Jeanette Moncada Eriksson
Prop Stylist
Los Angeles, CA
www.jeanettemoncada.com
www.neighborhood.guide
instagram @nette.moncada
instagram @neighborhood.guide
pinterest
linkedin
Q What do you do?
“I style products, cosmetics, jewelry & sometimes food on photoshoots & commercials”
That means that I write all the words that you see on packaging, advertising, websites, and more for your favorite established and indie beauty brands. But it also means that I help little baby brands figure out who they are before they launch. That initial identity work is crucial in setting a brand up for success in retail and beyond.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
While in Art school in San Francisco for Fashion Merchandising, I took an internship in NYC with a jewelry designer and one day I helped out with their FW photo shoot. That’s when it really clicked. I went back to SF and signed up for some styling classes. At the time, I was also working as a lifestyle model - so the next shoot I was booked on I spoke up to the wardrobe stylist and asked if I can ask her a couple questions about her job, since I was taking a wardrobe styling class at the time. She said “Actually, Are you free next week? I can use an assistant.” I think that single moment – speaking up – helped shape my early career. I ended up assisting her for the next two years. She specialized in lifestyle wardrobe styling, but towards the end of the two years, she took on a prop styling job – and that was it for me. I went my separate way and started testing with photographer friends and posting the images on instagram.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
It’s important to be comfortable with high stress & have lots of patience on set.
Q What are you currently working on?
Currently meeting with some new clients for a couple upcoming cosmetic styling projects. As well as testing with some photographer friends anytime our schedules align.
Q What’s your style?
I’m so drawn to contrast: using colors, textures, lighting, masculine/feminine. I always try to incorporate it in my projects and find that perfect balance. I love photography by Matthew Christopher – he captures abandoned places so beautifully. It can be hard to incorporate this particular style in projects I am hired on for; sometimes the art direction just doesn’t call for it.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely photography!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
It’s difficult to find extra time to put into my city guide website Neighborhood Guide!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
An assistant to help wrap up styling projects and to help continue to make a list of local photographers to share my portfolio with.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To myself a few years ago -
you’re ready before you think you are.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’m all about life work balance, and I create better work when I invest in myself. I’d love to speak with a nutritionist on planning out healthy meals throughout the week.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Prop/product styling projects - for print, web, or video.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Collaborating with other open-minded creatives, and positive vibes on set is key.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Let’s chat over some tea or email me at hello@jeanettemoncada.com – share any details you have about the project.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Listening to podcasts, people watching – and a combination of the two is perfection.
This member profile was originally published on March 2015, Updated October 2019.