The Inspirationals: Vix Adams

Just in case you are new to the Wonderland party, we interview people who are talented, creative, unusual, and down right inspirational! This one is a gem, especially for all you fashion lovers! 

 

Total babe herself Vix! 

Vix Adams works as a London based freelance Fashion Stylist and Creative Director on runway shows, music videos, commercial projects and fashion editorials. She has styled many celebrity clients including McFly, McBusted, Jo Whiley, Ms Dynamite, Example, Kate Nash, Lauren Pope, Lucy Watson, Lee Ryan, Shayne Ward to name a few. 

However currently she is styling up those X Factor boys a storm on the Xfactor 2014. We love her work and her style, and Vix was kind enough to let us ask her all about her inspiring career! 

Styled by Vix, Mcbusted announce their new tour!

Tell us about what you do.

I am a freelance fashion stylist working on Editorials, music videos, commericial television, runway shows for both Men and Women and predominently Celebrity Clients. I am currently the stylist for McBusted, X-Factor and the menswear Editor for HotHot Magazine.

What does an average day at work look like for you?

Hmm, there is no such thing as an average day in this business which is why I love it so much, every project and every day is totally different from one day to the next, Its definitely not your typical 9-5!

  

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I primarily work alone on most projects as I just prefer it that way as then I have complete creative control, and when working with clients I think its imperative to understand them in order to understand their style and vision. ith McBusted I work alone, but on a large scale project like the X-Factor I do work with assistants and a team of stylists.

 Vix with those rather stylish X Factor boys!

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

Probably not as a child as I don’t think I was aware that this role even existed. But I have always known I wanted to be involved with the fashion industry, it was about 10 years ago when I moved to London. I started to understand more about the role of a fashion stylist, and knew that it was the career path I was going to pursue.

How long ago did you start on this path?

I started working in fashion retail 15 years ago. From that point I worked my way up to retail management which I did for 4 years, and from there I went into a role of Visual Merchandiser for 5 years for brands such as Diesel, Armani, and DKNY. This was my first insight into the possibility of becoming a Fashion Stylist as a full time career. 

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

I have been a Fashion Stylist for 6 years and the first 3 years consisted mostly of networking and building my portfolio and client base. 

 Working with Lucy Watson in her role at HotHot Magazine.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

A series of small steps definitely. Starting with test shoots, magazine editorials, commercial clients, celebrity clients, then tours. It has been step by step but always gently building in the direction I wanted it to go in.

What kind of education do you have?

I had a pretty standard education, school, high school, then college, I left college with the intention of taking a gap year before going to University. That’s when I started working in Fashion and realised I wanted to work rather than study, so that’s what I did.

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

For me, no it wasn’t a necessity, I'm sure courses can help you get one step up on the ladder but that wasn’t how I wanted to do it. I think Styling and being creative is not necessarily something that can be taught, its either in you or it isn't and it has to be driven by passion not paperwork.

The beautiful lady herself! 

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

If I'm being honest, I hated studying, I hated the formality of it all, I loved the creative classes but Physics and Maths etc were never really top of my priorities even from a young age. If your studying Fashion or Styling or Visual Merchandising then that’s great, it’s a complex industry and I'm sure it prepares you for what this business entails. My advice would be to get yourself out there, assisting other stylists and expect to work long hours, for a long time, for free, that’s how you will truly understand the nature of the business.

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

Without doubt the best thing about my job is that each day is different, whether it be location or people who you meet or what visual is expected from you. There really is never a dull moment in this career. It challenges you and pushes you continuously and I don’t think you ever stop learning. There is always something new fresh and exciting just around the corner.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, and if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

I am 100% a workaholic and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My job is my life. I think you have to be and I think within this industry its totally normal from stylists to photographers to MUA's. You are only as good as your last job, so you are constantly striving for more, striving to do better and push creative boundaries.

More of Vix's Work
What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

The best piece of advice I can give is to never ever give up. Be prepared to work for years for long hours, for free. Take every opportunity that comes to you and push yourself to the limit. Always be enthusiastic and motivated. Be willing to make mistakes as it’s the best way you will learn.

...How about number two?

Always carry a notepad, write lists, ideas, inspiration. Anything that will keep your brain mentally stimulated...and never give up!!!

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I wish I would have known how long it takes to actually build your name and your portfolio which means working hard for free for a long time. But so glad I did that as it taught me a great deal.

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

Everyone presumes that being a Fashion Stylist is super Glamourous. At times it is and it has its perks but it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of determination. If you are willing to put in the work and the hours then it’s the most rewarding job you can do.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

The best thing that’s happened to me as a consequence of what I do is genuinely the friendships I have built. My highlight so far I would have to say is styling Mcbusted for their sold out 37 arena date tour.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I love what I do, so the motivation for me is easy. I'm quite self critical so I'm always looking for ways to improve so that motivates me to always want to do more.

More of Vix's X Factor Styling.


Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

I guess the obvious person is Grace Coddington, stylist for Vogue. Shes so iconic and still continues to be at the top of her game.
Recently I have been crushing on Ainsley Hutchence of Sticks and Stones. Shes so rad and her work always pushes boundarys which I love.


Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

oooh, I put 100% into everything I do and I believe in it fully, so I'm always pleased with the outcome, but there is always room for improvement. I would say a strong 70. I don’t think I will ever say 100 as then there's no where higher to go!

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

There are always new opportunities within this business and always different avenues to explore. Next year I want to get into possibly doing presenting fashion features for TV and online.

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

Who knows what is around the corner, but yes I am very happy in my career and the direction it is going in at the moment. I tend to set bench marks of what I want to achieve and then when I reach that I tend to set another goal. I want to continue to be a fashion stylist for as long as I am still passionate about it. I have no intentions of slowing down anytime soon.

We would like to thank Vix SO much for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions! You can follow her work and life at the following links: 

 Website / Twitter /
Blog /
Instagram

The Inspirationals - Jessica Sheppard

All photos belong and taken from Jessica's site.

 
I was really stoked when Jessica (above) agreed to answer our 'inspirations' questions. I have been a fan of hers for a long time (if you don't follow her, make sure you do, all links at the end of the post!) If you're new to the blog, we interview people with interesting careers/jobs/hobbies who we think others will find inspiring! Jessica not only runs a successful blog and youtube channel, but is also studying fashion design, but unlike many who take this path is going down the menswear route! Here Jessica tells us more about her chosen career path! 

Tell us about what you do.

I am doing a full time menswear design degree so that pretty much takes up all of my time. Around this though, I work I a supermarket and blog daily so my schedule is quite jam packed - its rare that I have time to stop. I'm also trying to branch out and become known as a designer as well as a secret project with a couple of friends - fashion never sleeps!


What does an average day at work look like for you?

Depending on which day of the week, it varies. I will either be at university all day, taking/editing blog pictures, filming/editing videos, sourcing fabrics and inspiration, making patterns and garments or working my bum off in the supermarket to afford it all.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

It depends on what it is that I am doing. As far as university, getting my name out there and my blog - I work alone. It wasn't necessarily a choice but that’s how it happens with things such as those. For the secret project, like I said it is with a couple of close friends. That works well though because we are really close and despite clashing with some ideas, we seem to always form a mutual opinion to go forward with.

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

As a child, I changed my mind pretty much once a week. I wanted to be a princess but realised quickly that it wasn't easy, and then I wanted to be a vet until I realised it involved blood. Without being the typical 'I've wanted to do fashion all my life', I do remember as a pre-teen having a desk in my bedroom which was covered in magazines and the wall in front was plastered with designs that I had come up with.  As far as accidents go, my falling into the fashion industry and blogging world wasn't an accident. I chose to study fashion and to progress upwards to a degree just like I chose to start a personal style blog - as I don't think there are many bloggers out there who dress like me as I don't like following fashion exactly.

How long ago did you start on this path?

Officially, three years ago when I enrolled onto my BTEC course in fashion and textiles. This was a two year course which guided me into my fashion degree that has helped me into internships and pursuing my dreams.


How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

Unfortunately, it isn't yet my primary income. My blog does give me a little bit of pocket money here and there but it wouldn't pay the bills. As for my designer work - its all a work in progress and I still have a long way to go.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

I was a bit of an undecided teen. My mum just thinks that I couldn't stick at anything but in honesty, I was testing the waters to find out what I loved doing. When I was doing my GCSE and A Levels, I realised that art and fashion were what is in my heart but I was too lazy to follow them (the coursework was so much!) and my parents told me that fashion wasn't a proper degree or career. After three different a level and  BTEC courses flopped - it was my time to try fashion and prove that it was my hearts choice.


What kind of education do you have?

I've got 10 GCSE's including Art and Graphics as my top two, a BTEC at distinction level in Fashion and Textiles and a degree in fashion design in progress.


Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

I'd say for the most part, yeah. If you want to work within Fashion then you need some sort of understanding about what you're getting into. For example, if I hadn't done these courses then I wouldn't have a clue about sewing techniques, trend forecasting, fashion history as in depth or how to pattern cut. With a lot of internship experience you could make it, but getting into those internships without the qualifications could be tricky. However, my blog has got me into a couple of internships before.

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

I did enjoy studying - but only creative subjects. I was a bit of a rascal and played up in most of my classes but this was mostly because I am really not academic and it frustrated me. The creative subjects like art were my favourite. I wish I could go back and thank my art teacher Mr Holmes for helping me to realise my potential - even though I didn't listen to him at the time, he was one of my biggest inspirations. As far as advice goes, I'd say follow your dreams. I wish more than anything that I didn't listen to my parents and just went straight into fashion from the get go. I regret not following my dreams sooner and I told my little brother the same thing. He was given a push towards studying Law even though Performing Arts is his dream - but thats his decision to make and realise for himself.

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

I absolutely love having such a full life with blogging, designer stuff and working. I like that my days always vary and nothing is ever the same. I'm always blogging new things, designing and making different ideas, etc. I like the variety.

What’s the worst thing?

When a deadline is looming at university, I have to side track my life a little bit. Blogging takes the biggest back seat because my degree is my future and everything else follows suit. I basically have to dedicate my entire being to finishing my projects to a good enough standard so that I can get through university.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

Well, I'd say that I am but I am also the worst for being lazy. If I wake up and I'm in the mood for whatever I've chosen to do - then I'll go into it full force. I tend to set certain days of the week for certain things. Like I'll choose a day when I've got a spare 3-6 hours for planning outfits and photographing them and then in the evenings I'll edit it all and get to my designing. However, if I wake up in a lazy mood then I'll probably just be found emailing and watching Gossip Girl while updating my social media profiles.


What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

Be prepared for a lot of work. Getting into fashion design is hard, stressful and time consuming. Its completely worth it but it does drain the life out of you at times because its such a fast paced industry.


...How about number two?

Make sure its 100% what you want to do. If you're not in it with your whole heart then it won't be as fun and interesting to you. Fashion isn't a fall back career, it has to be something you're dedicated to spending your life doing.

 

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I'd say that I pretty much knew what to expect but I wish I had made myself a bit stronger before. I knew tutors and industry professionals would be very hard and cut throat, but at first I found it really hard to take and struggled with the harsh realisation that my designs weren't that good. From the three years experience that I've had, I'd say that I've developed more of a back bone but I still dread deadline day and being told that I'm not good enough.


Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

Everyone thinks that Fashion is a fall back career if you fail everything else. They also think its always like 'Devil Wears Prada'. Or that its just drawing pretty dresses and sewing them together. It isn't. Fashion is a career choice, a dedication and hard work. It isn't something you just 'fall into' and sit back and relax in.


What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

I've met a fair few celebrities including Nick Grimshaw, David Ghandy, Tinie Tempah, etc. I've also had the chance of working with designers and other opportunities that I'd not of had otherwise.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

There isn't necessarily a motivation, I just love what I do so I want to keep doing it. I don't wake up in the morning and dread going into university or sitting at my sewing machine - I stay up all night excited and jump out of bed.


Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

There are so many designers that I look up to. Christopher Shannon, Kit Neale, Henry Holland, Marc Jacobs, so many!


Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

If I'm pottering along happily - 100. If its near deadline then I wouldn't even ask me that question, I'd be too close to exploding.

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

I'm only just starting out and I'm not even properly in the industry yet so I'd say there is definitely room to grow and progress in my career. I'd like to finish university and get into Graduate Fashion Week. After third year I am going travelling around the world for a year so we will see what happens from there - I want to explore the world before I settle.


Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

Without a doubt.

Thank you so much to Jessica for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions! Find Jessica at the following places:

Look Book / Twitter / Facebook / Bloglovin / Instagram / Youtube

and make sure to check out her blog!