Thursday, October 6, 2011

[Un]Discovers: Jake Thompson

In October, we are going to have this exciting new theme for our feature that we never had before - Hairstyling. As hairstyling affects fashion in numerous ways, we are going to explore the art of hairstyling with various great hairstylists.  First off, we are lucky to have Jake Thompson, the winner of Avante Garde in North America Hairstyling Awards.




1. Let's start with a little bit of your background.  What motivates you to become a hairstylist? And how?

I was always an artist, but never knew my medium until I found hairdressing!  Hairdressing has allowed me to express myself in various ways! I started hairdressing 15 years ago, when my mom mentioned it to me my junior year in high school.  Setting me back a bit perplexed, I said hairdressing"?  She said yes...  I said i'm not gay!  Mom said, you don't have to be gay to be a hairdresser!  I said... OK!!!  So the adventure begins... Hair school!!!  I was a bad student and got suspended once!  Constantly on probation, etc.  It's because i was so young and thought i was untouchable.  Like most youths! I was motivated by women!  I love women, I love working on women.  This was my initial motivation beginning my career in hairdressing.  My motivation now is art!!!  I love putting collections together, watching collections evolve, the creative process, time spent in my studio with my headphones on just building, creating, making a mark in this industry!


Photography-Kevin Scheidle & Jake Thompson
Hair-Jake Thompson


2. Like all other artists and designer whom get inspirations from world issues or personal experiences, I believe hairstylists need inspirations too. Where do you find your inspiration for all the styling?

My inspiration comes from various things.  Nature is a huge inspiration, food is another.  I would have to say, the things that inspire me the most is music!!!  Electronica music... all kinds, especially chill beats.  I can be listening to something, and my mind goes to another dimension.  Coming from an area like that in my head allows me to create some of the craziest collections I've created!




Photography-Fumi Eguchi
Hair-Jake Thompson


3. Congratulations for winning the Avant Garde in NAHA.  What does it mean to you? And what effect does it have on your career?

Thank you, when they announced my name in Vegas! At that moment, I was beside myself, it felt like an out of body experience!  I don't remember giving my speech, all I remember was giving an interview backstage "i know i was babbling for a while", they kept giving me this look like, bring it home! ;) It was funny! This award means so much to me, to be recognized by my peers is the hugest honor!!!  I was nominated in 2007 for Avant Garde, so I had tasted the forbidden fruit and this time  I wanted more.  I've been trying to get nominated ever since and I am very happy to have 2 nominations this year, Fashion Forward & Avant Garde.The effect these nominations had on my career is huge.  I've been approached by various company's and organizations.  It's been a roller coaster ride of stuff.  So much fun and I am looking forward to next few months.



4. What is the biggest challenge you have encountered as a hairstylist?

I would say, when I first started my career.  The school I went to and some of my 1st salon's made everything so hard!!!  So complicated!!!  I just got confused, really, really, confused!  It wasn't until I met a certain somebody and he said..."If you wanna see color there!  Apply it right there!  Wow, seems easy!  It was...!  You wanna see the line there?  Cut it there!"  That was the 1st time hairdressing started to be fun!  It was the long journey to a very fun filled career!  I'm in love with my craft more now, than I've ever been in!!!


Photography-Justin Grant
Hair-Jake Thompson
Make up-Janelle Corey


5. Finally, what do you want to achieve ultimately in your career?

I would love a "Life Time Achievement Award", some day!   I love educating and sharing my craft, so I plan on taking that plane somewhere, maybe with a company or with my own line someday!  I still consider myself young in this industry, so I'm soaking up all the knowledge I can endure and turning it into my own style!  That's what artist do, right?



http://www.jakethompsonhair.com/
 
Courtesy: Jake Thompson

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