In a world where anyone can be regarded as an “expert” – thanks AI and social media, many creative talents have become very main stream and generic.
As an experienced Brand Stylist, Brand Coach and Entrepreneur I (Sam) have found that many “specialists” are trying to be everything to their clients in order to keep pricing low and take a larger share of the market.
For example when styling a brand and creating a business image for a person the following professionals each play a role and bring their talents to the end result.
Photographer: is there to ensure the best lighting, angles, poses and ambience is captured. They will also be able to “clean up” your photos so they can be used across many media channels including large posters, magazines, social media and web sites. Professional photographers, unless they were a stylist in a previous life are not there to style and select your outfits!
A Personal Stylist (preferably one who specialises in branding): chooses the best colours, clothing, accessories and props that personify and define the talent’s personality, body shape and brand. A professional and experienced stylist will make sure their clients look their very best BUT also they bring an element of individuality and “point of difference” to the end result. A stylist also ensures the talent stands out and their brand message is clear not just that they look good. Also if a stylist has worked on fashion shoots (I speak from experience) they will also be able to assist with poses to ensure garments sit, drape and flatter the best way possible.
Graphic Designer: they will prevent you from looking like a “canva cut out”! Yes by all means use Canva to save money and DIY but be sure to engage an expert designer for your logo and any icons. This will ensure you have an individual and unique brand identity.
Makeup Artist: use a professional and ensure they use professional photographic make up – it makes a huge difference to end results. Jordi and I wear professional makeup even when only a natural makeover is required, so don’t think professional makeup means “made up” or heavy it is quite the opposite, a good quality, professional makeup will be light reflective and luminous in all the most flattering ways.
As you can see it takes many professionals to create a successful brand and photo shoot so if you don’t want “cookie cutter” images but rather a branding that ensures you are attracting plenty of ideal clients, I can say from styling many clients myself and yes my own brand the past 2 decades…it is so worth the investment and often not as costly as you would be led to believe!
Stylishly Yours, Sam & Jordi xx