| PRESENTERS
The Artist Summit will present a collection of the most inspiring talent in the industry. From established masters of the craft of makeup artistry to rising stars in the industry - there have never been more educators gathered for one makeup artist event. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and work with the top talent in the business. Additional presenters will be added as the event approached so check back for updates. Scheduled presenters are subject to change based on availability. (click on artist name to read bio)
ALISON RAFFAELE
Realizing her passion for beauty at a young age Alison experimented with looks and crafted her early technique behind the make-up counter of the family business, Raffaele’s Pharmacy. From chiseled 80’s cheekbones to Bandy-esque naturals Raffaele refined her skills on willing customers waiting for prescriptions and booked her first professional job while still in high school. In her early twenties she worked as Bobbi Browns head assistant and as her first national make-up artist/international trainer. After Bobbi, Alison worked in NYC amassing a stellar portfolio through print work and celebrity bookings. In 2000 she launched her first brand, Skin Alison Raffaele. Her True Concealer became an instant success among artists and consumers, and solidified her position as a product development specialist.
In February of this year Alison launched the evolution of her brand with the paraben free Alison Raffaele Cosmetics line. This launch represented the realization of her dream to produce healthful and environmentally friendly products that integrate naturally derived anti aging ingredients with high performance cosmetics. In addition to working with The Powder Group, Alison is also giving lectures at the Make-up Designory and F.I.T. while still finding time to work with celebrity clients such as Taryn Manning and Dina and Ali Lohan. Alison Raffaele Cosmetics can be found on the sets of Weeds, House, Ugly Betty, American Idol, Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory and the upcoming Polish Brothers comedy, Stay Cool.
CHANTEL MILLER
Chantel’s arrival at M•A•C and a career in makeup artistry can certainly be described as “third time lucky.” Firstly, she went to college with every intention of becoming a costume designer – only to discover that she hated sewing! What she did develop an interest in, though, was theatrical makeup, in particular prosthetics, so her second career-path move was to enrol in Special Effects School…only to realize that she didn’t want to move to L.A.! Her third move, however, was to head to Miami, where she landed on her feet as a freelance makeup artist, quickly getting jobs on catalogues and editorials and landing a part-time job at M•A•C (“the image of the guys and girls at M•A•C was just intoxicating – I had to be part of it,” she explains). Initially a way of earning some extra cash between jobs, Chantel’s work at M•A•C soon became her life – “I instantly gained a ‘family’ of makeup artists that would forever shape my career,” she says.
Moving to New York in 2002, Chantel became a member of the NYC Training Team. As a trainer, she began working on the collections, designing body painting projects and working with staff. Two years later she was promoted to Regional Director of Artist Training and Development, which brought her to Washington, D.C. for a year and a half, in charge of the artistic development of M•A•C Artists in the northeast region of the U.S. By 2006 Chantel was in the position at M•A•C she’d always aspired to attain: M•A•C Senior Artist in New York. She describes her average day as “running to a test for a show…working on new staff workshops…keeping my brushes clean!” In short, every day is different, presenting new challenges: “We get to experience makeup in so many different Professional highlights have been working with Isaac Mizrahi to design the makeup for her first Broadway show – The Threepenny Opera – and working with celebrities including Steven Tyler, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Cameron Diaz, Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper and Shakira (to name just a few). The Deck of Cards project in 2002 stands out especially, since “we were really pioneering a new way of doing makeup and it took the creative cohesion of a huge team of artists.” An event that has now toured the world, it began as a collaboration with Assouline and M•A•C to produce a coffee-table book of body painting images with designs inspired by celebrities.
CRYSTAL WRIGHT
As founder of Crystal Agency for makeup, hair, and fashion styling, and Author of the industry bible, The Hair Makeup and Fashion Styling Career Guide Crystal Wright brings tremendous insight into what creative decision-makers look for before hiring artists for jobs, or choosing an artist to sign to their talent roster. Additionally, in Crystal's role as an educator and speaker, she travels throughout the US and Canada teaching marketing and portfolio building techniques to makeup, hair and fashion stylists. With 23 years of experience booking artists on high paying jobs with celebrities, recording artists, on ad campaigns, and beauty and fashion editorials she brings a wealth of knowledge to bare on launching and sustaining a successful freelance career.
DANESSA MYRICKS
After years of experience working as a corporate executive in education, marketing, and publishing, Danessa Myricks was itching for a way to express her creative side. Being the tenacious Entrepreneur that she is, she decided to take her hobby of experimenting with makeup and turn it into a career. Now, whether it’s for a celebrity photo shoot, a magazine spread or a wedding, she transforms women from simple to sensational. Covergirl, Mizani, Luster Products, Soft-Sheen Carson, Shake & Go, Seagram’s, Advanced Research Laboratories, Spartan Brands, KISS Cosmetics, Razac, and Keystone Laboratories are just a few of her illustrious clientele. Danessa has worked with Jive Records, Def Jam, Arista, J Records, Universal &Records, Motown Records and others to help shape the image of their artists. She has also worked on projects for Britney Spears, Madonna, Ciara, Mario, Sean Paul, Floetry, Mary Mary, Chris Brown, Omarion, Donnell Jones, Salena Johnson, Brian McNight, Brooke Valentine, Chris Rock, Blu Cantrell, Tina Marie, Allison Williams, 702, Goapele, Tha' Rayne, Isyss, and more. Her work has appeared in such publications as Vibe, Vibe Vixen, Essence, Teen People, Today’s Black Man, Hype Hair, and Braids and Beauty.
Danessa Myricks now offers hands-on educational classes nationwide, and step-by-step training DVDs (currently available at www.imakeyoubeautiful.com) to help others learn how to successfully start a career in makeup artistry. She has recently released a teaser to her upcoming cosmetic line with a innovative all natural, all mineral, all over cream called “Skin Flavors” designed especial for those who want to be bold and beautiful.
Danessa has a passion for making people beautiful, and an extraordinary love and talent for teaching others to do the same.
DANIELLE FONSECA
Danielle A. Fonseca a trainer for Temptu and is the founder, Chief Art Director, Designer and Project Manager of The Body of Art. Fonseca brings years of extensive knowledge and experience from both the fine art and fashion industries to her business. Her visions and work have not only fused the two worlds successfully, but she has opened a door to a realm of intriguing possibilities for her clients to promote their ideas, products and /or themselves.
Prior to starting the BOA, Fonseca received her BFA in painting and her BS in Art Education at the State University of New York at New Paltz where she worked with such artists as Spencer Tunic, The Art Guys, Bread & Puppet and Tim Rollins. She also was the Scenic Charge Artist for 9 main stage productions such as Sweeney Todd, Godspell, Much Ado About Nothing, I Otta be in Pictures, Dark of the Moon, Antigone, Peter Pan and The Mikado. Shortly after graduation, Fonseca joined the Manhattan region of MAC Cosmetics as an artist. Here she took workshops with such artists as Francis Hathaway and David Goforth, and worked on such projects as Cirque du Soliel and The Pussy Cat Dolls (with Carman Electra & Jaime Pressley) and several fashion shows including House of Fields. She also worked on charity events such as 4 years with The Broadway Bares and the Viva Glam Casino (hosted by Maggie Rizer, featuring the MAC deck of Cards).
Fonseca has since created The Body of Art in January of 2004 where she has seved an array of prestigious clients with unique ideas in body art, makeup, installation and other performance art. She has produced and art directed both her launch party in September 2005 at Club Quo and Temptu’s 25th Anniversary party in May 2006 at Club Sol.
DAVEN MAYEDA
Someone once told Daven, “Passion will make you crazy, but is there any other way to live?” He has discovered his passion in makeup artistry. Starting his career in Hawaii as a hair stylist Daven fell in love with fashion. He wanted to be in a place where he could explore more creatively and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion. As an educator at the Cao Institute, a Paul Mitchell Partner School Daven began to make a name for himself in this industry and he realized that sharing his passion and educating others made him even more excited about the industry he loved. He now divides his time between Los Angeles in New York where he continues to make a name for himself in the celebrity arena with clients including Lil’ Wayne, Henry Rollins, Lea Salonga, and Mark Ronson and editorial and advertising in publications including 944, Tattler, and Flaunt. Daven believes that his love of education keeps him constantly learning himself and he continues to cultivate his own creativity.
DAVID KLASFELD
While studying film at Purchase College, David's career in makeup began with what was supposed to be a part-time job in a Nordstrom's cosmetics department. After putting in his time behind the counter, he soon found himself backstage working on runway shows including Patricia Field, Heatherette and Diesel.
Since then, his work has been seen in print for Zink, Time Out, New York Magazine, Interview,, and American Salon, and for advertising clients including Target, Best Buy, and General Electric. As an educator, David has conducted Airbrush Makeup seminars that have included the makeup departments of ESPN and All My Children. Additionally, he is the CEO and Creative Director of New York based professional makeup line, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.
DAVIDE
With photographers including Patrick Demarchelier, David LaChapelle, and Annie Leibowitz, Davide Calcinai's editorial work has been featured in and on the covers of magazines such as Allure, Amica, Detour, Elle, and Zink.
What makes Davide extra special is that his extraordinary talent is matched by his soothing demeanor, which leaves us in perfect company when we're in his hands. Fun, kind, and AMAZINGLY talented, Davide studied at The Academy of Art in Florence. He then set out to conquer the world of fashion and beauty, so it makes perfect sense that his clients come from around the globe. Putting together just a few of the celebrities with whom Davide has worked makes up a colorful and motley group: from Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan, to Farrah Fawcett and Pee-Wee Herman!
EUGENIA WESTON
Eugenia Weston, founder of Senna Cosmetics and Emmy nominated celebrity makeup artist, has been a pioneer in the cosmetics industry for over three decades. “From the age of 13, I was fascinated with faces- the emotions, balance, beauty and of course flaws. I was always visualizing how a woman could be more beautiful and better communicate who she truly was through the art of makeup,” states Ms. Weston. Gifted with an incredible eye for facial harmony combined with a remarkable sense of color and touch for makeup application, she began to create her own totally unique personal makeup style, fashioned by mixing her own colors. Instantly her signature style was in demand by friends and ultimately the top fashion photographers in the international couture scene, including Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, and Greg Gorman.
Her work in film, TV, and videos taught her how lighting, fashion and makeup intersect. Weston’s unbridled passion for makeup inspired her to create Senna Cosmetics, the first complete artist line created for everyday women to use at home. She also designed the internationally noted ‘Trucco’ Cosmetics product line, consulting with Sebastian founder, Geri Cuzenza. Obsessed with brows, Ms. Weston broke new ground by introducing brow tweezing services in her Senna Studios. According to Weston, "A good, classic brow shape can make a woman instantly look 10 years younger and feel more confident." Seeing that the majority of women either ignore or over-tweeze their brows, Weston designed the first-ever brow stencil kit, Form-A-Brow®, as a revolutionary tool to make every woman a brow wizard.
Nominated for an Emmy award in 1993 for her work with Bette Midler on the TV movie 'Gypsy', Weston learned film makeup from Disney Studio makeup stalwarts Robert Schiffer and Bob Mills. She has worked on major entertainment videos for Michael Jackson, Bette Midler and Lisa Marie Presley. Cited as a ‘muse’ by acclaimed makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, Ms. Weston’s Senna Cosmetics fans include such A-list celebrities as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Aniston. Senna is used by top TV and film artists and seen on hit shows including 'Heroes' and 'Ugly Betty'.
Today, Ms. Weston is still creating buzz by designing makeup and services that push the envelope in color, texture, and anti-aging benefits.
EVE PEARL
Eve Pearl is a five-time Emmy Award winning celebrity makeup artist with over 15 years experience in television, film, theatre and print. She’s the Key makeup artist and frequent on-air guest for The View, with Barbara Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones and Joy Behar as well as the Key on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. She has contributed to InStyle, Vanity Fair and Ladies Home Journal among others. Eve’s highly anticipated new book, Plastic Surgery without the Surgery, the Miracle of Makeup Techniques, was released in January, 2004 and is now available in paperback. Eve’s product line will be launching in 2006. www.evepearl.com
FRED VELLON
MAC Senior Artist Fred Vellon has been with the company since 1995. Fred finds intrigue in the unexpected. “I look at the texture of objects, at how light can play tricks on your eyes… I look for the unconventional and try to use it as inspiration,” he says. His numerous hobbies keep his curiosity constantly supplied with new references – he loves to read, cook, work out, explore real estate, pop culture, make jewelry and sketch fashion illustrations. This diversely creative lifestyle evidently has an impact on his work. When creating the makeup concept for the last Ricky Martin concert in Puerto Rico and Latin America in January 2008, Fred explored multicultural references of Africa, Asia and Morocco. “Just when you think you’ve done something cool, something else comes along and tops it! Working for M•A•C is an exciting ride! I am fortunate enough to say that I’m living my ultimate career ambition,” he exclaims.
Yet while projects such as the Martin concert, working with music stars such as Amy from Evanescence, backstage makeup at the Collections and opening the first M•A•C store in Puerto Rico have all been highlights in Fred’s M•A•C career to date, he is equally inspired by the M•A•C customers that he encounters daily. “Many of them are so resourceful and inventive…I’m in awe by their passion for beauty,” he says, preferring to approach makeup from the perspective of helping individuals “to further compliment and maximize their personalities with the use of a few products…it’s not about imposing all my ideas on them or trying to ‘show off’ my artistry”…. not to say that he isn’t utterly detail-driven, though. “I pay close attention to details and to how I’m perceived by others. Everything from the way I communicate to a stray hair on a brow is important,” he says.
JACKIE HEIKES
Jackie Heikes has been in the cosmetics industry for over 30 years with vast experience within the retail and esthetics arena and has worked with renowned cosmetics companies including Christian Dior and Yves St.
Laurent. Jackie joined Cover FX in 2006 as a CosMedic Retail Educator training makeup artists and beauty advisors on The Art of Foundation using Cover FX. Jackie also helps dermatologists with their practice by offering their patients a safe and healthy solution to covering skin imperfections and renewed self confidence.
JAMES VINCENT
As Director of Artistry for The Makeup Show, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine James is fortunate enough to work with makeup lines and makeup artists at all levels of the industry. Over the years James Vincent’s passion for the art of makeup has included nearly every genre of makeup artistry. Film and theatre, television and celebrity work, editorial and runway work and includes training and product development positions for such companies as MAC, Stila, CNN and Lancome. James is the co-founder of the hip, niche makeup line Pretty Pretty and now focuses his career on working internationally in fashion, film, theater and editorial. His resume includes clients as diverse as designers Ashton Michael and Ashley Paige and celebrities Gina Gershon, Liv Tyler, Regina Spektor and Jane Fonda. His work has been seen on the cover of Paper and Atomic and in magazines including ID, Index, Paper, and Surface. He has been featured on numerous television shows as a beauty expert such as NBC Universal's Home Delivery and NBC's The Today Show. James has also worked in television as key artist for shows including American Idol and on stage for productions including Roundabout Theatre’s “The Philanthropist.” Nylon magazine and WWD have named James as a "makeup artist to watch".
JILL GLASER
For her 21st birthday, Jill was given a private lesson with a renowned make up artist. From that day forward, she realized the power, beauty and art of make up. Thereafter, Jill spent every available moment, experimenting and learning the subtle art of make up. For each event and special occasion, friends and family would come to her for that special look. However, it did not occur to Jill to become a professional make up artist. Instead, she did the sensible thing, she completed college and law school, and practiced corporate law for ten years. Jill then married, raised three daughters, all the while continuing to explore and experiment with make up.
When her daughters were older, Jill briefly returned to the practice of law. However, she quickly realized that she was driven to become a professional make up artist. She quit her law job and attended Columbia College, earning a Certificate in Make Up Artistry. Jill has established a successful freelance practice, specializing in media makeup. She has thereby utilized her experience in both business and art, hopefully serving as a role model for her daughters, all of whom are currently pursuing careers in the arts, thereby wasting no time in following their passions!
JOHNNY LAVOY
As Artistic Director and owner of Moda-Rey Salon & Spa, the Connecticut business he started nearly 18 years ago, Johnny Lavoy has been one of the most sought after talents on the market. His bridal and event hair & makeup has thrilled hundreds of clients over his career. Over the last few seasons his work has also become a fixture during NY fashion week, doing hair for designers, Kenneth Cole, Ghost, Mille, Cynthia Steffe, and Swarovski. His work has been seen on the cover of New England Bride and in the pages of Vanity Fair, Ocean Drive, Stuff, Glamour, Elle, Seventeen, Modern Salon, People Espanola, American Salon, Zink and many others. His work has also appeared on many red carpets, from the Emmys to the Oscars.Johnny's resume boasts a client list including JLo, Adrienne Vittadini, and Bill Blass, along with celebrities Rosie Perez, Junes, Angie Everhart, Ethan Hawke, Laura Peron, Oksana Baiul, Jill Clayburgh, Nancy Kerrigan, and Kate Mulgrew. He has also been featured on A&E Biography, The Learning Channel’s The Makeover Story, Discovery Channel’s Home Matters, Ambush Make Over, and HBO. His teaching credits span the globe from New York to Korea. Johnny Lavoy is represented by the prestigious FORD agency in NYC. www.modareysalon.com
JON HENNESSEY
Considered to be one of the “industry’s best”, Jon's 15-year make up career is a globe-spanning trek and a who’s-who in the worlds of Fashion, Entertainment and Advertising. His work can be found on the pages of ELLE, A4, VOGUE HOMME, IN STYLE, MAXIM, NYLON and countless others, and he continues to travel between NY, MILAN and PARIS to add to his already extensive list of runway show credits. Jon’s work has appeared on red carpets from CANNES to THE ACADEMY AWARDS working with clients that include LILY ALLEN, ALICIA KEYS, INXS, KIM CATRALL, CYNTHIA NIXON, JULIA ORMOND and MARCIA GAY HARDEN to name a few. Jon is also the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Nobasura Agency and one of the most respected educators in the Makeup Industry.
KATHY ARAGON
A freelance makeup artist and hairstylist primarily based in the New York and Washington DC Metropolitan area. Some of her clients include CNN, BBC, NFL, HBO, Glamour, People, Working Mother, Virginia Living, DC Modern Luxury and Capitol File Magazine, Hotel Sierra chains and Choice Hotels, Washington National Opera and Ballet, The Washington Post as well as The Baltimore Sun and more. Kathy's diverse, high profile and celebrity clientele range from Larry King and Andrson Cooper to Gretchen Mol, Demi Moore, and Laura Linney.
Kathy is co-owner of the Fashion Photography Studio "Studio400" with photographer husband Luis Aragon and is currently represented by Artists by Timothy Priano.
KEVIN JAMES BENNETT
Multiple Emmy Award winner, Kevin-James Bennett, has spent over 20 years honing the skills that have brought him accolades from his peers as well as viewers of his work in television, film and print projects. After a long and successful career in the industry, he is excited to join MAKE UP FOR EVER as U.S. Director of Artistry and Development. Kevin's love affair with make up was ignited by ground-breaking make up artist Way Bandy's beauty book "Designing Your Face," which initially inspired him to journey into the world of make up. His passion was further intensified by the dawn of the Supermodel in the 80's, as he was fascinated by the intense media focus on these catwalk superstars and the celebrity status of the artists who created their looks. He worked closely with society and celebrity clientele, and made his first foray into TV by assisting the salon's stylists during television make over segments filmed there. Noting his speed and technical expertise under pressure, the television studios began to book him directly to work on a variety of shows. In the early 90's, Kevin's career began to take off and he left the arena of retail make up. Fashion runway, print and television bookings filled his schedule.
He soon joined the world of Daytime Drama and was fortunate to spend the next 9 years employed as Key Make Up Artist for two network shows, "Another World" and "As The World Turns". During that time he received five Emmy Nominations and two Emmy Awards for his work. He is also credited as being the first artist to introduce airbrush make up to daytime dramas, a skill he now uses extensively for high definition video projects.
In late 2003, Kevin became a freelance make up artist in order to explore new outlets for his talent and to diversify his experience. He spent that time working on primetime shows including "Law & Order", and national commercials and lifestyle shows for Discovery, "E" and Scripps networks. He has designed the look of several television series pilots, and has completed work on independent and feature films. He is also an accomplished educator, teaching intermediate to advanced make up techniques both in the U.S. and abroad, and is a frequent guest speaker at workshops and seminars concerning the make up industry and how to achieve success in it.
KOREN ZANDER
Known to most beauty enthusiasts as EnKore Makeup, is one of the most subscribed-to beauty gurus on YouTube. He has 20 years' experience as a professional make-up artist and has worked on several theatrical productions worldwide, as well as on runway shows, commercials and bridal and print make-up. His passion for make-up artistry began when he was a professional stage performer, and make-up has been an essential element to every theatrical production he has done. His popular YouTube channel contains how-to videos ranging from application techniques, tips and tricks of the trade to product reviews and make-up organizing ideas.
LESLIE CHRISTIN
Leslie G.Christin is the founder and creative force behind Cara Cosmetics International. As a native of San Francisco who was raised in Spain, Leslie developed a great interest and appreciation for the Arts scene at an early age, as well as strong influence from European culture. Once she returned to the U.S., she became a licensed cosmetologist and began her career as a makeup artist in her early 20’s. Leslie worked on many television shows and feature films allowing her to collaborate with some of this country's most celebrated actors, models and stars. It was Leslie's experience in the film, television, video and print media that allowed her to learn the ins and outs of the cosmetics industry, which cultivated an interest in the "business" of cosmetics. Tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit, Leslie began attending various aesthetic and salon industry trade shows. She soon realized that there was very little education with regard to makeup artistry among largescale manufacturers of cosmetics and skin-care related businesses. Leslie had an opportunity to capture a neglected segment of the market, not only by implementing a complete product line but also by backing it with her signature style of strong education and personable service. It was then that the idea of "Cara" (“face” in Spanish) Cosmetics was born.
Education is the key to Leslie’s success. She still works in the film and television industry, and is now able to pair her extensive talents with her own line of personally developed products. By training her staff, Leslie is able to bring the education factor to all of her clients. Her passion is to “show women how to rediscover their own beauty.” Another aspect of Leslie’s makeup artistry involves her work with cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patients and trauma victims. She is a contributing writer for trade magazines such as “Dermascope” and “Les Nouvelles Esthetiques”. Cara Cosmetics can be found in over 200 exclusive spas, resorts and salons across the United States and in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
She has shaped Cara Cosmetics into an exceptional line, where product quality meets the demands of today's ethnically diverse market, fulfilling the Cara Philosophy of “Beauty Everywhere for Everyone at Every Age”.
MARIETTA CARTER NARCISSE
Crafting her skills as one of Hollywood’s most sought after artists, Marietta Carter Narcisse now calls Florida her home, where she has begun the next phase of her career in artist management. Marietta is one of the most respected talents in her field with film credits that include Baby Boy, Eve’s Bayou, Malcom X, Ghost, A Time to Kill and What’s Love Got To Do With It? Her list of celebrity clients includes Diahann Carroll, Angela Bassett, Ellen Barkin, Samuel L. Jackson, Tyresse and Denzel Washington.
MATIN
Matin did not set out to conquer the world of beauty. A native of Afghanistan with a Master's degree in Molecular Biology, he was first introduced to the beauty business by a college roommate and ended up doing make-up part time to pay for school. After working as a research scientist for a couple of years, he realized that he missed creating works of art on the facial pallets of his clients.
Since making the transition from scientist to make-up artist, Matin has worked with the who's who of the entertainment industry. His personal client list includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Connelly, Liv Tyler, Rachel Weisz, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morrissette. In addition to working with celebrity clients, he was a Laura Mercier Cosmetics spokesperson and dreams of creating a serious skincare line for cosmocuetical use in the future. He has been featured in the beauty pages of leading fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Allure and his work has graced the covers of Elle, Amaan, Marie Claire and Nylon. To combine Matin's make-up talents with his degree in biology, Matin is the Neutrogena's Cosmetic Science Expert. Matin takes part in the creative process of product development as noting make-up trends of the season.
MICHAEL DEVELLIS
As the founder of The Powder Group and The Makeup Show and On Makeup Magazine Michael DeVellis has the inside track on what it takes to make it big in the makeup artist industry. More than 14 years of experience working with hundreds of top artists, agencies, productions and trade events and publications affords Michael a rare opportunity to understand the many facets of the industry. His diverse background, including product and makeup program development, writing, education, marketing and administration, enables him to share the must-have creative and business skills required to be a success in the ever-changing makeup artist community.
ORLANDO SANTIAGO
Sharing his passion for the art of makeup is something Orlando Santiago has felt a drive for since the early days of his career as a freelance make-up artist at Christian Dior where he quickly advanced to become regional make-up artist. In 1999, Orlando was offered a position as a member of the National Art Team for Toni & Guy, where he traveled nationwide doing platform makeup, educating and demonstrating his make-up talent while launching the newly developed Bed Head makeup line. In 2000, he then moved back to New York City to join MAC Cosmetics where he worked as a trainer and manager as well as being a member of the artist team for Fashion Week. His career has had the range includes commercial, film, and editorial for such Publications as Essence, Esquire, Flaunt and Vibe. Orlando is the Lead Instructor/Director for the makeup program at Empire/LIBS makeup school in NYC. His company, Mantis Design Group was launched two years ago and designs and retails professional makeup artist tools including The Mantis Glove. Orlando is currently represented by The Montgomery Group in New York.
RACHEL PERRIN
Rachael Perrin is a professional makeup artist and hair designer with experience in all media. Rachael is known for her expertise in creating clean beauty for print, as well as strong looks for runway. Her work can be seen in a variety of publications, national advertising campaigns and in the press packages and websites of many local designers. Rachael is represented by Artists by Timothy Priano in Chicago and has worked as the Key makeup artist for GenArt's Chicago "Fresh Faces in Fashion" show in 2004 & 2005, and as a makeup artist backstage for St. John and Vogue Magazine.
ROMERO JENNINGS
As a Senior Artist for M•A•C Cosmetics, Romero creates lavish, exotic and handsome looks for a lively list of celebrity clientele including Mary J. Blige, Toni Colette, David Schwimmer, Fran Drescher, Naomi Campbell, Veronica Web, China Forbes (Pink Martini), Momoi Kaori (“Memoirs of a Geisha”), and a “Dream Girl” or two. And true to M•A•C’s credo, he’s worked with all ages – from a six-month-old bouncing baby to octogenarian chanteuse Earth Kitt. Now with M•A•C 14 years, he’s created makeup for Broadway plays, music videos, fashion shows from New York to Milan, and magazines from Vogue to Vibe.
Romero, who moved to New York when he was six, can trace his sensitivity to colour back to his infancy in Kingston, Jamaica. In Jamaica, says Romero, colours are more saturated that anywhere else he’s travelled. “I think it’s due to the light in that part of the world,” he says. “When you look at a hibiscus flower in Jamaica it’s the most vivid red you’ve ever seen, even the sand is quite bright; the colour almost vibrates against itself. I see inspiration everywhere. I’ll see a blue jay or cardinal in the snow in my hometown and that sort of contrast might help me be bolder with a colour.”
VE NEIL
One of the most renowned Makeup Artists in the motion picture business, VE NEILL has set many standards of excellence in the makeup field. Over the course of her thirty-year career, Neill has won three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, two Saturn Awards, a BAFTA Award, Local 706 Best Character Makep Award and the first Artist to be awarded Hollywood Foreign Press “Makeup Artist of the Year”Award. That is a total of 19 international nominations for her creative and innovative makeups. She recently added “Pirates of the Caribbean” to her list of creations for which she was awarded the the BAFTA (British Academy Award) and another Oscar nomination for iconic films including Mrs. Doubtfire, Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd, and Pirates of the Caribean.
Throughout her career Neill has worked with many of Hollywood's brightest stars. Jack Nicholson, Keira Knightly, Julia Roberts, Danny DeVito, Sarah Jessica Parker, Johnny Depp, Uma Thurman, Orlando Bloom, Sigourney Weaver, Stellan Scarsgard, Jude Law, Ethan Hawke, Catherine Keener, Jim Carey, Courtney Love, Edward Norton, Andy Garcia, Keanu Reeves, Hope Davis and Michael Caine have all called upon Neill for her expertise with Beauty, the Bizarre and lots of Wild Characters.
|