October 09, 2009
stylist annette joseph
Thirty million is a large number. That's how many readers of Better Homes and Gardens in the USA get to see Annette Joseph's work regularly. And that's not to mention the other styling jobs she produces for other magazines and television programs. It's no wonder that she believes in being calm when working under pressure. I like her view on this - and how she got her start...
Which five words best describe you? Organized, creative, energetic, perfectionist, positive.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was as a window dresser in New York. I then met a very talented photographer who hired me and saw in me the photo stylist and producer I am today. I had no idea what a photo stylist was, but working in his studio exclusively taught me all the tools of my trade. I have been a freelance producer/stylist ever since. I work for national and local magazines and TV as well. I work for many national shelter magazine's like Better Homes and Gardens Magazine - they have 30 million readers - so my work is enjoyed by many people. I also style and prop food photo shoots for magazines and cookbooks. Cooking is my passion and I am working on my own cookbook right now. I am hoping it will be published by next Christmas. I am also pitching a show to Foodnetwork in the U.S. based on my book. So my path has lead me to working on my own book, and beyond.
What’s your proudest achievement? My greatest achievement would have to be my 2 children: they are smart and accomplished. But as far as my design profession, I think that designing/styling our flat in an old monastery in Italy would be my proudest achievement. It was daunting doing such a large project from so far away.
What’s been your best decision? My best decision would be to marry my husband; professionally probably accepting the position with the photographer - it drastically altered my career path. Learning to cook at the Culinary Institute of America would probably be up there as well. It lead my to my love of cooking and entertaining.
Who inspires you? Martha Stewart is an inspiration: she was one of the pioneers in introducing a quality lifestyle to the mass market. I think a well lived life with family, friends surrounded by beauty, is the key to happiness. I aspire to show people how to live better and elevate their lifestyle by sharing my design, and cooking and entertainment ideas. What are you passionate about? FOOD and entertaining, and home design. I live for great food, entertaining friends, and beauty everyday.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Probably the best lesson is to keep it simple and never let them see you sweat. I have a high pressure job, and I like to always try to find the simplest path, and keep everything calm. Everyone thinks better with a calm mind. Solving design and styling challenges seems effortless when you approach the solution with collected demeanor.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I actually got to meet the person I most wanted to meet, Julia Child, another groundbreaking woman. I gushed over her like a school girl - I think she thought I was nuts! But it was a highlight experience for me. But if I had to pick another person, I would probably like to meet Pablo Picasso, he seemed like he would be a fun date and interesting to spend time with.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I want to restore an old farm house in Italy, and start a cooking school there, with courses in art and sculpture as well.
What are you reading? Born Round: The secret history of a full-time eater by Frank Bruni. Rustic Fruit Desserts by Cory Schreiber and Julie Richardson - my fave cookbook right now, I cook a new recipe from the book every Sunday, for Sunday Supper.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was as a window dresser in New York. I then met a very talented photographer who hired me and saw in me the photo stylist and producer I am today. I had no idea what a photo stylist was, but working in his studio exclusively taught me all the tools of my trade. I have been a freelance producer/stylist ever since. I work for national and local magazines and TV as well. I work for many national shelter magazine's like Better Homes and Gardens Magazine - they have 30 million readers - so my work is enjoyed by many people. I also style and prop food photo shoots for magazines and cookbooks. Cooking is my passion and I am working on my own cookbook right now. I am hoping it will be published by next Christmas. I am also pitching a show to Foodnetwork in the U.S. based on my book. So my path has lead me to working on my own book, and beyond.
What’s your proudest achievement? My greatest achievement would have to be my 2 children: they are smart and accomplished. But as far as my design profession, I think that designing/styling our flat in an old monastery in Italy would be my proudest achievement. It was daunting doing such a large project from so far away.
What’s been your best decision? My best decision would be to marry my husband; professionally probably accepting the position with the photographer - it drastically altered my career path. Learning to cook at the Culinary Institute of America would probably be up there as well. It lead my to my love of cooking and entertaining.
Who inspires you? Martha Stewart is an inspiration: she was one of the pioneers in introducing a quality lifestyle to the mass market. I think a well lived life with family, friends surrounded by beauty, is the key to happiness. I aspire to show people how to live better and elevate their lifestyle by sharing my design, and cooking and entertainment ideas. What are you passionate about? FOOD and entertaining, and home design. I live for great food, entertaining friends, and beauty everyday.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Probably the best lesson is to keep it simple and never let them see you sweat. I have a high pressure job, and I like to always try to find the simplest path, and keep everything calm. Everyone thinks better with a calm mind. Solving design and styling challenges seems effortless when you approach the solution with collected demeanor.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I actually got to meet the person I most wanted to meet, Julia Child, another groundbreaking woman. I gushed over her like a school girl - I think she thought I was nuts! But it was a highlight experience for me. But if I had to pick another person, I would probably like to meet Pablo Picasso, he seemed like he would be a fun date and interesting to spend time with.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I want to restore an old farm house in Italy, and start a cooking school there, with courses in art and sculpture as well.
What are you reading? Born Round: The secret history of a full-time eater by Frank Bruni. Rustic Fruit Desserts by Cory Schreiber and Julie Richardson - my fave cookbook right now, I cook a new recipe from the book every Sunday, for Sunday Supper.
images courtesy of annette joseph