How to Be Commercial Stylist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 17, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The commercial styling industry is a booming business, with more and more people seeking out professional services to help them look their best. This has led to an influx of new stylists entering the industry, as well as an increased demand for quality products. As a result, companies have had to step up their game in order to stay competitive.

They have invested in better training for stylists, higher quality materials, and more innovative tools and techniques. This has resulted in improved customer satisfaction, increased profit margins, and a higher level of professionalism throughout the industry.

Steps How to Become

Get an Education. Consider taking an undergraduate degree in fashion design, fashion merchandising, or a related field. This can help you learn the basics of fashion and style, including the language and tools of the trade.
Build Your Portfolio. Start gathering your portfolio of work to show prospective employers. This will include pictures of your styling work, as well as any special projects you have completed.
Get Experience. Start looking for opportunities to gain experience in the styling field. Consider internships or freelance gigs that will help you build a portfolio and gain real-world experience.
Network. Attend industry events and conferences to meet professionals in the commercial styling industry. Networking can help you make contacts, learn more about the industry, and make yourself known as a professional stylist.
Specialize. Take the time to consider what type of commercial styling you are most interested in. This can help you focus your efforts and give you an edge when it comes to finding jobs.
Market Yourself. Create a website, business cards, and other marketing materials to promote yourself as a commercial stylist. Make sure to include your portfolio so potential employers can view your work.
Keep Learning. Stay up-to-date on trends and techniques in the commercial styling industry by attending workshops, reading industry publications, and attending conferences. This will help you stay ahead of the competition.

The success of any commercial stylist depends on their ability to be reliable and capable. When a stylist can be trusted to be reliable, they can build trust with their clients and create a successful working relationship. A reliable stylist will show up on time, stick to the agreed upon project timeline, and deliver quality results.

Being capable is also important for a commercial stylist to be successful. They must have the knowledge and skills to create eye-catching designs that match their clients desired aesthetic. Without the ability to produce quality work, a stylist will struggle to make an impact in the industry.

Reliability and capability are key components for any commercial stylist to become successful, as these traits will ensure they have the necessary skills to bring their clients vision to life, and the trustworthiness to ensure they are a dependable partner.

You may want to check Bridal Stylist, Beauty Stylist, and Eyelash Extension Stylist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop creative concepts for styling of commercial products in accordance with client needs.
Research and source props, materials, fabrics and accessories for commercial styling projects.
Create mood boards and color palettes for commercial styling projects.
Collaborate with photographers, designers and other creatives to create unique styling for commercial projects.
Work with clients to determine commercial styling needs and desired outcomes.
Plan, organize and execute commercial styling shoots.
Organize and maintain a database of props, materials, fabrics and accessories.
Monitor trends in fashion and design to ensure that commercial styling projects are current and up to date.
Ensure that all commercial styling projects are completed on time and within budget.
Inspect and evaluate all styling materials prior to use to ensure they meet quality standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of current fashion trends and styles
Ability to collaborate with clients to create looks
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of different fabrics, colors, and textures
Expertise in selecting clothing, accessories, and makeup for shoots
Proficient in basic styling techniques such as draping and pinning
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
Understanding of photography and lighting principles
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Creative problem-solving skills
Attention to detail
Proficiency in computer programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom

A successful commercial stylist must possess a variety of skills to be successful. The most important skill for a commercial stylist is a keen eye for detail and a good knowledge of fashion trends. A good commercial stylist needs to be able to quickly assess the needs of their clients and have the ability to create a cohesive look from the clothes and accessories available.

They must also have excellent communication skills in order to effectively collaborate with the client and other members of the production team. they must be able to recognize potential issues before they arise and have the creativity to come up with innovative solutions for any problems that may arise. Furthermore, strong organizational and time management skills are essential for a commercial stylist in order to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.

Finally, a commercial stylist must stay up-to-date on the latest fashion trends in order to provide the best possible service to their clients. All these skills are key to the success of any commercial stylist.

Costume Stylist, Luxury Stylist, and Visual Stylist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the commercial styling industry?
What makes your styling approach unique?
How have you successfully incorporated a clients brand into the styling of their products?
What challenges have you faced when styling for commercial projects?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry?
What techniques do you use to create a cohesive look between products and the environment they will be presented in?
How do you properly source props and accessories for commercial projects?
How do you handle disagreements with clients over the styling you provide?
How do you adjust your styling approach to accommodate different clients and their needs?
What tips can you offer to a client who is looking to achieve a specific look in their product photos?

Common Tools in Industry

Mannequin. Used to display clothing in a store or showroom. (e. g. A mannequin wearing a shirt, tie and blazer. )
Steamers. Used to remove wrinkles from clothing. (e. g. A steamer being used on a garment to get it ready for display. )
Sewing Machines. Used to make alterations or repairs to clothing. (e. g. A sewing machine being used to hem a pair of pants. )
Iron. Used to press clothing for a polished finish. (e. g. An iron being used on a shirt to give a crisp look. )
Scissors. Used to cut fabric or trim threads. (e. g. A pair of scissors being used to cut fabric for a dress. )
Clothing Racks. Used to hang clothing in a store or showroom. (e. g. A clothing rack filled with various garments. )
Hangers. Used to hang clothing on clothing racks or in closets. (e. g. A variety of hangers in different sizes and styles. )
Steamer Trays. Used to hold items while steaming them. (e. g. A steamer tray filled with shirts and pants being steamed. )
Garment Bags. Used to protect clothing from dust, dirt and moisture. (e. g. A garment bag filled with suits and dresses. )
Fabric Markers/Chalk. Used to mark fabric while making alterations or repairs. (e. g. A fabric marker being used to mark the hem of a skirt. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)
The British Association of Image Consultants (BAIC)
National Association of Professional Image Consultants (NAPIC)
International Association of Personal Image Consultants (IAPIC)
American Association of Image Consultants (AAIC)
International Fashion Stylists Association (IFSA)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
Society of Commercial Stylists (SCS)
International Beauty and Image Professionals (IBAP)
National Cosmetology Association (NCA)

We also have Mens Hair Stylist, Color Stylist, and Makeup Stylist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Visual Merchandising. Visual Merchandising is the practice of arranging and displaying products in a store to attract customers and boost sales.
Mannequin Styling. Mannequin styling is the art of creating attractive displays with mannequins to showcase products in a commercial setting.
Window Display. A window display is a visual display in shop windows that are used to attract customers and promote products.
Product Photography. Product photography is the art of capturing images of products in an aesthetically pleasing way to help promote them.
Color Theory. Color theory is the study of how colors interact and influence each other in a design.
Fashion Trends. Fashion trends are the prevailing styles in clothing, footwear, accessories, makeup, hairstyles, and lifestyle that are popular at a certain time.
Brand Identity. Brand identity is a collection of elements that define a brand, such as its logo, colors, fonts, and tone of voice.
Storyboarding. Storyboarding is the process of creating a visual representation of an idea or concept before it is brought to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Commercial Stylist? A1: A Commercial Stylist is a professional who specializes in styling for advertisements, commercials, magazines, and other media outlets. They are responsible for selecting the wardrobe, accessories, and other items necessary to create a desired look for the client. Q2: What skills are needed to be a Commercial Stylist? A2: To be successful as a Commercial Stylist, one must possess strong knowledge of fashion trends, have excellent organizational and communication skills, be detail-oriented, and understand the importance of creating a cohesive look. Q3: How much does a Commercial Stylist typically earn? A3: The salary for a Commercial Stylist will vary depending on experience, location, and the type of work. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Commercial Stylist in the United States is $45,482 per year. Q4: What type of work does a Commercial Stylist do? A4: A Commercial Stylist's job is to create looks for clients that match their brand, style, and budget. This typically involves creating sketches, selecting and sourcing wardrobe pieces, styling hair and makeup, and working with photographers and other creative professionals to capture the desired look. Q5: What qualifications are necessary to become a Commercial Stylist? A5: Most Commercial Stylists have a degree in fashion, design, or related field. Additionally, many have years of experience in styling, fashion consulting, or retail. Relevant experience and a portfolio of work are essential when applying for jobs as a Commercial Stylist.