Last month, we had the privilege of working with the ultimate dream team for a very special #FSTOPstudios project for our Seeing You, Bigger launch.   Today, we are excited to chat with some of the members of the incredibly talented crew, who brought so much creativity, passion, dedication and support to our shoot.

Much love to our friends at Public Office for the beautiful studio space on Sterling Road (opening soon!) and Fitzroy Rentals for the utterly glam pieces.

Michael Stuckless – Photographer (@stuckless)

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?

The most important thing that I have learned in my career is that it is easy to discredit myself. Yes, I am talking about imposter syndrome. It is ever present in my experience but more importantly, I have learned that it always pales in comparison to the support of the people around me. I do my best. The rest follows…

What inspires your work?

It sounds like a cliché, but life inspires my work. For better or for worse, we live a life, and we move through it. Why not make/try to leave a bit of a mark…

What are the top songs on your current playlist?

Currently, I am listening to See Me by Tei Shi, Nabi by Peggy Gou and Pelota by Khruangbin (listen to the Cut a Rug Mix for an equally exciting piece).

What are your favourite things/places about/in Toronto?

A few of my favourite things about Toronto are the diversity of people, and by consequence, the food. Read: Pompette for a cocktail or Godspeed in the East for a great Katsu. If I am in the mood for comfort food 10/10 would recommend Pho Tien Tanh.

Alicia Chan – Makeup Artist (@cakefacedalicia)

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?

The most important thing I’ve learned over the years of being a MUA is that you can never be over prepared or overly-caring. The amount of last-minute things that have gone wrong during shoots or client events: dress zippers break, lashes get burnt off, coffee spills. You really end up being everyone’s therapist when they’re in your makeup chair, and they appreciate the moments of calm and quiet that they get when they’re getting their makeup done. Toothpicks, gum, safety pins, band-aids, tampons, a shoulder to cry on, I learned to pack everything in my kit.

What inspires your work?

Everything. I have been an avid makeup lover since I was six years old, and growing up with an artistic background altered the way I viewed the world. It’s like when you date a photographer and they constantly say “oh this would be a perfect shot” while you two are on a walk. I started to look at architecture, flowers, colours, patterns, and other artwork as inspiration to create a new look. Fine art paintings and other makeup artists’ looks particularly stand out to me when thinking of inspiration.”

What are the top songs on your current playlist?

My favourite genre changes every week, but recently I find myself going back to the 90s and modern Japanese and Korean alternative rock. My boyfriend’s music taste has kind of taken over my playlist too, so I have ended up learning to love rock bands like Queens of the Stone Age (which really catches people off guard when I say I know the song).

What are your favourite things/places about/in Toronto?

My favourite thing about Toronto is overall how kind the people are and the diversity; picking a place for dinner is always hard because there is so much good food and variety. My favourite spot in Toronto is by the water at Ontario Place; I go for bike rides along the lake and watch the sunset during the summer.

Jasmine Merinsky – Hair Artist (@jerkpierogi)

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?

Kindness is always fashionable and always welcome.

What inspires your work?

I go off instinct and what feels right to me.

What are the top songs on your current playlist?

Anyone who knows what love is (will understand) – Irma Thomas, I’ll be- Foxy Brown, Apart- Ricky Blaze, Aleus Rose, Beenie Man

What are your favourite things/places about/in Toronto?

I’m an east ender, and love to spend time outdoors walking the trails around Brickworks park or visiting Riverdale Farm. I find it really helps keep me grounded.

Amber Watkins – Fashion Stylist (@amber__watkins)

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?

That anything creative is subjective, so the key is to trust yourself in your decisions and work with people who value what you bring to the table.

What inspires your work?

I take inspiration from many places. Of course, I look at what’s happening on the runway but I also pay attention to how everyday people style themselves. I use a lot of pop culture references in my editorial work – film, music, etc.

What are the top songs on your current playlist?

I can’t stop listening to the Elton John x Dua Lipa Rocket Man remix! And my friend Priyanka just released her EP called Taste Test and it’s SO good – you should check it out!

What are your favourite things/places about/in Toronto?

I like Parkdale and Dundas West areas for meeting with friends and/or vintage finds. I like the ROM and AGO for when I need some inspiration.

Jennifer Nguyen – Creative Director (@j.n.guyen)

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?

Be a hand raiser. While there’s nothing wrong with waiting for opportunities to come your way; what will get someone ahead is a futuristic mindset to create them. Advocate for yourself in rooms where projects are just starting to brew, reach out to your connections and share your ideas. People will think of you when the time is right.

What inspires your work?

I’m inspired by traditional forms of media like fashion editorials in magazines but also take inspiration from my life experience and how I was never represented in those traditional spreads. Using visual elements and practices familiar in the industry alongside my passion for equity, diversity, and inclusivity, I fuse these two together to produce work where everyone can feel seen. Additionally, I’m inspired by contrasting concepts, nature and anything that feels like falling in love.

What are the top songs on your current playlist?

I’m currently obsessing over James Blakes’  “Famous Last Words”, Jazz Cartier’s “History” and ABBA’s “Don’t Shut Me Down” – My Spotify playlist has range!

What are your favourite things/places about/in Toronto?

Thrifting in the Annex. Coffee in Trinity. People watching by the Harbourfront. The list goes on, but amongst all the small things that I love about Toronto, My favourite is the diversity of the city. I’m never bored or uninspired by the multitude of communities and activities that surround me here.