The newest chapter of Ulta Beauty education and artistry keeps evolving. Ulta Beauty, Inc. recently launched the Ulta Beauty Artist Collective, a reimagined collaboration of industry veterans and exceptionally skilled Ulta Beauty salon associates. Today, Ulta Beauty announces Artist Collective members Danielle Keasling and Michelle O’Connor will serve as Artistic Leads to guide and align creative vision of the Collective for key Ulta Beauty platforms and projects across the professional beauty industry.
Michelle O’Connor, Artistic Lead, Salon Editorial & Brand Imagery
As Artistic Lead, Salon Editorial & Brand Imagery, O’Connor shapes the visual storytelling of the Ulta Beauty Artist Collective. She will guide how the craft of hair and artistry show up in imagery and creative through editorial and educational photoshoots that connect back to the overall Ulta Beauty brand.
Danielle Keasling, Artistic Lead, Industry Shows & Events
As Artistic Lead, Industry Shows & Events, Keasling leads the creative direction for how the Ulta Beauty Artist Collective shows up on industry stages and at major professional events. Known for her work translating trends, she helps bring the Artist Collective’s creativity to life through shows, education, and live industry moments.
Currently, there are 28 members of the Ulta Beauty Artist Collective. Each contribute diverse, complementary skills, and reflect the Ulta Beauty values of “winning together” and “improve always.” Both Keasling and O’Connor will mentor artists within the Collective while elevating the work Ulta Beauty brings to the professional community, bridging artistry behind the chair through editorial, presentations and education.
“Michelle and Danielle are respected industry veterans whose experience brings a strong creative foundation to the team,” said Sarah Dahl, Ulta Beauty Director, Field Services Education. Together, their leadership will ensure the Artist Collective reflects both technical excellence and a strong artistic point of view.
“Through all of our creative touchpoints, we embrace every texture, every trend and every expression of artistry by showcasing Ulta Beauty’s inclusive spectrum of beauty expertise,” added Haley Valadez, Ulta Beauty Sr. Manager, Creative Services and Talent. “You’ll see Artist Collective members leading trend conversations, demonstrating new techniques, collaborating with brand partners, and shaping the beauty stories that inspire our community.”