BakitWhy.com caught up with up-and-coming fashion stylist, Jamie Cruz, fresh from her stint with Far East Movement on their latest music video, "Rocketeer". A Southern California native, this Pilipina American is emerging as a promising creative influence in the industry.
We've asked her how she got involved in this field and what she's got in store for all of us:
1. How did you get involved in this industry and why?
I sort of just fell into it, Initially, I never planned on going into fashion styling. I thought I was going to be in a career where I could use my degree, which is Environmental Analysis and Design. But I guess life took to me a different direction. After college, I started styling for an e-commerce fashion company through a friend of mine who was working there. I started as the only stylist for the company, that's where I learned the basics on how to style photo shoots. Later on, my friend got involved with a short lived show on MTV and he had asked me to help him by being his stylist. Since then, I've been blessed to have opportunities to style other projects and now I'm starting to build my portfolio.
2. Favorite memory or gig so far?
My most challenging [gig] so far was the Far East Movement "Rocketeer" music video. Like most projects, you get confirmed to do a shoot with only a few days to prep. I had about a week to style everyone in the video, including the actors. Since it was my first video, I didn't know what to expect. Plus I was juggling work and scheduling appointments to pick up clothes, there didn't seem to be enough time. I've never assisted a stylist before, so everything that I've done so far has been through trial and error. Being on the set was fun and I'm thankful that everyone was so nice. At the end of it all, I was unbelievably tired but it was a memorable and great learning experience for me.
3. Favorite part of your job? What makes it fulfilling for you?
Seeing the end result is my favorite part. It's like when a painter sees his finished artwork on the wall. For me, styling clothes is sort of an art form. Colors, patterns, textures, hair, make-up, props, an attitude, the setting and the fit of the clothes all need to create an image that portrays your creativity. It's fulfilling to watch a person's confidence after they're dressed in an outfit that makes them feel good. I recently did an engagement photo shoot for a cute couple in love. To see their confidence change after wearing clothes they wouldn't normally wear and how excited they were when the shoot wrapped up was rewarding to me. I've been blessed to meet and work with some amazing people, but the little things like the happiness and gratitude from the couple was a reminder as to why I enjoy styling. It was something I did for fun, my hobby, and I'm just happy that I'm able to do something I enjoy.
4. Latest projects/upcoming projects?
I have another engagement photo shoot coming up which I'm excited for because the couple is more open in making it fun and different. Now that I've done shoots for other people, I plan on working with my photographer on creating my own ideas for photo shoots. Sometimes when you're working for a client, they have certain guidelines and looks they want to portray. So it will be nice to finally be able to think outside the box and be the creative director.
Visit Jamie's website: www.thejamieaffair.com for more information.
Photo Credit: Tricia Jamanila
Want to know how you can best transition your Summer clothes for the colder temperatures or what trends you should hop on now? Check out Rina's blog for Jamie's Fall Fashion Forward spread!
