Visualizing Taste: The World of Food Styling

Food has an undeniable power to tantalize our senses. All the mouthwatering dishes in cookbooks, food magazines, advertisements, and Instagram posts are not a coincidence. Behind every great food photo and beside every great photographer there is a food stylist. A person who’s job is to make food look appetizing and evoke viewer’s senses.

What is Food Styling?

Food styling is the art of making food look as appealing as possible, often for photography, video, or presentation purposes. A food stylist is responsible for creating visually enticing dishes, arranging them beautifully, and ensuring they are camera-ready. This profession combines culinary expertise with a keen eye for aesthetics.

Exploring the Diverse World of Food Stylists

A decade ago, the title of “food stylist” was primarily associated with professionals working for multinational corporations, TV commercials, or advertising campaigns. However, as the food industry has flourished, this title has found its way into various niches. In today’s social media-driven landscape, it often feels like everyone considers themselves a food stylist (with a hint of sarcasm). Let’s delve into the distinct types of food stylists that have emerged in this evolving field.

I recognized few types of food stylists:

1. Food Stylists for Multinational Corporations and TV Commercials:
   These food stylists typically work through agencies and production companies that coordinate everything on behalf of the client. Their role is integral to the storytelling in TV commercials, and their work can be showcased on screens around the world. This type of food styling is highly visible, demanding, and often featured on a global stage.
2. Food Stylists for Printed Materials and Multinational Brands:
   Similar to their counterparts in TV commercials, these food stylists serve multinational corporations. However, they work on printed materials like books, magazines, and multinational brand advertisements. Their teams are smaller, and they have more direct contact with the client. The results of their labor can be seen in glossy gourmet magazine ads or displayed on massive posters that span the globe.
3. Food Stylists for Medium-Sized Projects with Local Focus:
   Food stylists in this category are usually involved in medium-sized, locally-oriented projects. They collaborate with agencies or directly with clients to create compelling content for local campaigns and brand-related recipes. Their work reaches an audience within their own country, featured on local television, in magazines, and on local billboards.
4. Blogger and Social Media Food Stylists:
   In the age of social media, a new breed of food stylists has emerged. These creative professionals are both bloggers and social media influencers, curating their content and collaborating with brands for digital campaigns. They wear multiple hats, serving as food stylists, food photographers, and videographers. Their work is centered on crafting captivating recipes, often shared with a global audience.

In the age of social media, a new breed of food stylists has emerged. These creative professionals are both bloggers and social media influencers, curating their content and collaborating with brands for digital campaigns. They wear multiple hats, serving as food stylists, food photographers, and videographers. Their work is centered on crafting captivating recipes, often shared with a global audience.

Food styling offers a diverse array of career paths, and individuals may choose to specialize in one of these areas or diversify their skills across multiple roles, depending on their abilities and market opportunities. Some food stylists exclusively focus on TV commercials, while others become specialists in the realm of social media food styling, never venturing into larger-scale projects. There is no right or wrong path; it’s all about finding the niche that aligns with your talents and passion.

In smaller projects, budgets may be more limited, but the freedom to unleash creativity is boundless. Food stylists working on local campaigns have the chance to explore projects that resonate with their creative instincts, all while lining their pockets. Whether you’re making global appearances in high-budget commercials or creating local magic in small-scale projects, the world of food styling is brimming with opportunities for culinary artists of all stripes.

I have always been a versatile individual, and my business reflects this diversity. In my journey as a food stylist, I’ve had the privilege of working across various categories within the profession. I aim to provide an overview of the pros and cons for each type, offering you valuable insights to help determine if the role of a food stylist aligns with your aspirations or if it differs from what you might have initially envisioned.

1 // Food Stylists for Multinational Corporations and TV Commercials:

Securing these positions can be quite challenging as you essentially audition for the role of a food stylist alongside other skilled professionals. More than just the price you quote for your services, your selection depends on several key criteria such as your portfolio, past experiences, public recognition, availability, and recommendations.

Working in this capacity involves being part of a sizable production team, where your primary responsibility is food styling. Depending on the project, your interactions predominantly occur behind the scenes. You’ll liaise with your assistants, the agency responsible for hiring you, the art director, a prop stylist, an agency representative from the client (who meticulously scrutinizes every detail before presenting it to the client for approval), and the client. On set, your primary communication is with the film director and the client.

In this scenario, I’ve highlighted more drawbacks than benefits. It’s not because I hold a negative view of this type of food styling; rather, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the challenges and advantages. Trust me, this profession demands hard work, and especially in such high-stakes projects, the expectations are sky-high, budgets are substantial, and stress levels can be intense. It’s not a profession suited for everyone, but personally, I relished the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in this niche. I’ve also included some tips for those who may find themselves working on similar projects. To be candid, the satisfaction derived from successfully completing such assignments far surpasses that of other projects. It’s almost as if you step into a parallel world, leaving reality behind while you immerse yourself in the process of filming a commercial.

Pro’s:

• Extensive Portfolio Building: You accumulate a vast and diverse reference collection, enriching your professional portfolio.
• Generous Budgets: These projects often come with substantial budgets, enabling you to explore your creative potential more fully.
• Insight into Commercial Production: You gain a firsthand understanding of the intricacies of commercial production, witnessing the entire process up close.
• Collaboration with Accomplished Actors: You have the privilege of working alongside highly skilled actors, enhancing your ability to create captivating food scenes.
• Team Collaboration: Working with a team of prop stylists, scenographers, and makeup artists fosters a collaborative and dynamic creative environment.
• Scenic Locations: Your work takes you to picturesque locations, adding an extra layer of visual appeal to your projects.
• Custom-Created Sets: The sets are custom-designed, tailored to suit the specific requirements of each scene, allowing for a unique and immersive experience.
• Assistance at Your Disposal: Depending on the project’s scale, you have the flexibility to enlist the support of several assistants, streamlining the food styling process.
• Generous Shopping Budgets: You benefit from ample shopping budgets, which often adhere to the principle that “more is more,” providing you with a broader palette of ingredients and props.
• Heightened Sense of Significance: Working on such projects elevates your sense of importance and professionalism, as you contribute to the creation of high-stakes, visually compelling commercials.

Con’s:

• High Stress Levels: The demanding nature of these projects, coupled with the substantial budgets and large production teams (often comprising 30-50 people), can create an environment of heightened stress.
• Limited Room for Improvisation: With so much at stake, there is less room for improvisation and errors in food styling.
• Precise Timing: Meeting strict deadlines is paramount, and it’s not uncommon for projects to deviate from the planned timeline. This can lead to frustration among team members.
• Pressure and Intensity: Commercial sets are known for their no-nonsense approach. Criticism and demanding expressions are common, but they are typically not personal; rather, they are part of the high-pressure environment.
• Need for Speed: Quick decision-making and swift action are essential in this setting. There is little time for deliberation.
• Scheduling Expertise: To succeed, you must be well-versed in project scheduling and have a strong sense of how long preparations will take.
• Physical Fatigue: Extended shoots that span several days can be physically taxing, requiring food stylists to stand for long hours.
• Advanced Culinary Skills: This type of work demands elevated culinary skills and proficiency in numerous cooking techniques.
• Food Fakery: In situations where the food won’t be consumed on camera, it’s necessary to understand how to convincingly simulate various food items.
• Food Waste: An unfortunate reality is the considerable amount of food waste generated during production, which can be disheartening to witness.
• Adaptability: Despite having a confirmed moodboard and a perfect script, be prepared for sudden changes. For instance, you might need to switch from grilling ribs to preparing a fish fillet at a moment’s notice. This adaptability is a fundamental requirement in this line of work.

My tips:

• Stay Humble: Remember that you’re a small piece of a much larger production. It’s essential to keep your focus on the brand’s vision rather than your personal recognition.
• Simplify and Stay Open-Minded: Avoid overcomplicating things. Flexibility and an open-minded approach can make the process smoother.
• Comfort Is Key: Dress in comfortable attire and shoes. Commercial shoots can stretch into long, exhaustive days and nights.
• Select Reliable Assistants: Choose efficient assistants who can support you effectively throughout the project.
• Plan Your Workflow: Developing a clear plan for the workflow helps maintain organization and efficiency.
• Organized Work Stations: Prior to the “Action!” call from the film director, ensure your work stations are well-organized. This eliminates confusion and ensures you know where everything is and what the next steps are.
• Take Charge as a Leader: Step into a leadership role and delegate tasks to your assistants. You’ll need to be readily available to communicate with the client, who may require your input frequently.
• Preparation Matters: Whenever possible, prepare some dishes in advance. It can save time and streamline the process.
• Anticipate the Next Steps: Continually think ahead to what the next steps in the production process should be.
• Ask for Clarification: If you encounter something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask questions immediately. Clarity is key to achieving the desired results.
• Effective Client Communication: When presenting your food to the client, be prepared to take notes. Clients may provide detailed feedback, which may appear overly meticulous. Strive to comprehend their preferences by reviewing images and understanding their perspective.
• Professionalism and Humility: Maintain a professional and humble demeanor at all times. It fosters a positive working environment and collaborative relationships.
• Don’t Be Disheartened: Even if your food is featured for only a few seconds in the entire commercial, remember that your work contributes to the broader storytelling of the brand. It’s all part of the process, and your efforts are valuable in creating the overall impact.

I am delighted to showcase my food styling project for the latest Kerrygold campaign:
May your table always be full.

Read more about the campaign May your table always be full.

2 // Food Stylists for Printed Materials and Multinational Brands:

Typically, you will collaborate with an agency for these projects. Even if a client discovers you through social media, they usually direct you to the agency. To gain access to larger brands, residing in the United States can be advantageous. In the past, it was common to fly food stylists from other countries, but now, with a wealth of talent available, those in closer proximity often have an upper hand in securing assignments. Factors such as your portfolio, prior experience, public recognition, availability, and recommendations also play a significant role in these opportunities.

The projects encompass a wide range of creative endeavors, including static food magazine ads, marketing campaigns for various brands, photo shoots for package designs, capturing delectable images for hotels and restaurants, and supporting supermarket chains with their regular marketing initiatives.

Pro’s

• Extensive Portfolio Enhancement: These projects serve as significant additions to your professional portfolio.
• Generous Budgets: Adequate budgets enable you to explore your creative potential fully.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insight: You gain firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of productions, offering a close-up view of the creative process.
• Collaboration with a Creative Team: Working alongside prop stylists, scenographers, and makeup artists, especially when there are people in the shot, enhances the creative synergy.
• Scenic Locations: Your work often takes you to picturesque and captivating locations.
• Custom-Crafted Sets: The attention to detail in custom set design creates a visually stunning backdrop for your photoshoots.
• Supportive Assistants: Depending on the project’s scale, you can enlist the assistance of capable team members, streamlining the food styling process.
• Ample Shopping Budgets: Abundant budgets allow for the purchase of high-quality ingredients, which are essential in achieving the desired visual and culinary results.
• Perfection in Styling: You have the luxury of time to fine-tune and perfect your styling, ensuring the final product meets the highest standards.
• Sense of Significance: As a food stylist, you play a pivotal role in the production, contributing to the overall creative process and storytelling.
• Collaborative Roles: Often working in tandem with an art director and food photographer, you may even take on the role of art director, allowing you to pitch ideas and actively contribute to the creative vision of the team and the client. This level of involvement grants you significant influence over the creative process and storytelling.

Con’s

• Elevated Expectations: These projects come with exceptionally high standards, demanding precision and excellence.
• Organizational and Skill Demands: The need for impeccable organization and a high level of skill is paramount.
• No Room for Self-Doubt: There is no place for self-doubt; you must perform with confidence and precision.
• Time Constraints: While there may be less time pressure compared to filming commercials, there is still no room for daydreaming on the set. Efficiency and focus are imperative to meet the project’s demands.

3 // Food Stylists for Medium-Sized Projects with Local Focus:

You may work either through an agency or directly with clients, which can include brands, restaurants, hotels, magazines, and supermarket chains. Your work can find its way to local television, feature on large billboards, grace the pages of magazines or books, and appear in various promotional materials when the brand launches its campaign.

In the realm of food styling, your artistic vision and culinary talent have the power to elevate and transform the way food is perceived, enjoyed, and celebrated in a multitude of settings, from print media to visual media and across diverse culinary industries. Your ability to translate flavors and experiences into stunning visuals allows you to play a vital role in shaping the narrative and visual identity of each client and brand you collaborate with.

Pro’s

• Solid Budgets: Food TV commercials typically come with substantial budgets, allowing you to execute your creative vision effectively.
• Quick Project Turnaround: Many projects are completed in a single day, ensuring efficient work schedules and timely results.
• Familiar Teams: You often collaborate with a team of professionals you are already acquainted with, promoting a comfortable and productive working atmosphere.
• Room for Improvisation: These projects often allow for creative improvisation, giving you the flexibility to experiment and enhance your skills.
• Enhanced Networking: The longer duration of these projects provides additional time for connecting with the people on set, fostering valuable professional relationships.
• Diverse Roles: You can be hired as both a food stylist and a photographer/videographer, offering a broader scope of creative involvement.
• Personal Expression: Smaller productions often provide greater room for your personal creative expression, allowing your unique style to shine through in the final results.
• Consistent Project Flow: The frequency of projects ensures a steady stream of work, providing a reliable source of income and opportunities for professional growth.

Con’s

• Price Negotiation: Negotiating prices can be a significant part of the process, and it may require substantial effort to reach mutually satisfactory agreements.
• Varied Production Knowledge: In some cases, you might encounter smaller productions with limited understanding of the food lighting setup, potentially resulting in suboptimal outcomes compared to highly skilled teams.

4 // Blogger and Social Media Food Stylists:

You are a versatile food stylist, crafting your own unique content while simultaneously collaborating with various brands on digital campaigns. Your role encompasses a diverse array of tasks, from creating mouthwatering recipes to serving as a one-person team, functioning as both a food stylist and a food photographer/videographer. This multifaceted approach allows you to engage with your audience on a personal level, showcasing your culinary artistry, visual storytelling, and creativity through a range of digital platforms.

In this role, you have the opportunity to curate a distinctive style and voice, forging a connection with your viewers and followers. Your work goes beyond just aesthetically pleasing presentations; it embodies your passion for food, your ability to evoke sensory experiences, and your skill in capturing the essence of each dish through captivating imagery and video.

This combination of content creation and brand collaboration opens the door to a dynamic and ever-evolving career in the world of food styling. You adapt to the ever-changing landscape of digital media, offering fresh and engaging content that resonates with your audience while meeting the unique requirements of each brand you partner with. Your role as a food stylist, photographer, and videographer all in one is a testament to your versatility and proficiency in the evolving field of culinary and visual arts.

Pro’s

• Unparalleled Creative Freedom: Working independently grants you the highest degree of creative freedom. You have the liberty to shape your projects in alignment with your unique artistic vision.
• Convenience of Home-Based Projects: The flexibility of conducting projects from the comfort of your own home or preferred workspace offers convenience and efficiency.
• Personalized Workflow: You have the freedom to establish and follow your own workflow, allowing for a peaceful and productive working environment.
• Immediate Issue Resolution: When something doesn’t meet your standards, you can promptly address and rectify it, ensuring the final outcome aligns perfectly with your vision.
• Appreciative Collaborations: Most of your work involves collaborations with individuals or brands that highly value and appreciate your contributions. This fosters a positive working atmosphere and a sense of recognition.
• High Satisfaction Levels: Your involvement in every aspect of the creative process results in a high level of personal investment and satisfaction. Your work bears your unique signature, instilling a deep sense of accomplishment and pride in the final results.

Con’s

• Limited Budgets: Independent projects often come with lower budgets, which can necessitate taking on a higher volume of work to achieve a satisfactory monthly income.
• Higher Workload for Income: To secure a decent salary at the end of the month, you may need to juggle multiple projects, resulting in a heavier workload and potential time constraints.
• Increased Market Competition: The market for independent food stylists is highly competitive, with a growing number of individuals acquiring this skill. This influx of talent can intensify competition for available opportunities, making it necessary to distinguish yourself through unique expertise and creativity.

The Role of a Food Stylist

1. Culinary creativity: Food stylists must possess a deep understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and the science of how ingredients behave. They create food that not only looks incredible but also tastes delicious.
2. Aesthetic sensibility: An eye for detail, color, texture, and composition is essential. Food stylists arrange ingredients meticulously to create a visually appealing dish, paying attention to balance and harmony.
3. Photography and media skills: Food stylists work closely with photographers and directors, understanding lighting, angles, and the camera’s perspective to ensure the food looks its best on film or in photographs.
4. Adaptability: In the fast-paced world of food styling, adaptability is crucial. You may be asked to work on a variety of projects, from gourmet magazine shoots to fast-food commercials.
5. Problem solving: Food doesn’t always cooperate, and food stylists must think on their feet to fix issues like melting ice cream, wilting greens, or collapsed cake layers.

As a multifunctional food stylist, you have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. Your skillset allows you to engage with different client types, from small to large-scale ventures. In this role, you’ll be exposed to a variety of challenges and creative opportunities.

The nature of your work as a versatile food stylist is marked by flexibility. You adapt to the specific needs of each project, whether it’s a TV commercial, a social media campaign, or even a cookbook photoshoot. This adaptability not only keeps your work exciting but also opens doors to numerous culinary adventures.

Challenges and Rewards

Challenges:

1. Pressure: Meeting tight deadlines and client expectations can be stressful, especially in the world of advertising and media.
2. Long Hours: Food styling often involves long days on set to ensure everything looks perfect for the camera.
3. Food Waste: Achieving the perfect shot may require preparing multiple versions of the same dish, leading to food waste.

Rewards:

1. Creativity: Food stylists have the opportunity to unleash their culinary creativity, experimenting with ingredients, colors, and textures.
2. Collaboration: Working alongside photographers, art directors, and chefs can be a fulfilling and collaborative experience.
3. Job satisfaction: The joy of seeing your work featured in magazines, cookbooks, or commercials is immensely satisfying.

How to Become a Food Stylist

If you’re intrigued by the world of food styling, here are some steps to get started:

1. Culinary Education: Consider formal culinary training to build a strong foundation in cooking techniques and food knowledge.
2. Gain Experience: Work as a cook or in a restaurant to gain hands-on experience and sharpen your culinary skills.
3. Networking: Connect with photographers, art directors, and other professionals in the industry to build your network.
4. Build a Portfolio: Assemble a portfolio of your best work, which can showcase your skills to potential clients.
5. Assist Experienced Food Stylists: Assisting established food stylists is a great way to learn the ropes and gain practical experience.

Conclusion

Food styling is a captivating career that allows you to blend your passion for food with your creative talents. It’s a profession that demands precision, creativity, and the ability to handle the unexpected. If you’re willing to work hard, collaborate, and continuously refine your skills, the world of food styling could be your ticket to a truly delicious career. So, get ready to make food not only taste great but look stunning too!