How to Become a Food Stylist

My good friend Dianne is a first class food stylist (you can see her work in Easy Food) and I was wondering, how does one become a food stylist...... easy, you need to know how.

Food stylists are often the unsung heroes of the culinary world. They're the ones who make the dishes look irresistible in menus and on television. A good stylist can turn a single scoop of ice cream into a brilliant work of art. You don't need a degree. Most stylists are trained chef who prefer a career in the TV or media business.

1. Know your way around the kitchen. If you want to become a food stylist, you don't need a formal degree, but it certainly doesn't hurt if you do. Many people who graduate from culinary school choose food styling as a career. Some culinary schools offer styling classes to get you prepared for real-life situations. A love of baking and cooking is a major plus in this field.

2. Step 2

   Learn from the best. Most people who become food stylists start off assisting other stylists. This is a great way to get a feel for the industry and to learn invaluable tricks of the trade. A few years of assistant work can open all sorts of doors for you down the road.

3. Step 3

   Be a team player. A food stylist often has to be the go-between for several key individuals. Photographers, prop guys, directors and actors may all give you directions at the same time, so you need to know how to prioritize.

4. Step 4

   Be flexible. It often takes time to break into the market and become a food stylist, so it's important to be as flexible as possible. Do whatever work comes your way, and be willing to go where the work is.

Here are some links with more information:

• http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-become-a-food-stylist.htm
• http://www.helium.com/items/1367188-how-can-i-become-a-food-stylist-what-is-a-food-stylist-how-much-money-do-food-stylist-make
• http://www.howtodothings.com/careers/how-to-become-a-food-stylist