We recently connected with Marissa Motley and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I have worked as a fashion historian and archivist for the past year and am currently in a master’s program at New York University. As a former stylist, the use of inventory tracking and other practical skills was really helpful with that career transition.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I first got into fashion styling by starting from the bottom. I interned and worked a lot of unpaid gigs. After COVID-19, I knew I wanted to go back to school and get a master’s degree but I wanted to. incorporate my research skills and knowledge of fashion history. Because I have styling experience, the technical skills of documenting and inventory control were essential. Now I can help people with a vintage collection or personal archive authenticate their items and give historical context that reflects their true value. I’m proud of my ability to pivot into a meaningful career and the ability to evolve from styling clients and provide a service that allows sustainable preservation of garments.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Buy their services! Find people that align with your creative vision and values.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Coviid 19 for me was all about the pivot. All of the productions I was styling on were cancelled and it was hard to see what was next.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marissa.motley
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-motley-66a5b0101/