Student Stylist Interview
Rachel Pooley
When thinking of what I could write about for my blogs to make them most beneficial for me, I thought it would be valuable for me to gain information and hear of the experience of another fashion communication and promotion student, also studying to be a stylist. I reached out to a really lovely student called Rachel Pooley (@stylloui) who is in her --- year of university and NUA (at the time of this interview).
I put together a list of questions that are more education based, with the purpose of looking for advice moving forward in my education, and an insight into how my future may look and what to expect a year or so down the line. I wanted to hear about her personal industry inspirations, how she goes about styling shoots, how she's built up a network of contacts with other students and industry professionals, and some advice she would give me going forward as a younger fashion communication and promotions student.
Q: What or who inspired you to want to become a stylist?
A: My mother and grandmothers sew, so have been around creatives and making clothes since I was little, and when I went to City College Norwich for the Fashion Design and Textiles degree, I found I was having more fun on the photoshoots and runways showcasing our collections than actually making the clothes. After getting a job at Topshop and becoming the stylist there, I knew I enjoyed the satisfaction of putting together a good outfit for someone/an occasion/an edit for socials more than being a general shop assistant. Since coming to uni at 23, after working various jobs, I focused on styling and creative direction as this is where my skill set is most suited.
Q: Who are your industry inspirations?
A: Vivienne Westwood, Maison Margiela, Rick Owen’s, Law Roach, Brenda Weischer.
Q: How do you keep up with emerging trends in fashion?
A: I notice trend patterns in street wear and online, incorporating only trends I like into my personal style.
Q: How do you decide which outfits to put together for a shoot?
A: Styling shoots depends on the theme and intended outcome, I usually start by researching the concept: looking at time period, inspirations and similar editorials. Once a moodboard and colour palette are finalised, I see if I own anything that fits the theme and if not I will find something second hand from charity shops or online. I usually aim for three outfits or variations of location per model, so plan accordingly. Layering is important for quick changes to an outfit.
Q: What is your process for selecting the right accessories for a shoot?
A: If the shoot is one that I have planned, I usually use accessories I already own or source pieces second hand or borrow them from a team member.
Q: Could you describe what a rough day on a shoot is like?
A: When shooting I usually arrive at location with whatever kit I need that day depending on my role,
whether that is stylist/costume department or photographer. I try to get set up done within half an
hour, then will cycle through each look. Then we will check final outcomes, see if we need to get any
more shots or try out one last idea, then pack down and go home to edit.
Q: How do you write about your styling process? What are some key details you include?
A: I usually have a rough initial plan written out on a PDF, including moodboards and shoot
information. Then afterwards, depending on the platform the work ends up on, I will write up in a
process book for uni or captions for social media.
Q: What strategies do you use to build up relationships with other students/ industry professionals?
A: Being supportive of other creatives goes a long way, taking an interest in what people are doing in
your community will in turn mean that people will be interested in what work you’re making.
Q: When working with a team of creatives, how do you handle constructive criticism?
A: Don’t take constructive criticism personally, look objectively at your own work and if you like the suggestion, adapt on it and make changes to your work. Feedback from anyone is useful.
Q: How do you deal with people who don't agree with your styling choices?
A: I don’t take it personally if people don’t agree with styling choices. I will make changes depending on my role in a project, for example if I am creative director I will stick to my judgement, or if I am just assisting on a project I will make the changes I’m told to.
Q: What are some of the important skills you've learnt to build on to be a stylist?
A: Stylists should have a range of skills: sewing, photography, editing, curation, lighting, communication, networking.
Q: Are there any particular challenges that you have faced while in education?
A: The only challenges in education have been outside of the uni’s control or in my personal life, overall they have been very supportive.
Q: Do you have and tips or tricks you could share with me about your time in education?
A: Whilst in education, you receive a lot more support than once you are working in industry, even if it feels less supportive compared to college or high school. The uni cares more about your well-being than most jobs will, and you are also paying a lot of money and putting a lot of time into being there. Use what facilities there are, experiment and collaborate with other courses. Only commit to a project you are passionate about, and tailor your ideas to fit the learning objective. If you really want to make something and you feel like the uni won’t let you do it, do it in your own time and you can add it to your portfolio in year 3 anyway or post it on socials and share your work without it having to be a uni project. If it gets too hard and it’s affecting your mental health, prioritise yourself over work and take a break.
Style Credit: Rachel Pooley (@stylloui)