Meet Polly, Creative Stylist & Designer

Hi, I’m Polly and I have been working in the creative industry for the last 10 years.
During this time my jobs have varied from working within the retail sector, events and hospitality and interior design. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having this breadth of experience as it means I am versatile and adaptable to most creative tasks.

I’ve learned as a stylist that you need to put your hand to most things, as generally you’ll be expected to butterfly around the creative disciplines when working. From dressing Christmas trees or styling a press event, to designing a concept for an interior or styling a wedding, the spectrum of skills is broad.

How would you advise someone who is thinking of becoming a Creative Stylist?

• Be willing to learn new skills to enhance your portfolio.
• Gain as much ‘hands-on’ experience as possible. I’ve done a lot of ‘free’ work to have the opportunity to learn and to create new contacts.
• Listen to your client, so that the brief is fully understood. Simple but true.
• Be organised!! Say no more.
• Most importantly keep being CREATIVE. Go to galleries, be inspired by visual imagery, make and craft to keep ideas flowing.

What should a client consider when hiring a Creative Stylist/Designer?

• Make sure you get on and you feel comfortable communicating with your stylist! Your stylist will be working for you so there needs to be a good relationship in place for there to be a good outcome.
• Look at their portfolio of work to see if their ‘style’ is to your taste. Are they contemporary enough? Or too traditional? Too floral or too graphic?
• Location, location, location. Face to face meetings are the best to iron out any creases or to view samples/mood boards in person. Therefore, being relatively near will eliminate any further stress from the planning stages.

If you could give those who are just starting out in the creative industry one top tip what would it be?

• Always bring a tool kit that includes a pair of scissors and a glue gun. Something always needs fixing or altering.

What is 1 new skill/lesson you have learned during your career as a designer and stylist?

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. It’s far better to know exactly what needs to be achieved rather than bluffing your way through it. To get the best result, you need to communicate well with both your client and your team.

Do you have a career highlight?

• Travelling to Asia to set up new stores, whilst educating new teams on the creative aesthetic of the brand and the importance of this message.

Creative Stylists are one of our most frequently booked services via The Lifestyle Collection. We provide accomplished designers to create a unique event, whether that be a celebration such as a baby shower, small wedding, birthday or engagement party, plus home decor bookings during the festive season, including; Christmas tree installation and dressing, fireplace and staircase dressing, front door bauble installations and balloon displays.

To hire a stylist or creative designer on a temporary or full-time basis, please contact the agency and our specialist team will assist you +44 (0)208 402 9616 / office@thestaffdirectory.com

Candidates wishing to apply for Lifestyle Collection bookings, please visit our Job Listings page and complete our Candidate Registration Form.