Style to Set

Callie Blount
  • 5.0 (2)
  • VISUAL ARTS

A behind-the-scenes look at the creative humans that make the stunning visuals for cookbooks, commercials, magazines, movies, television series, billboards, drive-thru menus--to name a few! Food stylists, prop stylists, set decorators/builders, art directors, videographers and photographers are interviewed and highlighted. We tell stories, teach skills, and laugh along the way! If you're interested in this field, or just stumbled across this podcast, give it a chance. Because we all deserve credit where credit is due!

Episodes

  1. OCT 8

    Episode 11: Fadwa Ward, Photographer + Producer: A Spectrum of Experiences with a Wildly Generous Heart

    Fadwa Ward is spectacular- and the spectrum of experience she’s accrued is phenomenal.  She’s worked for high-end commercial clients and on music videos around the world. She's tackled capturing everyone from models to puppies to corporate firms. But my favorite thing about Fadwa is her trust and her motivation.  She epitomizes an embrace of the unknown, as she confesses, at the beginning of her career in the music publishing world, she had no idea she was a creative and was completely convinced she would never be an artist.  Oh, how things have changed, due in part to Fadwa’s internal drive. We chat about how she landed her first production coordinator role by tweeting the company she wanted to work for constantly, and how that role set her up for the success she enjoys now. It taught her to understand timelines and deliverables, and about how long, detailed and organized the creative process must be to make something magical happen; about how good it is to be in a place where you are learning all of the things. And how hard, and how beneficial, it is to us when we take blind leaps of faith toward doors that seem to be opening.  Flash forward only nine years later, and Fadwa's thriving. We discuss production houses versus agencies. She chats about lessons learned while producing a WILD shoot in the Dominican Republic for King and Country, including navigating a torrential downpour in a remote village in the jungle, and how her team created non-existent shoes for a Brooks running commercial. We finish with why crew people are her favorite people. Because, like Fadwa says, at the end of the day, people are the only thing that matters, and you can see it in every ounce of her work. I think you are gonna love this episode and be inspired to find ownership in your own work and business, for the better. Enjoy! ***** Show notes: Fadwa’s website  Fadwa’s Instagram For King and Country music video: for KING + COUNTRY - WORLD ON FIRE with Taylor Hill (Official Music Video) Fadwa’s passion project, Woven in Wonder Donate to Woven in Wonder here

    47 min

  2. SEP 17

    Episode #10: Culinary Innovator, Food Stylist and Recipe Genius Nicola Davis

    Washington, D.C.-based food stylist and recipe developing genius Nicola Davis is the fizz to our soda, a literal bucket of creative stars. She just makes everything better. TRULY. She is not only one of my food-styling favorites, she is a fantastic recipe developer and culinary innovator, and I could not be more thrilled to talk to her about what her creative process looks like and how her South African roots, work in menu design, intellect, and joyful capacity for tenacious work make her a stand-out in our industry. In her brilliant words, “A recipe developer takes the heart and the instinct of how to cook food and it makes it accessible to everybody.” That is Nicola- clear, concise, and bold- confessing that her North Star is always abundance and kindness. She is flavor, she is zest- she brings out the best in the world around her and in other creative humans.  We also talk about how tenacity will get you everywhere, and delve deep into the value of assisting and serving other food stylists; about the fact that it not only helps you make connections and leads to new clients, but that there is always, always more to learn. Didn't know Korean corn dogs were a trend? We discuss. And not to be outdone, we of course must talk about Nicola’s bangs. I am telling you- they are the most fabulous bangs I’ve ever seen on set, so I get the low-down on how to style them myself.  Sit back, relax and prepared to be both inspired and at ease listening to Nicola. She just makes everything better. *** Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube! *** Nicola's article on LinkedIn Oolie foods project with Sara Rounsavall One of our favorite agencies of all time, Creative Energy Science-brained Stylist Sara Rounsavall Prize-winning ART made by Nicola and Peggy Nicola’s Instagram Nicola’s website: https://sageagainstthetagine.com/ Nicola’s Etsy Nicola’s bang scissors:

    47 min

  3. SEP 10

    Episode #8: Andrea Fanning, 20+ years Boundless Creator, Prop Master, Art Director, and Set Designer

    Oh, what a JOY Ande (*nickname!) Fanning is! Based in Woodstock, GA with her husband and rescue pup Marshal, Ande is a writer’s heart with a rainbow of creative skills, wrapped in contagious positivity. For over 20 years, Ande has had more jobs on set than anyone I know- art director, prop stylist, producer, wardrobe stylist, set decorator, production designer, content producer, writer, editor- you name it, she’s done it, and done it well. She's worked with everyone from Kacey Musgraves to Snoop Dogg to Campbell's soup.  In this episode she generously shares her wisdom in career pivots and embracing peace in calamity, but also shares how grief, and processing it with creativity, helps her hold onto beauty.  We chat about knowing when something is really complete on set: when is that dish, that outfit, that set- really good enough, and we can stop overdoing ourselves? What does we do when the basement where we are supposed to be shooting an indie film floods overnight?! And how on earth do we use these experiences to make us nimble, not cynical? Ande carries us through each of these topics like movements in a symphony, in her graceful, writer's cadence. There are highs and lows in life, she explains- but what better world is there to be in, than one that sees it all- chaotic, wet-paint  sets; sucking water out of a basement; a holiday gin and juice- as an "adventure in the great wide somewhere." As beautiful moments for the taking.  Brilliant. ***** Check out the Ande's full episode on YouTube  ***** You can find Ande @theglimmertrain on Instagram  Ande's amazing website  The Baskin Robbins photos!

    44 min

  4. SEP 3

    Episode 8, Rebecca Denton: Food & Lifestyle Photographer, Mom, and Unafraid Creative

    Based in Nashville, food and lifestyle photographer Rebecca Denton has been running her own business for over a decade, but was never afraid to do things at her own speed, or let fear get the best of her. One of my all time favorite quotes of Style to Set so far is hers- “So I was a little scared, but more than being scared, I wanted to do it. Or I want it more than I fear it.” She took motherhood and boundaries just as seriously as her craft, and it paid off. Formerly the lead food photographer at Cracker Barrel, and now the lead photographer and creative director at Budget Bytes- her ability to tell a story with lighting and quiet confidence epitomizes her work. She has a magnetic creative ability to immerse you into the moment and invite you to linger- whether it’s a plate of steaming pasta, butter pecan sticky buns or a little girl in a farmer’s hat, holding a gorgeously giant-feathered hen. She epitomizes grace, humility- everything good in this world. We talk about how creative work isn’t a straight line, and if there is something worth tending to, it is worth prioritizing- and sacrificing for. We dish the dirt on what it’s like to shoot for Cracker Barrel, and the WILD difference between shooting food and people. And on a lighter note, there was that one time we both got lost in the woods and a man on a reclining bicycle helped us find our way home. So I almost pee my pants talking about that too. :) Rebecca also teaches food photography at Nossi College Of Art & Design and is a regular contributor to Edible Nashville magazine.  ***** Watch the FULL episode on YouTube  **** The leap to food photos;  Dite Issager : https://www.ditteisager.dk/ See Rebecca’s beautiful work and how every picture tells a story: https://rebeccadentonphotography.com/

    52 min

  5. AUG 27

    Episode #7: Loren Maring: Branding Mastermind, Stylist & Art Director: A Diamond in the Light

    This week we chat with Loren Maring, a literal diamond in the creative space whose talent knows no limit. Now based in New Braunfels, Texas, hear her wild stories from working in fashion design (Ralph Lauren’s hunting lodge anyone?!); see the actual sketches she did for Florida Georgia Line for their Super Bowl performance; and relive your intern days as she shares about literally beating up denim as a job.  Her litany of roles is as diverse as her skills. Her newest business venture, House of Loren, has produced art direction, prop styling, and photography for the likes of Stetson and Sunshine Tienda, the world’s most colorful and fabulous accessories company (i.e. JOY on a platter!). She shares about implementing storefront design and merchandising for Ralph Lauren during her stint in New York, and how through that experience, she learned when enough is enough. Oh, and did we mention, she actually worked a food shoot or two with yours truly? It was all a part of her path to refining and defining who she is- and isn’t- as an artist, and what brands and people she wants to work with. And one more million dollar question she tackles- how do you know if you are actually good-or not good- at something? Lauren gives us some tough love and great advice. Truly a gem of an episode. Loren is also the BRILLIANT mastermind behind Style to Set’s branding, logo and art direction. We can’t thank you ENOUGH Loren!! **** See Loren in all her brilliance on YouTube  **** Show notes: How to hire Loren:  *Club Monaco! That’s the brand Loren was mentioning about New York *Loren's Etsy shop

    53 min

  6. AUG 20

    Episode #6: D'Mytrek Brown, Food Styling Legend, Lifetime Chef, & Never Gonna Quit

    Ok, D’mytrek Brown is a LEGEND. With a capital L. A classically trained chef based in Atlanta, Georgia, he has been in the food world since he was 15 ( a looooong time, y'all). His clients include heavy-hitters like Chickfila, Delta, Starkist Tuna, Bon Appetit, and Publix. And I’ll be honest- I was intimated to interview him because he is so excellent. His website says it exactly as he is: technique, passion and precision: If you want your food to look as good as it tastes, hire D'Mytrek. But he's also so much more than just skill. He is one of the kindest, most joy-filled stylists I have ever worked with. He's so generous with his talents, in fact, that we share the story of the time I had no clue what I was doing and he de-boned a giant fish before my very eyes in oh, five minutes. He's a wizard technically, excelling in all things culinary skills-related. And he is a daaang good story teller, having perfected the art of being a great hang on set.  Just like his motto, though, D'Mytrek is always giving back, and today he shares his hard fought, passionate wisdom as we chat about all things aging, making food look as good as it tastes, and how every marketing agency wants to book an outdoor shoot in the South in July. Bless. ***** Check out the FULL video episode here ***** Show notes: D'Mytrek's website is exquisite Iain Bagwell

    38 min

  7. AUG 13

    Episode #5: Sara Rounsavall: Food Stylist & Scientist + Why Food Styling Isn't Fake

    Sara Rounsavall is a LEGEND. Not only has she has worked with big-name clients like Papa John’s and KFC, she also carries a deep love for her community of Kentucky, and has used her gifts tirelessly to make beautiful work for her state.  We also collectively dismantle the myth that food styling is "fake" and delve into the real artistry and expertise it takes to create a very real, very mouthwatering burger. I love her art-meets-science brain, her passion, her persistence, her tactile learning style- and all she can teach us about constantly bringing our best. We laugh a lot- and dream about a restaurant run by stylists called “Don’t Come Hungry!" If you need to know which whipped cream substitute to use on set, or what you should always keep in your kit-this is the episode for you. Sara is an expert on being prepared, and we 100% geek-out on food science, how food styling found her, and all things nitty gritty when it comes to executing on set. **** Watch the FULL episode on YouTube  **** Show notes: Sara's website How to hire Sara THAT CAKE! Kyle Dreier Rich's whipped topping

    28 min

  8. AUG 5

    Style to Set, Episode 4: The Queen of Christmas and ALL things Set Decorating, Ashley Amezcua

    It’s CHRISTMAS in August you guys and I have to introduce you to one of my favorite Southern, creative-powerhouse ladies and neighbors, Ashley Amezcua.  Talk about arriving with bells on, Ashley was gracious enough to film the VERY FIRST episode of Style to Set with me, while it was 10 degrees outside, and my children were watching Paw Patrol in the background. Ashley is not only the Queen of Christmas (we address this in the episode), she is a dynamically talented creative human being and problem solver. She is so good at what she does- from working as an art director, set decorator, producer and prop stylist to leading countless feature films, and commercials in the art world. But it wasn't easy, and Ashley fought a hard fight to get here. Starting in college doing live events for Peruvian pan flute players, she began styling before the internet WAS A THING- Craigslist, stories, anyone?- and on her first job, as asked to handle a literal SNAKE. Her resourcefulness and creative use of space knows no bounds.  We talk about our LOVE of Nashville and the freedom it offers to creatives like ourselves. We chat about a typical day in as a prop stylist and get into the nitty gritty of where to find an actual jury box for set, y’all! I truly can’t tell you what peace it brings me to know that I have such a smart creative friend right down the way. I think you are going to LOVE this episode, it's a note-taker! ******** Show notes: A website that will knock your socks off- https://ashleyamezcua.com/ For those of you who don’t know- Craiglist  Art Dogs: http://artdogsprops.com/ Spark: https://sparkvintagerentals.com/ ***** Check out this FULL episode on YouTube ****** Contact Ashley here

    27 min

  9. JUL 29

    Episode #3, Nick Bumgardner: Photographer + Professor + Founder: Just Do It, Y'all.

    Just do it, y’all. I know as people we can let fear of criticism stop us in our tracks (anyone else raising their hand in the air?!) In this episode, Nick Bumgardner- crazy good photographer, professor, and co-founder of Reactor Media, a large-scale food and photography business- shares how his impetus to just go for it and take risks put him in a position to create amazing things and excel. He teaches us to actually ask for criticism and welcome the response and act on it. Whether it was finding a mentor, landing big clients from Saks to O'Charley's to Reba McEntire, or taking criticism and using it to become better, Nick blazed a trail with grit and background research.  We can all learn from Nick- he became a photographer before the internet was a thing. Instead of going to prom, he bought a camera. He’s shot literally thousands of food photos. He always wanted to get better, and you feel that quiet confidence when you are around him. He teaches with excellence and consistency. Aannnd- Mic-drop moment when Nick said “Art (only) shines when it’s shared with people.” ******** Watch the FULL video episode in all it's glory on YouTube ******** Show notes! Michael Gomez Scott FineRaw beef on Nick’s siteReba McEntire cookbookReactor MediaVivian Maier 1950’s photographer Nossi College of Art and Design

    40 min

  10. JUL 22

    Episode #2: Emily Pierce, Limitless Creative Producer + Art Director + Stylist: Let’s Get Un-Comfy

    Gah we love Emily Pierce! She is SO talented, so epic in countless ways, but one of our favorite things about her is that she consistently challenges the way things “should be done.” She has delved into- and succeeded in- countless areas of art: graphic design, prop styling, screens producing for people like Dude Perfect and Pitbull; set building, art directing, lighting design, to name a few. She is the BEST brainstormer you will encounter. And in this episode of Style to Set, we chat about why school doesn’t teach you all you need to know about being an artist, and how sometimes the best thing is to be really uncomfortable. Like, the unknown level of discomfort. Because like Emily says in this episode, beauty is being open to the process and to not having the answer. Join us as we embrace the mystery and delve into the creative process with Emily. Also, not to worry- we have already invited her to do another episode soooo stay tuned! **** Show Notes: Emily's titles include:  Creative Producer + Art Direction + Screens Producer (Dude Perfect); Content Creative + Art Direction + Screens Producer for Pitbull (Trilogy Tour)Art direction and set-building for Baddie WinkleBaddie's purple couchCreative Director for Maren Morris's Dreamiscle album cycle and upcoming tour- just to name a few!Foster the People*** Check this FULL episode on YouTube* *featuring Emily's work live and in color!

    25 min

  11. JUL 15

    Episode 1: Loren Wood, Food Stylist: We "Frankenstein-ed" That Thing

    Sometimes in life, you just have to go for it. And this is ESPECIALLY the case in the high-pressure world of food styling. Like the old adage, you never know until you try- you actually really DON'T know until you try. And let’s be real- stepping out there can be terrifying. It’s h-e-double-pretzel-sticks-a risky. But, a lot of the time- it works out.  In this episode we highlight the most amazing mom and hardest working food stylist we know- Loren Wood. Her story of transformation is inspiring- from working as the pastry chef at a James Beard award-winning restaurant to now serving clients that range from Coca-cola to Chick-fil-A to Hammer Stahl and pretty much every single magazine you can think of. She shares about the mistakes she made;  the cake she Frankensteined together during a windstorm; how the courage she developed through the excellence food styling led her to overcome self-doubt, and when you just aren't sure, check the lighting. :) Let’s open our minds and hearts to gain wisdom and courage from Loren’s story. I’m hoping it will make us all a little braver in our creative work today. This is a great episode for someone looking to get into food styling or who just needs a creative career boost. Welcome to Style to Set:) Check out Loren on IG @lorenwood.foodstyling ****** Show Notes: Who is Frank Stitt? https://highlandsbarandgrill.com/about/The amazing Tami Hardeman: https://tamihardeman.com/ Hoffman media titles: https://www.hoffmanmedia.com/magazines/Want to hire Loren? https://www.instagram.com/lorenwood.foodstyling?igsh=MXdnMGNheHNpbTFrbQ==***** Want to check out this episode on YouTube? Click here!  *****

    39 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A behind-the-scenes look at the creative humans that make the stunning visuals for cookbooks, commercials, magazines, movies, television series, billboards, drive-thru menus--to name a few! Food stylists, prop stylists, set decorators/builders, art directors, videographers and photographers are interviewed and highlighted. We tell stories, teach skills, and laugh along the way! If you're interested in this field, or just stumbled across this podcast, give it a chance. Because we all deserve credit where credit is due!

Information

  • Creator
    Callie Blount
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Style to Set
  • Show Website
    Style to Set