Awesome April SALE! 😍 25% off digital certs & diplomas now on!Ends in : : :
Claim your Discount!
Presentation counts. Food Stylists make it count. They are culinary artists who transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning meals into visually aesthetic experiences by arranging food, ingredients and cooking processes to enable capturing photos and videos for diverse purposes. Using their c... Continue Reading
USA 
UK 
Explore Career
Presentation counts. Food Stylists make it count. They are culinary artists who transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning meals into visually aesthetic experiences by arranging food, ingredients and cooking processes to enable capturing photos and videos for diverse purposes. Using their culinary and artistic skills and knowledge of photography, they carefully select, style and plate food items, adding details and props that convey experiences worth savouring.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Food Stylist?
A Food Stylist would typically need to:
Food Stylists operate in diverse fine dining establishments, including hotels, restaurants and food studios. Depending on the specific assignment, Food Stylists have the flexibility to work in various settings, whether indoors or outdoors.
Their role involves setting up essential photography equipment such as lights, lenses, and cameras and using various props and accessories, such as glassware, silverware, tablecloths, and plates, to enhance the visual appeal of the food and recipes they capture. They also use cotton swabs, toothpicks, tongs, tweezers, latex gloves, glue, soap, glycerin and other everyday household items to arrange and style food.
Food Stylists are likely to engage in some travel as part of their responsibilities. Sourcing ingredients, props and accessories may necessitate short-distance and frequent travel.
Their work requires a blend of manual dexterity, artistic ingenuity, an extensive understanding of food ingredients and recipes, and proficiency in photography to style and capture diverse food items and their preparation effectively.
A Food Stylist’s weekly workload typically amounts to a minimum of 40 hours. However, the hours can fluctuate depending on the number of assignments during the day and the recipes and food items you must style. Food Stylists often work overtime to meet project deadlines and complete photo or video shoots, particularly for publication in newspapers and magazines or on websites.
Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.
While freelancing is common, some organisations employ their in-house Food Stylists. Finding a new job might seem challenging. Food Stylists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Food Stylists are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP), are crucial for Food Stylists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.
Professional associations provide their members with various continuing education and networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Internships in food styling are available in a variety of locations, including food studios, fine dining businesses and restaurants. These internships often entail various duties, such as organising the prop room, choosing and setting up props, helping with prop returns, offering storage solution suggestions, and implementing them. Interns assist with forthcoming photo shoots by researching, making backgrounds, running errands, and providing on-set help.
In addition to benefiting from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it, interns may also get college credits that help with early graduation, GPA and tuition. Besides, one may hear countless stories and obtain valuable hands-on experience from more experienced professionals who can turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.
Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position, or short-term paid/voluntary work offer a taste of the work, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.
The experience may also help determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.
Aspiring Food Stylists may launch their career in the food industry by gaining culinary experience in various fine dining establishments.
Assisting experienced Food Stylists allows beginners to accumulate valuable experience and build a strong portfolio.
You may go on to join entry-level roles as in-house Assistant Food Stylists carrying out essential duties and tasks, thereby gaining experience.
Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an interesting organisation, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career.
Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working as Food Stylists to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
While there are no specific academic requirements, aspiring Food Stylists typically acquire a minimum of a bachelor’s or associate degree in the culinary arts, baking arts, nutrition, or related disciplines.
It helps to build food styling and photography skills by participating in workshops or following appropriate online or in-person courses.
Aspiring Food Stylists would do well to take high school courses in chemistry, home economics, art, design, and agricultural education.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.
Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
Food Stylists do not typically require certification. However, requirements may differ from region to region, and a combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain credentials that demonstrate competency in a skill set. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent. Successful certification programs also protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
Food Stylists may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
Aspiring Food Stylists typically begin their culinary journey by securing entry-level positions in the food industry. Consider working as a Cook, Chef or Assistant in a restaurant, cafe, catering company or any other food-related establishment. These roles provide invaluable hands-on experience in cooking, food preparation and kitchen operations. Developing strong culinary skills at this stage lays a solid foundation for your future as a Food Stylist.
As you accumulate culinary experience, consider transitioning into the role of an Assistant Food Stylist. Working alongside seasoned professionals allows you to learn about the industry directly from experts in the field. You will gain insights into the intricacies of food styling, understand client expectations, and refine your styling techniques. Assistants must be ready to help prep food, wash up, unpack and pack food, props and tools, act as runners, and keep cooking and presentation spaces clean.
Advancing to the role of Junior Food Stylist, you assist your seniors by researching new styling ideas and colours to make food items more appealing to the eye.
Progression to Senior Food Stylist puts you in charge of directing a team of Junior Food Stylists and other personnel.
With extensive experience and a solid network of clients, you may freelance or launch a food styling consultancy.
If you wish to return to or diversify into a culinary career, you could take further courses and become a Culinary Artist, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef, Head Chef or Winemaker or take up related roles.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.
Candidates with the necessary culinary, artistic and photography skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Food Stylist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity,
formal education, or self-directed learning.
Since their work focuses on capturing food and recipes, it is helpful for Food Stylists to take culinary courses that help them expand their repertoire of cooking skills, cuisines and dishes and knowledge of ingredients and develop a discerning palate.
However, it is also essential for you to develop skills in addition to culinary expertise.
However, it is also essential for you to develop skills in addition to culinary expertise. Courses in art and design foster creative abilities useful for crafting aesthetically pleasing food presentations.
Participating in food styling workshops gives you a chance to learn practical skills, both technical and creative, and gain useful insights from industry experts. Online courses offer a convenient avenue to explore various facets of food styling, covering topics ranging from plating techniques to colour theory and staying current with the latest trends in food presentation.
Attending photography workshops is pivotal for Food Stylists as it deepens their understanding of crucial aspects such as lighting, composition, and camera techniques. Mastery of these skills is essential for capturing the beauty and appeal of food in successful food photography.
Mentorship enables Food Stylists to network, learn from experienced professionals and receive useful career guidance.
Active participation in food industry events, trade shows, and conferences is essential for staying well-informed about the latest industry trends. These events offer insights into emerging techniques and provide a platform for Food Stylists to establish connections with potential clients and collaborators.
Establishing a strong online presence through social media platforms or a dedicated website enables Food Stylists to showcase their portfolio to prospective employers and clients. Keeping it updated with your top-notch projects can help you find new opportunities. With the permission to use images or footage from photo or video shoots, create a portfolio representing the breadth and depth of your skills. Include projects you have completed or are currently engaged in, even as an assistant or intern. You may collaborate with specialised food photographers to help build each other’s portfolios.
Furthermore, taking courses to understand business management and marketing strategies is crucial for Food Stylists looking to market their services and navigate their careers within a competitive industry.
Collaboration with chefs or authors on cookbooks offers Food Stylists a unique opportunity to gain exposure and influence the culinary world while showcasing their food styling prowess in a published format.
In addition to offering the opportunity to continually upskill, regardless of one’s age, job, or level of knowledge, CPD also enables the periodic renewal of desirable certifications, which increase your chances of advancement and becoming an independent consultant.
Some Types of Food Stylists
Food styling must adapt to the specific media platforms where it will be presented and cater to the preferences and expectations of the audience. As a result, there are several types of Food Stylists, each specialising in a particular domain.
Editorial Food Stylists capture still shots of food to be featured in cookbooks, recipe books, newspapers, magazines, and other editorial publications. Their work focuses on photography that vividly portrays various recipes, raw ingredients, culinary tools, processes, and products.
Advertising Food Stylists collaborate with advertising agencies or marketing teams, receiving briefs from them so that they can cater to client requirements. Their proposals must align with recommended colours, props and visuals according to the storyboard, ensuring the perfect representation of products in advertisements.
Web Food Stylists are experts in crafting visually appealing food presentations for websites, blogs and e-books. They typically rely on minimal props and lighting, favouring the simplicity of natural light for their setups to create mouthwatering visuals in a digital context.
Some Techniques & Tools Employed by Food Stylists
Partial cooking of food allows Food Stylists to maintain the visual appeal of food in photographs as it prevents the food items from shrivelling up due to the loss of moisture. For instance, meat is typically prepared until it appears just done to retain a better appearance than when fully cooked.
Skewers and toothpicks are useful to insert into hamburgers or stacks of pancakes to keep them upright and visually appealing.
Putty or wax, when placed strategically between the food and a solid surface, holds the two together and prevents them from tipping or rolling away during a photo or video shoot.
Soap can be used to create bubbles in drinks and mimic froth in whipped eggs.
Clear acrylic ice cubes are employed instead of regular ice cubes, especially in drinks and dishes like shrimp cocktails. These faux ice cubes do not melt quickly and are less messy, making them a practical choice in warm environments and for cleaner photography.
Dye and paint help enhance the colour of food. These additives are typically applied to dishes after food preparation. For instance, wood stain and shoe polish can give poultry dishes a golden brown appearance, as if freshly baked.
Motor oil is used as a substitute for maple syrup as it is easier to photograph.
White glue may be used as a milk substitute, mainly to display cereal, because its thicker consistency allows cereal to stay crisper longer and look more palatable. Fast-drying glue also proves helpful in holding crumbled or torn food items together during styling.
Glycerin may be used for food preservation.
A Food Stylist’s Skill Set
Culinary skills are critical for Food Stylists to appreciate diverse cuisines and ingredients, understand and apply cooking techniques, and use appropriate props, tools and aids to plate and style different food items.
Colour expertise helps Food Stylists understand what it takes to make food look appetising in photos and videos and also have a keen sense of the colours that complement the colour of the food item.
Chemistry skills help Food Stylists use safe and appropriate chemicals to make food items appear presentable. Creating compelling visuals sometimes calls for using fake food or creating props. Furthermore, it is essential to know how long food items can be kept at room temperature before they require refrigeration.
Photography skills are critical to the work of Food Stylists who must capture close-up shots of food items using the right camera angles and photography principles for effective marketing.
Organisational skills and attention to detail are essential since Food Stylists must carefully plan every aspect of a shoot, including the appropriate garnishes, textures and colours. They must also ensure food items to be photographed or filmed are ready and available on time and in the correct place, arrange essential props and accessories, set up the presentation area, and manage various other responsibilities.
Time management is vital for Food Stylists to manage tight schedules. They must ensure that the food to be photographed or filmed is available on time and that its appearance and structure can last throughout the photo or video shoot.
Adaptability is key for Food Stylists to work in diverse settings that may be indoors or outdoors, in professional kitchens or on sets, and have varying temperature and light conditions.
Communication skills are handy to work with clients and understand their requirements while collaborating with creative professionals, such as photographers, writers, directors and producers, to fulfil the client’s vision aesthetically and effectively and achieve overall goals.
Budget management helps Food Stylists allocate resources efficiently to the various needs of a project, including ingredients, props, tools and other equipment.
Current Scenario
The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.
The job prospects for Food Stylists are anticipated to experience 14% growth up to 2028. As Food Stylists play an integral role in marketing, advertising and social media, and given the boom in food delivery apps, the need for professionals who can create visually appealing and appetising presentations is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
The Role of Resumes in an Era of Accelerating Digital Recruitment
Social media has transformed how business is conducted worldwide; professional networking platforms are rapidly becoming valuable business tools that give recruiters ready access to the best talent.
However, resumes continue to dominate the recruitment field. Often used interchangeably with a CV (curriculum vitae), a good resume goes a long way in making a favourable first impression on a potential employer.
As a concise document that lists the most recent education, work experience, and abilities obtained that align with a potential job description, creating a resume is one of the most critical steps during a job search.
A clear and well-edited description of job responsibilities and quantisation of accomplishments with numbers and percentages makes a resume a first-class tool to market oneself, so a prospective employer can have a quick and comprehensive look at how an applicant can contribute to organisational success.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Food Stylists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, full-time Food Stylists have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Food Stylists combine aesthetic skills with culinary competence to create visually compelling culinary stories. Their work contributes to the food, advertising and publishing industries, helping restaurants, cookbook authors, and other organisations and individuals in the food industry achieve their goals. After all, in addition to being a source of nutrition, food is a sensory delight, and its visual appeal is a critical factor in marketing its appeal to the consumer and persuading them to try it out.
Opt for smaller plates and bowls as props and even smaller fruits. Use fresh ingredients for backgrounds, layers, textures, and garnishes, fancily folded napkins as props, and inexpensive DIY backdrops. Food with bites taken from them and messy crumbles and spills tell a homely tale. Use a tripod, select the right camera angle and make light your ally in capturing shots and videos. Stock up on extra ingredients, but avoid cluttering up the scene. Become an expert at editing your images and footage to optimise them.
Food Stylists use mashed potatoes to recreate the texture and structure of ice cream to avoid the risk of melting during photo or video shoots and the time limits imposed by authentic frozen desserts.
What do Food Stylists do?
A Food Stylist would typically need to:
Accredited
$38,561
