Meet Buckley Sampson | Image Consultant and Stylist for Actors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Buckley Sampson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Buckley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Being a working actor and also working in casting I saw something missing in how actors were presenting themselves at auditions and in headshots. Being a good actor was simply not enough. One needs to know their personal brand, and pay attention to what they were selling, and how to dress for that part. I saw so many actors simply not dressing for the audition whether it was commercial or a theatrical. I’ve always strived to bring my A-game in terms of wardrobe to audition opportunities and thus (thankfully!) booked A LOT of jobs. I thought I could make a difference for actors by empowering them in the process so then I created a fun outlet (side-hustle if you will) that filled my down time and put some good in the actors world. I started asking my peers If I could style them for their auditions, headshots, lifestyle shoots, and anything else I could. The more actors I consulted the more referrals I got and soon I needed to really organize because I had so many requests! So then I simply committed to creating IMAGE BY BUCKLEY for actors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I am most proud of is that I empower my clients. I consult every one with honesty, integrity, and passion.

My business might be called Image-By-Buckley but my clients are my calling cards; they are the stars.

When actors know their brand and then dress for it they can feel empowered in their choices…and I believe that I give them the tools to do just that! I’m naturally a curious and inquisitive snoop…I’m a research guru! I scored high in library skills! I’m grateful I’ve been able to adapt my quirky interests to this industry. I am proud to be totally in it with my clients. Every actor has their unique backstory, goals, hardships, and successes and it’s truly a big challenge for me to adapt to each individual!

I’m constantly learning from every single consultation and take a stand for my clients and give them my all. Pursuing acting is cynical, tough, and highly competitive but I feel I play a small yet critical role for my clients to be confident. To be champions. To succeed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d take a friend on a Mid Century adventure in LA. When he/she/they arrived at LAX we’d hit Pann Restaurant, a classic 1950’s coffee shop…think pancakes.
Then we’d put on our sneakers and head to the The Brush Canyon Trail to see the striking views of the city and the iconic Hollwood sign. For dinner we’d hit the ever classic Musso & Frank Grill for martinis and timeless American cuisine at Hollywood’s oldest eatery celebrating 100 years in business! Walk off our dinner on Hollywood Blvd and see the extensive Walk of Fame established in 1960 (your average joe doesn’t know just how enormous this sight is!).

Next day we would take a tour of The Stahl House (also known as a Case Study House #22) It’s a modernist-styled house designed by architect Pierre Koenig in 1960’s perched above the Hollywood Hills. Lunch at Casa Vega L.A.’s old school Mexican-American restaurant build in the late 1950’s in the San Fernando Valley. Then a scenic drive to my husbands favorite LA landmark: The Griffith Observatory and its space-science attractions and the stunning views of Los Angeles and the ‘sign’. Then a quick clean up and drinks and enjoy the entertainment of Marty and Elayne at the Dresden Room. They have been performing there for the last 38 years!!! My fave: Muskrat Love.

Next day Porto’s Bakery in Burbank for cuban goodies like potato balls or cheese rolls. Vintage shopping up and down Magnolia Blvd in Burbank. Then a fun Italian dinner at the classic Dan Tana established in 1965.

Next day Beach and sunscreen. A beautiful drive up PCH to El Matador Beach in Malibu. Then dinner at the ruff and tumble The Old Place Cornell established in 1970. Maybe a wine tasting next door at Cornell Winery & Tasting Room.

Then my guest would go home (prolly exhausted by this point!)…..4 days is plenty of time to see LA!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my ‘passion for fashion’ to my mother Patrcia Mary. She is and will always be a purveyor of fashion, style, and grace. Anyone who meets Patrica Mary is immediately embraced and has her full attention. I, as her daughter, feel that she taught me to connect, listen and fully connect with people. I feel that my success is her success and she is my fashion inspiration.

A very big shutout to my two very talented and beautiful assistants: Emma Mercier and Joi McCoy (featured in the photos)

I would also like to give a shoutout to my beloved husband, Andrew. When I found you, my life took flight and you were my home. I have never looked back and I love our life we are continually creating together. xoxo.

Website: www.imagebybuckley.com

Instagram: Image By Buckley