Handle Your Bizness
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Hair Industry Rock Star: Platform Artist
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Platform Artist
Striving to reach the next level, yet remaining true to his roots as a barber,
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Wallace Barlow looked past the doors of the barber shop and connected
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himself to an industry. He learned about products, how to cut different
erent
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types of hair, how to style women’s hair, and how to be a businessman. His
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passion, commitment, and professionalism attracted the attention of the
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Andis Company, hiring him on to be one of their platform artists. Wallace
llace
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shared his story with BOM for other barbers wanting to take a similar path:
Q: What does it mean to be a platform artist?
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Platform artist represents a company by presenting on stage (typically at trade
ducts,
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shows on the show floor or in a classroom), demonstrating their products,
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letting the audience know what the company is all about. A platform artist
artist
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has to capture that attention of an audience in a room full of others trying to
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direct attention towards them. Once their focus is on you they are looking to
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be entertained, but learn something at the same time. Your primary focus is to
sell and teach technique. It’s an exciting job and a lot of work!
Q: What skills to you need to become a platform artist?
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To become a platform artist in cosmetology, you must foremost master your
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skill as a stylist or barber, being able to work quickly and efficiently. You then
with.
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have to know the products and tools of the company you are working with.
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Beyond this you have to be an educator, entertainer, salesperson, and public
speaker all at the same time.
Q: How do you become a platform artist?
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If you are interested in taking this step, you have to start networking; attend
trade shows and reach out to the exhibiting companies. Be willing to volunolunn
teer your services at first as a test run. Know the company and their products.
duc
ucts.
Come prepared to support their mission and reach their goals. Know that
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for most people, this will not be a full time job, or even a part time job,
but something to pad the paycheck and advance your career by the added
exposure you will receive.
Q: How much do you have to travel?
There are all types of platform artists. Some are regional while others can be
on the road with a company year round. Travel can range between two to
four times a year up to four times a month.
Platform Artist
Skill Set
Q: How did you end up working with Andis?
I crossed paths with Ivan Zoot, director of education, at a Premier show
while working with Woody’s Grooming. Ivan told me, “I know you can cut
hair, but can you sell my product?”. He approached me about an Andis “All
Star” opportunity in which my skills would be screened on stage. I took it
and from there I was on board with Andis.
Master Barber/Stylist
Q: What do you like best about it?
I love to engage the crowd and to inspire, create, and change the outlook of
seasoned professionals as well as new talent in the industry. Platform artists
are trend setters and I like to think that my work inspired someone to try
something they had never thought of. I love to share knowledge!
Entertainer
Q: What do you like least about it?
I love it all, but if I had to pick something I would say preparation. Each
presentation is different so you have to consonantly be thinking about what
you can try next. You are always using new products and tools also, so you
have to be very familiar with them in advance so you are ready to answer
any question that is thrown at you about them.
Educator
Salesperson
Public Speaker
Q: How do you attract attention to yourself on stage?
I bring out my inner “Rock Star.” I do this by delivering a presentation with
confidence and enthusiasm while utilizing my skills. I also always dress the
part. If you want to b