Dee, Portland native and LA-based makeup artist isn’t your average. Sure, she slays the beauty game, creating unforgettable looks for Rico Nasty, Sza and Doechii - but her artistic spirit goes beyond the makeup brush. Dee's on a mission to redefine beauty, urging us to embrace the unconventional and paint outside the lines. Buckle up and get ready to be inspired by this heart-on-her-sleeve artist who finds inspiration in, well, anything (a pile of fabric? Don't knock it till you try it!).
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF @deemakeupart
INTERVIEW JESPER GUDBERGSEN @yessirjesper
Who is Dee - give us the elevator pitch!
I am a creative from Portland, OR! Now reside in LA. I am an artist! I’m more known for my creative makeup looks but I also draw, paint, and create with all types of mediums.
What do you most cherish about your work as an artist - and what would you like to be without?
I cherish that I’m able to create works that have brought me opportunities I’d never dream of and I cherish that I’m able to inspire and be inspired.
What do you find interesting about social media?
I think it’s really insane how ocial media works. I truly have hate love relationship with it. On one hand, social media has really helped my career lossom and I love that it has the ability to make everyone’s art discoverable. But on the other hand it can be such a dark place especially for mental health.
What is your driving force?
BIG DREAMS BIG GOALS
"I cherish that I’m able to create works that have brought me opportunities I’d never dream of and I cherish that I’m able to inspire and be inspired."
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How would you like to change the landscape of beauty?
I feel like we’re already in such a transitional phase of beauty. I would love to continue to inspire people to think outside the box and beyond conventionality
Who are your icons?
Lady Gaga, Pat McGrath
What’s an unusual place you find inspiration?
Sometimes I’ll see shapes or colors in the most random places. Once I was inspired by the way a pile of fabric was sitting and the way the lighting was hitting it. I could make out a face and I drew it out. So really, anywhere.
What inspired you this week?
Margiela Couture 2024
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When do you play?
I try to play at least once a week whether it’s on myself or in collab with some other incredible artist! It’s so necessary.
What makes you laugh - and when do you cry?
Not to be cliche but my friends are some of the funniest people I’m constantly laughing around them. I cry a lot. About life, myself, others, shows, movies, etc.
What are your thoughts about the climate crisis and sustainability in the beauty industry ?
It’s been great seeing a rise in brands being proactive about sustainability. I do think we still have a way to go it would be even better to see more brands get on board
What is something you do in your work / life to improve your relationship with the earth?
I try my best to use as many reusable things as I can. I think as artists we go through an insane amount of disposables and unfortunately we have to for sanitary reasons. But doing what I can like using refillable products, reusable place mats that you can sanitize instead of paper ones, and using sustainable brands as much as I can.
What are your goals for the near future?
Some sort of beauty concept vid. Still workshopping but would love to do something this year. Also working on becoming an even better version of myself in all aspects.
