Who are you? And why do you have so many opinions on beauty?
First: I’m a makeup artist. I’ve been doing makeup in New York for over twenty years, mostly for fashion editorial and commercial advertising photo shoots. I came to New York with a fine arts/color theory background and trained under makeup legend and Shiseido Creative Director Dick Page. I have worked with many of the top editorial photographers in the business, including Partick Demarchelier, Arthur Elgort, and Walter Chin. Magazines I’ve worked for include Vogue, Teen Vogue, Elle, and Allure. My portfolio site and client lists are here.
Second: I’m really fascinated by how beauty works, in society as well as in an individual face. Beauty isn’t just about physical perfection – it’s about grooming, customs, art, society, class, culture, and just about anything else you can think of. We can think of beauty as superficial, or we can think of it like we do cuisine, music, or art – as an integral part of culture.
Before I was a makeup artist, I studied Fine Art and Art History, and I spend a lot of my free time thinking about how the world works. So it’s only natural that I’d use my work as a makeup artist as a lens to examine society and culture. The result is an obsession that had to be expressed. And that’s Wild Beauty.
What is your Job, exactly? Is it Wild Beauty? Can I Hire You?
Wild Beauty is one of many projects I’m involved in, most of which pay me money. And there are many ways we could find ourselves working together:
…As a makeup artist part one. I’ve developed a craft that is both enjoyable and pays well. If you’re producing a commercial or editorial shoot, you can contact me regarding availability. My portfolio site and client lists are here.
…As a makeup artist, part two. I’ve recently been named Director of Makeup Artistry for Kokko, Inc., a color accuracy technology startup based in Los Altos. CA, with its media/creative office in NYC. Kokko’s team of scientists have cracked the mobile color accuracy code, and are building apps for commerce and more. I’m working with them on an IOS app for beauty, and on related projects that can help both beauty consumers and beauty companies. When the app is released (Beta in Fall 2015), I’ll be out and about showing people what it can do.
…As a line consultant. I can also work for your cosmetic company as a product or color consultant. I’m really good at mixing colors – a result of a natural affinity for color plus years of makeup and painting experience. And before I got into the nitty gritty of color mixing and makeup for photos, I worked in retail for both major makeup lines and in natural skincare, so I respect both the possibilities and limits of a retail product line.
…As a media specialist. This one’s a little odd for a creative. During 2009-2010 I went back to school and earned an MBA in Media Management, including thesis work in marketing, demographics, and television development. Since then I’ve co-produced an independent feature film, and developed Wild Beauty as a website and social media presence. I love mass media – mainstream television as well as gorgeously obscure fashion magazines – and I can help you translate ideas from one medium into another. (And yes, Wild Beauty would make a wonderful television show – if you’re interested, I’ve got a WGA-registered pitch ready to go!)
…As a panelist or speaker on beauty and culture. If you’ve been reading Wild Beauty, you know that I’m obsessed with the larger picture of beauty, from its history to its technology, and its larger social implications as well. These opinions on beauty and culture can be shared via guest posts, quotes, and panel or television appearances.
…You can advertise on Wild Beauty. Wild Beauty is a personal site (with personal opinions) that reaches a very diverse demographic of intelligent readers who love beauty. If you see that your brand would pair well with my readers, drop me an email, and we can discuss what you’re looking for.
meli.pennington (at) wildbeautyworld (dot) com
Links:
LinkedIn
Wild Beauty
Makeup Portfolio