ARCMOOD
ARCMOOD / POLINA GOSTEVA
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ARCMOOD / SERVICES

SERVICES

Not a price list — a creative process. What you get when you work with Polina.

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Styling

A stylist develops and creates looks that help convey a project’s concept, highlight a product’s unique features, and establish a specific visual impression.

1.1Stage 1. Analysis of the brief and project objectives+

The work begins by understanding why the looks are being created and what objective they are intended to achieve. This includes: Reviewing the project brief, concept, and visual references. Analyzing the brand, collection, or product to be showcased. Identifying the target audience and the context in which the materials will be used. Clarifying the client’s requirements regarding clothing, accessories, colors, silhouettes, and overall aesthetic. Determining the number of looks and the expected scope of styling work. Establishing the budget, timeline, available resources, and any constraints. Aligning the stylist’s tasks with the art director, photographer, and producer, if they are part of the project. The result: A clear understanding of the objective, the requirements for the looks, and the role of styling within the project’s overall concept.

1.2Stage 2. Research and development of a stylistic direction+

At this stage, the stylist determines the intended look and the visual solutions that will best convey the project’s core concept. This includes: Researching fashion collections, designers, brands, and archival looks. Sourcing visual references and developing a stylistic moodboard. Analyzing silhouettes, proportions, color combinations, textures, and materials. Defining the approach for combining clothing, footwear, jewelry, and accessories. Developing multiple stylistic directions, if required by the project brief. Striking a balance between the concept, the brand’s aesthetic, and the specific features of the product. Preparing preliminary looks for approval by the client or art director. The result: a defined stylistic direction that establishes the principles for creating all the looks within the project.

1.3Stage 3. Selecting clothing, footwear, and accessories+

Once the creative direction has been approved, the stylist begins sourcing specific items and assembling looks. This process includes: Searching for suitable wardrobe pieces, footwear, and accessories. Selecting items from brand collections, showrooms, archives, and other available sources. Coordinating with PR agencies, brand representatives, designers, and retailers, as required by the project. Curating combinations with careful consideration for silhouette, color, texture, proportions, and overall composition. Selecting jewelry and accessories that either complement the look or serve as its primary focal point. Sourcing alternatives in case the originally selected items are unavailable. Accounting for sizing, fit, the condition of the items, delivery timelines, and terms of use. Compiling a list of the required items a "pull list" or "wardrobe list." The result: a curated selection of clothing and accessories that aligns with the concept and requirements of the shoot.

1.4Stage 4. Development and approval of concepts+

Selecting individual items does not constitute a complete styling process. At this stage, the stylist transforms these pieces into cohesive looks and evaluates how they function together. Scope of work: Creating final combinations of clothing, footwear, and accessories. Working with proportions, layering, silhouettes, and visual accents. Evaluating the interplay of colors, textures, and materials. Determining the sequence of looks and how they relate to one another. Preparing visualizations or photographs of the assembled outfits. Reviewing and approving the looks with the client, art director, or creative team. Refining the looks based on feedback. Ensuring each look aligns with the project’s objectives and visual direction. The result: A finalized set of looks, ready for fittings and pre-production for a shoot.

1.5Stage 5. Fittings and wardrobe preparation+

Before the day of the shoot, the stylist verifies how the selected items look in person and whether they are a good fit for the specific model or project participant. This process includes: Organizing and conducting fittings. Checking the fit, length, proportions, and comfort of the garments. Adjusting combinations based on the model’s body type and how they move. Selecting appropriate undergarments, footwear, accessories, and additional elements. Ensuring the clothing works well with jewelry or any other products to be featured. Preparing backup options. Steaming, prepping, and packing the items (when included in the scope of work). Labeling outfits and organizing the wardrobe to ensure an efficient workflow on set. The result: all looks are verified, prepared, and organized for the shoot.

1.6Step 6. Organizing clothing and returns+

In projects involving borrowed items, the stylist is often responsible for tracking them and ensuring compliance with the terms under which they were provided. Scope of work: Confirming the receipt of clothing and accessories. Checking the completeness and condition of items upon arrival. Maintaining an inventory of received items and the terms of their use. Preparing items for transport to the shoot location. Organizing the storage and protection of the wardrobe on set. Verifying that all items are accounted for after use. Coordinating the return of items within the specified deadlines. Communicating with showrooms, brands, and PR teams to address any questions or issues. The result: The wardrobe remains organized throughout the project, and the return of items—along with other obligations is properly managed. Important: It is essential to clarify in advance who will cover costs such as delivery, dry cleaning, or potential repairs, and who bears responsibility in the event of damage to or loss of any items.

1.7Stage 7. Styling on set+

On the day of the shoot, the stylist is responsible for ensuring that the looks appear exactly as intended and remain polished throughout the process. Scope of work: Preparing the wardrobe and organizing the outfits in the order they will be shot. Assisting the model with changing outfits. Monitoring the fit of the clothing, proportions, and the positioning of specific details. Adjusting silhouettes, smoothing out folds, checking lengths, and ensuring accessories are placed correctly before each shot. Overseeing the coordination of clothing, footwear, jewelry, and other elements of each look. Preparing garments between takes and outfit changes. Collaborating with the photographer and art director to ensure the clothing looks right on camera. Fine-tuning the styling based on camera angles, movement, lighting, and composition. Maintaining order in the wardrobe area and keeping track of the condition of the garments. The result: The looks are consistently executed on camera and remain true to the agreed-upon concept.

1.8Stage 8. Selection and final evaluation of materials+

Depending on the project, a stylist may participate in reviewing the captured photos and videos to assess how accurately the intended looks have been conveyed. Scope of work: Reviewing preliminary shots. Evaluating fit, silhouettes, combinations, and the visibility of key details. Checking how clothing and accessories appear from various angles. Identifying shots that best capture the core concept of each look. Providing recommendations on the selection of final images from a styling perspective. Offering guidance on the retouching of specific clothing or accessory details, if necessary. The result: The styling remains cohesive throughout the final selection of materials. The selection of photographs, artistic approval of the overall campaign, retouching, and editing may remain the responsibility of an art director, photographer, or other relevant specialists.

1.9PROJECTS+

Available for fashion editorials, brand campaigns, lookbooks, jewellery and beauty productions, commercial shoots, lookbook, model test, fasion film, personal styling and other visual storytelling projects. Each project is approached individually, with the scope of styling tailored to its creative direction, production requirements and objectives.

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Art direction

The art director shapes the visual concept of a project and translates it into specific creative solutions that define the character, aesthetics, and visual coherence of a campaign.

2.1Stage 1. Brand research and concept development+

The art director studies the brand and determines which visual approach will best reveal its character and the objectives of the campaign. This process includes: Examining the brand’s identity, aesthetics, target audience, and positioning. Analyzing the collection or product, as well as the specific features that should be highlighted. Reviewing previous campaigns and the brand’s existing visual language. Researching artistic, cultural, historical, and fashion-related references. Developing the core concept for the campaign. Defining the visual message and the emotional direction of the project. Determining how the concept will be expressed through imagery. The result: an original concept aligned with the brand’s identity and the campaign’s objectives.sual intention.

2.2Stage 2. Development of the visual concept+

At this stage, the concept is transformed into a visual system that will guide the production. This includes: Creating a mood board and selecting references. Defining the color palette, lighting, textures, and overall visual mood. Developing an approach to composition and framing. Establishing the visual character of the photography and video. Selecting artistic techniques to effectively showcase the product. Developing a shot list a detailed list of the required shots and scenes. Creating a visual treatment a presentation that outlines the look and feel of the campaign. The result: a cohesive visual direction that can be shared with the entire team.

2.3Stage 3. Developing the campaign’s visual world+

The art director determines how individual elements will work together. This includes: Selecting a casting approach that aligns with the brand’s concept and character. Defining the principles for styling and look development. Choosing visually appropriate locations and environments. Determining the necessary props, sets, and set design. Establishing the approach to hair and makeup. Defining how clothing, accessories, the model, lighting, and the space will interact within the frame. Ensuring that all decisions support a cohesive concept. The result: a unified visual language for the campaign, rather than a collection of unrelated looks and shots.

2.4Stage 4. Team formation and creative leadership+

The art director helps assemble a team capable of executing the chosen concept and explains the creative objectives to each team member. Scope of work: Selecting a photographer and videographer whose style aligns with the visual direction. Discussing the approach to lighting, composition, movement, and direction of the model. Preparing a visual brief for the team. Discussing styling, makeup, hair, locations, and props. Approving looks and test materials. Communicating the artistic vision to all project participants. Ensuring consistency across photography, video, and other visual assets. The result: The team understands not only the technical requirements but also the artistic vision they are tasked with bringing to life.

2.5Stage 5. Art direction on set+

During a shoot, the art director ensures that the visual concept is executed consistently. Scope of work: Ensuring that the shots align with the approved concept. Collaborating with the photographer on composition, lighting, camera angles, and visual rhythm. Directing the model in line with the creative concept. Overseeing looks, styling, details, and product placement within the frame. Approving artistic decisions as the shoot progresses. Verifying that the captured images meet the campaign’s objectives. Adjusting the approach if the initial plan does not work on set. The result: a consistent realization of the concept and a visually cohesive body of work.

2.6Stage 6. Selection and visual finalization+

Depending on the scope of services, the art director may participate in the selection and finalization of materials. This includes: Participating in the selection of assets, ensuring they align with the concept and maintain visual cohesion. Curating the sequence of images for the campaign. Providing recommendations for retouching and color grading. Ensuring that the final materials adhere to the approved visual direction. Coordinating the visual synergy between photographs, videos, and supplementary content. Developing recommendations for how the materials should be applied within the campaign. Retouching and editing are carried out by the respective specialists, unless otherwise specified in the scope of work. The result: a unified visual product that upholds the brand identity and the original concept.

2.7PROJECTS+

Available for fashion campaigns, editorials, jewellery and beauty imagery, brand content and visual storytelling projects.

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Production

A producer transforms a client’s initial request into an actionable project. They structure the production process from the initial brief through to the completion of the shoot and the delivery of materials by coordinating personnel, budgets, timelines, resources, and logistics.

3.1Stage 1. Briefing and defining the task+

The process begins by identifying the client’s needs and defining the scope of the project. This includes: Discussing project goals, the target audience, and the desired outcome. Reviewing the brief, reference materials, past campaigns, and brand requirements. Determining production requirements: photography, video, number of looks, models, and locations. Clarifying timelines, budget, formats, and the channels where the materials will be used. Defining the tasks and areas of responsibility for the client, the producer, and other team members. Creating a production brief a working document that will serve as a guide for the entire team. The result: a clear objective, aligned expectations, and a realistic production plan.

3.2Stage 2. Budgeting and planning+

The producer determines the resources required for the project and prepares a preliminary budget. This includes: Calculating major expense categories. Requesting and comparing quotes from contractors. Allocating the budget across the team, locations, equipment, transportation, and post-production. Determining the producer’s fee and agreeing on payment terms. Setting priorities and identifying alternatives within the budget. Planning the timelines for pre-production and production. Finalizing the budget, booking terms, and a contingency reserve for unforeseen expenses. The result: a transparent budget, clear financial obligations, and an agreed-upon schedule.

3.3Stage 3. Team selection+

The producer assembles a team that aligns with the project’s aesthetic, scale, and objectives. Depending on the project, this may include: A photographer and a videographer. An art director and a stylist. Models and a modeling agency. A makeup artist and a hair stylist. Assistants for the photographer, stylist, and producer. A set designer, decorator, florist, or prop specialist. A retoucher, video editor, and other post-production specialists. The producer reviews portfolios, inquires about rates and availability, ensures that each person is a good fit for the project’s requirements, and facilitates communication among all team members. The result: a fully assembled team with clearly defined roles, working terms, and deadlines.

3.4Stage 4. Locations and logistics+

The producer organizes the physical infrastructure for a shoot. This includes: Searching for and selecting locations that align with the concept and budget. Inquiring about rental terms, availability, and any restrictions. Verifying requirements for commercial shoots and obtaining necessary permits. Arranging transportation for the crew, models, equipment, and products. Coordinating accommodation, catering, and schedules, as needed. Developing contingency plans for weather changes or other unforeseen circumstances. Organizing the rental of equipment, props, and any additional resources. The result: the location and all required resources are ready for use at the scheduled time.

3.5Stage 5. Preparation for filming - pre-production+

This is the stage where all individual decisions are consolidated into a concrete production plan. It includes: Confirming the team, locations, and bookings. Organizing casting and securing client and creative team approval for models. Coordinating fittings, as well as the preparation of looks and props. Drafting the shoot-day schedule. Preparing a call sheet containing addresses, contact details, arrival times, and other key information for the team. Verifying equipment, transportation, permits, and all necessary documentation. Agreeing on the shooting sequence, delivery deadlines for materials, and the approval process. Checking requirements for the storage, transport, and security of products, particularly those of high value. The result: the team knows where to go, when to arrive, and why; they understand what needs to be prepared and how the shoot will unfold.

3.6Stage 6. On-set production+

On the day of the shoot, the producer coordinates the team’s work and ensures the plan is followed. Responsibilities include: Overseeing the arrival of participants and ensuring the set is ready. Managing the schedule and the sequence of shooting segments. Liaising with the client, photographer, videographer, and other professionals. Addressing any organizational issues that arise. Monitoring the agreed-upon scope of work and any additional expenses. Coordinating wardrobe changes, movements, and breaks. Managing the logistics of products and equipment. Finding practical solutions when conditions on set change. The producer does not take over the photographer’s creative decision-making, nor do they direct each specialist in their specific professional field. Instead, they create an environment in which the team can work effectively. The result: the shoot day proceeds according to the agreed-upon plan, and any issues that arise are resolved within the scope of defined responsibilities.

3.7Stage 7. Post-production and project completion+

A producer’s work can continue even after the shoot has concluded. This includes: Coordinating the selection of photographs and video footage. Organizing retouching, editing, and color grading. Ensuring that agreed-upon delivery deadlines are met. Delivering the final materials to the client in the required formats. Coordinating the return of clothing, accessories, jewelry, and rented equipment. Reconciling expenses and finalizing financial settlements. Verifying that all agreements with the team have been fulfilled. Archiving the final materials and project documentation. The result: the client receives the agreed-upon deliverables, all expenses are settled, and the project is brought to a formal, organized conclusion.

3.8PROJECTS+

Available for fashion campaigns, editorial shoots, brand content, jewellery and beauty productions, and creative projects in Italy.

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