Name/age/job title

Gillian Wilkins/27/Stylist and Fashion Assistant, Vogue

When did you decide what you wanted to do with your life - and how did you start out achieving it?

I always wanted to work at magazines so went on to study journalism after leaving high school. When I was 19 I met this girl while working at a clothing shop who had just returned from working in Stockholm - to me she was someone who had ultimate style, was well travelled and had this uber cool attitude.

We became good friends and she was planning on moving back to London to pursue a career in fashion buying but at the same time she was styling photo shoots for the shop and some fanzines. Up until then I hadn't realised fully what stylists did and from that moment, I decided that is what I wanted to do.

I noticed shoots more and my favourite shoot of all time was Castaway styled by Lucinda Chambers and Mert & Marcus. I fell in love with this shoot, British Vogue and collected both British Vogue magazines and French Vogues religiously.

After sussing out what I had to do to achieve a career in styling, I knew I had to start off interning and assisting and instead of moving to Sydney which is Australia's fashion capital, I decided to jump in the deep end and try my luck in London.

It wasn't an easy journey endlessly interning for free, 2nd assisting and visa issues before landing an assisting job I truly loved, but I fought for what I set out for and the struggle and hardship was definitely worth the challenge.

Is there one thing you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

That it wasn't going to be easy!

How can you get a head start?

Have an idea of where you want to be as a stylist and intern at these magazines and places. The contacts I made at the beginning of my career have been a foundation for me.

Your average day...

Working full time at a magazine differs from working freelance - it’s a mix between prepping a shoot and going to press days or appointments with press offices. I'm always sourcing new designers and those who are keen to collaborate on special projects. I also take the time to meet with photographers and models.

What is the most common misconception about your job?

My job is definitely not as glamorous as it seems.

Could you describe the creative element to your job?

Seeing beyond what's in fashion now and using your instincts to create.

What has been your best moment?

Working with David Bailey on Vogue's Class of 2010 Young London shoot.

And your least favourite aspect of the role?

Returning clothes from fashion shoots - although sometimes even this can be therapeutic.

Do you enjoy the ‘celebrity facing’ element to your job?

It depends who the celebrity is... sometimes they trust you and let you do your job and when this process flows, you both enjoy the experience and something beautiful comes out of it.

Are there any massive ‘don'ts’ when styling a celebrity?

Just make sure you know what kind of style they currently have and don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

Which organisations/websites/resources do you think would be useful for people entering your industry?

Nothing beats hands on experience and if you can't get the job you want straight away, spend your time getting to know the industry inside out - knowing the history of fashion and the people who make fashion are compulsory. Every day make it a habit to check out what's new on style.com; know the people so keep an eye on blogs such as the sartorialist or purple diary.

Be a sponge when looking at shoots and fashion photography books - what works and what doesn't and what you like and don’t like. It’s about developing your eye, your style and your taste; so keep feeding the artist within you.