A Still Life Stylist’s Kit and what’s in it.
Just like Makeup Artists are never without their makeup kit on set, Hair Stylists bring their hair styling tools, the same applies to a Still Life Stylist, who also has a styling kit on set. Being without it can make or break the ability to get the job done.
So, what’s in my still life styling kit? I always make sure to keep the basics in my kit no matter what. Check out my video of the top things you need in your styling kit as a Still Life Stylist below:
How do I know what to bring in my kit with me on any given workday? When I get booked for a job and get all of the information on what I will be styling from the producer, that’s how I know what to bring with me in my still life styling kit.
For example, let’s say I know ahead of time that I will be styling a full day of laydowns (also called flat lays) which are garments styled on a flat surface. I would know that at minimum, the things I would pack in my kit would be pins, pliers, tissue paper, and a lint roller.
If I happened to be shooting a day of handbags I would make sure to add monofilament (one of the top 5 things you should have in your styling kit) and double-stick tape.
Not every Still Life Stylist’s kits are alike. Most people have the basics and each stylist carries with them the things that they prefer to use and what works best for them. The most random thing I have in my kit that I actually use quite a lot is… chopsticks! I use them for so many things when styling.
Here is an image of a dress I styled, using the pin-up technique. Can you guess where I used them?
I used one chopstick on the left and right sides of the cutouts, to spread the dress out horizontally. The dress was hand embroidered with crystals, styled as a pin up, and was very heavy. I decided to use chopsticks to give it shape at the waist.
What I love about working as a Still Life Stylist is that you are exposed to so many products and there are different techniques that go into styling each one of them. What works for one, may not work for another.
That brings us back to what’s in the styling kit. It depends on the day but make sure to always have the top 5 things with you.
I’m always adding to mine, as your still life styling kit should always evolve and grow, just like the stylist.