VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOHN PAUL MITCHELL SYSTEMS, LOS ANGELES CA
Sharyn Belkin Locke has spent the past 20 years leading creative teams to help transform businesses and motivate consumers. She is currently the Vice President Creative Director of John Paul Mitchell Systems and is responsible for the conception and execution for all visual communications including global campaigns, photo shoots, package design, print collateral, and digital assets for all of the JPMS brands. These include Paul Mitchell, Tea Tree, Awapuhi Wild Ginger, MITCH, MarulaOil, Neuro, Paul Mitchell ProTools, Professional Haircolor, and Paul Mitchell Schools. Prior to joining JPMS, she has worked with several leading brands including Condé Nast, Mercedes-Benz, Virgin Records, and Universal Pictures. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, Graphis, Type Directors Club, HOW, and Graphic Design USA. Sharyn’s approach to work mirrors her approach to life: listen to your inner voice, notice the details, and surround yourself with great people. When not working she enjoys cycling, slow food, and traveling the world for inspiration.
WHERE OR HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN WORK?
Inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime :) I love to travel and experience new places and cultures, which always infiltrates into my work. Whether it’s a wall color, a textile pattern, or even the decoration of a french pastry ‒ it’s all catalogued in my brain for future use!
HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW AFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
I was born and raised near Venice not far from where I live now. Growing up in the 1970’s beach culture of L.A. has definitely shaped my vision of the world, personality and design aesthetic.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Green (because it’s the color of life)
FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Futura
FAVORITE TV SHOW?
I don’t watch TV
FAVORITE BOOKS?
The Fountainhead, One Hundred Years of Solitude
FAVORITE MOVIES?
The Big Blue, Love Actually, Slumdog Millionaire, The Intouchables
FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and of course Joni (Mitchell)
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Pinterest
FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Dustin Yellin, Sebastião Salgado, Yves Klein, Gustave Klimt
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Attention to detail and attention to detail
TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
Hip hop dancer with a voice like Adele
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Don’t have an ego
IF NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Photographer
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
When one door closes, another door opens
