Just got done with a crazy 2 days of styling and producing Rob Roy‘s debut music video. The concept (by Director Ethan Lader) is pretty friggin fantastic, and I can’t wait to see (and show you) the finished product.
The shoot itself was hectic as hell. I was running on empty from working on 4 significant projects and close to zero sleep. Murphy’s law was enacted, anything that could go wrong definitely did, but in the end I got to practice my problem solving skills like woah and everything turned out well in the end.
More pics from the day may trickle in (didn’t have a chance to take any myself), but let’s just say my face in this picture speaks volumes:
[running on 4 hours of sleep, hoping this is intelligible.]
Had to make a point to see my lovely Melis during my LA visit… and if you know Melis, you know that the easiest way to get to her is at work.
So I hopped on board to assist at a video shoot for Shwayze, Skeet, and Cisco (Adler) for some upcoming MTV spots (those ones you see after absolutely everything on MTV). We got to play dress up at a siiiiick house (mansion?) in the Palisades overlooking the Pacific.
There were the usual cute PAs, cute talent, and yummy craft services – we had a blast.
It was my first time meeting Skeet & Co., though we have some mutual friends. They are super fun to dress, don’t take themselves too seriously, and know how to chill and have fun – I would have put all 3 of them in my back pocket to keep forever if that wouldn’t have been such a difficult task… not to mention just plain weird. (I could make some pun about putting their music in my iPod and therefore having them in my back pocket, but it’s way too early).
In conclusion, you WILL be humming Shwayze’s Corona & Lime while sipping Corona and lime very very soon.
Also, Skeet was working on one of the sickest remixes of “A Milli” during the shoot… so uh, listen for that too – and if you find it, send it to me. Please&thankyou.
PS – Yes, that is Pauly Shore.
Behind the scenes at a (really) big budget shoot at Smashbox. I organized hundreds of shoes and maybe 10 full racks all by my lonesome. This was a painful shoot, yet a brilliant learning experience. It was also my first big one.
Behind the Scenes of a Photoshoot (in a Studio)
Your job on-set as a fashion intern is to make things as easy for the stylist as possible. Meaning steamed and organized. Color/Style coding is great. Familiarize yourself with the wardrobe, it’s fun to look at & you’ll learn a lot. S/he might say, “bring me the gold Dries wedges in a 40,” know exactly where they are. Basically, be borderline OCD.
- Wardrobe Room (this is where you’ll set up racks, hang/steam clothing, organize)
- Steamers. More on this later, but look around for distilled water, there usually is some. If not, fill the jug in the bathroom or with water bottles.
- You’ll have lots of trunks. Keep them open and neatly separated. This will save you time packing at the end of the day. Which you’ll be given like 10 minute to do, so stay 3 steps ahead.
- Organize shoes by color/style/size and clothes in what ever way seems most logical… usually by color/style, sometimes by designer, depending on the shoot or unless otherwise directed. Some stylists are very particular about this, so it’s safest to ask before you start organizing.
- Everyone hates hangers that aren’t plastic/uniform. Use anything else as a last resort.
- Jewelry. If you’re lucky, guards are assigned to keep track. If not, I was taught (by one of my greatest internship bosses and mentor– she knows who she is!!) to guard it with your life! Count and recount everything. Note imperfections. Take pictures. This is where there’s real potential to lose your job.
- Accessories can be hard (large floppy bags, not enough space), but just keep them as organized as possible in jewelry trays or on a table.
- Keep any items that get shot together, or make note. The stylist/editor will have to do credits, so this will help them out.
- Makeup/Hair room (stay out unless invited in. and even then, ask yourself if you need to be there)
- Craft Services! Sooooo yummy! Eat!
- Lots of waiting around. Golden Rule: Look busy or steam, prep for the pack-up and ask if anyone needs help (if appropriate). It’s an art.
- Observe your future colleagues at work!
Behind the Scenes of a Photoshoot (on Location)
In general, same rules apply. But instead of a rooms, you’ve got a tiny tiny trailer, or tables outside.
I feel like I have been running on empty for the last two weeks, but to be honest, I think that’s how I like it. I’d rather be working hard than bored. My days have been consisting of running around town as assistant to Melis, a wonderful person and equally wonderful stylist (see; the gorgeous Cat Deeley of So You Think You Can Dance). We’ve done jobs for Nickelodeon, a music video for Against Me, So You Think You Can Dance, and are currently prepping for a shoot with Wendy Hall and a job for EMI. Needless to say, things have gotten pretty crazy, but it has been great.
Even with the lack of sleep and lack of playtime with Chewy, I spend my days surrounded by the loveliest of people. It’s such a change to be surrounded by humble people who say please and thank you, and acknowledge your hard work (thanks Melis!)
I also got my first Playboy checks in the mail! Somehow checks with a bunny on them are even more exciting than normal checks haha.
Up next: A more coherent post and hopefully getting a tattoo, cookies, and pizza with Joshuah (the most beautifulest boy who helped us out on shoots this past week).
Photos from the video aka this is what I look like when I don’t sleep or give a fuck.
People often ask me about my “career goal”. The answer is not so simple, and I definitely have more than one, but what I can say is, I know what I’m good at, and what I am just plain no good at. I also know what makes me happy. A magazine is a strong contender; it’s one place I could combine the largest number of “things I’m good at” and things I love. Writing, Fashion, Beauty, Music, Art, and People, to name a few. Basically, I don’t know where exactly I’m going, but I’ll know when I get there? I definitely have a vision. Hopefully it makes me some money.
I’m currently concentrating on Freelance Styling. I’ve learned so much from the Fashion Industry, and I’m still learning, so I thought I’d share as I go along.
First order of Business: The Prop Kit
A magic hat of sorts for stylists containing toiletries, undergarments, and tailoring essentials. Double stick tape, sewing kit, industrial clips, an assortment of undergarments, band aids, first-aid, deodorant, lint roller, shoe horn, breath mints, boob inserts, stain removers, moisturizer, baby wipes, and static guard are a must. The list goes on and on and on, you probably get the idea, but a stylist must cover all bases with their prop kit. Mishaps definitely happen. There is a large bag backstage that contains all of the above, and then a tool belt/ fanny pack with scissors, sewing kit, clips, etc. for touch ups on set. I really want this one.
Examples – I was the subject of a photo shoot for Teen Vogue a few years ago, and we did some shots of me sitting in a tree. I successfully climbed the tree, but somehow managed to fall out of it. I was bleeding down one leg, and the stylist fixed me up no problem. Shoes didn’t fit? We stuffed them. I just remember she had everything!
Another, on this shoot, my first solo styling job, I sliced my finger while punching a new whole in a shoe strap, and got blood on the shoe. Band-aids and baby wipes.
Also, have you ever wondered why clothing looks so good on models and not nearly as good in person? It’s less so that they are so skinny, and more so that the clothing has been clipped to death to obtain the perfect fit. (See, left.)
Other essentials: Garment Steamer, Folding Rolling Rack, Shoes Bins, Trunks, Garment Bags …
