Louisa Jane Fulkerson
Prop and Interior Stylist
Brooklyn, NY
louisafulkersonstudio.com
www.louisafyodor.com
instagram @louisaprty
Q What do you do?
“I am a prop and interior stylist!”
I procure and curate props / spaces for photoshoots. Whether on a still life set or working with design firms, my goal is always to produce a unique and project-oriented set.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Coming from a background in Russian literature, I look at styling through more of a story-based process. When I was in school at Bard College, I found that I was interested in how authors describe the setting and object placement. My essays would focus on frequently missed objects and how they altered the storyline. An author changing the colors, light, and the most minor object placement can subconsciously shape the reader's interpretation of the story. I believe this kind of analysis is also critical to understanding prop styling!
With that in mind, I immediately jumped into assisting freelance prop and interior stylists after graduation. As a prop stylist, I use my knowledge of stories and the tricks I learned from assisting to produce more brand and storyline-driven shoots!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Before I think about the styling process for a shoot, I think about the story for the product or designer. Focusing on the story allows the stylist to focus more on what the shoot is trying to highlight rather than just executing a creative vision. In doing so, the shoots have a more influence on the viewer and tend to be much more fulfilling.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working with a couple of home goods stores, a long-term project with a candle company, and design firms.
Q What’s your style?
I do not have one project that describes my style or taste. The best way to describe it is playful, creative, and yet simple. You can glean that from any of the work in my portfolio. I do lean towards welcoming simplicity. I, of course, draw a lot of my style from books but also from art. I find the best way to inspire yourself is by visiting a museum or a gallery opening.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
At the moment, I wish I could focus more on the hybrid styling / creative consulting jobs.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
All the managerial tasks I need to do that infringe on my creative process. It can be challenging as a freelance to balance those two things.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Organize my props in my studio and other managerial tasks!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell myself to remember that patience, enthusiasm, and a good work ethic are the essential traits to hold on to. And to trust the process.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to source from small furniture companies and how to source art pieces directly from artists.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am always looking for more projects that inspire and push me - both in scale and in style. Working with brands that are happy and passionate to be working is the best thing a creative could ask for.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client for me is someone who is not only creative and passionate about what they do but also has a vision for where they see their brand.
Q: What is your rate?
My day rate varies depending on the project and budget! The best way to figure out a rate is by emailing me about the project and the suggested budget. I am flexible and interested in working with both small and big brands!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Shoot me an email about the project!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Fyodor Shiryaev! He's an amazing interior and still life photographer in NYC.
instagram @louisa.fyodor
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I do a 10-minute still life in my kitchen every day - it keeps my head clear and ready for work!
This member profile was originally published in July 2022.