This month has been the most exciting one of my career yet. I feel like in retrospect I have been able to say that chronologically about each of the previous months, however, in my head I had envisioned a certain goal and I thought to myself “once I make this goal I will officially feel like a stylist.” Well my dear friends it has happened! I procured what is called a “Pull Letter” from a major magazine. Under my own name. I feel like I am playing some virtual video game and I just “one up’d” to the next level. Hopefully you are hearing the energizing music playing as I grow 3 feet taller. Just so you know a pull letter is a letter from a magazine confirming that they have hired you for a photo shoot. Therefore I can take this to designers, showrooms etc to procure clothing for my said shoot. Happy Dance.
Dani Morales is a stylist.
A few months ago during a quick class I took on social media they recommended that posting at least 3 times a day will increase your viral circle. Let me tell you right now I have no clue what the hell that means. But it sounded simple enough so I began posting on my company Facebook and Twitter page most days. I didn’t always make it to three. To my surprise it seemed to have worked, somewhat. Through this weird self-marketing I have linked up with a few photographers who are equally excited about moving into the realm of published artists.
So we submitted our concept, got approved. I went about hiring my OWN assistant (haHA!) and went to work pulling and collecting for a 6-8 page editorial submission. Of course with a whole new realm of possibility comes a whole new panic. I have been working under and assisting the same person for the last 6 months. Technically I have been published in magazines but only through buying and returning merchandise. Not to mention if anything gets ruined it is now my reputation on the line. I try not to worry myself with self-doubt but the gloomy clouds filtered in. The week before our shoot I panicked nonstop over whether I pulled enough stuff, whether it was the right stuff, whether anyone would like it. Whether I should pack up, move back to Seattle and get a job as a massage therapist. So many ideas went through my head. I literally lost 5 pounds in a week. Which was awesome, but that’s another story.
I’m happy to say the shoot turned out great. The hair and makeup team were incredibly talented and had a really well developed vision and concept. The model was great, along with the location. Everyone got along great—which is always fun on set. And I am happy to say a major fashion magazine has already shown interest in buying our spread. I can’t tell you who yet!
The whole process reaffirmed my love and passion for what I am doing and set aside any thoughts or worries that I may “not know what I am doing.” And three years into my career as a stylist I finally feel like giving myself an official title. And its awesome.
About Dani Morales
Wardrobe Stylist - Dani Morales is a wardrobe stylist who has recently relocated to New York City. Originally from Seattle where she worked at Nordstrom, her styling career began while living in Los Angeles. She has experience styling for bands, dance groups, red-carpet events, editorial shoots, television and film, as well as high fashion and individual personal styling. Now in NYC and studying at FIT Dani is starting all over yet again in a new city. She is off to conquer the competitive world of fashion in its capitol.