“Do I want to be a fashion photographer — or just a photographer who sometimes shoots fashion?” Or, “How can I be excellent at both without losing my vision?”

Here’s what you need to consider:

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Here’s our WIC-endorsed guide to making the most of your time there:

Collaborate

This is the #1 cheat code. You’re surrounded by future stylists, filmmakers, designers, curators — and it costs nothing to tap in. Build connections now so you’re not scrambling for a creative circle post-graduation. The people in your classroom today could be your collaborators tomorrow.

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1. Made in Harlem by Dapper Dan

A pioneer of luxury streetwear, Dapper Dan’s memoir is a masterclass in resilience. From growing up in Harlem to building an underground fashion empire that was ultimately raided and shut down, his story is one of reinvention and staying true to your vision. Creatives at any stage can learn from his ability to pivot and prevail through adversity.

2. The Creative Entrepreneur by Carolyn Dailey

Think of this as mentorship in book form. Carolyn Dailey compiles wisdom from top creatives across music, media, and fashion, sharing the real lessons: the failures, detours, and breakthroughs, that shaped their careers. It's honest, actionable insight for anyone building their own creative path.

3. Walk Through Walls by Marina Abramović

Marina Abramović is one of the most recognized performance artists in the world, and her memoir is both spiritual and raw. She reflects on how energy, presence, and our relationships with the world shape artistic expression. It's a reminder that creativity isn’t just output — it’s connection.

4. The Chiffon Trenches by André Leon Talley

Fashion icon André Leon Talley opens up about his early years, his rise in the fashion world, and the complex dynamics of working in one of the industry’s most exclusive eras. As a Black, gay man navigating a notoriously elitist space, Talley doesn’t hold back. His story is as stylish as it is unfiltered, and long overdue. May he rest in peace 🤍.

5. Alexander McQueen: Blood Beneath the Skin by Andrew Wilson

This deeply humanizing biography dives into the life of Lee Alexander McQueen — both his genius and his demons. Beyond the runway, the book explores how creativity and mental health often coexist in complex ways, making it a powerful read for anyone balancing personal battles with public ambition.

These reads are more than just stories — they’re roadmaps, cautionary tales, and affirmations that creative success is rarely linear, but always worth the journey.

Great storytelling is what transforms an image from something scrolled past in seconds to something that lingers in the viewer’s mind. While creative direction and aesthetics play a huge role, what truly resonates is emotion — the ability of your image to make someone feel something.

A crucial part of that is setting the scene. Whether you’re shooting a campaign, editorial, or personal work, the decision to shoot in-studio or on location can make or break the concept. Before locking anything in, here are 5 key things to consider:

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When it comes to creating a meaningful concept, research is non-negotiable. Dive into the history of whatever you're exploring and follow the journey down the rabbit hole. Let the meaning find you, because true meaning can't be added after something is already created. It has to be there from the beginning.

Everyone has their own process for making intentional, impactful work. But here are a few things to consider — or questions to ask yourself — when developing a concept:

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The first misconception we’re going to break down is styling vs. personal shopping. Just because you love to shop doesn’t mean you'll make a great personal shopper, and just because you're passionate about fashion doesn't mean you'll excel as a stylist.

The biggest difference between the two is this: styling is part of the visual media image-making process, while personal shopping focuses on someone's personal style and wardrobe (often a regular person, not large personalities).

Although both roles require strong interpersonal skills, a good eye for style, and an awareness of different personalities, body types, and insecurities, they are fundamentally different. Personal shoppers work directly with individuals, while stylists don't always work one-on-one — they often collaborate with concepts, creative teams, magazines, e-commerce brands, celebrities, and more.

Being a stylist demands that you think like an artist, creating a vision and telling a story through clothing. Personal shopping, on the other hand, is more about being a trusted advisor, handling the shopping process thoughtfully on someone's behalf.

You should consider styling if:

• You have a strong eye for fashion and knowledge of references and love creating full looks (sometimes out of nothing).

• You enjoy helping people build and create their external appearance and personal brand.

• You like being creative, working in teams, busy and a varied working schedule.

You should consider personal shopping if:

• You are great at finding specific items quickly and matching them to a client’s needs.

• You love the hunt for deals, rare pieces, or wardrobe essentials.

• You’re organized, efficient, and enjoy the more practical, shopping-focused side of fashion.

The cons of being a stylist:

• It can be unpredictable with long hours, especially around events or photoshoots. Compensation is not always guaranteed or on schedule.

• Clients can be demanding, picky, or indecisive, which can be stressful.

• You sometimes have to work under tight deadlines and in high pressure situations.

The cons of being a personal shopper:

• You might spend a lot of time shopping without guaranteed client satisfaction.

• It can be physically exhausting (lots of running around stores or managing returns).

• Some clients may have unrealistic expectations about what’s available within their budget.

For creatives based in the Caribbean, the search comes with even more layers. Many of us have to weigh the cost and logistics of studying abroad and leaving home, adjusting to a new environment, and often dealing with limited financial resources or life responsibilities that make relocation tough or impossible.

So, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you. We found 8 online creative courses offered by institutions in major creative hubs around the world.

Short Courses

1. Digital Photography Intensive Online Short Course
   Where?: UAL (CSM), London UK
   How Much?: £380-390
   Apply here:

2. Fashion Stylist Certification
   Where?: School of Style, USA
   How Much?: $2495 (buy now, pay later available)
   Apply here:

3. Modern Art & Ideas
   Where?: MOMA Nyc, USA
   How Much?: £Free
   Enroll here:

4. Decorative Arts & Craft Courses (multiple)
   Where?: Intl.
   How Much?: £16-20 per month (unlimited access)
   Enroll here:

5. The Business of Fashion
   Where?: Parsons, Paris
   How Much?: $1795
   Enroll here:

6. Build Your Own Fashion Brand
   Where?: Parsons, Paris
   How Much?: $1795
   Enroll here:

7. Creative Direction
   Where?: IFA, Paris
   How Much?: € 540
   Enroll here:

8. Introduction to Illustration Online Short Course
   Where?: UAL, London UK (CSM)
   How Much?: £420
   Enroll here:

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