Education & Inspiration

MODERN's Artist Session 3, a two-day seminar and photo shoot is designed to guide salon owners and stylists on how to create beautiful photos and learn how to get more publicity for themselves or their salons. Attendees develop a portfolio and learn how to break into the freelance hair business.

DETAILS: Day one included a casting with 50 top models and a behind-the-scenes program by photographer Roberto Ligresti and make-up artist David Maderich. Public relations expert Jayne Morehouse presented on how to best utilize the photos for publicity and Russell Halley, president of Halley Resources demonstrated how to put together a "hair book" and present to an agency.

Oribe makes an appearance and poses for pictures with attendees of Artist Session 3.

Oribe, the famed and fabulous hair stylist (and creator of the new Oribe product line), stopped by to meet and greet the 14 artists in attendance and give some tips on session hair styling. "I cannot believe I just got to meet Oribe," said attendee Jill Robertazzi. "It was a dream to meet someone of that caliber."

DIGITAL ERA: Jayne Morehouse told artists to contact editors via e-mail only. "Most rarely answer their phones and some never even listen to their voicemail messages." Russell Halley pointed out that freelance hair stylists are often surprised at the pay range. Hairdressers usually get $75 to do the hair for the cover of Vogue," he said. "On the other hand, I know of one artist that earned $20,000 to do the hair for an advertising campaign."

OWNER PERSPECTIVE: Jose Buitron, owner of the Jose Luis Salon in Austin, Texas, had a great experience at his first Artist Session. "This class was above and beyond all expectations," he said. "It made me more excited about my career than I have been in years. The best photographer in the fashion industry, the best make-up artists, top models to work with and even great clothes from high-end designers-what could be better? I got to enjoy what being a great hairdresser is all about!"

THE GOODY BAG: It has become legendary and is worth more than $1,000. For this session, amazing products were placed in a coveted Oribe carrying case. Included in the bag were products from: Aquage, Art 43, TIGI, Sexy Hair, Bio Ionic, Cat Cosmetics, Catwalk, Comfort Zone, Davines, Denman, FHI Heat, HairUWear, Hot Tools, Joico, Kis (kreative. innovative. smart.), Liquid Style, Minardi, Mirabella, Monroe, Nioxin, OPI, Oribe, Paul Mitchell, Pencil Me In Cosmetics, Phyto, Pravana, Pureology, Redken, Rene Furterer, Rusk, So.Cap USA, Thermafuse and Wella.

Photographer Roberto Ligresti grabs a shot of Jose Buitron as he finishes a model. Make-up artist David Maderich touches up a model. Cosmo Easterly puts the finishing touches on his asymmetrical, avant-garde design. Salvatore Minardi creates an Afro.