THE EVENT: ARTIST SESSION, MODERN’s photoshoot workshop, held this spring at the Takara Belmontshowroom, 17 West 56th Street, NYC, just three blocks from Central Park and across the street from Museum Of Modern Art. 

DETAILS: The two-day ARTIST SESSION included inspiration and guidance from top session artists. Award winning and Skyfall Academy founder Nicholas French (along with Vivienne Mackinder) shared some of his favorite images and then demonstrated several of his famed styling techniques. Roberto Ligresti guided artists on how-to look at the hair while on set and then NAHA Makeup Artist Of the Year David Maderich chatted about model selection (more than eighty models showed up for the casting, making that selection very difficult for the attendees.) Day two is always the favorite for every artist of every session. Each attendee had several hours to create an inspired look on the model which was accented by professional makeup, nail art (thank you Julie Kandalec who used essie on all of the models) and gorgeous fashion, selected by the artist and then styled by top fashionstylist Rod Novoa.

HIGHLIGHTS: The entire group was invited to spend time at the MODERN studio at Youtube on the 6th floor above Chelsea Market on 9th Avenue. There Kris Sorbie demonstrated a fresh look on one of her ks Mannequin Heads. While at the studio, attendees learned more about best practices and then had an opportunity to create their own videos for their own social media platforms.

COVERS: Two covers were earned from this session. It is Daniel Keane’s image gracing the cover of the Hair+ Supplement (combined with MODERN’s September issue.) Salon owner and power stylist Joanna Rivera’s trendy topknot appeared on the cover of the 2018 Career Handbook, MODERN’s annual student publication. 

THE GOODY BAG: The ARTIST SESSION goody bag is a highlight of any and every session.  This one, valued at more than $1000, included  a Hot Tools Black Gold 1 ¼ Curling iron, Hot Tools Brushes and Comb set and caddy, Hot Tools Curlbar set, Paul MitchellNeuro Halo dryer, Paul Mitchell Neuro Halo and the Nicholas French “Pin-Ups” Magnetic Wrist Organizer.

PARTING WORDS: Joanna Rivera has attended ARTIST SESSION five times and sums up her experience beautifully: “ARTIST SESSION  is a place where artists come to let their creative freedom loose - a luxury we don’t always get in the salon. Utilizing the foundations of a photo shoot experience into everyday salon life can help you deliver the full experience to your customer in ways you never thought, while also surrounding yourself with talent who will elevate your game. After five sessions I’ve come out of all of them with more knowledge, connections, and an elevated creative mindset.”