Steven Sharpe Jr.
Steven Sharpe Jr.
Stylist / Social Media Manager
Brooklyn, NY
www.stevensharpejr.com
twitter @stevensharpejr
instagram @stevensharpejr
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a wardrobe stylist and social media manager.”
I style mostly editorial shoots and take private clients as well. As a social media manager, I focus on curating and building social media accounts in fashion, design and hospitality!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I really do feel like I fell into a lot of the things I do. However, in retrospect, there are some origin points. Styling started when I was a visual merchandiser and then transitioned to wardrobe styling; taking private clients. I didn't start styling shoots till I moved to New York. Social media management tied into the styling because I was asked to run the social media accounts for the store I was working at. I just utilized a lot of online resources to understand how to run social media and grow accounts and it worked and I was having fun! So I decided to add that to my wagon and run with it.
How do you stand out in your field?
I style in a way that embodies the beauty I see in the person I’m styling or in the concept at hand. Much like a photographer shoots a subject how they see the person, I do the same with styling. Same with social media. I allow myself to fall in love with the brand and it informs the tactics I use to grow the brand. The results are more meaningful and longer lasting which will be more beneficial to the brand long-term.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
So I'm actually pursuing professional modeling in the coming year! I've always done content creation on Instagram but I'm going to work toward getting signed to an agency and maybe end up in a magazine?? *psst! Vogue. Call me* ;) This is all in addition to styling and social media management. I'm nothing if not an overachiever, HA!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style and tastes change on the frequent! I guess that’s kind of my thing, though; being led by the muse and being open to everything creative it brings out of you. I did a project with a photographer and a dancer/model where all I had was a bedding sheet and made an outfit from it. I'm not a fashion designer but I went with the vibe and it’s one of the best shoots I’ve done in my career. It really made me believe that I could do anything! stevensharpejr.com/goddess
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to focus more on my graphic design skills. It’s such a useful bit of experience and while I can hold my own with smaller projects, I would never call myself a graphic designer. I would love to cultivate it to something I can have dinner with. ;)
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I’m sure everyone says it but finding clients is tough, man! I’ve been fortunate to have clients from word of mouth but I would love to be more proactive and have a wider reach. It’s just dwelling at the bottom of my list...although 'looming' might be a better word for it.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
That's an easy one: business. development. Haha!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
When I moved to New York 3 years ago, without a job, I wish I could have told myself to not be so up your own ass, (can I say that?) and don’t just follow the money. I’ve been burned because I followed dollar signs and didn't fully appreciate where I was or invest in the opportunities I was already in.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to a stylist with more experience in styling more high profile brands and campaigns. It would be cool and beneficial to understand how they broke into getting those top gigs and how I can break in as well!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for projects ranging from social media management to styling. So, photo styling for marketing campaigns and editorials and social media management for fashion, design and hospitality.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Small brands and startups. There’s such a heart there that makes the work you’re doing feel like so much more. To be part of something that is growing and has the potential to thrive is a huge investment.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Depends on the size and needs of the client but my social media management services usually start at $1300 per month (3-month initial agreement). Styling work depends on the project. But to figure out pricing, I would need to know how many days are being allotted and the styling budget.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email is the best way! Come with a picture painted so I can get an understanding of what I’m getting involved with and what is being asked of me. GIFS are always welcomed too! I appreciate fun in everything!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Always ask, “What if…?"
This member profile was originally published in December 2018.