I hear you on trying 2 professions at once! That would be nerve wracking. Anyway, I got another response on my MTS thread. She had some pretty good advice:
The stylist profession, if not some or all the professions, does have a realistic XP (experience) status. Just like in real life, you do not start off something completely being new to you and be a master at it. You make mistakes, a lot of mistakes and you learn from it and improve all the time until you're at a level where you are a seasoned professional. So basically, the progression from being inexperienced to being experienced through studying, hard work and on-the-job training over time.
"The Discuss Fashion social--given only to Stylists--helps start the makeover on a positive note. Note: At level 6 Stylists receive the Give Fashion Advice social, which helps other Sims find temporary new looks. Appreciative Sims then have a higher LTR (Long Term Relationship) with the Stylist. Once your Sim reaches level 3 of the Stylist profession, jobs outside the salon are unlocked. Now, you can use map view during work hours to identify clients around town in need of makeovers. Click on their houses to go straight there. Before digging into the Makeover (now available as an interaction/social on the target Sim), be sure to get the client in a good mood. Female clients may also request new make-up. ---You do not need to alter every category of make-up to satisfy this request, but address at least three make-up features before completing the makeover." -The Sims 3: Ambitions Prima Game Guide
-The client needs to be in a good mood. A simple, 'Ask about Day' social will help in gauging their current mood. Of course, if you are one who plays with hideheadlineeffects on then unless you turn it off, that interaction or other visual cues won't be useful since you wouldn't see it. Also, sometimes in the upper right corner it will give a description of their mood after your Sim asked.
-Befriending clients helps but is not what solely determines whether the Stylist does a good or bad job.
-All client's requests should be met before completing the makeover.
-The more successful makeovers and fulfilling the portifolio, the more success to offer makeovers to non-clients to gain more XP and simoleons.
-If I remember correctly, just changing the color/patterns of what the client is already wearing does not count as new.
-Use the draft table to research fashion for XP as well.
Stylist Responsibilities
-Take styling jobs
-Earn money by styling other Sims
-Research style
The more XP gained, the more successful makeovers will become. Or so, that's my observation.
I didn't know about turning the headlines on. I'll have to try that.
