INTERNATIONAL MAKE UP ARTIST 1: KANDEE JOHNSON

Dear Teachers,

Welcome to my Assignment Blog.

I have selected three different make up artists whom encapsulate talent and style that I find inspiring and incredible. In some way, each artist has done something to make me want to explore the use of makeup further as well as pursue a career in it myself.

For each artist, I have made a blog post. They detail a little about the artist's experience/history, where information has been possible to glean, their style or what they are known for, a video if possible showing their work in action, and a small gallery of photos displaying their work.

For my first post, I have selected Kandee Johnson.

Why?

Because she is one of the reasons why I joined this course, to be completely honest. Her online channel, which I discovered a few years ago, introduced me to colourful and comprehensive videos revealing the full potential of make up artistry when done well (in ways I didn't even know were possible), and ideas and concepts and looks made accessible with easy to find products should you want to find them, and easy to learn application techniques.

She was always going to be my first choice to write about - not only a ubiquitous make up internet sensation, but also a professional celebrity make up artist for much of her life, and which she continues to do, when she isn't on the road doing a demonstration, assisting a stylist or updating one of her online blogs or channels. Importantly, she is a seasoned artist, with lots of industry expertise and a vast amount of product knowledge under her belt, so one feels comfortable trusting in her judgement and suggestions.

Kandee made me realise just how much you do with a versatile skill set, an arsenal of quality products (even on a budget) and just how important positive self image is in a world bombarding us with imagery and slogans of how a woman is meant to look. Kandee's vibrant videos often include her reaching out to viewers with uplifting anecdotes and how to guides which are used to help women realise that beauty comes in many different looks, and how to best emphasise yours, and how to never fear trying out something new - because it might suit you and change your world, and your perspective of yourself, forever.

For a bit of background:

Kandee Johnson is a US based artist and that is where most of her work is conducted.
She was and is primarily a celebrity make up artist, and has worked with all sorts of celebrities, ranging from talk show hosts through to A-Grade actresses making a VIP appearance. She has done work for CBS, ABC and MTV. However, her work has appeared in commercials and print magazines too.
Her Youtube channel, Kandee Johnson (click to visit site), is what she is recognised for globally, and what most make up fans world over, would know her by. The channel includes tutorials on basic, natural looks through to the more elaborate contouring tips and transformation - whereby she "turns" herself into a movie character or famous celebrity using only a make up palette and a few sneaky trade tricks.

Below, I have provided two links to two of her most popular and impressive videos whereby she teaches the viewer how to turn themselves into Angelina Jolie and Edward Scissorhands. Angelina, for the pout and high cheek bones, and Edward, for the clever use of product to achieve a more fantastical look, including the appearance of some subtle scarring, and very deep set eyes. Again, both these vivid looks achieved without anything but make up. It is part of what makes her so interesting and enjoyable to watch.

Angelina Jolie Transformation