Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadia Tulin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nadia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
When I think about the most challenging part of pursuing a career as a stylist, it’s the fact that there is no real roadmap to success which makes taking the first steps uncertain. But if you know me, you know I love a challenge and the thrill of the unknown has always motivated me to push my own boundaries. At the beginning of my career, I had to forge my own path. I knew I wanted something bigger for my life but didn’t quite know how I was going to get there. So, I took a huge risk and moved to New York with no industry connections, no job, and a small financial safety net– and honestly, the hardest part of taking that risk was not second-guessing myself. Once I was in the city, there was no looking back… I put my blinders on and I worked non-stop networking and hustling. I knew that if I put myself out there and positioned myself to have the same opportunities as those whose careers I admired, that at some point something would click. Funny enough, it ended up being one of my new NYC friends who came through for me by inviting me to a dinner with some industry folks. It was there that I met my first boss in the fashion industry, and I have had steady work ever since. Taking that initial ended up paying off and to this day is the best life decision I’ve ever made
Nadia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a Wardrobe Stylist and Costume Designer working mainly in film & television— with a concentration in celebrity styling for red carpets and editorial shoots. My journey began at the “House of Field”, a legendary boutique in downtown New York City, owned by the world-renowned Costume Designer Patricia Field. Working at the“House of Field” was much like attending fashion school in itself. Pat instantly fueled my passion for styling and deepened my interest in the film & television industry. It was then that I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in costume design. I somehow found my way onto set as a production assistant and climbed my way through the ranks to Assistant Costume Designer. One of my most prideful experiences was being featured in Pat’s documentary “Happy Clothes”, which premiered this summer at TriBeCa Film Festival 2023. I was featured for my work as ACD for the hit STARZ Series “Run The World” Season 2. Pat’s mentorship and guidance has significantly shaped my creative path as I had a front row seat to her genius. Her effortless ability to create absolutely iconic looks while simultaneously shaping the way the world looks at clothes is something that I still take note of on a daily basis. My time with Pat will always be a pivotal moment in my growth as a stylist.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is getting to wake up every day and truly loving what I do. When I am on set or pulling clothes for a shoot the work doesn’t feel much like work. From conception to execution, it is so amazing to be able to see my vision come to life and to have the creative freedom to push the boundaries of what I believe that I am capable of. Every job has been transformative and has allowed me to grow– especially being surrounded by such brilliant minds in the film & television industry. I absorb as much as I can from each production. Each experience informs me more and more of who I am as a creative and has gotten me thinking about what I want to leave behind as my legacy. Some people like the structure and stability of a 9-5, but having the creative freedom that I do I don’t think I could ever be confined in that way. I am happy in my career, and that is a gift that I never take for granted; I am never left wondering if there is something greater out there for me. I’m at the point in my career where I can be very picky with what jobs that I say yes to and not everyone gets that luxury. I get to craft my life to be exactly what I want it to be. I feel lucky to be where I am, and to love what I do.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
What might seem like a life full of glitz and glam has taken a lot of my blood, sweat, and tears. There is a different type of mindset that you have to embrace in the creative world. There is no linear path to “make it” in this industry. You have to be adaptable and be able to adjust to any work environment very quickly. That is a skill that not everyone possesses. You have to bring your A-Game every single day because there is always someone willing to step up and work harder. It’s more than a career; it’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and artistic fulfillment that won’t be understood by everyone. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although the stakes in this industry are high—in my opinion, the sacrifice is always worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.nadiatulin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadia.tulin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-tulin-41340b23/
- Other: Imbd https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6265496/
Image Credits
Stevenson Opoku