Career as a Food Stylist

Overview

Food styling is art or you can say 'makeup' of food to make it looks more appealing. Food styling is very important in many situations like when you are preparing food for being photographed for restaurant menus, magazines, advertisements, websites, and cookbooks.  

Also Read: How to become a Chef?

Eligibility

A degree in the hospitality sector, especially in Food styling or culinary arts is a must for this career as it required extensive knowledge about how food acts, both aesthetically and scientifically. To pursue a bachelor's degree, you must pass the 12th from any stream.

How to be there?

Get a degree in the hospitality sector, especially in Food styling or culinary arts.

If you wish, then you can go for a master's degree in the same. This will help you in getting a higher management position.

Start your career as a Chef before stepping into this

Join an established stylist to gain experience in food styling before starting your career as a stylist

After having some experience and have good contacts in the field, you can start work as a freelancer too.

Skills Required

• Good communication skills
• Must be a creative mind
• Must be fascinated for different kind of foods
• Knowledge of the behavior and properties of the different kind of foods
• Must have the knowledge of different food ingredients
• Keen interest in and knowledge of designing
• Must be able to work as a team member as he/she needs to coordinate with chef, client, photographer etc.
• Should have a positive attitude and patience as sometimes the photo shoot can take long hours
• Must be able to handle pressure
• Detail oriented and focused

Who should choose this career?

If you love cooking and you are fascinated by different types of food. If you also have an interest in designing and photography then this is a perfect career choice for you.

Work Hours

It's not like a 9-5 job. The work hours depend on the assignment. Sometimes, you need to work for longer hours also if the assignment is big and the food needs to prepare is a kind time taking.

Salary

During the initial stage, one can earn Rs. 15, 000 to 20, 000 per month. With an experience of 2 -3 years, one can earn Rs. 25,000 to 30,000 or more. After that, your experience, the location, and your projects or employer will decide your income.

Career Scope

Most of the food stylist works as a freelancer, but they can get hired by cookery magazines, advertisement agencies and cookbook publishers also. One can seek employment in:

Magazine and cookbook publisher companies

Advertisement agencies

Cooking shows on TV

One can start his own blog on food styling or write books if have an interest in writing. So the options are many if you really like to go with this.