12 Ways to NEVER become an Interior Stylist

If you’re desperate to get ahead in Interior Styling then avoid doing these at all costs.

How much action are you taking to move forward in your interior styling career? Are you talking to the right people, making waves or are you hiding behind your social media account? Yes, I see you there! The points that follow may seem pretty obvious but they really do make a huge difference in where you are and lead you to where you want to be.

Do you do these…..

1. Follow Interior Stylists, get inspired and do nothing about it
That’s right. You need to get in touch, reach out and connect with experienced interior stylists. It’s the best and easiest way to get noticed, learn from their experience and meet other assistants, photographers and photographers assistants who can connect you for future work. The photographers I met when we were both assisting became my go-to people for shoots when I was a Home Editor.

2. Don’t post to social media
I know! I know! We’re all busy. We assist on shoots and write blog posts and prop and tidy up and have partners and kids and dogs. Who really has time to post on social media too? Well, we all should. It’s the easiest way to share what you do, who you’ve done it for and get the attention of other stylists, brands, prs and editors who are looking for your skills.

3. Wait till your ready
Just so you know – you’ll never be ready. Success always comes outside of your comfort zone so say yes to the first shoot even if you don’t know how you’ll do it. You’ll be fine I promise. Successful interior stylists work it out.

4. Sit on your phone on shoots
Easiest way to not get booked again. If every time the stylist you’re assisting sees you’re on your phone and not helping on the shoot you’re less likely to get rebooked – fact! If you’ve been asked to take BTS shots then okay but other than that – get to work!

5. Do what everyone else is doing
If you want to get ahead in Interior Styling and get the kind of work your fave stylists are doing then think outside the box. Go the extra mile. Do more than the assistant next to you. Stand out to get ahead.

6. Worry about what others think of you.
This is a tough one but the quicker you stop worrying about what other people think of you the faster you’ll succeed. (It took me a reeeeally long time to work this one out but once I did everything changed)

7. Keep assisting and assisting and assisting.
If you keep doing the same things you’re going to keep getting the same results. At some point, you have to take a leap of faith and put yourself out there. Jump!

8. Don’t have a supportive partner (if you have a partner)
I’m not saying you need a partner but if you do have someone you live with and they aren’t good with piles of boxes in the living room, random props filling up your hallway, and the kitchen table being used as a painting/building/gluing studio then you may need to hire a studio/storage space. Just keeping it real (p.s. Thank you Mr MT for 20+ years of patience)

9. Complain – about things you can’t control
Covid, economic downturn, yadda yadda yadda
Yep. We’ve lived through some very tough times and I am sure there will be more but brands will still need photography. Magazines never have blank pages and TV ads and programs still need fresh new content. There’s plenty of work out there. You just need to shout the loudest.

10. Underdeliver
Always, always give more than is expected – in all areas of your life, but especially in work. When a magazine asks for a feature with 10 images give them 12 so they can choose (or up page). Need a selection of cushions and throws for a shoot? Make sure there are almost too many options so you impress. The more you add for a client the more likely it is you’ll get rebooked.

11. You’re lazy
I have never met a lazy Interior Stylist. Have you? They’re some of the busiest people around. They can spin so many plates at once it will make your head spin. If you aren’t a go-getter who takes action, likes working hard and thrives on short deadlines then step away from this blog post.

12. Avoid working on what matters the most
Are you just posting on social media, tidying your props, rearranging your tool box and not reaching out to potential clients? Then how will they know you exist? Go shout out about your experience now! The easiest way is to show you’re on a professional website like InsideStylists.com It’s where editors, brands, prs and producers go to find great talent. Find out more about signing up right here

So there you have it. Do you agree? Do you have more tips on how to NEVER become an Interior Stylist? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear them.