I feel that women (especially mothers) want more satisfying, creative careers and don’t necessarily know how or where to get started. I wish I had a mentor when I was young to help me explore who I wanted to be as an artist. I created The Prop Styling Experience– a one day styling workshop that’s a unique laboratory for self-discovery and experimentation. This learning modality is for those who aspire to be stylists, experienced, or just-starting-out photographers, makers with a product line who need photos, or even someone who just needs a mentor to help them figure out what creative possibilities there are in order to chart a course to create that dream freelance career that feels rewarding.
It took a long time for me to make the change, after many years of full time national magazine art direction jobs, working within an insane grind and intense volume of photo shoots and magazine layouts to do. When an issue published, there was no time to stop and be proud of what I had done; I was buried deep into the next production cycle. I also lacked the flexibility to go on class trips with my son Jacob, or to be part of his school community on a regular basis. When he was seven, I decided to leave the full-time gig, and that’s when the freelance styling lifestyle began. I could make my own schedule, and could finally be around for him after school and during the day while getting my work done. Freelancing can also become intense—last minute shopping, long hours on the job, sometimes on weekends and constant networking—but at least it wasn’t every day. Some thrive on the intensity and creative challenges, and that’s why I think there’s a fervent interest in styling right now.
Many start by blogging as a way of self discovery. I struggled with blogging, even though I started Propcloset.com very early on, in 2006. I couldn’t commit to regularly write posts and despite being from a traditional magazine background, I didn’t fully understand the power of writing to a personal audience and the potential earning capability. I felt more comfortable styling my own photo shoots. Way before Pinterest and Instagram existed, I was creating and posting styled photos and mood boards on my blog, along with some explanation on how I worked through a styling job from start to finish. Those who stumbled on it wrote directly to me and thanked me for the inspiration and asked if they could call or meet me to pick my brain. It finally dawned on me that LOTS of women really want to be doing this as a career. At the same time, I had been teaching styling to FIT photography majors who consisted mostly kids just out of high school. Fast-forward to the Pinterest and Instagram era—both completely visual media—and now everyone wants to be a stylist. So my interests of styling and teaching about styling finally converged.
In the classes, I can work one-on-one with clients, and let them explore their own styles through personality and soul-searching assessments like “What style and color palettes do you gravitate towards? What are some words to describe yourself? What season do you thrive in? Who is your dream client?” Styling is such a broad term and I find that everyone has a different angle they want to pursue if they only knew more about it. We run through a discussion on aesthetics and composition and then I let them rummage through my props—a vast collection of vintage tabletop items, rustic, industrial and modern pieces, fabrics and craft items—to style a photo shoot on the spot. It’s a highly personalized experience. Most everyone comes away saying they are exhilarated and inspired to kickstart the change away from their mundane day jobs towards a styling career and more rewarding lifestyle. Experienced stylists say they feel refreshed and exposed to a new way of looking at their craft.
I want people to know about the hard work (as well the glamour) of styling- including all of what goes on behind the scenes that make the photo shoots seem effortless and spontaneous. Not to scare them away, but I want them to know what is involved so they can be very professional and client-centric while staying true to their core values. The creativity is only one aspect of the job. I’ve developed exercises and exploratory projects over the years at FIT and expanded upon them for a more mature audience. I also hold a 4-week group class that is intentionally small, so I can work with everyone individually. My next projects include creating shorter courses and online classes, a workbook and e-book.
And I haven’t yet mentioned shopping habit yet. My mother passed away suddenly 10 years ago and while cleaning out her house, I found so many wonderful things of hers, my grandmother’s and aunt’s. I knew in their honor I would put these amazing tableware pieces, barware and decorative items, furniture and accessories, from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s to good use someday and now I am. So to add to the family heirlooms I can’t help but frequent flea markets, vintage shops, tag sales and E bay on a regular basis to add to my collection. So my passion for family history and shopping is now my profession. It has all come full circle.
During her years as the Creative Director for Bridal Guide Magazine, Robin Zachary grew to love working with flowers, luxe fabrics, fine tableware and wedding gowns. She loved devising a narrative and picking out just the right things to compose the photographs to tell that story. She believes in the emotional connection between a photograph and its viewer, and strives to unlock the components of that connection. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @robinzachary
To consider registering for The Prop Styling Experience, click HERE.