5 minute read
A CREATIVE POWERHOUSE - DYLAN MARKS
BY GUEST EDITOR, MATT CLARKE
With his finger on the pulse of the latest trends and a fashion-forward approach, Dylan Marks has established himself as a creative powerhouse in men’s hair. Known for his unique perspective, Dylan’s work is characterised by a style that is effortlessly cool, lived-in, and modern.
His ability to seamlessly blend classic and contemporary elements has made him a standout figure in the industry. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional barbering is inspired.
In addition to his barbering skills, Dylan is also an avid photographer. His keen eye extends beyond the barbershop, capturing stunning portraits that resonate with authenticity and style. This dual talent has only amplified his influence, allowing him to inspire countless others within the industry. Whether behind the camera or the chair, Dylan’s dedication to his craft is evident in everything he does.
A rising star in the world of men’s grooming, Dylan Marks has already accomplished a great deal. In 2023, he was a finalist for the AMBA’s Barber of the Year award, a testament to his skill and creativity. He serves as a full-time educator at the Barber Academy, where he shares his knowledge and passion with the next generation of barbers. He also works out of Boy Barbershop on the Gold Coast, with a large loyal clientele.
On top of all this, Dylan recently embraced a new role: the role of a first-time dad. Balancing his professional achievements with the demands of fatherhood is no small feat, and just writing about it makes me exhausted.
I was fortunate enough to recently sit down with Dylan to discuss how he manages to juggle his demanding career, personal life, and creative endeavours. It was an insightful conversation that shed light on his remarkable ability to maintain balance and continue pushing the envelope in everything he does.
Where do we begin? Other than the beginning. Tell me about life before barbering and what inevitably drew you to hair?
I’ve always been drawn to anything in life that fosters my creative energy. Straight out of school I studied audio engineering and sound production, the music industry was fun but also difficult to get into, so I struggled to find joy there. Barbering was quite a spontaneous move, I just knew I would love it, I knew I would fit in, and I knew I could do something creative that I loved while also being paid for it.
So, you’ve recently become a father, Congratulations, you’re a full-time educator at the Barber Academy and also cut out of Boy Barbershop. Life sounds crazy, how do you manage it all? Tell us about your journey as an educator and what drove you into teaching the next generation of barbers?
Thank you! Fatherhood has been the most incredible, rewarding experience. My family is my entire world and always comes first. I like to keep the education and the barbershop separate, I’ll do a few days teaching, then a few days at the shop.
Education was a pretty bold move for me at the time. I think I had only just finished my apprenticeship in barbering when I approached Gareth from the Barber Academy with aspirations of becoming an educator.
I’ve always had that attitude though; I like to do things out of my comfort zone and constantly test myself. I think in a creative industry like this we have the choice to solely focus on the thing we do (barbering) or focus on the environment that elevates the industry, and for me that’s education and photography.
It’s such a rewarding thing to help the next generation of barbers, but also (as selfish as it sounds) definitely makes me a better barber and keeps me on top of my game, while at the same time keeping me grounded.
So, photography, hair, and any other creative endeavours? And you recently shot your own hair collection, Talk to me about your approach to editorial hair. And how was it being behind the lens?
I’ve always loved photography, it’s such an incredible thing to be able to capture a mood or tell a story through an image. I think hair and photography go hand in hand, and I just thrive working with other creatives and learning. Yeah, this year I wanted to push myself with the awards and do everything, I scouted my models, did the cuts, styled, shot and edited. I also shot another 4 collections for other barbers/teams which was such a cool experience. I like being behind the camera because I can capture exactly what I envision.
You’re clearly a true creative, where does that come from? What inspires you? And how are you always so damn fashion-forward?
I just like to have fun; I don’t take anything too seriously. I love film, I love music, I love culture, and love to learn and work with other people who inspire me.
Speaking of what inspires you, where do you see the industry currently and what’s next in men’s hair?
Hair has such endless possibilities, I think now hair is definitely a bigger part of the fashion world, social media is making it so much easier for people and also helping people express themselves a little more. In my chair lately, everyone is getting a little bolder with their look, a little spicier. That’s great for me, I can get creative and push my skills even more. I think bolder colours and longer hair, and definitely the mullet is here to stay!
