I am humbled and honored to be interviewing celebrity makeup artist James Vincent! As a seasoned makeup artist, myself, I have looked to other artists for inspiration and technique throughout my 25 years in the industry! James is not only a huge talent with the most impressive resume, but he has helped create an environment where makeup artists meet as a community to help one another grow in their craft, in their business, and make great connections! James Vincent is the Director of Education and Artistry for the Makeup Show, The Powder Group, and the WWD Beauty Inc Award winning Ardency Inn! He has worked in film and theatre, television and celebrity work, editorial and runway work, and does training and development for cosmetic companies such as MAC, Stila, Armani, and Makeup Forever!

James' career focus is now on working Internationally in fashion, film, theater, and editorial. Some of his clients include Lady Gaga, Joan Jett, Courtney Love, Reese Witherspoon, and Barack Obama!

Mr. Vincent's fashion work has included working with the top photographers in the industry and his work has graced the cover of Paper and Atomic magazine! His work has been featured in ID, Wonderland, and Surface magazines. His tevision work has been featured on the NBC Today Show, and American Idol, to name a few!

James Vincent is currently the Beauty Editor for trade mag On Makeup Magazine, and Galore Magazine! He writes a column for Beautylish and on Building a Better Makeup Kit! Without further adieu I introduce you to the amazingly talented and super nice guy James Vincent!

by Marta Bota

Marta: Where did you grow up?

James: I grew up in Providence, RI. It is a weird little place that I love. Artsy and liberal. Surrounded by blue collar families, a number of universities, rich histories and a lot of diversity. It definitely shaped who I am as an artist and a person.

Marta: When did you decide to become a makeup artist?

James: I didn't really decide. I kind of fell into it. I say I am an accidental artist. While I was in college and writing my thesis for my Social Work major and degrees I did makeup to make money and never finished school because I fell in love with the beauty industry.

Marta: Who were your biggest influences as an artist?

James: Probably Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop. She created this philosophy of business with a conscience and gave me my first break. Writers like Audre Lorde and Maya Angelou helped me to see the world in a different way. Every teacher I ever had inspired me and looked out for me and I had mentors very early on including the bosses I had from my first jobs. Makeup artists that inspired me included Billy B and Kevyn Aucoin who were some of the first I assisted and Linda Cantello, Dick Page and Sharon Gault really mentored me and took me under their wing.

Marta: What gets your creative juices flowing and keeps you inspired as an artist?

James: Women and their individual stories. I think beauty is individual so you really have to look and listen and understand the story and face in front of you.

Marta: Your extraordinary talent combined with your savvy business sense makes you stand out above the rest! Do you find that many artists lack a sense for business? If so what advice would you give them?



James: As an artist you have to know your strengths and weaknesses. I am very good with ideas and creativity but need someone to keep me on track. If you lack a skill find someone to help you with that aspect of your career. It is why I have a manager and an agent and a team of people around me.

 

Marta: What's it like working behind the scenes on some of the hottest runway fashion shows?

James: I love fashion week. This one will be my 37th season. 18 years. It is so inspirational and so nice to be working with not only the designers and teams, but whole groups of artists.

Marta: Tell me about The Makeup Show and your role in making it so successful

James: The Makeup Show is now the largest Pro Makeup event in the US and I am there as Director of Education and Artist Relations. The Makeup Show has changed the game. There is so much community now and artists have a place to go to network and educate and see the latest in makeup and more.

Marta: We met at The Makeup Show in New York last year and I was blown away by your incredible talent, but more so by how grounded you are and how much you care about mentoring up and coming makeup artists! Why is it so important to you to help other artists who are coming up?

James: I always had amazing mentors in my life and in my artistry and I think when you experience that you have got to give back. For some reason where I grew up and how I grew up there is very much a feeling of giving and being part of a community and family and I like to bring that into the makeup world.

Lady Gaga

Marta: You have worked with the iconic Lady Gaga. How do you create unique looks for someone as flamboyant as Lady Gaga herself?

James: For Lady Gaga or any creative it is about listening and feeling and finding the design that delivers the energy and vision. With all of my Gaga videos I have been there with other artists that inspire and we collaborate. With "Born This Way" for example Billy B was key beauty and brought me on to design and key the body makeup and dancers. I surrounded myself with the best artists and it is collaborative and exciting. For "Love Game" Sharon Gault and I came up with a number of ideas and worked together to deliver the goods

Marta: What does James Vincent do in his spare time? (If you have any?)

James: I do not have much spare time but I DJ and I love to hang out with friends. I love a party and I love NYC and travel! I always have fun.

Marta: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

James: I think my career is really changing constantly now with social media and such. The Makeup Show will be introducing new shows and constantly pushing this industry and its artists forward and I plan to be a part of that and keep supporting our artist’s community.




~Copa