What Does a Platform Artist in Cosmetology Do?

A platform artist is one of the most exciting jobs in the field of cosmetology. If you'd love to be a beautician who travels from coast to coast and internationally showing off your skills in front of audiences in order to sell the various products you are demonstrating, realize this dream by training hard and developing stage presence and a winning smile. A platform artist also educates fellow cosmetologists, aspiring stylists and others about what is new and innovative in the beauty industry. Find your creative and business outlet with one of the many manufacturers who employ platform artists.

Hairstylist Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Jaako

Teaching

Have a passion for education. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Rick Filipkowski

Having a passion for teaching is essential to becoming a successful platform artist. Your job is to impart knowledge. You are an expert promoting the products of your company. You will be trained on the features and benefits of your products, and then not only show off the product onstage but also instruct other cosmologists in salon and trade show classes. You will use your company's products to teach them how to use various techniques and styles.

Sales

After the show, work the crowd. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Art Comments

As a platform artist, selling is the be-all, end-all of your job. You goal is to sell as many of the products you are demonstrating as you can. Whether it is a flat iron or the latest pair of scissors, your company needs you to move these products, wherever they send you. Platform artists are the star salespeople at beauty shows. They pack the room through their high-powered, charismatic performances, and these educational sessions produce sales. The platform artist must interact with the crowd after the show and answer questions, which also boosts sales.

Skin Care

Aestheticians, or skin care specialists, use the platform to educate people about the latest skin preparations and treatments and how to use them. They give demonstrations and hold classes on waxing, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, microdermabrasion and many other spa treatments and techniques. If you have a passion for skin care, companies such as Christine Valmy and Bioelements will keep you busy traveling, educating, giving hands-on classes and doing platform exhibitions at trade shows and sales meetings.

Nail Care

Nail artistry Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt

Nail technicians can also become platform artists. New techniques in acrylic nail-enhancement applications, natural nail care and pedicure services are introduced at every trade show, and nail color collections are introduced seasonally. A platform artist in nail care travels to venues at nail conferences and shows nationally and internationally.

Makeup Artists

Stage makeup Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of courtney r

Makeup is a huge part of the cosmetology industry, and makeup artists are highly sought after for platform work. They introduce new lip colors, foundations and techniques. Makeup artistry is a challenging job. Bridal, fashion show, stage and everyday makeup classes are packed at trade shows, and you'll even find a platform makeup artist at your local department store.

Business Skills

Some areas of platform artistry focus on business-building in the beauty industry. Trade shows, salon software companies and cosmetology schools hire business platform artists to teach people how to sell their products. Having a cosmetology license can assist you in owning your own salon or managing a salon, but if you have the business sense and personality to teach others the art of the sale, there is alos a venue for platform artistry in the sales end of cosmetology.

Tips

Becoming a platform artist takes hard work. Identify and contact the company for which you would like to work. Talk to the representatives at the next trade event you attend. Have a resume and portfolio of your work to show off if you get the chance to speak to the right person. A bubbly personality is essential to being a platform artist. The ability to travel is a must. Platform artists are well-paid, and travel and expenses are covered by your company.

References

• I Am a Platform Artist
• Platform artist defined