Who Are You Working For?
Who Are You Working For?
When you start working as a fashion stylist, it is crucial to know from the outset both who is the client and who has hired you for the job (this will often be the photographer), and to listen to their opinions and requirements. Some clients play a more active role in the creative team than others – for example, if the client is a high-profile brand, they might have a great deal of control over selecting clothes or influencing the look or theme of an advertising campaign or promotional video. Below is a basic guide to the different roles you need to know about, though be aware that all media companies are organized in slightly different ways. Those marked * are important contacts for stylists.
Magazine
Editor*
In charge of the magazine’s content. All departments answer to the Editor.
Fashion Director*
Head of the fashion department. Ensures a good mix of clothes and locations, making sure all advertisers are included. On a weekly, they will oversee shoots and assign stylists, owing to fast turnover.
Fashion Editor*
Develops shoot concepts, attends and styles shoots, writes articles/editorials. Answers to the Fashion Director.
Fashion Assistant*
Organizes and researches shoots, calls in all clothes and deals with returns; hires interns.
Bookings Editor*
Produces shoots and covers – finds locations, organizes travel and hotels, pulls the team together.
Picture Editor*
Gathers all images, works out their flow through the magazine.
Production Manager*/Senior Producer*
Responsible for pulling in the team for advertorials.
Associate Art Director
On advertorials, liaises between advertising client and editorial team.
Advertising Agency
Account Management (Account Executive/Planner/Director)
Manages the relationship between the agency and the client who has hired them to promote their product, dealing with contract management, project cost tracking, billing, research, reporting, etc.
Creative Director*
Signs off creative idea against brief, gives direction to creative team through development and production of the advert. Approves all campaigns.
Art Director*
In charge of an advert’s overall look. Hires the teams.
Art Buyer* (print), Agency/TV Producer (TV*)
Works with the creative team to organize advertising shoots. Pulls in portfolios or show-reels to select photographers or directors and teams.
Project/Traffic Manager
Guides production of all work from idea to print. Alongside Art Buyer, often supervises production, art buying and studio work, ensuring advert comes in on time and within budget.
Media Agency
Media Planning/Buyer
Plans a client’s communications strategy – identifying target market, choosing media outlets and negotiating media space in a cost effective way.
Production Company
Production Manager/Producer*
In charge of finance and logistical planning for a shoot: organizing model castings, locations, permits, equipment for photographer/ director, catering, insurance, call sheets, etc. Also in charge of pulling in teams under photographer or director.
Record Company Creative Manager
Oversees the whole package; has the final say.
Creative Director*
Signs off creative idea against brief, gives direction to creative team through development and production of artwork and artist promotion.
Art Director*
Your main contact in the music industry (you could also be offered work by Marketing, A&R or graphic designers).
Product Manager, Video Commissioner, Press Officer***
Commission photo shoots and pull in teams.
Music Management Company
Manager*
An artist’s manager will bring in the stylist, especially when they have an interest in controlling the artist’s image.
Agency
Agent/Booker**
Most photographers, stylists, hair and make-up artists are represented by an agent and will have a specific booker.