Some time ago I ran across a list of urls to make up artists websites called
Make Up Artists To Obsess Over that had been created by a young make up artist... I was
beyond flattered to see my (terribly outdated) website on that list. For as long as I can remember, I obsess over other make up artists work. To this day, in my down time I constantly find myself visiting some of my make up hero's websites and pouring over the images. (I do this with photographers and artists as well.) I like to save my favorites in a folder marked "inspiration". Sometimes I never even look at the images again, but in the back of my head I am absorbing everything and it has shaped my own aesthetic.
I know a lot of my readers are young make up artists, and I would like to start regularly highlighting the work and artists that inspire me, so I can pass it along to you.
It is only fitting that the first make up artist I highlight in this series is Paul Starr.
As those of you that have followed my blog for awhile know, I had the privilege of assisting Paul when I was really getting started in this business. I learned so much from him that I could not possibly pass on to anyone else. Paul passed away this summer, so it is with joy, and a very heavy heart that I expose you to the work of Paul Starr.
Paul was the secret weapon of Hollywood's elite.
But on to the real reason I've always loved Paul....
Interestingly enough, I was not initially inspired to be a make up artist by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood actresses, I was inspired to be a make up artist because of David Bowie, Boy George, and Marilyn Manson... I wanted to be a make up artist because of Courtney Love and Shirley Manson and other cool "rock chicks". I loved the creative editorial make up of the 80's and 90's, so it was only appropriate that Paul and I found each other.
This is Paul's work that is nearest and dearest to my heart.
It is truly a testament to Paul's great talent that he can do a very dark make up look on someone like Marilyn Manson, and also do a fresh faced Jen Garner for the cover of In Style.
Every make up artist starting out in this business should visit Paul's
website and read the interview in the "Scene & Heard" section. My first agent directed me there at our first meeting, and I go back and read through it every now and then when I need a little kick in the pants.
"The paradox of beauty is that it breaks your heart." - Paul Starr
<3
Amy
