In the Spotlight
Layton, Utah-based Salon Tantrum's award winning creative director and Matrix artistic director Chrys Benson, teamed up with beauty photographer Joseph Cartright to host a two-day educational shoot at Go Studios in New York City's iconic Fashion District.
The "Visionary Icon" shoot, which was limited to 10 students, was open to stylists eager to learn the entire beauty creation process-from concept creation to storyboards, types of shoots, model selection and the photography process, to fashion styling, retouching and nabbing coverage in topnotch magazines.
With a focus on portfolio-building, Benson and Cartright stressed that the creative process actually begins with building a truly innovative concept. The portfolio represents a stylist's "brand" and demonstrates what he or she is capable of achieving. "It tracks where you have been and where you need to grow," says Benson.
Benson and Cartright provided some useful information on generating press and selecting photos, and invited HOT to join in. Together, they recommended sending press releases out on a regular basis, and reviewed what it is that really makes a photo work. Regardless of style preferences, a compelling photo will always engage the viewer. "What you want is an image that is interesting to look at rather than one that just focuses on hair," says Cartright.
Armed with lots of valuable information and professional insight, we know it won't be long before these talented stylists start winning prestigious awards and making headlines.
Disaray Collection |
Media Minded
Benson and Cartright offer some tips on their craft.
- Only put your best work forward. One great image speaks louder than five mediocre images
- Create a Social Fan Page on Facebook rather than a personal page that highlights your career achievements
- Remember that editorials are free marketing
- Invest in fashion forward and trend setting magazines
- Participate in pro-bono and charity work
- Create test shoots as a way of developing relationships
- Mentor someone
Next Class: Visionary Icon will be held again April 2-3 2012 in New York City.
A Class Act
Aspiring star stylists share their thoughts on the Visionary Icon class.
Greta Coston, a stylist with 16 years of experience behind the chair, took the recent Visionary Icon class in New York City and plans to take the upcoming class in Utah. "Joseph and Chrystofer are a dream team-from world renowned photographer to world renowned hairstylist-they are a fantastic, wicked combination," says Coston. "I think the class is a must-have for any portfolio."
Sean Hayes of the Matrix Artistic Design Team says the Visionary Icon class took him through the whole process of doing a photo shoot. "It's not just about doing hair, but having a team around you to capture your vision and make it all work."
Salon owner Jennifer Llanas also gained some valuable insight from the class. "Previously when I did photo shoots, I didn't do concept boards. At the class we learned to select the team-from fashion to makeup to where the shoot will take place. I really enjoyed working with this incredibly talented team and learning to style for the camera," says Llanas.