We recently connected with Chrystal Taylor and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrystal, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey into modeling began in my teenage years, when I first explored the craft through modeling classes. These early lessons provided a solid foundation in posing, expression, and the basics of working in front of the camera. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic in 2020, when I had the chance to focus more deeply on my passions, that I began to immerse myself in modeling and build a more comprehensive portfolio.

During the additional free time I had while finishing my degree online, I took advantage of social media to showcase my modeling work and connect with industry professionals. This hands-on approach, combined with the foundational skills from my earlier classes, allowed me to refine my techniques and develop a distinctive style.

Reflecting on my journey, there are a few strategies that could have accelerated my learning process:

Advanced Training: While my early classes were beneficial, pursuing more advanced workshops or specialized courses could have further refined my skills and exposed me to more nuanced techniques.

Early Professional Networking: Building relationships with industry professionals earlier could have provided valuable mentorship and opened up additional learning opportunities.

Seeking Constructive Feedback: Actively seeking feedback from experienced models and industry experts might have helped me improve more quickly and navigate challenges more effectively.

Key skills that were essential in my modeling journey included:

Posing and Expression: Developing the ability to convey emotions and stories through my poses and expressions was crucial for creating engaging and impactful images.

Portfolio Development: Constructing and maintaining a diverse and compelling portfolio was important for showcasing my versatility and attracting new opportunities.

Networking: Connecting with photographers, makeup artists, and other industry professionals was vital for expanding my reach and gaining valuable insights into the industry.

A significant challenge emerged after completing my degree. New responsibilities and financial constraints shifted my focus from modeling to immediate survival needs. Paying out of pocket for my final semester depleted my resources, leaving me with limited funds to invest in my modeling career. Despite these constraints, I continued to work on my portfolio and sought out shooting opportunities whenever possible, making the most of the resources at my disposal.

This period of financial strain and shifting priorities taught me resilience and resourcefulness. Balancing survival with my passion for modeling was challenging, but it underscored the importance of perseverance and creative problem-solving. Even with limited resources, I remained dedicated to my craft, adapting to the circumstances and continuing to build my career.

Overall, these experiences have been crucial in shaping my approach to modeling. They have taught me valuable lessons about overcoming challenges, maintaining focus on my goals, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Chrystal, 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 wear many hats as a model and stylist. My journey into this world began organically, with compliments on my personal style and the photogenetic photos I shared on social media. As COVID-19 hit in 2020, I moved back home to finish college online, which gave me an unexpected abundance of free time. I decided to channel this time into my passion for fashion and styling, starting my business, Gem Styled It, in late 2020.

At Gem Styled It, I poured my perfectionism and creativity into every project. One of my most memorable milestones was my 21st birthday shoot. I coordinated everything—from booking a photographer and makeup artist to styling and conceptualizing the entire shoot. The result was a stunning showcase of my vision, which resonated strongly with my audience on Instagram.

As my online presence grew, so did the opportunities. A photographer noticed my work and invited me to model, leading to more shoots and collaborations. What began as a hobby evolved into a full-fledged career. I styled a local fashion show, beauty pageant contestant, and even become an assistant to a fashion designer. All these opportunities opened doors to larger events and more significant brand collaborations.

However, 2023 was a turning point. I felt stagnant, and the distractions I faced led me to reassess my goals. I took a step back, and while it seemed like a setback, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This period of reflection allowed me to build confidence, forge new connections, and gain invaluable life lessons. I learned the importance of self-care and perspective, which ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally.

While I decided to disband Gem Styled It in 2023, the experience was instrumental in shaping my current path. Today, I’m more focused than ever, using the lessons I’ve learned to bring my clients’ visions to life as a model and creative collaborator. My work now comes from a place of genuine passion and knowledge, knowing I’ve achieved success before and can do it again.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a freelance model and creative professional is the opportunity to bring both my own ideas and the visions of others to life. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing a concept I’ve passionately envisioned transform into reality, whether through a styled shoot, a modeling project, or a creative collaboration. Equally fulfilling is the chance to contribute to and realize the creative concepts of photographers, business owners, and other creatives.

I thrive on revisiting and reimagining ideas, finding joy in shaping and executing new concepts. Collaborating with others and turning their visions into tangible outcomes adds a dynamic and exciting layer to my work. This creative exchange not only enriches my projects but also provides a powerful outlet for myself.

Modeling and creativity offer me the freedom to fully express my individuality and embrace my quirks. The positive feedback and acceptance I receive for my unique approach are deeply heartwarming and affirming. Additionally, connecting with like-minded professionals and exchanging ideas builds a supportive network that enhances my growth and inspires continuous development. This sense of community and shared passion fuels my creativity and reinforces my commitment to bringing innovative ideas to life

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by actively engaging with the various platforms and opportunities available. Social media provides a significant advantage in this regard; sharing, liking, and reposting content are effective ways to increase visibility and extend the reach of creative work. Furthermore, attending and promoting creative events helps to build and sustain a thriving cultural ecosystem.

Additionally, recommending the services of photographers, models, beauty professionals, artists, producers, and other creatives within your networks can create valuable opportunities and connections. It’s also essential to provide proper credit to these individuals, which not only acknowledges their contributions but also fosters a culture of respect and recognition.

By utilizing these strategies and promoting creative work both online and offline, society can play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the creative landscape.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrystaltaylor/

Image Credits

photographers’ Instagrams:
@tayroseproductions_
@shotbyslum
@vividparker
@r0bamari
@kingkaivisuals
@daywiththesony
@elevated.perceptions
@veesentay