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Are you a true hair artist? If you want to prove it to the world, flex your creative muscles in Revlon Professional’s Style Master 2015 International Contest!

This black and white photo competition focuses solely on your creative styling: you shoot three completely different and imaginative looks on one model. “It’s a truly creative platform for a person who looks at hair as art,” says Jag Moussa, last year’s Canadian Style Master International Contest Finalist.

Aside from unleashing your artistic side, if you become a finalist, you’ll be whisked away to compete at the global competition at an inspiring international destination. The top winner gains worldwide recognition as a creative force in the industry, and a prize of up to €10,000 euros.

Are you ready to take a chance and share your vision with the world?

Here’s advice from photo shoot veterans for deciding your artistic direction.

1. Dream big.

“Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box, and be as creative as you can,” says Tim Kuo, two-time Canadian Style Master International Contest finalist. “Just because it’s a styling competition doesn’t mean that you have to do something very commercial.” Of your three images, Kuo suggests doing more avant garde looks, and maybe just one slightly more accessible image. “Try to do something that you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do in the salon.”

He also suggests entrants get creative with shape and texture. “I think for this competition, the bigger you can create the hair, and the more funky and unpredictable the shape, the better.”

2. Don’t panic.

While the competition may seem daunting, it’s a lot easier to enter than many other photo-based hairdressing competitions. “You only require one model, shot with three unique hairstyles, as opposed to three to five different models like other photo-based competitions. The photos are submitted in black and white, so no elaborate or intricate coloring techniques are required. After your photos are shot, you just have to upload them online,” explains Kuo. Pretty simple, right?

3. Have a plan.

Moussa recommends looking at past work to understand what’s already been done, not what looks you should mimic. “With this particular competition, it’s really important to let your imagination go, and not allow visual stimuli in the industry to influence what you do,” he says. “Industry pros are judging [this competition], and they see a lot of work. When you create something truly original, it will feel fresh to them.” He recommends starting by sketching shapes and textures to inspire your creative direction.

Because you may be trying something new, Kuo suggests getting in as much practice as possible before shoot day. “Work on mannequins, clients or friends with long hair so on the day of the shoot you know exactly what to do.”

4. Be true to yourself.

Marlo Steenman, Revlon Professional Educator, says that shooting can be a great way to get your name recognized and build your brand. “If you win the international competition, you are then invited to create the next Style Master collection, which is amazing beyond words.”

This mean’s you need to be true to your signature style while still meeting the requirements of the competition. Your inspiration can truly come from anywhere (nature, architecture, photography, etc.), so let this be a creative outlet for all of your unique ideas. “As artists, we are all trying to make a name for ourselves. What amazing opportunity to win and have that experience. It’s worth the odds!” says Steenman.

Kuo says winning changed his career in many ways: he gained confidence, media exposure, new connections, more clients (who wouldn’t love going to an award-winning stylist?) and an amazing educational experience at the competition.

“You never know what could come from it,” Kuo adds. After being a finalist in both the 2011 and 2012 competitions, he became a platform artist with Revlon Professional in 2011. Then, in 2012, he took home the Contessa Award for British Columbia Hairstylist of the Year!

The Style Master 2015 International Contest deadline for entries is February 25, 2015. Visit stylemasters.com to learn more and enter the competition.

This post was sponsored by Revlon Professional. Photos courtesy of Revlon Professional.