Conversations with Erik Staalberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Staalberg.

Erik, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Right out of High School, I started dancing professionally, booking odd gigs wherever I could. Always living out of a suitcase I couldn’t wait to build roots somewhere. After I hung up my tap shoes I moved back to my hometown of Los Angeles to pursue work as a fashion stylist. After realizing the temperature of that industry wasn’t a good fit, I pivoted to prop styling! Everything clicked! I assisted a handful of some senior stylists, all with a different focus. I just felt like interior styling was the most natural for me. I have been hitting the pavement ever since! 8 years and counting…

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is it ever smooth? Being freelance is one of the scariest things in the world but I guess that is what keeps me engaged. Every day is a new day with a new crew and location. I think that keeps me on my toes. The worst part is chasing down payment!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an interior prop stylist. I specialize in the final touches of a home. I often work with interior designers shooting a finished project or home brands that are shooting their products. It becomes second nature to arrange a room to fit a prompt or a story, making sure every detail is thought of. From arranging florals, clearing out visual clutter, and adding decor to round out the image. I think I have a great concept of spatial reasoning due to my dance background. All of those formations we would make in a dance number can be translated into the spacing of items on a coffee table. I also think my knowledge and use of vintage always add a special layer to any project we are shooting.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the last eight years, I have seen a lot of the print magazine world dismantle which was a big slice of what I was doing when I started. I think with the introduction of AI technology will start to take away editorial spreads but as long as there are real homes I should still be in business. Since the pandemic, I have seen a huge swell of the average person caring more and more about how their home looks and represents them. Which I am sure is bolstering the home decor market.

Contact Info:

• Website: erikkennethstaalberg.com
• Instagram: @erikkennethstaalberg

Image Credits
Image 1: Chad Mellon Image 2: Shade Degges Image 3: Nicole LaMottte Image 4: Shade Degges