Artist Series with Michael DeVellis

The Powder Group founder Michael DeVellis took time out to answer a few questions about the Makeup Industry, On Makeup Magazine and The Makeup Show with Examiner Beauty Expert Candice Jackson.  Here is a portion of their interview; the interview in its entirety can be viewed here.

CJ: How long have you been in the makeup industry?

MD: 18 years

CJ:  That's great! What made you choose this industry as a profession?

MD: I was working with MAC Cosmetics in Retail Management and was asked to take on the project of developing the MAC PRO line which led to the development of the Artist Relations Dept at MAC. After nearly ten years, I wanted to expand the reach of the type of work I was doing to include the entire industry. That is when I started The Powder Group.

CJ: What made you start the Powder Group?

MD: The lack of a broader focus on the community of professional makeup artistry. There were so many options for those in the field of hair styling..and so little for makeup artists.

CJ: And how about On Makeup Magazine?

MD: The lack of a solid, artistry driven publication that focused on the art and career of makeup artistry. Other publications were either all Special FX, or hair and salon based. These didn’t appeal to me as a reader and I wanted to put out a publication that celebrated the beauty and art aspects of the industry.

CJ: That's awesome! Have you thought about starting your own product line?

MD: I’ve started a few for other companies, and yes have thought about starting one through The Powder Group. But with the selection of amazing brands that we have as our clients for The Makeup Show and On Makeup Magazine – I’m not sure the industry needs yet another line when there are so many great ones out there.

CJ: Who are some of your favorite makeup artists?

MD: There are so many amazing artists that we work with at The Powder Group and The Makeup Show and On Makeup Magazine, there is no way to choose one. Every artists that we work with has special things about them that stand out and inspire us.

CJ: What are some things that inspired you to be a part of the Makeup Artist Industry?

MD: The passion of the artist. The commitment of the professional makeup artist that it takes to decide to pursue a career where success is so relative and the struggle to make it so constant.
It is so gratifying to be able to play a small part in the growth and development of so many pros who are so driven by their craft.

CJ: What products are a must have for Professional Makeup Artists? 

MD: There are many important products that every makeup artist should have in their kit. But more important that having the right product, is having the right reasons for being in the career, having the right attitude, having the support of a community and knowing where you want to end up so you can develop a strong path to get there.

CJ: Good advice. Do you have any recommendations or other advice for aspiring makeup artists?

MD: Yes absolutely. Don’t take any days off. Understand your entire industry with passion and commitment. Create a path for yourself that is always clear and in the back of your head as you make important decisions about the work you do and the direction your work takes. Attend every pro artist focused event that you can in order to stay on top of your industry and to create strong bonds to the global community. Don’t make excuses for not being able to be your best.

CJ: So, with no days off do you have any hobbies or interests other than your work in the makeup industry?

MD: Of course. There are the somewhat predictable ones of course like travel and art. Theater is a big interest as well, and photography has always been a passion. One of the best things about publishing On Makeup Magazine is that I can find ways of incorporating my other interests into the magazine and keeping me entertained along the way.

*Michael DeVellis and The Powder Group will be at The Makeup Show NY from May 16th-17th at the Metropolitan Pavilion.  

The Makeup Show brings together top industry exhibitors, speakers from all areas of the makeup artistry, new product introductions and special pro-only offers - all in an intimate setting where insider-only tips and techniques are traded between the best in the business.

Visit:  www.themakeupshow.com