The infamous Robert Rufino, Style Director of House Beautiful Magazine, joins us for an exceptional episode of Inside Design. Robert opens the show explaining how Covid inspired him to reach out to designers and do something extraordinary for them. So, Robert started doing thirty-minute portfolio sessions; he gives designers the gift of time. Then, Robert speaks about why professional photography is so important. After shooting, the film needs to have a certain mystique. Plus, Robert explains why hiring a stylist is absolutely necessary and the importance of collaboration on any shoot.

In This Episode:

• [00:40] About Robert Rufino and his thirty-minute portfolio sessions. 

• [09:00] When Robert is looking at a project, he is looking for a message. 

• [15:50] Professional photography is so important; the film has to have mystery, surprise, and it needs to look unique. 

• [25:00] Robert reveals one of the most unique and memorable shoots that he did.

• [28:20] What Robert wanted to be when he grew up.  

• [36:40] Collaboration is critical on a shoot; Robert tells a story of collaboration when shooting Tiffany's in 1996. 

• [38:50] What Robert has up his sleeve as we enter this new age of 2021.

Key Takeaways:

• Portfolios should have a surprise element that the reader is going to learn something from -  the reader should want to be in that room.

• A portfolio should inspire you to rip out a page, put it in your folder, or pin it up on your bulletin board.

• Hire a stylist; your photos will be 100 times better if you match a good photographer with a stylist. 

• You never know where a good idea is going to come from when you’re on a shoot; collaboration is critical.

Meet Robert Rufino

Robert is a native New Yorker. His career began at Henri Bendel where he was in charge of window presentation and store design. From there, he ventured into the world of magazines. He has worked for Elle magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Taxi and the New York Times. Robert was also the Vice President of creative services worldwide at Tiffany & Co. For thirteen years. After that, he worked for House Beautiful, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, and Elle Décor. For the last two years, Robert has been the Style Director at House Beautiful Magazine.

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therobertrufino/

Portfolio Review: styledirector@housebeautiful.com