Last Wednesday James and I headed up to Cheltenham to audition for the prestigious L’Oreal ID Artist positions in the Midlands and the South West. The audition consisted of us both entering either as a stylist (James) and a colour technician (Jo) and presenting a mood board and a model that represented a trend or idea that we had selected.
After much planning and deliberation (and leaving YOKE with 2 completed models & buckets of coffee at 7am) we got to the Hotel Du Vin in Cheltenham for our 11am slots with the judges. The audition consisted of a skills test, in which we had 4 minutes to complete sectioning patterns or simple hair ups and then time in front of the judges to present our models with their completed looks. During this time we had to talk through our idea and how it corresponded with our models complete look as well as our technical explanation for what we did. After a pretty nerve- wracking audition we were then asked some questions by the lovely judges and then they had to give us an X Factor style judging of a ‘YES’ or a ‘NO’ each.
James went first and he auditioned as a stylist with his model Sophie and the theme ‘Water’. After 10 minutes he came out completely buzzing after receiving some amazing feedback and getting his 3 Yes’ which meant his was through to the next round!
My turn came straight after and I presented my model – another Sophie, with my theme of 70’s Opulence. I also managed to get the 3 ‘yes’ and my chance to be considered for the next round!
So we packed up and headed for lunch on our way back down to Plymouth totally thrilled for having the opportunity to audition and with the knowledge that we were both through to the next round.
The next round involved the judges selecting 1 colour technician and 1 stylist from the hairdressers that receive the 3 yes’ throughout the day, so now we had to wait the agonising 3 days to find out if we had won the places.
On Friday afternoon I received a call from L’Oreal saying that James had been absolutely amazing and that they couldn’t believe how well he had done on his first audition for anything like this and although unsuccessful this year how much they wanted to see him back next year… They then went onto say that I had been awarded the place as Colour Technician for the Midlands and the whole of the South West!!!
As such a new salon this opportunity is so huge and it’s a bit difficult to explain how much of a big deal this is for YOKE, so i’ve popped some information below about what it means to be an ID Artist…
The ID Artist programme from L’Oréal Professionnel has one goal – to find talented individuals who could be the future stars of the hairdressing industry and work with them to further develop their talent and discover their full potential.
Launched 15 years ago and always being inspired by fashion, L’Oréal Professionnel has helped to develop hundreds of individuals and it is proven that being an ID Artist has helped propel careers. As an ID Artist Jo will be developed and mentored through world-class education from some of the leading names in the hairdressing industry.
As part of a 2 year programme as a n ID artist Jo will attend numerous inspirational education sessions and unique hairdressing opportunities which includes the latest cut, session and colour techniques from some of the best in the industry. Jo will also receive insight into seasonal collections, product previews and the chance to be involved in some huge events.
The ID Artist alumni consists of some of the biggest hairdressers in the world including the infamous Sophie Hilton from Not Another Salon…“The ID Artist programme was my entry to the industry. There are times when you just don’t know where to turn to get the career you want. ID Artist moulds you, educates you and allows you to start a new life”
Jo x
