Mastering Professional Prop Styling in India

Last updated on May 7, 2023

Are you keen on earning a living from mastering professional prop styling in India? In this article, we’ll take a look at what it’s like to specialize in prop styling and how to transition into this profession. We’ll also discuss the salary insights for India, success stories of prop stylists, the challenges associated with transitioning to becoming a prop stylist and tips for mastering professional prop styling.

Photo by Chris sanalila on Unsplash

What Is Professional Prop Styling?

Prop styling is the art of styling and arranging of pieces in a certain setting or layout, be it on a stage or in front of a camera. This involves managing and directing the placement of props via any medium, like photography or films, to create a certain narrative telling the story of the product or scene. A successful prop stylist will often bring the left and right creative sides together and produce a cohesive work with props that adheres to the theme or concept and visual style.

Prop styling is often referred to as the intersection between art and commercialism. It requires the ability to understand the brand, concept and/or vision and to design and create a visual setting that reflects the brand, concept and/or vision. Professional prop styling involves understanding the client’s brief, the lifestyle of their target audience, the aesthetics, and a deep understanding of the medium.

Success Stories of Professional Prop Stylists

The majority of professional prop stylists enter the industry through various means. For example, some may come from different areas related to production or design while others have a background in fashion. Irrespective of each artist’s backgrounds, most of them start to specialize in prop styling after being inspired or challenged through a specific project.

One such successful artist is Tarzan of India, a freelance prop stylist who is renowned for his work on Indian films and television. He first began prop styling as an intern on a set and has since gone on to work on several important projects, such as the cult classic Bandit Queen and critically-acclaimed movie Sholay. Tarzan’s reputation as an elite prop stylist soon became the stuff of legend and agencies are now lining up to pay for his services on projects big and small. He has gained prestige as a prop stylist over the years, and is thought to be one of the best in the industry.

Another inspiring story is that of Sanjana Bharti, who decided to pursue prop styling after working in the fashion industry for a decade. Sanjana took her experience in fashion and applied the same principles to prop styling, trying to create stories within a setting. Sanjana slowly began her career with freelance projects and slowly made her name, eventually working alongside established prop stylists. Her work continues to be applauded as she strives to make a mark in the field.

Transitioning Into Professional Prop Styling

Transitioning into professional prop styling can be a daunting task. It is a specialised field and it takes time, dedication and a certain level of skill to become a sought-after professional prop stylist. Some of the steps that one needs to take while transitioning into a career as a professional styler are described below.

Develop An Understanding Of The Art Of Styling:

Getting a basic understanding of the art of styling is essential for making a successful transition into the field. It is important to familiarise yourself with the various types of styling - ranging from fashion to food and from product placement to videography - and to understand the various elements and principles related to each type of design. This will help you to develop an understanding of the field and to hone your skills in the art of styling.

Build A Strong Portfolio:

Having a portfolio that showcases your work is essential for making a successful transition into a career as a prop stylist. Create a portfolio which contains your previous works and projects, as this will help potential employers and clients to get an idea of your style, your range of work, and your creativity. A strong portfolio will give you the edge in the industry and will make it easier for you to land gigs and work as a professional prop stylist.

Network As Much As Possible:

Networking is an important aspect when transitioning into a career as a professional prop stylist. It is essential to get to know people - both in the industry and outside of it - and to build relationships that will help you to land jobs and to stay up to date in the industry. Participate in workshops, attend networking events, and follow industry leaders to build a strong network.

Be Flexible To Different Types Of Projects:

At the early stages of your journey, it is important to be flexible and to be willing to work on different types of projects. This will help you to gain experience and hone your skills, while also helping you to build your portfolio. While it is important to have an area of specialisation, always look for projects that will be challenging and that will take you out of your comfort zone.

Salary Insights For Professional Prop Stylists in India

The salary of a professional styler in India depends on a combination of factors, such as experience, location, project size and the type of product being styled. According to PayScale, the average salary for a professional prop stylist in India is Rs. 72,124 per annum.

Challenges Faced By Professional Prop Stylists

Being a professional prop stylist is not always easy. There are numerous challenges that come with this profession, such as the pressure to create works of art that are good enough to please clients, juggling different projects at once and meeting tight deadlines, and the need to constantly stay up to date with trends in the industry. It is important to be aware of the challenges that prop stylists face in order to be prepared for them and to be able to deal with them in a constructive way.

Tips For Mastering Professional Prop Styling

In order to master professional prop styling in India, it is important to be able to do the following:

• Have an understanding of the art of styling and the different types of styling
• Create a strong portfolio that showcases your work
• Network with other professionals and industry leaders
• Be flexible to work on different types of projects
• Be prepared to handle various challenges
• Stay up-to-date with trends in the industry
• Be patient and keep learning

Actionable Steps For Career Transition

Making a successful transition into a career as a professional prop stylist requires taking the following steps:

• Think about what type of styling you want to specialize in
• Take the time to understand the art of styling and the different types of design
• Start to put together a portfolio of your work
• Start to network with other professionals and industry leaders
• Be flexible with different types of projects, as it will help you to develop and hone your skills
• Stay up-to-date with trends in the industry and keep learning

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a successful prop stylist in India is no easy task and it requires dedication, hard work and an understanding of the art of styling. It is important to be flexible, to be able to work on different types of projects, to create a strong portfolio, to network and to stay up to date with trends in the industry in order to be successful in this field. By following the tips and advice outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to mastering professional prop styling.