Commercial Food Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of the food industry, the role of commercial food stylists has never been more pivotal.

As culinary trends evolve, the demand for creative minds that can present, enhance, and promote our dining experiences grows stronger.

But let’s break it down: What’s truly expected from a commercial food stylist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of food styling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable commercial food stylist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Commercial Food Stylist Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Food Stylists play a crucial role in creating attractive, appetizing food presentations for various commercial and advertising purposes.

They use a range of techniques, tools, and materials to make food look its best on camera.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with clients, photographers, and art directors to understand the desired look and feel of the food presentation
• Plan and design the food styling based on the requirements of the project
• Prepare and cook food items ensuring they look appealing on camera
• Apply various techniques to make the food look fresh and appetizing, including the use of non-edible products and props
• Arrange food items and dishes aesthetically for photographs or film
• Adjust colors, textures, and positioning of food during the photo shoot to get the best visual result
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment in accordance with health and safety regulations
• Purchase or arrange for the purchase of ingredients and supplies needed for food preparation
• Stay updated with the latest trends in food styling, cooking, and photography

 

Commercial Food Stylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Commercial Food Stylist to join our team.

The candidate will be responsible for preparing food to appear in product images and advertisements.

Duties include cooking, arranging, and presenting food in an appealing and attractive way.

Our ideal candidate has a background in culinary arts, excellent aesthetic judgment, and the ability to create food presentations that will draw the attention of potential customers.

The ultimate goal is to create appealing displays that enhance the presentation of our food products and increase customer engagement.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and style food for photo shoots, commercials, and other promotional materials.
• Work closely with photographers and art directors to meet their specific requirements for each project.
• Create innovative and appealing presentations of food and beverages.
• Ensure food displays are kept clean and tidy throughout the shoot.
• Maintain an understanding of the latest trends in food presentation.
• Follow food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Select and source props to be used in the shoot.
• Manage food preparation and cooking as required.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Food Stylist or similar role in the food industry.
• Proficient in various cooking techniques and types of cuisine.
• Excellent aesthetic judgment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Creative mindset with a strong passion for food and cooking.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Professional culinary arts training is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Commercial Food Stylist
• Work Environment: This role often requires working in a studio setting or on location. Flexibility for travel and irregular hours may be necessary.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Art Director or Creative Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $48,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Commercial Food Stylist Do?

Commercial Food Stylists are specialized professionals who prepare food for photography, video, or film.

They primarily work in the advertising industry, often on teams with photographers, art directors, and set designers.

They may also work for restaurants, catering companies, or food manufacturers.

Their main job is to make the food look appealing for the camera.

This involves selecting, arranging, and often manipulating food to create a desirable and appetizing representation.

They use a variety of tools and techniques to achieve the desired effects, such as blowtorches for browning, pins for positioning, and artificial products to simulate condensation or steam.

Commercial Food Stylists also prepare the food items, considering factors like color, texture, and portion size.

They may need to source special ingredients or props to achieve the desired look.

They ensure the food aligns with the client’s vision and goals, and sometimes, they may need to develop multiple versions of a dish for different shots or angles.

Ultimately, their aim is to make the food look as attractive and mouth-watering as possible, to entice potential consumers.

 

Commercial Food Stylist Qualifications and Skills

A commercial food stylist should possess a unique blend of culinary expertise, artistic vision, and marketing skills to create visually appealing food presentations that meet client and audience expectations, such as:

• Culinary skills and food preparation techniques to ensure that the food looks fresh and appetizing
• Artistic ability to arrange food and accessories in a visually appealing manner
• Knowledge of photography and lighting techniques to ensure food looks its best under various conditions
• Understanding of food trends and marketing strategies to create appealing presentations that align with client needs and audience tastes
• Exceptional attention to detail to notice and correct any imperfections in the food or presentation
• Strong communication skills to understand client requests and collaborate effectively with photographers and other team members
• Problem-solving skills to quickly address any issues that may arise during food preparation or styling
• Time management skills to prepare and style food efficiently, often under tight deadlines

 

Commercial Food Stylist Experience Requirements

Commercial Food Stylists often begin their careers with a degree in culinary arts, photography, or a related field.

This typically provides a solid foundation of the necessary skills and aesthetics required in food styling.

Aspiring food stylists usually gain their initial experience through internships or part-time roles in photography studios, advertising agencies, magazines, or culinary establishments.

A hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen can also provide valuable insight into the presentation and preparation of food.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience often have solid portfolios showcasing their food styling work.

This could include both freelance projects and contract work.

Developing a diverse portfolio can be instrumental in demonstrating versatility and a breadth of styling techniques.

Food stylists with more than 3 years of experience are typically more adept at handling the challenges of commercial shoots.

This often includes working under time constraints, collaborating with large teams, and adapting to various lighting and photography techniques.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a significant amount of leadership experience.

They may have worked as lead stylists on various projects, directed photoshoots, or even managed a team of stylists.

At this level, they are often ready for senior or managerial roles in food styling.

 

Commercial Food Stylist Education and Training Requirements

A Commercial Food Stylist should ideally have a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, photography, art, or a related field.

Intensive training in culinary techniques and a strong understanding of various cuisines is essential, and this can be acquired through a formal culinary school or on-the-job experience in the food industry.

Experience in the field of photography, particularly food photography, is also highly advantageous.

This allows the stylist to understand lighting, angles, and other elements that make food look appealing in photos.

In addition to the practical skills of cooking and photography, a Commercial Food Stylist should also have an artistic eye for detail and a strong understanding of aesthetics to style food in a way that makes it visually appealing.

Some Commercial Food Stylists also choose to pursue further specialization courses or workshops in food styling to enhance their skill set and knowledge in the field.

Although not a requirement, a certification in food handling or safety could be an added advantage in this field.

Ultimately, a successful Commercial Food Stylist combines culinary expertise, artistic talent, and technical photography skills to create images that make food look attractive and appetizing.

 

Commercial Food Stylist Salary Expectations

A Commercial Food Stylist earns an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary based on factors such as level of experience, location, and the company they are working for.

Seasoned professionals, especially those with television or film experience, can earn significantly more.

 

Commercial Food Stylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Commercial Food Stylist need?

Commercial Food Stylists need excellent culinary skills, as well as a keen eye for aesthetics, color, and texture.

They need to be creative and have the ability to make food look fresh and appealing, even under harsh lighting or long photoshoots.

Good organizational and time management skills are also important, as is the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

 

Do Commercial Food Stylists need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, having a background in culinary arts, photography, or design can be beneficial for a Commercial Food Stylist.

Some positions may require a degree in these fields, while others might prioritize experience over formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Commercial Food Stylist resume?

A Commercial Food Stylist’s resume should highlight their experience in food preparation and styling, as well as any relevant education or training.

It’s important to look for examples of their work, either through a portfolio or links to projects they’ve worked on.

Also, check for any experience they have working with photographers or on commercial shoots.

 

What qualities make a good Commercial Food Stylist?

A good Commercial Food Stylist is creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about food.

They need to have a good understanding of how different foods react under different conditions, and be able to work quickly and efficiently to prepare and style food before it loses its freshness.

They should also be good at problem-solving, as they will often need to come up with creative solutions to make food look its best.

 

What are the typical duties of a Commercial Food Stylist?

A Commercial Food Stylist is responsible for preparing and arranging food for photography or filming.

This could involve sourcing ingredients, cooking and preparing food, and then arranging it in a visually appealing way.

They may also need to make adjustments to the food during the shoot, and work closely with the photographer to achieve the desired look.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve served up a taste of what it means to be a commercial food stylist.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about arranging food on a plate.

It’s about creating visual masterpieces that entice the senses, one delectable dish at a time.

With our indispensable commercial food stylist job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly prepared to make your move.

But why stop there?

Go gourmet with our job description generator. It’s your next course in crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dish styled is a part of a larger culinary story.

Let’s create that narrative. Together.

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