Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an interior stylist? Well, look no further! In this article, I will share with you my journey of how I became an interior stylist and provide you with five easy steps to follow if you want to pursue this exciting career path.
What Is Interior Styling?
Being an interior stylist is truly the best job in the world. As an interior stylist, you get to experience a wide range of tasks, from booking photographers for shoots to styling events for private parties. You could even find yourself jetting off to fashion capitals like Paris, New York, and Milan to view the latest collections from big-name brands. Plus, you might have the opportunity to work behind the scenes on popular TV shows and collaborate with film crews. It's a fantastic career choice for those who love people, traveling, and being super creative.
Step One - Get Lots Of Work Experience
One of the essential steps to becoming an interior stylist is to gain as much work experience as possible. After completing my degree in English and Politics, I pursued a journalism MA in Leeds. During that time, I secured a two-week placement at a fashion magazine, where I did everything from clearing out the cupboard to opening the post. Though it may not have been glamorous, I was hooked. I continued to gain more work experience, and eventually, I landed my first job as an office junior at Period Living magazine. It was there that I had the opportunity to assist freelance stylists and further hone my skills.
Step Two: Start Networking
Networking is key in the interior styling industry. One day, I seized the chance to speak to the style editor of Elle magazine in the office lift, and I begged her for an opportunity. Thankfully, she gave me my first break, allowing me to look after the interior shopping pages for her. During my lunch breaks, I would rush down three flights of stairs to help put together the interior pages. It was during this time that I immersed myself in home style, working for a traditional interior magazine during the day and a contemporary interior magazine at night.
Step Three: Try Your Hand At TV Styling
After gaining experience in the magazine industry, I decided to explore TV styling. I started working as an interior stylist for a TV company in Brighton. After two years, I was put forward for an audition for a new show, and I got the gig! This led to more opportunities, and I ended up working on shows such as This Morning and collaborating with well-known personalities like Amanda Lamb and George Clarke. If you're interested in TV styling, don't hesitate to reach out to local TV production companies and inquire about work experience. Building connections in the industry could lead to exciting opportunities.
Step Four: Start An Interiors Blog
In recent years, I launched a blog called We Love Home, which has expanded my career exponentially. Through my blog, I have been able to create videos for clients' social media, which I absolutely adore. Additionally, I have the freedom to work on mini projects that are more aligned with my personal style. My blog has also been recognized with multiple awards, including being shortlisted for Amara Best Lifestyle Blog in 2019. Starting a blog can be an excellent way to kickstart your career as an interior stylist, as it allows you to showcase your design and decor ideas.
Step Five: Ask Yourself The Following
To determine if interior styling is the right path for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you love hard work and are willing to put in long hours?
- Are you resourceful and love being creative?
- Are you a great networker?
If your answer to these questions is a resounding "yes," then you are well on your way to becoming a fabulous interior stylist. Start a blog, gain valuable work experience, and don't be afraid to share your ideas. This career could be yours!
You Can Become An Interior Stylist! If you're interested in learning more about the skills required to become an interior stylist, take a look at my blog post on the Beginner's Guide to Becoming an Interior Stylist. Remember, success in this field requires a combination of hard work and luck. With dedication and a passion for interior styling, you could find yourself doing incredible things, from spray painting vintage furniture to styling Christmas trees in the middle of August.
For more posts on interior styling, check out:
- How I Became an Interior Stylist
- My Year as an Interior Stylist
- Christmas Interior Styling with Next
Remember, pursuing a career in interior styling may require you to explore different avenues, such as fashion styling or other related fields. Embrace opportunities that come your way, and enjoy the journey towards becoming a successful interior stylist. Best of luck!