2013 New Beauty

As artists, we need to constantly revamp our portfolios and add new images. Also, depending on the type of shoot, it allows for creative outlets for all parties involved. I made a promise to myself to try and test at least once a month. I need to improve my book and add new images to my portfolio. I have also done a couple editorial shoots and look forward to posting the images as soon as the publications they will be featured in are released.

Below are some images of my recent beauty work.

Tereza @ Marilyn, Photographer: Jessica Weiser, Hair: Mercedes C. Makeup: Maria Ortega

Angie @ MAJOR, Photographer: Nick Suarez, Hair: Sasha Bay, Makeup: Maria Ortega

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agniezska @ MC2 photographed by Leriam Gonzalez

I was beyond thrilled to finally be able to collaborate with young, talented and beautiful, Mexican photographer Leriam Gonzalez. Due to conflicting schedules, we had not yet had the opportunity to work together. We worked with fresh face Agniezska from MC2. It was a beauty shoot with a focus on a pop of color on the lips and a noticeable flush on the cheeks.

Both Agniezska and Leriam were a pleasure to work with. The atsmosphere at the shoot was calm and serene but fun. I am stoked to work with Leriam again, her talent is superb and has a definite vision in mind while shooting. Simply amazing.

Below are the images of the beauty shoot:

Model: Agniezska @ MC2 NYC
Photographer: Leriam Gonzalez
Makeup/Hair: Maria Ortega

*All photos copyright of Leriam Gonzalez*

VIKTOR LUNA F/W 2012 NYFW Presentation

Mexican Designer and Project Runway finalist, Viktor Luna held his Fall/Winter 2012 presentation at the Chelsea Fine Arts Building, Rogue Space on Monday, February 13th. Over 350 guests attended the presentation at Rogue Space and approximately 895 viewers via live-stream from all over the world.

Industry notable, fashion stylist, agency owner and fashion director, Nole Marin was the man in charge of styling the models. The event was hosted by Nina Pollari and was live-streamed by Watchitoo.

Paula Randazzo was the head hair stylist. I was the key makeup artist and was very happy that OCC was the official makeup sponsor for the presentation.

Models were provided by Myriad Model Casting and AIM Model Management. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, VOSS water, Absolut Vodka, Watchitoo and Thompson Lower East Side were the proud sponsors of the presentation. Also, Alex Souza the Director of Marketing and Sales at VIKTOR LUNA is a gem that helped make everything run smoothly and was a pleasure to work with.

Below are the images of Viktor Luna's innovative, creative, and unique designs. He already has a signature style that distinguishes him from others and is always able to convey his vision through his marvelous designs.

The menswear was a collaboration between Viktor Luna & Joshua Christensen, also a Project Runway participant. Gloves were provided by La Crasia Gloves, they definitely added a touch of edge to this already unique line at Viktor Luna.

Viktor Luna

I  hope you all enjoyed viewing the photos of Viktor Luna's F/W 2012 presentation as much as I did. I was thoroughly happy to once again collaborate with Viktor and his team of exceptional creative minds. Working with Viktor Luna was an honor and blessing because he is a person I respect, admire and that inspires me so much.

(A special thanks to the makeup team: Cari R Duprey, Yisell Santos, Aja Winston, Marina Guidos, Cassie Kurtz, Nicole Jay, Diana Jimenez & Omary Gonell.)

*Photos copyright of Brijaj Thapa & Viktor Luna

My Work Featured in Vogue Italia's: PhotoVogue online

Vogue Italia allows photographers to showcase their talent and recent images on their PhotoVogue section. Vogue editorial staff evaluates photos, assesses their quality, if they meet the criteria and are considered suitable for publication, then the images are published on Vogue.it.

I was very thrilled to discover that two images of my work have been featured on Vogue Italia online. Although my work wasn't selected to be in the print magazine, it is a very joyous occasion for me. I am so glad to be able to do what I love and work with the fabulous teams that made such images possible.

The first image is: NAVY YARD

Photographer: Al Rodriguez
Model: Victoria @ Red Model Management
Stylist: Queena Yan
Hair: Jachelle Whiting
Designs by: LNB Eye N Wear & Devaue Body Jewelry
Makeup: Maria Ortega Makeup

http://www.vogue.it/photovogue/en/Portfolio/74a32f84-f890-4ca9-b5a1-17bf6060868c/Image

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The second image is: MODERN WITH  A DEBT TO THE PAST
Photography: Paul Tirado
Model: Ivy Timlin @ Major Model Management
Clothing Designer: r e d d o l l  by Tatyana Merenyuk
Makeup/Hair: Maria Ortega Makeup

http://www.vogue.it/photovogue/en/Portfolio/35d1b052-6cc7-4fe6-b419-6948da5011e6/Image

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The coolest thing about all of this was calling my mom and texting her photos, along with the links to them on Vogue Italia's PhotoVogue section. Nothing is more gratifying to me, than to hear my mom tell me she is proud of me. I thank her for teaching me what I know about makeup and being my inspiration. I know this is just a baby step, but it's a step forward to reaching my future goals.

Celebrity Makeup Artists-who can hold such title?

The term "makeup artist" or its abbreviated form: "MUA," are used far too loosely and everyone categorizes themselves as such, when in reality many are simply makeup enthusiasts or aficionados. The same applies to the term: "Celebrity Makeup Artist." It seems to be given to just about any freelance makeup artist. Artists feel that doing makeup for a single celebrity such as an actor, recording artist, reality TV star, or an adult film star magically transforms them into a celebrity makeup artist. That is not the case.

A celebrity makeup artist is one who primarily or only works with celebrities on a continuous basis. Their clientel consists of famous and notable celebrities. A makeup artist whom is represented by one of the top agencies in the U.S. and I were communicating via an online social media about this topic. I found it very humbling on her behalf to not consider herself a celebrity makeup artist despite working with celebrities on a regular basis. She explained to me that at celebrity makeup artist usually only works with celebrities and does not do bridal work on the side or sweet 16 makeup, etc. Also, such artists have been in the celebrity makeup business for approximately four years.

When I think of celebrity makeup artists, the late Kevyn Aucoin, Troy Jensen, Carol Shaw, Scott Barnes, Sam Fine, Joanna Schlip, Billy B, & Pati Dubroff are a few of the names that come to mind. These artists are the most sought after celebrity makeup artists that are booked months and years in advance for advertising campaigns, red carpet events, galas etc but the famous. If your work is up to par with theirs and you book most of the same clientel they do on continuous basis, then by all means, you are definitely a celeb MUA.

Now, before classifying yourself as as such, does your work reflect that of a celebrity makeup artist? Take a look at your book and note how many photos of celebrities are in it, is most if not all of your clientel celebrities? Let your work speak for itself and if you constantly work with celebs, you will be known as being a celebrity MUA without having to give yourself such title.

*Image copyright of Mirrors

Make Up For Ever seminar with Lottie in NYC

Make Up Forever cosmetic line offers Sunday Seminars with various established makeup artists. Some of these classes focus more on training while others are more discussion seminars in which we can verbally learn invaluable information regarding the particular seminar focal point. I have never really taken a makeup class and was more than excited to attend this seminar along with a friend and fellow makeup artist Cari R. Duprey-whom I really respect and look up to.

I signed up to learn from Lottie, a makeup artist from California who is currently one of the most sought after artists for fashion editorials and runway shows. The class was geared towards fashion print editorial. Starting as a graphic designer in California, Lottie took an interest in career about ten years ago and would do makeup on just about anyone in her office that let her do their makeup. Lottie is a self taught makeup artist with no formal training in makeup artistry.

She admitted that she was especially fond of creative makeup and her initial portfolio consisted of primarily, if not all, creative beauty. In fact, she mentioned that the first agency that she visited in hopes of being signed with in NYC told her that over the top, creative makeup scares clients. The booker at such agency encouraged her to look at things from a business point of view and told her that her book was a representation of her. Letting Lottie know that a portfolio in essence, sells each person as an artist.

This is interesting because I, along with the vast majority of aspiring MUAs start out like that, with the idea that super creative is what will get you noticed and set your makeup artistry skills apart from everyone else. It felt good that she also began that way. Lottie stated: Super creative, over the top makeup looks don't get you work, they hinder you from getting work." Another thing she stated in regards to this is that "the more high end your book, the less creative, the less makeup on models." Fashion makeup is about the garments first.

It was very refreshing to hear her speak and be so real about her struggles, her beginnings as an artist, the brutal, honest truth about makeup artistry and the fashion industry's relations with makeup. Sometimes, as MUAs, we want the established artists to sugar coat everything and make us feel that the road to success is easy and hastle free. Lottie stressed that makeup begins with fashion, thus encouraging all in attendance to study as many runway shows and familiarize ourselves with every look from brand, hair styles etc. It is of extreme importance to stay current with trends and study magazines in our market. We live in the U.S. so the type of fashion makeup and work that will get us booked is that found in the magazines of the country in which you reside in.

A great tip she gave was to make sure we research the model we are going to work with on shoots, if information is provided. Know what the model looks like with plenty of makeup, no makeup, runway, different angles, fashion, beauty etc.

Lottie spoke a lot about set etiquette while assisting other artists and how assisting work should never go on your website, online portals or your portfolio. My favorite quote about such topic that she said during the seminar was: "when you assist, you are not 'working' with the photographer." It is a big no no to take pcitures when you are assisting and you are not there to network or hand out your own business cards but much rather learn.

We had the opportunity to watch her do makeup and prior to starting the makeup application she stressed the importance of proper skin care. Independant of makeup facet, this step should not be skipped. I was pretty happy and proud of myself because I am huge on skin care and never bypass great skin prep, even when pressed for time. I liked that Lottie mentioned that if a model brings her own makeup due to sensitivities to set, that we should just use it.

It was very encouraging when Lottie told us to be confident on set and learn to speak up for ourselves when on set. I also appreciated the fact that she invited anyone taking the class to ask any questions we had for her. Being the chicken that I am, I didn't ask anything.

After the class was done, we got to meet her and take an up close look at her kit. This class was very informative, and it was a great learning experience. I was so happy to get to meet an artist that is so inspiring, creative and innovative. It was an honor to take this class and after getting to know more about her, I respect her as a person and her craft even more.

*All photos copyright of  Lottie along with the photographers who took them. Photos were obtained from her Facebook fan page. (Photo of Lottie and me along with the model at seminar were taken with my cell phone camera.)

What is a Makeup Artist? Who should really hold this title?

Loving to prepare meals and being a great cook does not automatically convert you into a Chef. The same applies to makeup. Being great at applying makeup on yourself and being a cosmetic aficionado does not automatically convert you into a Makeup Artist aka: MUA. With all the new techonological advances, online portals quickly became a huge market to broadcast yourself, your business and hobbies. YouTube has opened the doors for many makeup addicts to share their latest purchases, video blogging, do product reviews, remake looks found in magazines and become makeup gurus. However, the term "MUA" is used far too loosely and presently, it seems that everyone is a makeup artist.

What exactly is a makeup artist? Well, to begin with, there are various facets of makeup artistry. There are artists that only focus on bridal work and special occasion makeup in which they strive to make their clients look naturally beautiful on such important events and ensure long wear, smudge resistant makeup. Airbrush makeup artists apply makeup using a compressor and can use their skills to obtain a lot of bridal work and also air brush body painting. There are body painters that can work with an airbrush machine or other cosmetics for the body and hand paint. Special effects artists in my opinion are on an entire different level of makeup artistry becuase they deal with molding and prosthetics, usually using their artistry for TV and film. TV and film makeup artists usually deal with High Definition and have to apply makeup to their clients in a well blended, natural format because HD television shows any mistake and is very unforgiving. Theatrical artists are those that primarily work on set with Broadway shows.  Many people who work in retail can also be considered makeup artists because they must apply makeup on clients of all skin colors, ethnic backgrounds and ages. The most recognized form of makeup artistry are those of editorial/high fashion makeup artists that master clean faces but also can do marvelous high fashion and creative looks.

Now that we have established the various types of makeup artists, I would like to state that many successful artists never went to makeup school, cosmetology school or took any type of class or course. Just like with many other forms of art, it is a natural talent that does not necessarily need formal training. Living in America, there are many schools that offer classes so if this is a career that interests you I advise you to look into your options for learning the basics. I, personally have never gone to school or taken a class but I am looking forward to taking a few classes by world renown makeup artists next year.

One thing that all makeup artists (despite the field you focus in) have in common is that we all get paid, monetary compensation for the vast majority of our services.  You cannot call yourself a MUA if you simply do makeup on yourself and are not a working MUA that works out of a store, salon, or are a mobile, freelance traveling artist.  Professional MUAs have pro kits with makeup in it ready to do makeup on clients of all ages, skin types and textures along with all ethnic backgrounds. As makeup artists we also know a lot about skin care because skin preparation is essential prior to any makeup application. Product knowledge is of extreme importance because we deal with clients that have different needs, sensitivities and wants.

With so many gurus on the rise, aspiring artists feel that doing extravagant looks with bold colors and going to extremes will denote how talented you are as a MUA. Unfortunately, this is not true. It is a lot more difficult to make a client look naturally beautiful without making it look like they are caked with makeup than to create an extreme look with loads of cosmetics. I, just like many beginnig MUAs was like this when I first started. I wanted to prove that I knew how to do creative makeup and started out by doing makeup with  bright colors and what not, but slowly realized that your main income as a MUA and respect comes from clean beauty. Trust me, I will always have a love for bright and dramatic makeup but I do know that in regards to my career as a makeup artist, I need to focus on creating clean, natural, supple skin. Doing this, I am ensuring more paid work. I occasionally still do creative makeup for my portfolio but mainly get booked to do clean makeup.

Makeup artists also are color masters and can create custom colored foundations for each client, know face/bone structure and apply makeup differently according to each client face shape, age and needs. We can sculpt and transform a person's face without looking like they are wearing a mask and enhance best features while diminishing flaws. If your work only shows what you can do on yourself and you only practice with your face, then how can you be a MUA if you are not accustomed to various skin textures, types, concerns, conditions and ages? Not to mention color and undertones.

So, in essence, if you do not have clients, do not get paid work, tear sheets, photos from your work on other people to add to your portfolio, then you are not a makeup artist. You can be a makeup lover, aficionado, junkie or guru, but definitely not a MUA.

I am not bashing YouTube gurus, bloggers or makeup junkies. I am simply posting about this to clarify the jobs that real working makeup artists do. Also, as artists, most of us do more than one simple type of makeup and almost all freelancers do bridal, catalog, editorial and TV& Film makeup. We even try to dabble with SFX makeup. Many YouTube gurus are not simply gurus, they are working freelance MUA that travel and have numerous clients and sponsors. You can pretty much tell who these are because they don't always do the same cut crease look with false lashes all the time, they teach tips and tricks of the trade as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest posting. I have a lot to work on as an artist myself but I put in a lot of time, effort and money into my passion and career and I am highly offended when people refer to themselves as MUA when they truely aren't.