Kayla Tierney
Kayla Tierney
Stylist / Photo Art Director
Los Angeles, CA
www.kaylatierney.com
instagram @kayla.tierney
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a Fashion Stylist and Art Director.”
I work to create beautiful photos — through wardrobe selection and styling, and sometimes through the whole creative process from conception to photo selection. I also help people through personal styling because I believe when you're in alignment with what you wear, it creates a ripple effect of positivity in your life. I'm passionate about emerging, independent clothing and jewelry designers, and I use their products whenever possible in my work.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I studied Art and worked for years as a Graphic Designer, and through design projects and just having connections in the creative community I began to do more photo-based work. Especially when it comes to the selection and composition of things — whether clothing, objects, or photos — I've always been complimented on my "eye."
The transition to styling and working in photos felt very natural. Much of my work feels intuitive, which is such a blessing, but it really comes from a lifetime of practicing these skills without realizing it. I used to organize my closet for fun as a kid, I'd cut up magazines to make collages and moodboards, and I even made my own clothes. In high school, people definitely thought I dressed a little out-there, but I'd get a lot of compliments, too. My style was just another extension of my creativity. I was an artsy kid, but also kind of type-A, and I think my work now is a perfect culmination of those parts of me.
How do you stand out in your field?
I think the best way to stand out in your field is to be your authentic self. I love being inspired by others' work, but with experience I've learned to listen to my instincts. I also do my best to be open and communicative with everyone I work with. I really value working with people who are warm and friendly while being honest and hard working, so I try to exude those characteristics myself. I stay away from bad vibes and inflated egos.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I bounce back and forth between traveling for work and recharging at home. Right now I'm recharging, meditating, thinking about my next projects, and gathering inspiration. I'm also working on my personal styling services and working on a concept for my next editorial shoot, which I'm really excited about because I think it will push my styling direction skills further than I've ever gone.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is minimal, elevated casual. I like to strip away excess so that beautiful details can shine. I love to dress people in something that's eye-catching, but still approachable. And behind all my work is a careful balance of texture, color, and shape. A recent shoot incorporated this with lots of shadow play and color blocking: we shot part of it on a tennis court for those big swaths of geometric color blocks and kept the series cohesive with a consciously limited color palette.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to work on more video and film shoots. I got to style a few shorts for a commercial project and it was so fun to see my work as part of these stories, the clothing as part of a character. Costume work would be a thrill.
I also want to open my own clothing and lifestyle goods store, and want to carve out some time to develop that plan more fully.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I live in on the central coast of California, so I often travel for work. In the past I've felt insecure about living outside a big city — people-pleaser tendencies make me want to be "easy", and I was afraid my location would be a deterrent to potential clients. But styling, no matter where your home base is, is often a job that involves travel, with production teams gathered from across the country, and I can easily stay connected and communicative through pre- and post- production. My home is truly a perfect home base to get inspired and get grounded in myself, and then I'm refreshed and ready to be off on another adventure.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I'd hire someone to run small errands for me. I feel like I'm often missing one ingredient for dinner or need just a couple necessities from the store...especially when I'm in the zone on a project, I don't want to stop and run out for one or two things.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I'd probably tell myself to listen to my instincts on when to say no and stop being "nice". I know everything in my past, good and bad, lead to where I am now, but I did work on projects that left me feeling more drained than inspired, or worked on things that just didn't align with me simply because I hate quitting or saying no. Maybe those projects didn't stop my journey, but maybe they put in some unnecessary speed bumps.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would talk to a business and financial expert. This is an area of my business I'd like to get better at, and someday I want to delegate bookkeeping to someone else so I can fully focus on the creative aspects of my business.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm open to more photo and video shoot work, as well as more personal styling projects. I'm a Gemini, I need variety!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal collaboration is with people who are friendly, honest, fair, and open-minded. They might push me a little out of my comfort zone or bring on a new challenge, but overall they trust me and value the unique character I bring to my work.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Since my projects vary widely, I tailor each quote for that specific job. It really depends on the scope of work.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me! Tell me a bit about yourself and your project and we can discuss details on the phone or via video chat.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I go outdoors to hike or garden, I write/read/watch movies, and I try to spend quiet time alone with my inner voice.
This member profile was originally published in August 2018.