Styling Beyond Instagram

Robin Zachary has styled and directed hundreds of fashion and still-life shoots around the world. The creator of The Prop Styling Experience®, a custom-designed hands-on styling workshop, she is also contributing home editor at Bridal Guide Magazine and its former creative director. Zachary is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. She has been on the faculty of Fashion Institute of Technology and has taught classes at the New York Botanical Gardens, the Penumbra Foundation, and West Elm. Her clients span corporate product brands, national magazines, e-commerce, and social media. She lives in New York City. www.thepropstylingexperience.com  www.robinzachary.com

CONTENTS



Preface: Why I Wrote This Book

Introduction

About Me & How I Became a Prop Stylist



SECTION 1: GETTING THERE

What Is Prop Styling?

• Prop Styling Is…

• Media Outlets

• Why is Prop Styling so Appealing?

How does one become a Prop Stylist?

What Type of Person Becomes a Prop Stylist?

• Developing your Personal Style

• What are you good at? 

• Assess your Creative Skills

• Lifestyle Considerations

Professional Prop Styling Niches

• Food stylist Spotlight: [name to come]

Prop Styling for Events and Experiences

Professional Stylist, Content Creator, Influencer, Photographer + examples

• Stylists on Social media

• Infographic

• Maker, Seller, Shop Owner



SECTION 2: THE JOB EXPLAINED

A Day in the Life of a Prop Stylist

Possible Prop Styling Roles 

What is a Creative Brief?

Creative Direction

• Client Questionnaire 

• Mood Boards

How to Plan a Kick Ass Photo Shoot – A Timeline

Photo Shoot Logistics and Worksheet Intro

• Photoshoot planning/brainstorming worksheet

• Merchandise Shopping list

• Pickups and Deliveries

• Photo shoot Call Sheet

• Credits for Items Photographed

• Job Estimating Worksheet

Renting vs. Buying vs. Borrowing Props

• Prop House spotlight:  [name to come]

Essential Prop, Surface and Backdrop Collection

• Props to Own

• Surfaces 

• Backdrops

• Aquiring, Procuring and Collecting Props

Packing and Transporting Props

Styling Assistants 

• Styling Assistant Duties 

• Styling Assistant Etiquette

• Stylist Assistant Spotlight: [name to come]

Being on Set

• Working with Clients: It’s All About Them.



SECTION 3: THE BUSINESS

What are Your Goals?

Presenting Your Work

Define Your Brand But Avoid Being Too Nichey

Should you Fake it till you Make It?

What Do I Charge?

• Sample Budget or Estimate

• Making/Preparing Your Invoice

Styled Shoots, Test Shoots or “Credit Only” Shoots

Agency Representation

Where the Work is or Finding Work

• Styling on Staff

• Styling for Freelance or Part Time Gigs

• How do Clients Find You?



SECTION 5: WRAP UP

Styling Myths

Opportunities for Stylists

In Closing

• The Prop Styling Experience

• Where to Go Next



SECTION 6: APPENDIX

Styling Resource Guide: What you need to know to find things in your area

The Styling Kit

• Styling Kit Items

Planning Worksheets Intro

• Photoshoot planning/brainstorming worksheet

• Merchandise Shopping list

• Pickups and Deliveries

• Photo shoot Call Sheet

• Credits for Items Photographed

• Job Estimating Worksheet



Glossary



CREATIVE RESOURCES

What are you shooting?

4 essential elements

Photo Orientation

Placement and Arranging

Working with Color and texture

Storytelling: establishing the theme and style

Other assorted tips

Sketching and using thumbnails

Moodboards how-to

Photo frames