When it comes to deciding what to wear for your Artist Branding Session, there are two things I want you to keep in mind:
1. How you want to come across in your photos
2. Feeling comfortable in your clothes while you work
Depending on the type of art you create, what you wear can be incredibly important. Whether it's safety gear like gloves, goggles, or an apron while blowing glass or metalsmithing, clothes that can handle getting messy with clay or paint, or simply something that allows you to move freely while you work, your outfit should support your process.
Yes, we want you to look great, but these sessions are also about showing the real work that goes into creating your art. Being able to safely and comfortably create while I document the process is always the priority.
That doesn't mean you have to wear the same thing the entire time.
Your Artist Branding Session is split into two parts:
- The Basics
- Documenting the Process
The Basics Outfits
During The Basics portion of the day, I photograph you and your space before we start working on any projects. This part of the session captures some of the more traditional branding photos that are useful to have on hand, even if they aren't the most unique to your creative process.
Think headshots, photos of your studio before it's in use, signage, marketing materials, and flat lays of tools or finished work. I call this portion "The Basics" because it's all about getting the photos people expect you to have before the clay, paint, dust, or sparks start flying.
We'll discuss what images will be most useful for you ahead of your session.
For this part of your session, you can either wear your usual working outfit or choose something completely different. How you plan to use the photos and where you might be applying for opportunities, exhibitions, grants, or publications may influence what feels right to wear.
Depending on how you want to present yourself, you can either lean fully into your personal style or go a little more "professional."
Documenting the Process Outfits
Now onto the part of the session we're both most excited about: the documentary portion.
Like I said before, safety and comfort are the most important factors when choosing what to wear for your session. I want you to feel confident and comfortable throughout the shoot, but I also want to make sure you're working safely. Photos of you working without proper safety equipment can sometimes do more harm than good. Depending on your medium, safety gear may be non-negotiable.
Style comes second to safety.
Beyond that, wear clothes you feel good in. If someone walked into your studio on a typical workday, would they recognize the person in these photos? That's usually a good sign you're choosing the right outfit.
Just make sure it's an outfit you don't mind getting dirty. I don't want you worrying about getting paint on a brand-new dress or pair of slacks just because it looks great in photos.
This completely depends on your art form and which part of your process I'm photographing. If you're a tailor or architect, it's probably not something you need to worry about as much. Are you a potter, painter, or printmaker? There's a good chance clay, paint, dust, ink, or a plethora of other materials I don't know about may end up on your clothes.
Choose outfits you're willing to sacrifice to your studio wardrobe.
Here's how Audra Clayton, a potter, dressed for her Artist Branding Session — which she used to apply and win 2 residencies in 2026.
Tips on What to Wear (and What Not to Wear)
DON'T WEAR
- Brand-new clothes you're worried about ruining
- Clothes that restrict your movement while you work
- Trendy pieces that don't feel like your everyday style
- Distracting neon colors (unless they're part of your brand)
- Wrinkled clothing, especially for The Basics portion
- Excessive jewelry that gets in the way of your process
- Shoes that aren't appropriate for your workspace
DON'T WEAR
- Signature pieces or accessories that are part of your personal brand
- Layers (jackets, overshirts, aprons, etc.) to create variety without a full outfit change
- Pieces you actually wear while creating your work
- Textures like denim, linen, canvas, leather aprons, or worn workwear
- Closed-toe shoes if your medium requires them
- Clothing that contrasts with your workspace (helps you stand out in photos)
- A backup outfit in case something gets dirty earlier than expected
Want to work with an actual stylist?
If you're not sure what to wear, we can discuss it during your planning meeting once you book, or you can send me photos ahead of your session and I can help you decide between options.
While I'm happy to help you choose between outfits, if you're looking for real style advice or want to use your Artist Branding Session as an opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, I highly recommend getting in touch with Taylor at Style for Good PGH.
Whether you want to shop your closet, find a few new pieces (new or used), or use the session as a catalyst to completely rethink your style, Taylor can help you create outfits that are actually your vibe and within your budget.
I've worked with Taylor myself when I needed an outfit that helped me blend in better while photographing Fantasy Balls. She helped me find pieces I never would have picked on my own from a few secondhand stores in Lawrenceville and Garfield, and it's probably one of my favorite outfits right now.
