I am a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but am also able to travel as needed to other locations nationally and internationally. I am primarily a print artist, working in corporate, commercial, fashion, and editorial. I also have worked on short films, TV/video productions, and runway/stage work.

I am repeatedly asked how I got started, and the answer is “I was born behind the scenes.” My father is a photographer, and literally got started shooting while I was still in the womb. I remember being in the darkroom at 4 years old, helping focus the enlarger, and developing with the chemicals at age 10. I was surrounded by the photographs and the models while growing up, watching the shoots, and would also sit watching the makeup artist work. 

Fast forward to 1994, I was enrolled in a Colorado cosmetology school, pursuing a career as a hairstylist. Although I got burned out working in the salon, I had been doing makeup and hair for photoshoots on the side. I continued to do this while seeking a college education. I received an A.A. with a primary focus in the social sciences and writing. 

While debating career choices, I was mentored by Jacque and Leslie King. Jacque was once a big time fashion shooter, and his wife was a fashion model. I slowly and humbly saw my true passion take shape while I visited their home during one of their now infamous “Gatherings”. Jacque died of cancer just a few months later, and I focused my attention on makeup and hair as my career. Part of this journey included moving out of Denver, and into the Bay Area.

I set myself on a path to be better qualified for fashion, commercial and production work. The Gatherings assisted me in building something of a portfolio, and getting guts. A final Gathering took place months after Jacque died, to pay tribute. Shortly after that, in August 2001, I attended Makeup Designory’s (MUD) month-long beauty course. 

A few short months later, I created EmElle’s Industry Forums, which quickly became the most popular forum for makeup artist professionals on the internet, and continues to be true today. Our primary focus is beauty makeup tips, set etiquette, business development, photo critiques, networking, and building a community. Others in attendance are hairstylists, fashion stylists, and real working photographers.

Within a month of the creation of the forum, Mary Rockwood-Crabtree, a friend and fellow makeup artist in Las Vegas, had an idea of stretching the Billings Gatherings and similar constructs to include artists, and stylists - basically creating an event supported by and centered around teamwork. She named this Allied Fashion Artists (AFA). Primarily using my forum and Fashion only Forum, she launched the first annual AFA event in Las Vegas in April 2002. It was a great success, and she held another in April 2003. Although I attended both events as an artist, I was the website designer and administrative support for the first AFA. When Makeup Magazine caught wind of the second event, they asked us to hold a similar event at their Makeup Artist Trade Show in Pasadena. I was the primary organizer of that event. Immediately following the close of the show, Mary decided to retire AFA. I will be continuing its traditions and goals with a new group, details to be announced later.

Between graduating from MUD and creating the forum, I began to write for Supermodels Unlimited, a targeted pageant magazine with an interest in fashion. They supported AFA attendees by publishing images showing off the great teamwork. With a photographer and a stylist, we started covering New York Fashion Week for the magazine, and I was promoted to Beauty Editor. I was with them for two years.

Now, I am still the forum owner, and an artist primarily working here in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I have worked in other areas of the country as well, including New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, and Denver. I continue to take classes to further my skill level and marketability. I am always looking to continue building my book, as I never want it to get stale. I don’t believe that anyone can “complete” their portfolio.

To see what I’ve done, check out my resume. To contact me for future work, see my contact page.