We had an exclusive chat with Stevan to learn his top five tips for entering industry awards…
Tip 1: Research Previous Winners
When entering any awards, I believe it’s so important to asses the work of its previous winners. Is there a common theme over the years? Some of the specific things I would look for are: The type of models – bone structure, face shape etc. – the hair styling techniques and the colour palettes used. Essentially, you are researching the standards that have been set by previous winners, this will provide you with a clear target for your own end result.
Tip 2: Construct a Winning Idea
Now that you have the standard for your entry firmly set, you must construct your winning idea – this is the most enjoyable part! Be sure to stay true to your own style of hairdressing and never stop developing ideas throughout the journey. Once you have decided on a shape and colour, don’t hesitate to put it into practice – trust me, your initial idea will transform a LOT by the end of the process!
Tip 3: Align Yourself with a Market Leader
For me, this step is crucial for both yourself and your brand. I chose to align POMOhair with KAO Salon Division for a number of reasons, including the quality of products, education and development opportunities. Joining a market leader allows you to access mentorships and ambassadors with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that you can utilise for guidance on your entry.
Tip 4: Choose the Correct Photographer
Going back to Tip 1, evaluating the style and standards of previous winners cannot be underestimated when it comes to photography. You must find a creative mind that you can work with openly – someone that allows you to bounce off each other and push the limits of your creation. Having a high-standard photographer will increase your chances of success astronomically.
Tip 5: Believe in Your Own Ability
I cannot stress the importance of being true to your own hairdressing style and believing in your own work; push your ability to the maximum and have trust in the idea you have developed. Post-production, I always ask myself what I could have done better – if the answer is ‘nothing’, I know I have an entry ready to submit.
Whilst winning an award is a fantastic achievement, it’s important to remember that producing work you are proud of in order to better yourself as a stylist is equally rewarding in itself.
See Stevan’s winning award entries here: @stevan.dulay
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