How to Become a Fashion Stylist or Image Consultant

Ever wondered how it would be like to dress celebrities and get paid to do it? Sex and the City, Cashmere Mafia and Ugly Betty are popular sitcoms that rocked the fashion world and brought global attention. Many people find have the notion that it is hard to become a fashion stylist, which could not be further from the truth.

Fashion stylist/image consultants have interesting jobs. To start you own fashion consultant business can be exciting and rewarding. First, you must have a passion for fashion. To be a fashion model, is a plus since you may know how make-up and fashion works firsthand.

Your first step is to create a portfolio of your work. Just like any other photographer or model, your chances of getting hired increases dramatically if you showcase your work. Get a family member or friend to model for you. Look through magazines for reference to make sure you keep up with the ever changing fashion trends. For example; the spring trend for 2008 is metallic colors, pencil thinned knee length skirts and silk fabrics. Did you know that? If not, you might want to brush up on your fashion skills.

Purchase a cheap digital camera from Target or Walgreens. I suggest getting a disposable digital camera from CVS. They are only $20. After buying about five to ten outfits including a plethora of accessories, have someone model or pictures. Make sure to take good pictures with bright lighting. When printing your pictures, make sure to get different sized copies. Employers may have their own rules and policies about what size pictures they want.

Your biggest tasks include searching for fashion stylist jobs. Unless you live in a fashion city such as, New York, California, Chicago or Paris, you might have to travel or relocate. Relocation is only necessary if you land a job with an Image agency. There are plenty out there such as, Crystal Agency, See Management, Inc. and Tara Correll Represents. Most agencies already have their own employees, however they consistently hire new stylist. Visit their website and/or call them to see if they are looking for new stylist. More than likely, they will ask you for pictures or a portfolio of your work.