stores, boutiques, showrooms pulling and returning merchandise.
How much do fashion stylists make?
When first starting out you will likely assist a more experienced fashion stylist. Assistants typically make anywhere from $75 to $200 per day. Once you are styling on your own you can make anywhere from $200 per day i.e. for a consultation up to $6,000 up per day i.e. print ad or red carpet event dependent upon the specific job you are doing.
How do I become a fashion stylist?
Some fashion stylists have a formal education in areas such as fashion or visual design and merchandising. Many other fashion stylists, however, are simply individuals with a passion for fashion, a creative flare and a determination to run their own business. If you are interested in a degree program check out some of the fashion design and merchandising schools. If you are interested in training without the degree program, look into the fashion styling programs and workshops. If you wish to forgo any specific training and utilize a hands on approach to learning how to be a fashion stylist, search your local job boards and yellow pages for fashion stylists, contact them and volunteer to assist or intern with them.
2. Fashion Publicist
Have you ever wandered how fashion designers get special features and editorials in your favorite magazines? Who are all of those people sitting on the sidelines at their runway shows? How do a fashion designers become household names? This is the work of a fashion publicist.
What does a fashion publicist do?
A fashion publicist introduces and/or promotes brand awareness of fashion designers and fashion retailers in the media. Your job as a fashion publicist will be to bring visibility and name brand recognition to your clients through various media outlets including fashion shows, promotional events, magazines, newspapers and television. You will be creating a buzz around your clients brand in the media in exchange for massive exposure and acceptance of the brand by the clients target market.
What does it take to be a fashion publicist?
Fashion publicists come from a wide variety of backgrounds. While some do have a formal education in english, jounalism or media, others do not. In order to be a fashion publicist you must have passion for fashion and truely believe in the product your are representing. This job requires frequent contact with others via email, telephone and in person. As a fashion publicist you will be contacting stylists, editors and reporters in an effort to gain noteriety for your client. Therefore, you must have great people skills, an ability to handle rejection and an ability write and speak persuasively.
What are the working conditions of a fashion publicist?
The working conditions of a fashion publicist vary by day. Much of the work of a fashion publicist is conducted on the phone pitching your clients via email and in personal meetings with members of the media including editors, stylists, writers, producers etc. You will also be writing press releases, managing trade shows, press junkets etc. This business can be conducted from home but some travel is required. As a fashion publicist you will not have a typical Monday through Friday “9 to 5” job. A willingness to be flexible is mandatory.
How much do fashion publicists make?
Fashion publicists can make anywhere from 30,000 per year to 500,000+ per year. Salaries are dependent upon who your clients are, what services you provide and how successful the events that you manage are.
How do I become a fashion publicist?
To become a fashion publicist you will need to start creating relationships with various people in the media. Start small. Find out who’s who in your local area and create a database of contacts. Do you have any friends or relatives that are fashion designers or boutique owners? If not, do you frequent any boutiques in your area? Consider taking one of them on as your first client voluntarily while you learn the ropes. Find a mentor to assist you with learning the business of publicity or contact a local fashion publicist and offer to assist them at no cost. While formal training is not necessary to be a fashion publicist, think about taking a course in writing press releases, event planning, product launches etc to enhance your skills.
3. Fashion Journalist
Do you love both fashion and writing? Do you enjoy chasing down the latest news and information regarding your favorite designers or retailers and passing that information on to others? Why not consider becoming a fashion jounalist?
What does a fashion journalist do?
Fashion journalists research, compile and report on coming trends in the fashion industry. They work in various niches within the fashion world such as color, textiles, junior sportswear, accessories etc. As a fashion journalist you will conduct thorough research on the trends in your specialty via research, attending fashion shows, communicating with textile houses etc. and report your findings to the public ia various media oultets such as newspapers, magazines, special reports, television and radio.
What does it take to become a fashion journalist?
Fashion journalists must have a passion for fashion, as well as, an ability to write and edit well. Attention to detail and organizational skills are also key in this busniess. Fashion journalists must have excellent communication skills and ability to work well with strict deadlines.
What are the working conditions for a fashion journalist?
Working conditions for fashion journalists vary depending on what types of projects they work on. For the most part, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time in your office researching and writing on your computer. As a fashion journalist, you will also spend time in the field attending fashion shows and other events, interviewing designers and networking with other fashion professionals.
How much do fashion journalists make?
Fashion journalists can make anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000+ depending on the types of articles you write and the media outlets that publish your work. National fashion magazines pay up to $5,000 for an article, while a local publication may pay $25. Your earning potential is based on who publishes your articles, syndication (if you are a weekly column writer) and how many articles you publish.
How do I become a fashion journalist?
To become a fashion stylist you will need to be a skilled writer, editor and work well under pressure and deadlines. You will need to know how to conduct research, interview and compile that information into great article. Also, some flexibility is required as you may need to travel.
Study some of your favorite magazines or newspapers. What is the style of their articles? What industry vocabulary do they use? If you need a refresher writing course take one. Start small. Contact your local newspapers and magazines and speak with the style editor. Ask them what types of pieces they are looking for and ask them if they accept freelance work. This is a very tight knit industry so you may have many challenges getting a large newspaper or magazine to work without much experience. No worries. Seek out the smaller publications first to create a name for yourself.
Tips and Warnings
Working from home can be very challenging. Nonetheless, it is a business. Set regular work hours for yourself and stick to them.
Create a space to work that is suitable for your business and use that space for work only (if possible).
Set boundaries with friends and family members. Limit interruptions, i.e. phone chatter, visitors etc. during your hours of operation.
Conduct yourself profssionally and always be courtious to those that you come into contact with. You never know who your next assignment will come from.
