Danielle Wood
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a prop and wardrobe stylist who specializes in colorful and retro-inspired styling. ”
I love getting to play around with unusual materials to create beautiful table top sets. At the same time I love the thrill of the hunt for the perfect vintage piece to complete a wardrobe look.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I went to school for Fibers at the Maryland Institute College of Art. There I learned garment construction, knitting, and costume design. Basically how to be a grandma. After graduating I moved to San Francisco where I started modeling and acting. That is how I entered the photography and video world. I became more interested in the props and wardrobe side of things and slowly made the transition to doing that by assisting and working on smaller projects. I fell in love with it and just continued working and learning with each new job. While freelance styling on the side I worked as a photo and video producer for a company called Redbubble. I worked there for five years with a wonderfully dedicated and creative team. A year and a half ago I left that company and took some time off to travel. Last year I moved to Los Angeles and have been working freelance full-time ever since.
How do you stand out in your field?
As much as some people say to pick props or wardrobe I think it is an asset to be able to do both. When pulling items I think about all of the visual items as a whole and I think it helps create a truly balanced and considered image. Also, if a project is under budget constraints it is nice that I am able to do both if the workload allows.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I'm working on a 4-day shoot for a vitamin company. We are doing both lifestyle shots with models and still lifes. A lot of beverage and tabletop styling that is pretty colorful and summery.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I would say my style is colorful and retro-inspired. Some of my favorite work is what I did for NARS and Manrepeller with photographer Meiko Arquillos. Her photography style is right in line with my personal taste and she is so much fun to collaborate with.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Right now I wish I could do more kids shoots. I love the energy that kids bring to set and how they keep everyone on their toes. Plus kids clothing and products are often fun to work with!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I always tend to put off doing taxes. Also, this new AB5 law in California has been pretty difficult to navigate.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Sometimes I get an assistant to help with this, but it would be nice to always have the help with this! Keep my kit super organized, load and unload my car, handle all returns, and wash dishes.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
When I was in elementary school I remember hearing a lot you can be anything you want to be. This is great, but I wish they followed up with just do the things you are interested and be open to where that takes you.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to just get general financial advice and consulting on how to grow my business.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I love getting to work on projects that are creative and challenging. It is always great to get to work with a team and brands that are really passionate about what they do. I would like to get to work with more production companies that keep environmental impact and waste in mind on set.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Having worked as a producer for years I am passionate about being very organized while prepping for a shoot. I like having a working doc between myself and the client so that what I am sourcing and the art direction is clear before we arrive on set.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It varies from project to project depending on the scale of the shoot and content. I always take into consideration the client's budget as well.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Please send me an email no matter what stage of planning you are in! I love getting to work with new people and brands.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Taking a walk, traveling, and collaborating.
This member profile was originally published in March 2020.