Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
Behind the Cover: May 2013
For Ted Gibson’s latest shoot, featured exclusively in the pages and on the cover of MODERN, the storyboard was a giant, three-sided poster dominating the Eagles Nest studio in New York City, where Gibson and team assembled to create the imagery for the Ted Gibson Advanced Academy.
May 2, 2013
2 min to read
A classic storyboard is a poster filled with photos and images designed to inspire the beauty and fashion team. It may be used as guide or just to stimulate conversation, ideas and creativity. For Ted Gibson’s latest shoot, featured exclusively in the pages and on the cover of MODERN, the storyboard was a giant, three-sided poster dominating the Eagles Nest studio in New York City, where Gibson and team assembled to create the imagery for the Ted Gibson Advanced Academy. No matter which way you turned the storyboard or inspiration board, it was either in view or reflected in mirrors and windows.
Ted Gibson is a strong believer in utilizing a classic storyboard. “It helps in the creative process of a photoshoot,” Gibson says. “Storyboards are a great way to help create a vision for yourself to decide what direction you want to go in.” While Gibson does not try to recreate the images on the board, he references them to guide his team or even add a little oomph to his own work.
Prior to the session, Gibson and team spent weeks tearing out pages from Vogue, Italian Vogue, Jaleous and W magazine from the early- , mid- and late-’90s. “Choosing images and tearing out those photos from magazines can inspire, create and elevate you to the edge of genius,” Gibson says. “As you can see from these photos, we pulled images that expressed ’40s and ’60s modernism that we interpreted in many different ways. Beehives, structured waves, bold make-up…it’s all brilliant.”
One image on the board that seemed a bit out of place was of a baby with a yellow Mohawk. “I love that photo,” Gibson says. “It’s from an old Italian Vogue and I just kept wanting to add a caption: ‘Don’t cry about your hair like a baby.’ The image is so fun and reminds me about when I first moved to New York’s East Village. There were brightly colored Mohawks everywhere. It’s a classic look, yet the power color makes it so modern.”
When asked if Mohawks will be taught at the Ted Gibson Advanced Academy, Gibson said “Of course. We are going to cover everything…even baby Mohawks.”
—Maggie Mulhern
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty