What It Means To Be An Assistant Prop Stylist: Roles, Rates & Responsibilities Of Assisting On Set
Banner Image for DC Restaurant Honey Moon: Photographer Chelsie Craig | Producer Carleen Martin | Prop & Set Styling Limonata Creative | Props & Surface Prop Up Shop | Food Styling Diana Jeffra | Wardrobe Styling Alyssa Sadler | Digital Tech Chelsea Marrin | Models: Lee Washington, Anita Hossini, and Joshua Trusty | Photo Assist: Max Strode
Inspired by a stylist who commented on THE ‘Tricks of the Trade - Gear Prop Stylists Need’ blog post! they asked: “Did you ever assist or just dive in”? my Answer in a nutshell: “No, I didn’t, but wish I had”
If you’re just now dipping your toe into the world of photoshoots and creative direction, you might find yourself wanting to just fling yourself head first into becoming a self-supported and self-taught prop stylist. Like I did, way back when.
Now, let me first start off by saying that I commend your go-gettingness (not a word, but making it one) and enthusiasm. BUT allow me to discuss the merits of starting out your prop styling career as an assistant prop stylist. Yes?
If you’re thinking, “Giulietta, why on earth would I start out as an assistant?” Just allow me to explain: when I got my start in the prop styling, creative direction and photography world, there weren’t any senior prop stylists in my area for me to learn from and work with. So, I dove in head first, and figured it all out as I went.
Thanks to some photography friends, I built relationships with a number of stylists based in New York City. After I pinged everyone I could think of in an effort to gain a basic understanding of how to set “things” up (see: props, shoots, contracts, my life), I started to truly grow both as a creative, and as a stylist. But not without plenty of trial and error.
While I’m incredibly grateful that I was somewhat forced to start my business this way, I still wish that I could have been tutored and mentored by a Senior Stylist.
So, I’m here to give you an Assistant Prop Stylist 101 - I’ll discuss the benefits of assisting on set, HOW to even become a prop stylist assistant, what to expect, and pretty much a ton of other goodies, too. *Cracks knuckles*
The Benefits of Starting Out as an Assistant
Here’s the thing: you have the luxury of choosing between trying to figure everything (and I mean everything) out on your own, or learning from someone who figured it all out before you. Gaining on-set experience while serving as an assistant to a Senior Prop Stylist offers you:
An invaluable glimpse into the work required to be a Prop Stylist, as well as the creative industry as a whole.
The ability to practice + learn under the best of the best. It’s like taking a college course that you actually want to take, while being PAID to learn (no loans to pay off, thankyouverymuch).
Connections and relationships with photography assistants and/or photographers that you may want to collaborate with in the future.
The incredible opportunity to figure out if prop styling really is the right career for you!
Convinced yet? Hope so. So let’s take that excitement and enthusiasm and move it on to:
How to Become a Prop Styling Assistant
As with all good things in life, going after your dream job takes a bit of elbow grease. I recommend…
Researching prop stylists in your area, and finding the ones who are creating work you admire.
Emailing those stylists to share your interests, as well as any qualifications you might have. Do you have experience decorating, rearranging, organizing, or merchandizing things? Do you enjoy making art, or have you been on set before? Even if that experience isn’t strictly “professional,” it’s important to share your skills! And just remember: while you can be friendly, don’t forget to be professional. Things like spelling the stylist’s name correctly when you address them (speaking from experience here) can go a long way.
Being persistent. Senior Stylists are generally busy people. They’re jumping from set to set, running around to get props, and then schlepping those props to multiple locations. Computer time is typically hard for them to come by, and prioritizing responsibilities can be a complex web. If you don’t hear a response from a stylist you email, check back in 2-3 weeks later. The truth is that the busier that stylist is, the higher the likelihood that they’ll need someone like you to join the team.
Arranging a coffee or zoom meeting if and when the Senior Stylist gets back to you, so that you can both understand if your partnership will be a good fit. If there isn’t time for an extended meeting or coffee date, just politely ask questions about the position, expectations, pay, location, and any of their personal no-nos you should be aware of. The more you know, the better you can prove yourself as an indispensable asset - the goal is to be invited back to set!
What to Expect Before, During and After Being On Set
Your responsibilities (aka, the non-negotiables):
Showing up ON TIME (which means 15 minutes early!)
Prop sourcing and/or scouting that happens under the direction of the Senior Prop Stylist
Packing and unpacking props with care. Many pieces can be delicate and brittle, and it’s important that you never damage them.
Keeping track of all props, prop tags and stickers by making sure they stay clean and organized. A good rule of thumb is to keep prop tags and stickers clearly organized and compartmentalized so that they can be attached back to their respective props.
Steaming a lot of linens. A lot.
Paying close attention to the Senior Stylist. Keep an eye out for anything they might need, like a sip of water if they haven’t been able to eat or drink in a while.
Proactively prepping the next set + getting it set up per the shot list and art direction. Doing so will allow your Senior Stylist to jump in and make final tweaks. (Note: this task is usually performed by assistants with ample set experience.)
Potentially (and ONLY with permission) shooting BTS photos and videos for the Senior Stylist to use on their feed.
Packing props up to prepare for returns, and returning those props to their associated prop houses, stores and shops.
What to wear:
Yeah, don’t wear these shoes hehe.
Photo by Jabari Jacobs | Art Direction & Styling by Limonata Creative | Props Prop Up Shop
The key is confidence and comfort, because there’s nothing like showing up feeling your best. But if your best is a three-piece suit that’s so tight you can’t physically sit or bend without flipping over like a popsicle stick, edit it down a bit.
Stick to dark and neutral colors - you’d be shocked at how lighting can make vibrant colors reflect on objects on set.
Pants, long skirts and dresses are typically your best bet, as you’ll find yourself bending over and/or squatting to pick things up (see: popsicle stick).
Being on your feet for 9+ hours = pain. Wear a pair of comfy shoes (not like the above image), like sneakers, or get yourself a pair of fancy shoes with extra support. Check out my previous post Tricks Of The Trade - Gear Prop Stylists Need for more details on the footwear.
What to bring:
Snacks + Beverages: While most shoots tend to have a craft service, I’ve been a part of enough shoots to know that those snacks and drinks get gobbled up quickly, resulting in that moment where all you hear is the word “noooo!” ringing through your head. So, bring a large water bottle and some energy-boosting snacks like nuts, bananas and/or granola bars. I personally show up with tea and/or coffee in-hand as stylists usually don’t have a ton of time to dilly dally when they get to set.
Extra Hardware + Cleaning Supplies: Senior Stylists typically have kits that they’ve built over the years to handle the little details that pop up. Depending on the project, they might ask you to bring a few things to make life easier for you during the shoot. An additional steamer, screw driver, dust pan, bottle of glue, roll of paper towels or set of shish kabob skewers can make a big difference, you know? So, make sure to ask your Senior Stylist if you can bring anything specific that might be helpful. Plus, you know I know that you have a spare set of shish kabob skewers lying around that have never seen the true and glorious light of the flame of a BBQ. Might as well give them their spotlight, right?
On-Set Hours:
Typically, most photoshoots run on a 10-hour day that includes set up, lunch and wrap.
If you’re working on a film project, expect to run on a 13-hour day, with lunch taken out of your hourly pay (ugh).
Prop Styling Assistant Hourly Pay/Rate/The Big Bucks:
Ah, we are now on tricky terrain. Since no two photoshoots are ever created equally in terms of budget, location, client, type of project and Senior Stylist experience, rates can differ greatly. So, I’ve listed some *very general* rates below for that you can more of less expect to get paid for a standard 10-hour photoshoot day as a prop styling assistant. These rates are based on my own 6+ years of experience as a prop stylist based in the Maryland & DC region; they were also discussed and confirmed by a group of NYC-based senior prop stylists with 5+ years experience in June 2022. That said, please know that they can still vary! (Deep breath)
Ad Clients, Full Day (5-10 hrs): $350-$450
Editorial Clients, Full Day (5-10 hrs): $250-$350
Overtime:
Generally, 1-2 hours OT billed at x1.5/hr
Generally, 2+ hours OT billed at x2/hr
Lunch and/or gas stipends may sometimes be reimbursed or covered, depending on the project.
Remember to NEVER:
Show up late (sensing a theme here???)
Lose your cool: no matter how overwhelming or frustrating a shoot set can be. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, calmly step to the side and speak with your Senior Stylist to explain what you’re experiencing - that way, they’ll have a chance to help and potentially delegate responsibilities.
Take + post BTS content without permission. The client might have asked to keep things confidential, or the crew potentially requested to be tagged and credited on social media. Taking BTS and posting them on your own social media without permission or proper credit can put you, your Senior Stylist and crew in hot water. Just don’t be *that* person.
Speak on behalf of the Senior Stylist. If the client, photographer or videographer ask a question, let them know you’ll ask the Stylist and get back to them right away.
Move anything on set that the Senior Stylist has placed without explicit permission from the Stylist themselves. (Overstepping, to a T)
Twiddle your thumbs or spend time on your phone, unless it’s related to the job. Stay attentive, keep yourself busy; otherwise, you may appear unhelpful. If you’ve prepped a shot and are waiting, try to prep the next shot. If you see linen that’s wrinkled, steam it. The busier you keep and the more alert you appear, the higher the likelihood that your Senior Stylist will want to hire you again.
How to Keep Getting Hired:
Trust me: if you follow the advice I’ve just shared while also keeping a positive attitude and retaining your hunger to learn, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a highly sought after Assistant Stylist.
Be organized. Pay attention to the details. Have an upbeat attitude (for the 100th time), stay busy, and make sure to steer clear of the no-nos written above. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Photoshoot sets are usually incredibly exciting and energizing experiences that offer a beautiful flurry of creativity, work and people. Enjoy the process - you’re well on your way to finding yourself riiiight in the middle of the work you’re meant to do.
Did we forget to mention the fact that we’re hiring?
How convenient 😏
We’re hiring Part-Time Styling + Studio Assistants! Email us at the link below to apply. Please respond with a resume, cover letter and any relevant portfolio work.
DESCRIPTION
We are looking to build a small roster of assistants to help not only on shoot days but also in our day to day needs at Prop Up Shop. We are ideally looking for candidates who are flexible and willing to perform both the role of a ‘Styling Assistant’ and ‘Prop Up Shop Studio Assistant’. So much of the work of a stylist occurs in the studio as well as off-set when in pre and post production modes!
REQUIREMENTS
Must live in or close to Baltimore City
21+ years in age
Must have a car and be able to drive
Available 10-15 hours per week
Reliable, timely and troubleshooter should all be your middle names. Okay, not seriously. But pretty much almost
Must be able to lift large, heavy objects and/or crates of props
Strong organizational skills + attention to detail are a must
Eager to learn more about styling; open to being mentored
Must be kind, willing to work hard, and most importantly, have fun!
RATES
Prop Up Shop Studio Hours: $25/hour with lunch and gas stipends to start with room to grow :)
Assistant Styling Rates (for shoot days as well as pre-pro & post-pro time)
Ad Clients, Full Day (5-10 hrs): $450
Ad Clients, Half Day (2-5 hrs): $300
Editorial Clients, Full Day (5-10 hrs): $300
Editorial Clients, Half Day (2-5 hrs): $200
Overtime:
1-2 hours OT is billed at x1.5 / hr
2+ hours OT is billed at x2 / hr
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply by emailing us with the subject line ‘Styling & Studio Assistant Position‘ at gpinna@limonatacreative.com with a resume, cover letter and any relevant portfolio work.
We will respond to all applications but please be patient as we take time to review.
Accepting applications through January 1, 2023.
No longer an assistant, but new to the styling world?
So, here you are feeling ready to take that next step and branch out your own. We’ll hazard a guess that you’re *probably* wondering how to make a proper contract and what to charge for your services. Read our guides on How To: Protect Yourself As A Stylist Using Contracts and How To: Determine Your Pricing As A Stylist
