Tantalum: Thank you for contrubuting to the great editorial in the 3rd issue of Tantalum can you tell us how the process of picking the clothing came about?
Sneed: Me and the photographer, Geoffrey Chuan discussed the ideas and he presented me with a moodboard to clarify his ideas and what he was looking for. So it made easier for me to pull and gather clothing.
Tantalum: Why did you decide to use pieces?
Sneed: We wanted to go with a sexy, glam, erotica look. Very sexy, chic but still had an appreciation for the woman's body.
Tantalum: Do you usually base your styling on the direction the photographer gives you or on hair, makeup?
Sneed: I usually base my styling on the direction the photographer gives me because the photographer usually serves as the art director as well. From that instruction I am able to decide what to pull. Once the looks are finalized I send them to the photographer, hair, and makeup to give them an idea of the color palette and silhouette. Then we as a team discuss how hair and makeup should be done.
Tantalum: What where some of the challenges you faced when you where selecting pieces for the shoot??
Sneed: Usually I am very focused so I try not to get distracted when shopping. This shoot was fairly easy as it was sexy and basic which is easy to find.
Tantalum: Would you say you have a "style"?
Sneed: Yes, I do a have style. I love prints, shiny and shiny clothing, colors, and artistic nudity or implied nudity in my looks. Its just beautiful. Some say its overrated but I disagree.
Tantalum: How did you get into styling? was it something you always wanted to do or was it a fortunate accident?
Sneed: I have been styling my school projects and clothing line for sometime now but it was something you do as a designer. Knowing your market. However, I never thought to make a career of it until was approached by a producer who saw my work and wanted to pay me to style is artist. That's when I fell in love with it.
Tantalum: Do you have any mentors/muses?
Sneed: I do not have any true mentors. I learned a lot through my friend who is a stylist. She has helped me a lot as how to get started and giving me advice but everything else is just learning own your own, listening to critiques from your crew, researching, and finding your way.
Tantalum: What do you look for when figuring out what designers you are going to work with?
Sneed: The photographer presents his moodboard and then I present mines to his for approval. If it gets approved my moodboard is the bible with some room to bend. I usually stay pretty close to what the photographer sends me and bring alternatives to mix and match. Sometimes things do change at the last minute so you always have to have a backup plan.
Tantalum: What inspires you?
Sneed: I am inspired by avant garde designers, designers, other stylists. I love to look at what Mcqueen and Galliano have on the runway and go from that. I love to see what other photographers are doing as far as concepts, lighting, and camera skills. Also, stylist because I love seeing creative editorials. It keeps me on my toes as to how far I can pushed the boundaries.
Tantalum: How did it feel to see you work in print for the very first time?
Sneed: I havent received a tearsheet just yet. For sure, I will be overjoyed that the world can view my work. I am sure its a good feeling to be published.
Tantalum: What advise would you have for a new wardrobe stylist trying to get into session work?
Sneed: Never give up on your dream. Emails will go unanswered or you will receive rude responses, people will not give you a chance to grow and show your creativity, but never give up. Youll find the right team and everything will fall into place. I promise you.
Tantalum: Final thoughts funny stuff that happened on shoot day zipper didn't work? shoes to tight?
Sneed: No, everything went well. I try not to have any wardrobe malfunctions on set. I also try to buy as close to the model's size or bigger and just clamp. I would never want them to feel uncomfortable and worry about clothing. It should be the last thing on their mind. I am asking them is this too tight? Is this too heavy? How does this feel? Do you feel comfortable like this? because in the end the way they feel will reflect in the images and no one wants bad images. lol.