I want to be a Stylist....in the worst way. I have an Art degree with a Textile Minor. I have been contacting Photographers to go on shoot with them. I have one scheduled for the end of March. I just am finding it so hard to get something that can really help me be an Assistant. There isn't really anything online. It seems that people just find Assistants another way. I am confused and need a job. HELP!!!

Hello,
I really don't understand why some say contact photographers. They're other ways to become a stylist. Depending on where you live. You can contact local magazines find out who their fashion stylist is. Start making cold calls to wardrobe/fashion stylist. Tell them that you want to assist them on a photo shoot. That way you can SEE how the stylist work with the photographer. Also it wouldn't hurt to go and get some training. Try Make Designory it's in Burbank, CA. There they have th wardrobe program.

Post Last Updated:02.03.2008 at 00.10

Do as much work experience as you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree ^^^^
Lots of work experience, I would try magazines, local newspapers, local magazines, anything that has a photo shoot! If you went to Art School try reaching out to some of your contacts and finding a way in that way. Fashion / Styling is so hard to get in.... And once you're in doesn't mean your in for life! Local designers who are just starting out, boutiques who stock local designers and local actors / actresses are all a start - offer your services (sometimes for free until you get experience under your belt) and it will be the contacts you make that will launch you to where you want to be. Persistence is the key.

Here's how it goes
Everyone works their way up the food chain bit by bit and normally together.
You need to start pulling your own photoshoots together, go to photography school's exhibition and find photographers who can shoot people and are interested in design. (I wasted a lot of time years ago with a photographer who could make architecture as sexy as hell, but couldn't work with an inexperienced model).
Once you have your photographer, get your concept happening - you need to be on the same page as to what you're trying to shoot. Sort your model out, then go get the wardrobe, promise shots to young designers and give them to them when your done. Be respectful of their clothes these guys sew their blood into the garments don't trash them and return them when you say you will. Make up can be booked last as they have the least amount of prep to do. If you find a good make up artist/ hair stylist KEEP THEM they are impossible to get a hold of. Once you've got your little team happening go and take some photos. Go out and do it all over again. When you've got a bit of a book happening you can go and show it to the mags, newspapers etc to get work.
Ideally you want to be doing this while your assisting so you can see how the big kids do it and learn how you find the impossible within 4 hours of shooting. To get assisting gigs call the agencies that rep them and ask to be put on the books. Be familiar with the people they rep, try and get a mobile number. The good guys have anywhere up to 4 assistants at a time and others waiting to work with them you need to remind them that you're available. Finally be prepared that you will work your guts out for less than min wage for about 2 years before you start getting your own small paying jobs. Good Luck It's a crazy and brilliant job - don't forget to eat your veggies (you'll need your strength).
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Note: I posted the wrong school. Sorry, it's Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA.
Also do alot of research before you decide to do this. Remember to contact stylists in your area. So you can get some experience.

I put this ink in another discussion, but here it is again.
http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/f90/all-about-becoming-fashion-wardrobe-stylist-10408.html
This forum on TFS is all about becoming a stylist. I want to be a stylist as well, so I've read through the whole thread & it has a lot of really good info/advice. It takes a long time to read through it, but I suggest you do it.