Michael Baker Creative Director of Neill Corporation

Why he’s cool:
His past clients have included Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt, Cindy Crawford, Johnny Depp, Donna Karan and Betsey Johnson.

Why he’s caring:
As Creative Director for Neill Corporation, Baker produced the incredibly cool and fashionable Hairdressers Unlocking Hope calendar, with proceeds going to help Habitat for Humanity rebuild homes lost in Hurricane Katrina.

Baker, like any truly great hair dresser, does not fit neatly into any real category, though attempts have been made to place him within a few: colorist, hair dresser of the year, creative director for Van Michael Salon – the list goes on, like Baker himself, continually pushing the concept of hair.

Baker is not a hairdresser, but rather an artist whose medium happens to be hair. In that right, Baker has created his art for Nike, AT&T, Allure, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez and countless others. Baker’s concepts do not only cover the coifs of some of the most fashionable in Atlanta, but also on stages across the country at fashion and hair shows, including the Alternative Hair Show. Baker currently serves as the creative director of Neill Corporation.

Biography

1977- WICHITA, KS
Began hairdressing career at the age of seventeen.

1978-1981 EDUCATION
Traveled to London and trained with Tony & Guy, Sassoon, Trevor Sorbe & Simon Forbes. Became Artistic Director at Rich’s Hair design team in Wichita, ks.

1981- 1987 WICHITA
Partner/owner in Rich’s Hair Design Team. Became platform artist and Educator for Zotoís international. Traveling thru out the U.S and abroad Working with Dwight Miller on the design team. Sharing the stage with such greats as Irvin & Rita Rusk, Tony & guy, Jingles, Sanrizz, John Dellaria, Also traveled as an Educator for Hikar Scissors.

1987-1988 CHICAGO
Became freelance hairdresser, representation by Elite. Doing Catalog and advertising for Marshal Fields, Dayton’s, and Saks Fifth Ave. Began my relationship with Christiaan the N.Y. editorial hairdresser. Traveling back and forth to N.Y. assisting him for photo shoots, and runway work.

1987-1992 New York City
Freelance Hairdresser representation by Visages. Assisting Christiaan for major runway shows including Anne Klein, Commes des Garcons, Calvin Klein, Donna Karen & Steven Sprouse. Also did editorial for top fashion magazines and was employed by Saturday Night Live for my headpiece building skills.

FASHION EDITORIAL
Allure, Details, Detour, Entertainment Weekly, Elle, GQ, Interview, Italian Vogue, W, People, Maxim, Marie Claire, Mademoiselle, Sassy, Seventeen, Spanish Vogue, Stuff, Vanity Fair, Teen, US Magazine, Vogue.

TV COMMERCIALS
ATT&T, Bic, Black Label, Blaupunkt, Burdines, CBS Promos, Converse, Gillette, Leviís, Nike, Northwest Airlines, Pantene, Ray Ban, Reebok, Sony, Spite, Sunbeam, Taco Bell, United Airlines, Volkswagen, Woolite.

1992-2000 Los Angles, Ca.
Celebrities Hairdresser. Work included Movies, Music Videos, TV, and Print editorial. Conceptualized and produced photo shoots for Joico and Van Michael Salon.

1998- 2001 Miami Beach, FL
Freelance Hair & Make up artist for Fashion editorial and print advertising. Represented by Irean Marie Management. Traveling back and forth from L.A. to Miami, during Fashion season.

2001-2005 Miami Beach to Atlanta Ga.
Return to the salon industry. Opening Van Michael Miami. Moved to Atlanta in 2001 as Van Michael Salon Creative Director. Creating The Curve Collection, KILL BILL alternative show, DIVA, RED, GRIND for Aveda congress. Directing all of Van Michael shows across the country.

2004 Avant Guard Naha nominee
2005 Hairdresser of the year nominee
2006 Editorial Hair dresser of the year nominee.

2005- PRESENT
Creative Director for Neill Corporation
Directing all events. Serious Business, Eve south beach jam, Unplugged Dallas show. Over seeing all creative for corpate divisions, Et, Etopia, Paris Parker Salon, and Aveda Sales. Continuing show director for Van Michael Salon. Co directing Naha Ceremonies 2007. Panel Member for Aveda congress show. Currently working on Offspring south beach jam 2007.

Co- Directing with Bonnie Bonadeo for Naha ceremonies 2007.