Sèven pieces of advice for freelance stylists
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Sèven pieces of advice for freelance stylists
Welcome back to the Sèven! This week we dive into the choppy waters of freelancing with advice from seasoned freelance stylists, for those just starting out.
We all know our beloved industry can be a difficult one to navigate, especially when branching out on your own. Mickael Carpin, stylist to celebrities including Cindy Bruna, admits “going freelance as a stylist may not be easy at the beginning”. This week we aggregated advice from stylists who have successfully launched careers as freelancers, to those following in their footsteps. 🤍
From embracing the uncertainty, to showcasing your creative vision, and taking time to celebrate your wins, these seven pieces of advice are tailor-made for anyone looking to chart their own course in the world of fashion freelancing. So grab a life vest and let's dive in!
Embrace the uncertainty
Freelancing means saying goodbye to the safety net of a steady paycheck and hello to a world of unknowns. But hey, life's an adventure, right? Embrace the excitement of not knowing what's around the corner, and who knows - you might just surprise yourself.
Showcase your vision
As a freelance stylist, don't underestimate the power of consistently working on your portfolio and ideas. Even during quiet periods, continue honing your skill by sketching, creating mood boards, and experimenting with different styles. Don't forget to showcase your work on social media, or on your website!
“Draw: work on your Portfolio as much as possible, it's the strongest window of your vision.” - Mickael Carpin
Accept supporting roles
Don't be afraid to step back and play a supporting role in certain projects. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, grow, and expand your network. By taking on assistant jobs you learn from the best, and open doors to future opportunities. Remember, even the brightest stars shine alongside a constellation of talented individuals!
“Embrace the chance to assist and be part of projects where you're not the main stylist. It's in these moments that we learn and grow the most.” - Matthias Debras
Be Fearlessly Persistent
In the competitive world of freelancing, be proactive and persistent in pursuing job opportunities. Make an effort to push the boundaries and go the extra mile to showcase your skills and expertise. Reach out to potential clients, submit your portfolio to relevant agencies, and follow up on leads. Remember, every "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes.”
“Push: Don’t be shy or uncomfortable to reach out to anyone that can help on your project.” - Mickael Carpin
Don't take things personally
In the world of freelancing, thick skin is as essential as the perfect little black dress. Don't let occasional criticism or rejection crumple your confidence. Take the feedback, adjust, brush it off, and continue strutting down the path to success. Remember, even the most iconic designers faced their fair share of naysayers.
“Never take anything personally, If someone rejects a look you’ve made, remember that it's not a rejection of you as a stylist or a person” - Matthias Debras
Celebrate your wins
As a freelancer, there's no boss around to give you a pat on the back when you've done a good job. So go ahead - be your own cheerleader, and celebrate your accomplishments! The road to your dream gig may be long, but there are many milestones to recognize along the way.
Stay organized with Sève
There is no escaping the huge organizational hurdles of being a freelance stylist calling in hundreds of garments, worth thousands of dollars. Staying on top of this can be the most difficult part of the job, so take advantage of Sève's powerful digital tool tailored for stylists. The best part: it's free!
We hope this helps some of you take the freelance plunge!
Team Sève 💌