2016 MTV VMA's with Sir John Barnett

Beyoncé - Medley LEMONADE (MTV VMA 2016) from Gon on Vimeo.

I had the amazing opportunity to assist Beyonce's MUA Sir John Barnett for the 2016 MTV VMA's.

Here are a few videos and images from Behind the Scenes I was able to capture:

This is a small preview of the body painting: the artists used a mix of a different pro makeup paints to make the pigment as opaque as possible. 

This was the makeup look created by Sir John for the "Spiritual" Dancers: Gold glitter eyes, heavily contoured cheekbones and a purple glitter lip to top it off.

Myself plus a quick clip of the dancers heading to the main stage.

This is one of the dancers I worked on for Beyonce's Lemonade Medley performance.

The "Nefertiti" Dancers

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Sir John is a great teacher, this was my second time assisting him in New York. He works quickly and he expected all of us to work with speed as well. He taught us how to not only work with our brushes to create these looks but to work with our hands to blend the makeup effectively and fast.

This is me with a few of the artists backstage having a quick celebration after everyone was complete; we were so proud, excited and ready to watch the show. We were not allowed to capture any photos of Beyonce' or any of the dance routines, but it was absolutely amazing watching everything come together. We had to complete 80 dancers in hair, makeup, styling and body paint within 5 hours, so most of the time we were really busy getting every one complete.

Here are a few images of the performers on stage with Queen B from Getty Images:

Backstage With Pat McGrath Instagram Contest

Backstage With Pat McGrath 

Instagram Makeup Contest

If you have not read my previous blogs or seen my work from years ago, Pat McGrath is a huge inspiration behind a lot of the makeup looks I create. She is the top makeup artist in the world and I hope to be at least 10% more like her as I grow into my artistry every day. Two months ago, Pat announced that she was looking for a few new artists to add to her makeup team:

Soon as I saw her announcement, I nearly had a heart attack. I was excited, then nervous, then excited again. I rose to the challenge and attempted to re-create one of her most difficult and tedious runway looks to this day: 

Alexander McQueen FW2014 Show

I teamed up with one of my favorite photographers: Kris Lou + Erik Robert

They are a traveling photography duo that work so well together; they have been doing photography for only two years so far and they create ideas and visions of fashion photography light years ahead of their time. 

I showed them my idea for the Pat McGrath contest entry and they expanded upon it by providing perfect wardrobe to compliment the makeup with amazing creative direction for our shoot to flow smoothly. Kris and Erik had bigger ideas than I envisioned for this project and I thank them for pushing me to believe in myself and go all out for Pat McGrath.  

So far, Pat has liked and commented on the very first image we submitted for the contest:

Here's a look at the final images we chose as the best of the best to showcase our work collectively. Pat McGrath's contest ends December 31st, keeping my fingers crossed! In the meantime;

Enjoy!

Photographer + Wardrobe | Kris Lou + Erik Robert 

Model | (9 Years Old) Paige of Ohlsson MGMT

Model | Jessica LaRusso of Ford Models

HMUA | Andrea C. Samuels - under the direction of Pat McGrath (makeup) and Guido Palau (hair) 

Fashionising.com | Jennifer Avello Photography

New F/W 2014 editorial out now featured on the popular fashion blog, fashionising.com 

This fashion story was inspired by girl power, feminism, bronze skin and fierce hair; basically Beyonce'! We had a blast on set with these two beauties from Factor Women.

The backdrop was a huge painting Jennifer created using oil and acrylic paints, her painterly style worked so well with the sleek leather wardrobe.

Michelle the hairstylist worked wonders with both the models hair and used NO extensions whatsoever, the hair is all created by wind power and hot curls. Melissa's hair literally looked like clouds on set.

I worked with Ben Nye Bronzing Tint covering their bodies neck to feet to create a realistic looking glow, I also added baby oil on their skin for a nice sheen on camera.

This tint is really awesome for two major reasons: 

a) Ben Nye Bronzing Tint does not stain clothing, the wardrobe stylist was extremely happy about that.

b) This does not create an orange or fake appearance; this product creates an amazing tan, you can add layers of the tint for a deeper tone. 

Here's an example of Miranda's makeup before and after I applied the Ben Nye Bronzer.

Everyone put in so much hard work for this editorial and I am really proud that Fashionising.com took the time to showcase all of our talents. Take a look at the full story on Fashionising.com

- All Black Everything -

Photographer & Editor | Jennifer Avello of 10 MGMT

Wardrobe Stylist | Jessica Moazami of Factor Artists

Hair Stylist | Michelle "Mimeki" McNeil

Makeup | Andrea C. Samuels

Models | Miranda & Melissa of Factor Women

Factor Artists 2014

 

I just signed with Factor Artists last week. 

Today, my comp cards and portfolio are now live!

 

I decided to join with Factor Artists because they expressed how much they loved my work but they wanted to push me to be a better artist with even stronger work. I appreciate when people encourage me to be my best, so I am going to take a chance with them and see how this goes for the next year. I also noticed how the artists they represent have amazing work. I am always pushing my self to go higher and to be better so it felt like a perfect fit.

 

I am also represented by Black Board Group in Los Angeles and New York. 

 

My goal this year was to travel more often and gain new clients all around America, so I hope to continue to jet set to new places for new jobs in 2014. I'll keep you updated on my whereabouts and my latest work very soon!

 

 

 

Day 5 | CZAR by Cesar Galindo SS2014

CZAR by Cesar Galindo | SS2014

September 9th, 2013

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I assisted Ashunta Sheriff last year for Cesar Galindo's SS2013 Presentation Show, so I was really excited and honored to assist her for a second season. Last season was all about lavender lips and clean eyes, this season they switched it up.

The Makeup Look for Cesar Galindo's SS2014 Show created by Ashunta Sheriff:

- Metallic, illuminated skin

- No mascara

- Light contour on nose bridge and cheek bones

- Nude, metallic lip

- Extra highlighter on skin and collarbones

The hair for Cesar Galindo SS2014 created by Janelle of O+M Salon:

- Sleek, Glossy be-jeweled ponytail

I was so INLOVE with the hair!!

Here are the five models I worked on for CZAR's show under the direction of Ashunta Sheriff. I forgot most of the models' names, things were going sooooo fast within the hour.

Model 1 

 I wasn't able to add the highlighter to her skin, but I completed her base

Model 2 | Alexandra 

Model 3

 Model 4

Model 5 | Snow

Few snapshots backstage:

 

Here are a few photos from the Presentation Show:

Here's the official video from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week:



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Ashunta Sheriff is the long time makeup artist for Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, and Paula Patton just to name a few of her clients. I thanked Ashunta over and over for the amazing opportunity to represent her and to be apart of her team. As you can clearly see, I cannot hide my happiness!

I am still in shock over everything that happened in New York. It's ALL because of God!   ---------------------------   Next Day, I was heading back home to Chicago.  

    I had an epic, amazing, thrilling time working 5 days in a row for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I am crossing my fingers and hoping I can work there again next season!