Model of the Month: Nikia Phoenix
Why modeling?
What inspires you?A lot of people forget that modeling is an art form. When I'm in front of a camera, I transform into a whole other being. Modeling allows me to dig underneath the surface and discover certain emotions to produce beautiful, compelling images. It's a challenge, but worth it.
I'm like a chameleon that takes on the skin of my surroundings. Inspiration can be found in a conversation with a stranger or even something as simple as color. At this moment, I'm driven by touch. The memory of a feeling or the impression someone's left on my heart. It stirs up creativity.What do you look for when selecting a photographer to work with?
The relationship between a photographer and a model is very intimate. When I look at a photographer's work, I need to feel something. Does it inspire me? Does their talent intimidate me? So when we do start shooting, there's a mutual respect for each other's art. It's like a dance but it doesn't really matter who's leading or who's following. And when you're done, you leave the shoot knowing they have influenced you and you have done the same to them.What is your personal style?
My style depends on my mood. If I'm feeling tough, then I dress tough. I live in jeans, tanks and beat-up boots. If I feel sophisticated, then I wear a pencil skirt and killer heels. I normally go for classic pieces with funky accessories. Recently I've rediscovered my curves and my legs, so I've been wearing a lot of body conscious dresses. It's feminine and powerful.What is your favorite band or song of all time?
This one kind of took me by surprise. I'd heard Lynard Skynard's "Free Bird" all my life. I liked it, but I didn't realize how much. Over the summer, I was taking a long drive at night. The moon was high above and the wind was on my face. The song came on the radio. My life had just gone through a big transition and the words touched my soul. "I'm as free as a bird now. And this bird you cannot change." I am that bird.
Photographer of the Month: Nathan Heyward
Why photography?
Who is your favorite photographer of all time?I enjoy being able to capture what I see and share it with other people.
Herb Ritts.What is your favorite project you have worked on?
My favorite project was a shoot for Velvet Addiction Magazine. I got to shoot Amanda Baker and Chrishell Stauss from All My Children.What genre does your work focus on?
I did a lot of Beauty when I first moved to New York. Now I am moving towards shooting more editorial and commercial work.What kind of camera/equipment do you use?
I shoot with a Nikon D300S.
Makeup Artist of the Month: Satya Linak
Why makeup artist?
What product can you not live without?My passion for makeup artistry was born during my cancer experience. It inspired me to help others and to create beauty. There is nothing else in the world I'd rather do. When I see the results of my work, it makes me happy. I am living my dream!
Right now it's Weleda Skin Food, Nars Copacabana Illuminator, OCC Lip Tars, Benefit Stay Don't Stray, Makeup Forever Flash Color Palette, M.A.C. Soft Matte Brown Eye Shadow, M.A.C. Harmony Blush...I'll stop there but the list goes on. I love products!What is your favorite band or song of all time?
Depeche Mode. It would be my dream to work on them someday! Can anyone reading this make it happen?!What inspires you?
I am inspired by so many things - art (in all forms), fashion magazines, photography, graffiti in my neighborhood, color, music, good energy, meditation, the Dalai Lama, my parents, all cancer survivors, whichever wig I decide to wear each day, beautiful skin, seeing how the light plays on the angles of a person's face (it gets me super excited for highlighting and contouring), creative people, and especially other makeup artists. I feel like we are always learning and evolving no matter where we're at in our careers. So I love working with other makeup artists because I might learn a new technique, perspective, or product I don't normally use.What is your favorite project you have worked on?
It's hard to choose. I've had so many cool jobs! Scrubs actors, and M.I.A. music video, Daniel Dae Kim of Lost, ELEON Clothing line shoot with gorgeous Victoria's Secret models, K.Rose who is a pop singer with Interscope Records and the "Days of Our Lives" book which is coming out soon. Nobody knows that I was a faithful "Days of Our Lives" watcher for 15 years. After I booked the job I was super excited! Though being the professional that I am, when I worked on "Bo Brady" he had no idea I was such a huge fan. I look forward to more great opportunities like these!
Hair Stylist of the Month: Keila Sone
Why hairstyling?
Who is your favorite hair stylist of all time?As a teenager I always styled my own hair all intricate and crazy, like straight out of a runway show. My best friend (who is also a hairstylist) told me I should look into beauty school as a career option. I figured I could make a living doing something creative and pursue other areas in visual arts as well, so it was a win-win for me.
Ed Morlands and Mark Garrison.What inspires you?
Animation, films, fantasy books, music, nature and underground subculture.What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?
It's very important that the model can sell the product, so I am always looking for versatility in their portfolio and reels as well as having the right hair texture and facial beauty.What is your personal style?
A bit goth, Lolita, punk and corporate chic.
Wardrobe Stylist of the Month: Amanda Wall
What inspires you?
What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?Films, music and thrift shopping.
Character, personality, and incredible face!What is your favorite store to shop at?
Wasteland (on Melrose) in Los Angeles.What is your personal style?
Currently something like a French actress from the 60's mixed with 90's bondage.What genre does your work focus on?
I've done a ton of work in the Beauty industry, but recently started to focus on Editorial work.
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