Prep-Stylist (Flexible Hours) - Baltimore, MD

Prep Stylist

Reports to: Merchandising Manager

This position is onsite and operates on a flexible, variable-hour schedule based on production and business needs. Candidates must be local to the Baltimore area.

Position Summary:

The Prep Stylist assists with trafficking merchandise through the studio. This will include the preparation of footwear, apparel, accessories, and other products for photo production. This includes but is not limited to steaming, hanging, cleaning, styling products, and moving boxes up to 50 lbs. This position works alongside other members of the prep team, as well as the merchandise coordinator to ensure internal and client standards for quality product care and presentation are met by performing the following duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs sample style preparation that could include but is not limited to hanging, steaming, cleaning, and shaping to style guide specifications.
• Documents merchandise issues such as, imperfections, incorrect article numbers, or wrong product type to Merchandise Coordinator or Controller depending on assigned project.
• Distributes merchandise to all responsible parties throughout the photo process based on photo layouts and photo schedules, as well as collects merchandise after photo process is completed.
• Performs quality check for co-workers on the processes and procedures of product preparation, to go over style guides, and steaming techniques
• Attends pre-production and weekly meetings as needed

Knowledge and Experience:

• E-commerce/Studio Experience: At least 12 years of prior experience in an e-commerce or catalog photography studio is preferred, demonstrating familiarity with the end-to-end product photography process.
• Footwear Product Knowledge: Strong understanding of athletic shoe construction and materials. Able to recognize different footwear components (soles, uppers, insoles, laces, straps, cleats, etc.) and how each style (sneakers, cleats, slides, boots, etc.) should be supported and presented.
• Styling Tools Proficiency: Skilled in the use of standard styling props and tools (tweezers, glue dots, polyfill/filling materials, tape, cardboard inserts, scissors, etc.) to precisely adjust and secure products for photography. Knows techniques like stuffing shoes or adding support props to maintain shape in the camera frame.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous eye for detail. Ensures every shoe is camera-ready cleaned of dust/scuffs, free of loose threads or defects, correctly stuffed or propped, and perfectly arranged. Small elements (creases, alignment, symmetry) are managed carefully, since "every wrinkle, crease, and angle counts" in product photography.
• Style Guide Adherence: Able to accurately read and follow client-provided style guides and shot instructions. Demonstrates consistency in poses, angles, and overall product aesthetics according to brand specifications.
• Studio Workflow & Organization: Comfortable working in a fast-paced studio environment and managing multiple products simultaneously. Strong organizational skills to track inventory (SKUs, labels) and to sequence tasks, ensuring on-time delivery of styled products to the photography team.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Resourceful and calm under pressure. Capable of quickly adapting to changes (e.g. last-minute styling edits, unforeseen product issues) and solving styling challenges as they arise. Able to incorporate feedback from photographers or creative leads in real time.
• Communication & Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with photographers, retouchers, and art directors. Communicates clearly about product needs or issues and works respectfully in a team setting.
• Physical Stamina: The role involves performing precise handwork repeatedly. Able to comfortably handle the physical demands of using fine motor skills (e.g. tweezing small parts or taping) throughout the production day.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand or work on a cement studio floor for up to a full workday.
• Ability to sit for extended periods for up to full workday as needed.
• Repetitive use of hands and fingers (i.e., prepping, steaming, pinning, data entry).
• Must be able to see and hear to gather and input information; respond to face-to-face and telephone inquiries.
• Must be able to report to shoot locations outside of the studio. You must have the resources to push for needed materials (props, clothes) at a moment's notice.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, push, pull, and carry materials weighing a maximum of 50 lbs.
• Able to work in low light conditions, with lamps versus overhead lighting.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to walk throughout a warehouse floor following our internal safety guidelines.