BTC BFF 911:
How to Become a Platform Artist

Becoming a platform artist and being on the stage in front of a thousand hairdressers is a dream so many of us wish to achieve. Take for instance our BTC BFF Vilmarie Brignoni from Seductress Hair & Makeup Studio in Moca, Puerto Rico. She recently asked our BTC Facebook Cyber-Mentors, “What strategies or recommendations would you give a stylist to become a platform artist? I dream of doing this, but I don't know how to begin.” Here are a couple of our favorite recommendations:

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“Put together a portfolio of your work and make sure the photos are professional. The more networking you do, the better. Never step on anyone’s toes! Align yourself with a manufacturer you honestly believe in. It’s hard to sell something on stage that you can’t wholeheartedly stand behind. Your distributor can help you get in contact with the manufacturer who will also tell you what it takes to do platform work on their behalf. Keep in mind you’ll have to start at the bottom and work your way up. It’s going to take a lot of hard work. You have to work for it and believe in it. And remember, personality and stage presence are key. I’m doing the same exact thing. I’m not quite there yet, but pretty soon you’ll be seeing me on a stage shaking it!”
Lana Anderson

?”Here are the five things I think you should do and focus on:
1. Education – Decide what kind of platform artist you want to be--cutting, color, etc.--and start with that. Next, get certified. For example, if you want to be a color platform artist then get certified with an American, French and German color manufacturer. No matter who you end up working for you will know how to use their color line and know how to compare it to their competitors. Most important--and no matter whom you choose to work for--perfect your finishing techniques.
2. Portfolio – Get professional shots of your work. It is important to put quality over quantity. If a photo doesn’t represent your very best, don’t include it. Make sure your shots are relevant. Don’t be too humble to work for free in the beginning because it will pay off in the end. Modelmayhem.com is a great way to get professional shots done for free, but make sure the photographer also has a good portfolio. If the shots look like crap your work will look like crap.
3. Networking – Make a lot of phone calls, emails and contacts. Always be exchanging your business cards with stylists, educators, representatives, anyone and everyone. And be bold. Don’t be afraid to say, “If you ever need anyone to work a show I’m your go-to person.” Offer to assist if you know someone doing a show or a photo shoot. Sure you may be standing there holding someone else’s comb, but soon that will be your comb.
4. Be Realistic – It won’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, persistence and a thick skin. Expect the word ‘no’ a lot before you start hearing the word ‘yes.’ Remember it’s not always a glamorous job. It requires a lot of travel, long hours and there are NO sick days. If you can’t do the job then someone else will.
5. Confidence – If you’re not comfortable speaking to an audience take a public speaking and/or an acting class. Always be charismatic, engaging and enthusiastic. Learn how to excite your audience. And most important, have fun!” 
Lisa Veneruso

TELL US: WHAT COMPANY SHOULD HIRE YOU AS A PLATFORM ARTIST AND WHY?