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.