Artist Profile : Bianca Swan
This month our artist profile is one with a difference. Bianca Swan. Born and raised in Guernsey, moved to London after finishing her photography degree at Bournemouth Arts Institute, she now works as a freelance stylist and image consultant between london and Guernsey.
She began by interning at various fashion magazines such as Dazed and Confused and Marie Claire where she found her passion for styling. This led to work assisting several high profile fashion sylists. She works across editorial, e-commerce, music and commercial brands. Her list of clients includes Burberry, Company magazine, Lacoste, Marks and Spencer and us at gallery Guernsey!
My name is: Bianca Swan.
My job is: a Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant.
When did you first get creative: As long ago as I can remember . . .We had a super creative child minder who would help us make lots of fun things.
When I was a kid I wanted to grow up and be a: Photographer
My worst habit is: humming to fill awkward silences. . .it just makes the situation more awkward.
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My biggest inspiration is: My mum; a fantastic artist with endless encouragement.
The celebrity that would play me in the film of my life would be: Felicity Jones.
The song that best represents the soundtrack to my life is: Destiny’s Child “Survivor”.
In 3 words I am: Loud, emphatic, compassionate
If I was a superhero I would be: Mindy Macready.
My greatest achievement is: Having my work published.
My motto / mantra is: “When life gives you lemons say f**k the lemons”.
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I couldn’t live without: My husband and beagles.
The advice I would give my 12 year old self is: Enjoy being young
What inspired you to get into fashion: I have always been passionate about fashion and photography but never knew about fashion styling as a career. After graduating with a BA in photography I move to London and began interning for various fashion magazines including Dazed & Confused, Marie Claire and Company. I quickly fell in love with styling.
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Which artists or creatives inspire your work: From a photography perspective I absolutely love the work of Guy Bourdin and Helmet Newton. My dream would be to shoot with Nick Knight. In terms of styling I admire the work of Jacob K and Joe McKenna, whom I have been fortunate enough to assist.
How would you describe your style: Minimal with a strong focus on tailoring.
Most favourite job to date: Probably when I was working at Rankin Photography as assistant stylist to Scott Clark. We were shooting a campaign with David Gandy. Working with a male supermodel is definitely a highlight.
Tell us a bit about your work: I mainly work across editorial, commercial and music. I was assistant stylist to Rankin for two years which was a fantastic experience. I then moved to Burberry to work as a stylist at the in house studio which also led to visual merchandising work. I had the opportunity to work for Burberry setting up the show rooms in Paris, Milan and London.
Memorable stories: I was working on the BBC documentary “Rankin: Seven Photographs that Changed Fashion” Rankin was creating his interpretation of the 1955 image of elegant Dovima with Elephants, Erin O’Connor was modelling. Seeing Erin O’Connor work and look so graceful interacting with the elephants was an incredible experience.
What advice would you give to people trying to get into the industry: You have to be prepared to work long hours and give 110%. It’s vital to assist and learn your trade whether you want to be a photographer, stylist or makeup artist. And be nice, manners can go a long way.
What does the future hold, do you have any exciting projects coming up that you can tell us about?: In 2012 I launched my Personal Styling and Image Consultancy business which I am currently focusing on building clients both locally and in the UK. I am also working in London with a few new artists launching their Eps this year which I’m really excited about. It’s always great collaborating with musicians to create an image and see how it evolves.
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www.biancajswan.com
info@biancajswan.com
facebook.com/BiancaJSwanFreelanceStylist
Twitter:@BiancaJSwan
The images accompanying this interview are from shoots that Bianca has worked on and of course she was also the stylist for this months fashion shoot for the magazine. From top;
1. Ellie Burton for Style Noir magazine
Photography by Fabio Esposito
www.fabioesposito.co.uk
2. Karl Taylor Fashionscape DVD.
Photography by Karl Taylor
www.karltaylorphotography.co.uk
3. Burberry feature for WHERE London
Magazine. Photography by Rachell Smith
www.rachellsmith.com
4. Francesca Belmonte for Hunger TV.
Photography by Fabio Esposito
http://www.fabioesposito.co.uk
5. Editorial for Superior Magazine
photography by Neil Francis Dawson
www.neilfrancisdawson.com
