Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it.

I want – I got reader Valerie wrote:

Hello Anita,

I am fashion consultant and most importantly a fashion lover! I am from Montreal and I am currently exploring the possibility of moving to Toronto for a career move….I would like to know if you can give me hints on the possibilities for a stylists/image consultant in Toronto.

Hi Valerie

I’m amazed at the number of fashion career questions I receive as someone who doesn’t really work in the industry. My main industry if you are wondering is IT/Finance. Fashion is a side project. I don’t know much about the ins and outs of things, but I have friends whose brains I can pick.

First off there have been some great articles and interviews about fashion careers and stylists in particularly.

Interview with an Artist Manager

How to get a job in the fashion industry.

I talked to Gail McInnes from Fashion Magnet for her advice.

• Source great (not just good) up and coming fashion photographers to do creatives with
• Only work with professional models
• Contact the artist agencies to assist stylists (some are paid, some are not, but both will bring industry contacts and potential future opportunities if you show an aptitude for it)
• Expect to assist for 2 – 3 years while building a portfolio and contacts

Some other advice I have for you is to use Twitter. There are many people in the industry that are using the tool. It’s an easy way to get a look at what they do and to ask questions.

Good luck.