barber question

Barber brehs, how many options do I have for short haircuts that stand out as a black man? I'm not tryna go back to the teenage days of "#1 on the top, faded on the sides". Had a nikka tell me it looked like my mom decided my haircut a few years ago. I just want a short style that will stand out...

What skills do you need to have before you go to school? Do you need artistic abilities? How long on average does it take to get on a professional level? Always thought about it...