On May 12, 2016 at the Wella Studio in Woodland Hills, CA, Sebastian Professional Global Art Directors, Michael Polsinelli and Shay Dempsey, shared a peek inside their creative process and a look at their latest collaboration, a collection they call Dark Armor.  Entitled BrainWerx, the evening program discussed the journey of discovery they traveled together as artists, hairdressers and friends as they went from concept to creation.  The two busy road warriors discussed their realization that without exploring their interior worlds and what excites them, they would not be able to bring any of that enthusiasm back to their work with stylists and for Sebastian.  Dark Armor,  a collection of beautifully constructed hair head pieces, pays homage to the designers and architects that inspired them. The wearable works of art shared the stage with their makers.

ON THE ‘WHY’

“You can’t be afraid of putting yourself out there to be judged.  In order to move forward, you have to expose your weaknesses.”

Michael

“It’s a personal project and a journey for us. We need an outlet and the ability to explore other work to stay inspired, and then to share that with others.”

Shay

“You have to make a promise to yourself to have that escapism and project just for yourself.”

Michael

ON INSPIRATION

"We’re asked, ‘Where do you get your inspiration?’ You can’t be creative unless you’re inspired by something. You have to be open, to be plugged in and receptive."

Michael

“It comes from without not from within.  It’s something you’ve seen.  You need the ability to look at something as multi-dimensional, from a 360’ view."

Shay

ON CREATIVITY

“If the mindset isn’t right, it’s very hard to be inspired.  Inside has to be right, too. We all are so busy and our lives so hectic that we need to give ourselves time to shut it down.”

Shay

“It’s such a big word, creativity, and we throw it around too loosely. In order to become creative, you have to do something.  It’s the process.”

Michael

On research for the project: “We rarely go on trends, we tend to go on impulse and intuition.  It has to resonate with us.”

Michael

On taking this back to the salon: “It’s more about what you take back for yourself than for the client. It’s reminding you to keep working and to share your ideas and your process.”

Shay

On tools used: “Super Glue is our friend.  And everybody’s got to have a Dremel.”

Michael

Final words:  “You can’t be afraid of mistakes.  Sometimes you just have to bin it.”

Shay

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