Career talk: Photo stylist on Instagram age

Image courtesy of Shienny Olivia

Social media has not only created new marketing platform for businesses; it has also created new types of jobs that human civilisation couldn’t imagine would exist. From influencers to social media strategist, it seems like the possibility is endless with social media.

One particular job that hasn’t been on the spotlight is photo stylist. Unlike fashion stylist, stylist on social media styles the set instead of a model. From props and angle to colour, social media stylist meticulously places the items to create visually pleasing flat lay. TFR talks with Shienny Olivia, whose portfolio has expanded beyond styling for social media flat lays.

TFR: How do you get started?

Shienny Olivia (SO): I started doing this about three years ago. My ex-boyfriend is a photographer. I always moved around products he shot, adding some props, some fabric or anything that could make the photo look better. At that time, I was a fashion designer. Styling a photoshoot is just a hobby and I do it for free. Then, there was a photo competition and my friend asked me to submit my photos. I won. Then a bakery approached me, offering me a part time contract to produce social media photos for them. Some clients have a retainer with me. Right now, I am also working on a hotel decoration.

TFR: Looking at your body of work, you certainly need a lot of props for a photo. How do you manage your props?

SO: Actually, I have collected props long before I become a photo stylist. I really love China set and ceramics.

TFR: Are you afraid of being copied?

SO: No and you shouldn’t be. Look, you will always be copied. There will always be copycats no matter what. At the end of the day, you are the creative thinker. When people are copying you, you are already one step ahead because when you are on the process of creating something new, they just get started to launch the replica. Creativity always wins.

TFR: Being a photo stylist is not a traditional job, especially when you focus on social media. Do you have any plan to grow the job into something bigger?

SO: It is definitely not a traditional job. My parents were confused at the beginning. My props were piling up. They just don’t get it. My friends were asking if this is actually a proper job or if I make any money. I still do it anyway because I love it. Right now I want to keep on doing it and accumulating clients. In the long run, I can picture this turning into a studio; not just flat lay styling but also photographs, models, and background styling. We will always need stylists. It is an underrated job. A stylist can make or break sales. If a photo is styled properly, the product will sell.

TFR: Is Instagram still the best platform to do this?

SO: Absolutely. Instagram is still the most affordable option to sell products out there at the moment. People are more interested to see visually appealing pictures compared to TV or radio ads. The demand for styling is soaring. Instagram is the most accessible platform for start-ups.

Image: Olivia S. Tan/Instagram

TFR: Does your job correlate with influencers? Have you ever been endorsed by brands?

SO: In terms of job description, photo stylist and influencer have different jobs unless you are a fashion stylist. I am more into styling foods. My job is to create beautiful settings to attract audience into products while influencers have to explain and review the products to the audience. I guess it’s complementary to each other. It’s a bonus skill to have if you are an influencer. In Indonesia, being a stylist means you have to style and endorse the products.

TFR: Will this career be oversaturated?

SO: Looking at current stance, I believe people would rather be celebgram than stylist.

TFR: Do you have any advice for people who want to be photo stylist?

SO: If collecting props and decorating are your passion, you should definitely go for it. You shouldn’t be afraid to be different. There is no right or wrong. Do research but don’t copy because being a photo stylist means finding identity. That will make you stand out. Stylists should inspire each other instead of copying each other.