MUD Blog

DREAM OUT LOUD: CELEBRATING THE ARTISTRY OF KAZUHIRO TSUJI

2013-01-28T21:21:05+00:00

Make-Up Designory kicked off the 39th International Makeup Artists Trade Show in a huge way, unveiling the latest works of Kazuhiro Tsuji. If you’re not familiar with the name, you’re definitely familiar with his work, which has been part of award-winning films such as Planet of the Apes, and the unforgettable characters from How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Held at the Pasadena Convention Center, the trade show’s Pro Night turned into an amazing evening for over 1,000 guests. A short documentary film, “Dream Out Loud,” directed by Deverill Weekes and Juliet Landau, Miss Juliet Productions, gave a touching insight into the story behind the artist. The 20-minute film showcased over 50 hours of footage depicting Tsuji at work on his creation, interviews, and an intimate look at how he grew from a dreamer to a full blown artist who makes other artists marvel at his work.

Shortly after the documentary, guests were escorted in to get an up close and personal view of the finished product of his latest work, an Abraham Lincoln bust. The realness of the Lincoln bust seemed to come alive the closer you were to it and once again, guests marveled at the works of the humble artist that could only express how much he loves what he does for a living.

The event was hosted by the industry leaders in make-up artistry, Make-Up Designory (MUD) and Make-up Artist magazine. While MUD campuses, located in Los Angeles and New York, provide education in the craft of make-up artistry, Make-up Artist Magazine gives artists the latest in industry news and holds one of the most noted make-up trade shows in the US, Canada, Australia, and England.

When it comes to making a grand introduction, the Dream Out Loud event definitely brought to life the remarkable exuberance of fine arts to a new level.

Photo Credit: Scott Sebring

Dream Out Loud Team Photo (Left to Right) Juliet Landau (Miss Juliet Productions), Michael Key (Make-up Artist Magazine), Kazuhiro Tsuji, Karl Zundel (Make-up Designory), Deverill Weekes (Miss Juliet Productions)

MUD CELEBRATES GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD WINNER BEN AFFLECK AT THE CINEMA FOR PEACE GALA

2013-01-16T15:23:21+00:00

Cinema for Peace’s Gala for Humanity honored Eastern Congo Initiative’s Founder, Actor/Director Ben Affleck at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Friday, January 11, 2013. Recognizing artists that extend a helping hand worldwide, this event spotlights foundations that are near and dear to artists such as Nicole Kidman (UN Women), Matt Damon (Water.org), Alicia Keys (Keep a Child Alive) and George Lucas (Edutopia).

This event not only raised awareness, but also raised over a million dollars. The Cinema for Peace Foundation provides support through the funding, production, and worldwide distribution and promotion of film projects focusing on humanitarian and justice issues.

Make-Up Designory (MUD) was in attendance to help celebrate the efforts of the recent Golden Globe’s winner for Best Director and Best Drama for his latest movie Argo. The MUD Cares organization was there to support their outreach partner and the gala’s host, Noella Coursaris Musunka, Founder of the Georges Malaika Foundation http://www.gmfafrica.org. Noella’s awareness of the challenges that girls face in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo inspired her to create an organization devoted to helping girls achieve their goals through education.

Make-Up Designory’s very own, Denise (Dee) Zamora was the artist behind the make-up of international model, Noella Coursaris Musunka, Founder of the Georges Malaika Foundation and Carla Kompany, wife of Belgium soccer player, Vincent Kompany.

INDUSTRY SPEAKS: MICHELLE GARBIN

2013-01-11T22:20:25+00:00

Make-up Designory was proud to host guest speaker Michelle Garbin this past Wednesday, January 9, at the Holiday Inn in Burbank, CA. Michelle shared her extensive experience with Make-up Designory students and grads, and stayed after the event to answer questions on an individual basis.

Key Make-Up Artist for Sons of Anarchy, Michelle Garbin began her passion at the young age of 15, when she attended cosmetology school. From her beginnings as an intern in the Art Department on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” to creating her own skincare line, Vivid MD Skincare, Michelle has picked up clientele that range from celebrities to politicians.

Films that she has worked on include: Identity Theft, The Green Hornet, Funny People, Yours Mine and Ours, and Three Kings. Currently she is key makeup on Sons of Anarchy.

Her current success in the industry sparked a momentous discussion:

The importance of having additional training:

“Extra training is always helpful, especially with skincare. The more you know, the more you work. Knowledge is power.”

You did make-up for the “Halo 4” video game. What does that entail?

“Motion capture dots. It’s a special makeup and a very meticulous technique. The dots have to be in the exact same spot every day or you have to do it over. And it’s very hard to get off.”

What do you look for in an assistant, both on set and with your skincare line?

“ Someone who has my back, on time, smiles, willing to be a team player. I hired my current assistant because she kept in touch after meeting. Talent as a makeup artist isn’t always as important as a good attitude.”

How HD has affected make-up artistry:

A. Everything is in HD now and it shows everything. The skin has to be flawless. Skincare is even more important.

The difference between working on a union and non-union show:

The food!

What advice would you give the students about to start their careers?

Always say yes. You never know what each opportunity will lead to.

The next event will be Friday, January 11 at the MUD Studio, Los Angeles, with Mari Shten from 4-5:00pm. See http://www.facebook.com/MudCareerServicesLosAngeles for more information.

MUD STUDENTS TAKE TO THE SET

2013-01-11T19:37:43+00:00

On Thursday, January 10th, five MUD graduates attended the Wendy Williams Show.

Blake Novick, Nick Fait, Lauran Hester, Destiny Valentin, and Adriana Ubides were the former students in attendance.

HOLIDAY SMOKY EYE WITH LASHES

2012-12-17T17:02:03+00:00

End this Holiday season and begin the New Year with quick, easy and effective Holiday Smoky Eye tips.

Prep the eye area with a MUD Corrector, Cream or HD Air Foundation. Set the makeup with a Loose Powder for a smoother surface and maximum blendability for the smoky eye treatment.

Begin with the Graphite Eye Color on the entire lid with Brush 330S. Connect the on the outer corner and follow the lower lash line to the tear duct with Brush 810. For the ultimate smoky eye, blend the edges in the crease and lower lash line with Brush 800S. To add to the drama, play up a highlight and shadow for an intense smoky eye. Mix the Ice and Tinsel Eye Colors to create a highlight in the inner corners with the 300S Brush. Next, use the Black Eye Pencil on the top lash line and lower lash line. Be sure to connect the outer corner. Then, use a back and forth motion with Brush 810 to blend the Black Pencil into the Graphite Eye Color. Apply a light application of the Cream or Volumizing Mascara to coat the fall out from the eye color and to darken lighter lashes. Fit false strip lashes to the eye. Trim to fit for added comfort. Apply a small amount of Duo Adhesive to the entire strip that faces you. Let stand 15 to 20 seconds to assure that the adhesive becomes tacky. Place the strip where the root of the lashes and the skin of the lash line meet. Let dry. Add another coat of mascara to blend the false and natural hairs together.

Complete the entire look with the Cool Mauve Cheek Color and Bare Lip Glaze.

MUD STUDENTS IN ACTION

2012-12-15T00:47:00+00:00

On Thursday, December 6th, nine students and graduates of MUD New York were invited to attend a live taping of the Anderson Cooper Show.

Kendall Bennewitz, Victoria Kronenberger, Jennifer Dracker, Candace Turner, Cara Poses, Destiny Valentin, Cherry Lee, Tracy Hussey, and Rachael Wagner got to meet and have their pictures taken with Mr. Cooper and his personal makeup artist.

A pleasant time was had by all.

MAKE-UP COMMUNITY MOURNS LOSS OF A RISING STAR

2012-12-10T17:03:09+00:00

It is with heavy heart that MUD observes the passing of Jacob Yebale, a graduate of the Make-Up Designory Master Program.

Yebale perished in a plane crash last night along with Jenni Rivera, with whom he worked.

Jacob (pictured front and center) was an accomplished make-up artist who made up a wide range of pop icons including Jessica Alba, Eric Estrada, Britney Murphy, Eva Longoria, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Daddy Yankee, and Destiny's Child.

He will be fondly remembered by the faculty and staff at Make-Up Designory, and dearly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the make-up industry.

We send our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.

DREAM OUT LOUD

2012-12-04T18:24:00+00:00

Make-up Designory is proud to announce “Dream Out Loud” an event celebrating the inspiring make-up artistry of Kazuhiro Tsuji. Make-up Designory in association with Make-up Artist Magazine and Miss Juliet Productions are holding an invitation only event that premieres at the 2013 International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) Los Angeles.

Please click on the [Movie Trailer] to see a video preview.

The “Dream Out Loud” event will be held Friday January 18th 2013 after “Pro Night” at the International Make-up Artist Trade Show from 6pm at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 East Green Street Pasadena, CA 91101

Please RSVP to kdreamoutloud@gmail.com or by phone at (323)634 4939

“DREAM OUT LOUD” is a short documentary film directed by Juliet Landau and Deverill Weekes. It is about the creative process of brilliant make-up artist Kazuhiro Tsuji, who is branching into the world of fine arts. It will capture his latest creation from inception to culmination. It includes interviews with Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Star of LOOPER, LINCOLN), Rian Johnson (Writer and Director of LOOPER), Guillermo del Toro (Director of PANS LABYRINTH, HELLBOY) and Philip Kaufman (Director of THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING and the new Nicole Kidman project HEMINGWAY AND GELLHORN) etc... Music for the film is by Jude Rawlins: The Subterraneans.

We look forward to seeing you at our “Dream Out Loud” event.

FACE OFF PANEL WITH DEVERILL WEEKES

2012-12-02T00:45:58+00:00

On November 28th, MUD had the pleasure of welcoming five contestants from the Syfy show Face Off.

Frank Ippolito (Season 1):

EXPERTISE: Characters / Sculpting / Prosthetics / Painting

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Frank Ippolito was the nerdy kid who hung out in the basement and made monsters, inspiring his true calling in special effects artistry. He worked on a number of small independent films in the midwest and ten years ago made the move to Los Angeles. Since then he’s worked on a number of film and TV projects including Pirates of The Caribbean. Currently he is collaborating with Danny DeVito on a number of horror film shorts. Frank says his big mouth can sometimes get him into trouble, and he likes to throw people off balance to psyche out his competition. Industry politics can sometimes get the best of Frank, and he is eager to take his FX career to the next level.

Gage Hubbard (Season 1):

EXPERTISE: Prosthetics / Latex / Trauma / Beautifying / Horror / Fantasy / Ethnicity / Old

A gifted make-up artist, Gage (“Munster”) Hubbard became terrified of Freddy Kruger after watching A Nightmare on Elm Street at just six years old while living in rural Utah. In order for him to not be afraid of Freddy, his mother and father bought him his first Horror FX magazine to show how Freddy’s makeup was applied. It was then that he yearned to understand more about the art of special make-up effects. Growing up, Gage was labeled an outcast. He loved alternative music, wore crazy/funky clothes, and buried himself in R-rated monster movies and his artwork. Gage is an openly gay man who grew up very close to his mother, whom he utmost admires. He has been living on his own since he was 17 years old, moved to Las Vegas, then shortly thereafter to Los Angeles, where he adopted the nickname of "Munster,” and put himself through make-up school. He has been working professionally since 2005.

Ian Von Cromer (Season 2):

EXPERTISE: Sculpting / Painting / Mold Making / Appliances / Silicone

With childhood idols like the Ninja Turtles, Batman and Ghostbusters, one might guess that Ian Cromer always had an interest in special effects. Moving around a lot and being raised by his single father created a difficult childhood for Ian. Sculpting and creating - often with his action figures - was one of his few consistencies as a child. Despite a difficult upbringing, Ian was the first person in his family to go to college. He discovered his calling at Tom Savini's Special Makeup Effects program school where a teacher took him under his wing and fostered his talents. Ian has worked in architectural restoration for New York City buildings and skyscrapers and for the Manhattan-based sculptor, Carole Feuerman. Ian is excited for his next move with plans to soon move to Los Angeles. Ian has a big heart and does not do well with large egos.

Rod Maxwell (Season 3):

EXPERTISE: Special Effects / Prosthetics

With an endearing demeanor, Rod Maxwell is an accomplished, self-taught special effects artist and director. In his award winning film The Wishing Well, Rod created 26 distinctly different characters for himself in the film. He is thorough, patient, and meticulous, which definitely transpires in his work. Rod is an out of the box thinker who plans to give the other competitors a run for their money. Although he works primarily in digital effects, special effects makeup is his first love and is thrilled to be a contender for season 3.

Alana Rose Schiro (Season 3):

EXPERTISE: Sculpting

The youngest contestant, Alana Rose Schiro brings determination and talent to Face Off. Her ambition will not allow anyone deter her from her goals as a budding SFX artist. Alana is hoping to prove that she has what it takes to be a contender in the special effects field. Currently residing in Northridge, CA, Alana restores old architectural designs on buildings.

INDUSTRY SPEAKS: VERONICA LANE ON ORGANIZATION FOR MAKEUP ARTISTS

2012-11-16T21:37:19+00:00

In an ever changing entertainment industry, working as a freelance makeup artist has its challenges. Though very rewarding, involvement in this line of work takes strong organization skills and lacking in this area can greatly affect an artist’s experience in a negative way.

It was a pleasure for us to welcome Make-Up Designory’s very own Veronica Lane for our Industry Speaks lecture series, to speak about the importance of organization as a freelance makeup artist.

Veronica Lane has been a Professional Makeup & Hair Artist for over twenty years. From films to television, Reality T.V., commercials, fashion shoots, advertising, press junkets, and working with personal clients, she has done it all! She loves to teach others and share her knowledge about the entertainment industry. In the 1990’s, she worked for and taught seasonal makeup collections for the world renowned hair and makeup company Sebastian International. She also worked for the Max Factor Museum and Boutique where she first got her taste of makeup and design. She has been a freelance make-up artist for over twelve years and she continues to be a force in a competitive industry.

One of the most important tools to use in organization, as a makeup artist, is the call sheet. As organization is the most obvious function of a call sheet, there are many other less obvious functions of call sheets. Call sheets are instrumental in tracking your jobs, as well as production companies and photographers that you’ve worked with. It also serves as proof to show places like IMBD for recording your job history. Record of your job history as a makeup artist is important for exposure and a stronger name for future jobs.

Another important aspect of a call sheet is to have something to build your resume against. A strong resume in the line of freelance makeup artistry is vital in marketing yourself for possible future jobs. Rather than relying on your memory for your job history, call sheets serve as detailed information on each job that you’ve worked at. When adding job experience to your resume, it is important to separate the different job types; hair only and makeup only.

When combining hair and makeup together, it could potentially be seen as “vanity,” which may not be the type of style a potential job is looking for.

Lastly, call sheets can also lead to proving eligibility for the union. Although this will not be your main proof of job history, it may still serve as backup documentation, and the more backup proof you have, the better. You can also contact the Production Company you worked for, and request a letter of proof stating that you did in fact work with them. All documents that you accumulate should be kept in a file designated for backup documentation. The preferable method is using binders organized by year.

Some final suggestions and advice that Veronica offered to makeup artists starting out:

Call sheets are an organization tool and do not act as official documents. They are mainly for the makeup artist to keep for themselves, and serve as backup. Never assume that this is the only thing you need for official records. Avoid being paid in cash as “Call Sheets + cash jobs = no proof.” Save a copy of all the paperwork from all jobs and if possible, do your invoicing on a computer where you can safely save them. Most importantly, do not ever assume that any company or website will keep track of your work history for you. It is up to you to manage and log your own work experience, making sure your information on everything is accurate.

“The more organized you are, the easier it will be.”- Veronica Lane.