Here’s one of three aforementioned hair and makeup looks that I created for actress Geraldine Dulex at Marie’s Rip Tide. This was Geraldine’s professional look (think attorney, woman of power) and she certainly exudes sharp and confident.  Eric James Walsh  did the photography here and knocked this shoot out of the ballpark, framing everything with a keen eye and making awesome use of all the ambient lighting that makes Marie’s a lounge and not just a bar. There are more photos on the way from this inspiring shoot!

The indie film I’ve been working on since the summer has wrapped! This was my first feature as key hair/makeup and I loved it. Pictured above is Vanessa, who plays a supporting role in the film. I took her picture on the last day of  filming with my phone (the pic is actually of the video monitor). The scene was a dream sequence and Vanessa definitely looked ethereal. Such an incredible experience!

Shot by the always amazing Johnny Knight, performer/writer Alisa Rosenthal took this super-fun 1930s-centric look to the next level. Alisa really embodied the whole cache of the era. I had so much fun creating this look and Alisa stepped right into character and made it come alive. She is one of those Chicago talents to keep your eye on, for sure!

Here’s a pic snapped on an iPhone of Casey and Mackenzie (and a boom mic!), stars of the indie film “Residuum” by Edward Pionke, currently in production. I am the key hair/makeup artist on this film and it has been an all-around amazing experience thus far. The film is being shot in and around Chicago and is scheduled to wrap by the end of October. The cast and crew is a stellar mix of talent and I cannot wait to see the finished film!

Here’s a pic of Elena from Akoo TV, the weekly music show where I do hair and makeup.  This is actually a picture of the in-studio tv monitor, taken with my trusty phone. Elena’s standing  in front of the green screen, ready to deliver the exciting music news and celeb gossip for all the Akoo viewers. Working with her and all the Akoo talent is fantastic; I’m grateful to do hair and makeup for such a talented, dedicated crew.

I had the pleasure of talking with with Jill Glaser of Makeup First and Makeup First graduate Andi Fixler about becoming a  makeup artist for the youtube channel, Makeupfirstschool. Makeup First is where I studied makeup and hairstyling for makeup artists. I had so much fun there and learned a tremendous amount from Jill. It’s truly where I got my start and will forever be grateful for all the encouragement I received there.

There’s often a debate as to whether makeup artists need formal training or not. For me, going to makeup school was essential. I came in with some natural talent and left ready to step onto a set. If you are considering making the investment, I recommend visiting whatever school you are interested in and talking to former students. In my case, having the formal training set me up for success.

These kids are phenomenal!  Everything  they’re wearing, they crocheted themselves in a fantastic workshop on Chicago’s South Side.  Photographed by Bethany Fritz of Maypole Studios, the finale to their crochet class was this shoot.  I had the joy of doing the face-painting for this fun, creative bunch; I went with all their requests and added my own flair with a little glitter, some rhinestones, liquid eyeliner and face-paint… and voila! Instant attitude for the 10-12 year-old crochet enthusiast!

I made the papers!

Here’s a pic from the Chicago Tribune of the back of my head as I work on the lovely face of veejay (and actor AND Chicago Fringe Festival producer) Vinnie Lacey for a segment on Akoo TV. I do the hair/makeup every week for the various veejays that Akoo employs and always have a blast doing it. The programming features music videos and celeb gossip and is shown nation-wide in colleges and malls. It’s funny and hip and I recommend checking it out the next time you hit the food court!