LEVEL 1 – 2
At Levels 1 & 2 you are working backstage at a show—Level 2 you are the lead for the team. To get from Level 1-2 to 3 & 4 you need to focus on your technical skills and invest in the right tools to be the best you can. As an artist, the people who stand out quickest are team members that are strong finishers. This works well because whether you’re supporting a colorist or cutter/designer, both works will be enhanced by having you, a stronger finisher, working on their team.

LEVEL 3 – 4
At Level 3 & 4 you are doing demo stages at shows, where  people walk by while artists demonstrate techniques. What gets you from a 3 – 4 to a 5 & 6 is your ability to articulate your message, stop a crowd and ultimately have them make a purchase at the sales booth because of what you are sharing. Best investment: wardrobe, for you and your models. Make sure you and your work stands out in the right way, representing the brand and image of your work.

LEVEL 5 – 6
At Level 5 & 6 you are doing classrooms at regional shows. There are 75 – 250 people per class, most have driven up to four hours to get to the show and if they are staying over night it is usually to hang out and have fun with their friends after the show. At this level people are starting to know who you are, because you’ve probably taught a class in their salon. What gets you from a 5 – 6 to a 7 & 8 is becoming a brand. The best investment now is a PR person that can get your name in magazines, so people know who you are, what you do and where they can see you.

LEVEL 7–8
Once, I had a friend call and say, “I want to be a national artist—what does that mean?” What it means is people are now flying to see you, instead of you having to always fly to see them. At a Level 7 & 8 people are now buying a ticket for a show/education and booking because your picture is on the brochure. Examples are national shows like Americas Beauty Show, Premiere or a destination event. People sign up for the class because you are teaching, but remember, if the room is empty, it is also because you are teaching. What gets you from a 7 – 8 to a 9 & 10 is you become an industry icon.

LEVEL 9 – 10
You are a master. It could say, "Anthony Mascolo using water, Trevor Sorbie styling hair with air or Vivienne Mackinder using a comb" and I would buy a ticket. Up to Level 9 – 10 many times you are preaching to the choir because the salon professionals attending also use the products/tools you are working with while sharing. When you reach a 9 – 10 you are beyond product or tool and have become an icon within our industry.

I have shared this with many friends who are now recognized artists teaching throughout the world. The key is to be honest with yourself, figure out your level and go for it, because the world is waiting for you.

In September, I will be hosting our studio’s first workshop:

HairColor 2.0 – Artist Success WorkShop
Learn How To Brand, Plan and Budget for Your Success

WHO - Any artist or potential artist up to Level 6

WHAT – A 2-day seminar to help you define your brand of education, learn how to balance salon life, personal and travel teaching, budget for growth and how to market yourself to do what you want to do.

WHERE – patrick mcivor color studio, 310 Stoke Park, Bethlehem, PA

WHEN – October 17 & 18 - (Sunday 10 – 5, Monday 9 – 4)

PRICE - $295 (early registration before September 1, $350 after 9/1) includes – continental breakfast Sunday & Monday, Dinner Sunday Night, WorkBook and 2 Days of WorkShops

REGISTRATION: Call Lindsay Taylor at 610-882-1081 - Seating limited. For more information, email patrickm_colorstudio@me.com



Patrick McIvor is the artistic color director with Matrix – the leading professional haircare and haircolor company in the United States and part of the L’Oreal USA Professional Products Division. He owns patrick mcivor color studio (Bethlehem, PA) and studio two (Allentown, PA) – the two hottest hair studios in the Lehigh Valley. As one of the most respected colorists in the industry, McIvor mentors his team by involving them in runway work at New York Fashion Week; fashion/beauty editorial shoots and interviews with publications like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Real Simple, Seventeen, Family Circle and Allure (editors named him best colorist in the USA); and television segments on “The 10! Show”/NBC Channel 10, WFMZ “Channel 69 News” and “Good Housekeeping Reports.” His studio provides stellar hair services inspired by international cosmopolitan influences such as fashion, cultural and global trends. In other words, guests leave with beautiful, sexy believable hair. McIvor is also featured in the book “50 Hairstylists.”