Photo: Sophie Meacock
As part of our ongoing series speaking to freelancers across London’s creative industries, we caught up with freelance interior stylist Sophie Meacock.
She shares how she built her career, what her day-to-day work looks like and why no two projects are ever the same.
Sophie, could you start by describing your service?
I’m a freelance interior and still life stylist working with a wide variety of commercial and private clients in London and beyond. Generally I specify and procure homeware, accessories and artwork for interior projects and photo-shoots. I install projects on site, such as show homes as well as working with designers and photographers on location shoots. I also source props and style creative still life shoots for photographers and brands. My job can be really varied so no two days are the same and I’m always working with new clients which I find really exciting.
What first inspired you to become a freelancer, and how did you get started?
I always wanted to work within the creative industries and had been interested in photography and styling since doing an art degree at university. I started out working in the fashion industry working for several high street brands as a studio stylist. I then transferred my skills to the interiors sector and became a full time stylist & designer for a London based interiors company, where I learned a lot. Since leaving there I worked as a freelance stylist working on projects in London and around the UK.
What kinds of clients do you typically work with, or have you worked with over the past few years?
I generally work with interior designers, photographers, architects, property developers, home stagers and commercial brands, as well as private clients.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
No two days are the same, which is what I love about the job. Sometimes I’m working from home specifying for jobs and sorting props. Other days I’m in a photo studio, out on site installing a project or styling a location for a shoot. I have lots of regular clients but I am often meeting new clients and visiting new places. Usually I can be found carrying a lot of bags!
Do you work with any clients remotely and do you travel much for work?
I do work with clients remotely, especially at the beginning of projects but mostly I’m out and about a lot around different parts of London and sometimes further afield.
How do you usually go about finding new clients or opportunities?
Generally these days, as I have been doing this for a while, people reach out to me or I get recommended by an existing client, which is really nice. Often I find being visible on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn can be helpful for clients finding you and more recently I have been found by clients using chat GPT. Every now and then I will reach out to interior designers or brands I would like to work with.
Have there been any challenges in your freelance experience so far and, if so, how have you dealt with them?
Yes loads! It takes a long time to get established and build connections within an industry. It’s hard when things go a bit quiet, jobs get moved or cancelled or clients take ages to pay. You have to be comfortable with not having a steady income and making your own daily routines. Covid was really challenging as I had little to no work coming in but I was really determined to make freelancing work for me so I stuck with it and eventually it paid off.
How do you maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life?
I think that it’s the same as most freelancers I know…it’s tricky. Sometimes it can be overwhelming especially when various projects or jobs move around or I get a really busy period where it can feel a bit stressful to get everything done. I try to balance my time but I do have to be a bit loose with social plans sometimes, especially in the week as I never know what is going to pop up. On the flip side I really like managing my own time and having autonomy over my schedule.
Which neighbourhood are you based in and does it feel like a good area for freelancers?
I live in East London which always feels like a creative area to be in.
Finally, what are your three favourite spots in London?
It’s hard to choose as there are so many amazing places in London, I enjoy spending time walking around the Walthamstow Wetlands, Regents Canal & Stoke Newington!