John Simpson

Artist, salon owner and international educator John Simpson pushes the limits with his innovative approach to color.

Although he's a master of all of his crafts, award-winning artist John Simpson is renowned for his contributions in color. He nabbed the NAHA Colorist of the Year title in 2008 and was a finalist in the Canadian Mirror Awards for International Stylist of the Year. A design-enthusiast, Simpson inspires and intrigues us with his balance of discipline fused with the avant-garde.

John Simpson

Q: Of all your skills, which one truly defines you?
A: My stage presence is who I am. I love a show and a story, but ultimately every component of that is what makes me 'me.'

Q: What type of style are you renowned for?
A: Tying in the avant-garde with classics. This gives new identity to the pure and the classic. I've always been a bit of an odd duck. As a kid I was a mix of Boy George, Madonna, The Cure and Prince-all in one. My work is a conglomeration of all those personas!

Q: What inspires you?
A: I'm a huge design junkie, so I draw from the beauty of architecture, automobiles and fashion to create new color and shapes.

Q: What turns you on most about educating onstage?
A: I love the interaction between people and I vibe off my audience. Whenever the group is excited, it really fuels me. I call it 'edutainment.' Timing is everything-I drop funny bombs when I know the audience is with me.

Q: You also have your own education company. What makes it special?
A: Johncsimpson.com is my private show and I give lectures around the globe. I create what the world sees in fashion and trends. I put a lot of inspiration and motivation in what I do.

Q: What advice can you provide to other professionals?
A: Determine what your story is. Ask yourself what you have to share with the industry and why you're doing it. You gain respect if you have a great story. I'd also advise them to never to give up…never!

Q: We're approaching the fall season. What's your take on it?
A: I love that we're seeing the return of the late 80s and early 90s. Old school Madonna meets "Dynasty" with sophistication. For hair, there's a focus on finish.

Q: Who do you admire?
A: I am a hybrid dork-I'm disciplined, but I'm so over the top. I admire Annie Humphreys as a classic artist and Tina Farey from RUSH Hair as a rule breaker. There's not one person I'm trying to emulate; I'm just being me. I have 12 voices in my head and I translate them in my own way.

Q: If you weren't in the beauty industry, what would you be?
A: An architect. I would design really twisted buildings that have lots of color and shape. They would look great, but who knows if they would be practical.

Q: What is your personal mantra?
A: Life is not a dress rehearsal. Live it, love it and create it.