MEET HAIRSTYLIST: MICHAEL JOHNSON
Michael Johnson is Picasso, and his canvas is hair. Michael has the unique ability to create stunning and captivating art with hair. His unique ability to switch from abstract to everyday hair is a unique trait that some hairstylists only dream of. Michael's work includes magazine covers, celebrities, and fashion editorials. His unique ability with hair causes passerby to turn heads, images to leap from the pages, and just wow you.
Photographer Mark Veltman
What was a pivotal moment for your career?
The pivotal point of my career is my very first job. I was assisting Frederic Fekkai on a Lears cover story. It was Diana Ross. My first brush with someone that iconic. I had no idea what to expect or how to act. It was my first time in a photo studio. I was sooooo nervous. It turned out to be amazing. She was a diva in the true sense of the word. Meaning she knew exactly what to do, knew exactly what music to play, how to hold herself, utterly a true professional. It was actually awe inspiring. I knew then that this is what I wanted to do.
What is one of your proudest moments in your career?
The proudest moment of my career, hmmmm, that's a hard one. I think making that moment happen is what pushes me forward. I've had many highlights but maybe it's a personal thing. Maybe it's not getting caught up in the 'fake' side of the business. I'd like to think that I'm just as grounded as I was at the start.
What has been your favorite set to work on? Why?
My favorite set to work on........there are so many. I've been so lucky to work with amazing people. If I had to pick one, any Talbots trip. They were the best. It really was like family. JGF, creative from Talbots, really had a knack for picking people that got along and played well together. lol. We worked so hard but in the most amazing locations. And the food, forget about it!!!! The best.
What are some other things you enjoy when you aren’t shooting?
My favorite thing I like to do when I'm not working is travel. When we travel for work, it's awesome, but we wake at the crack of dawn, work all day, eat dinner, then sleep. Fun but not fun. On my own, I go local. I wake when I want, do what I want. I like to travel alone. I also do a lot of sports and yoga 4-5 times a week.
What is your favorite part about being on set?
My favorite part of being on set is working as a team and creating that image. Also it's pretty awesome to meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life. It can be a celebrity one day and a model from a little village in some country I've never heard of. I learn something new almost everyday.
What does #createmoments mean to you?
#createmoments means to me exactly that. It could be those inbetween moments that a really good photographer captures or even a selfie that someone takes. Or the actual shot that we've worked so hard to achieve.
What is one thing your fans may not know about you?
I'm not sure I have any fans, lol. I kinda wish I did!!
What advice can you provide for future Hair stylists?
Advice, know the past. Meaning, study the older hairstyles. If you can do a good old fashioned set, you can do anything. You have to know the basics to have the foundation to do anything else. Nobody want to be a one trick pony. Be a plaid pony!!!! hahahIn order to break rules and be super creative, you have to know the rules.
