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M·A·C supports Makeup Designers during international collections with product and with artistry. A few of the Makeup Artists supported include: James Kaliardos, Lisa Butler, Tom Pecheux and Diane Kendal. In addition to Fashion Weeks, M·A·C supports Artists working on editorial projects around the world.

FEATURED ARTIST: MATTHEW VANLEEUWEN
Artist Relations spoke with Editorial Makeup Artist, Matthew Vanleeuwen, on his career in fashion and beauty. Matthew has worked with high-caliber celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Heidi Klum, Mariska Hargitay and Rachel Bilson.

What are your favorite resources for inspiration?
My favorite is going to museums to study portraits by masters....this is a true classroom for me...after all we are painting on movable canvases, i love looking through editorials in French and Italian fashion magazines, such creativity and freedom is truly inspirational. Sometimes watching people on the street are the most unexpected and surprising inspiration: one never knows when they might gaze upon someone that inspires them to see something in a new way.

Do you prepare differently for a cover shoot than you would for an editorial spread?
I always try to be prepared for anything and everything so I approach every make up as if it's a cover shoot. A cover shoot is usually more structured and specific; the covers are up front and out there for everyone to see. An editorial shoot should be approached with the same sense of detail and accuracy however. Some of the most precious images come from these editorials spreads. Images that catch some emotion or special moment in time. For this reason I have the same process in both situations.

How does working with a celebrity, differ from a model?
Working with celebrities is distinctly different than working with models. In theory (not always), the models the open vessel, the blank canvas, there to be transformed into whatever is desired.
A model is paid to do what is required. This is not the case with a celebrity.
Working with a celebrity is far more complex and has many more limitations. First of all, the celebrity has all the control unlike the (powerless) model, therefore, one must respect the image, preferences, and personal limitations of the celebrity while still trying to achieve the overall goal of the job.
Not always an easy task! Being able to navigate ones way through this process is what sets one apart, and in many ways the true art itself! To be successful in the celebrity world, a makeup artist must create relationships that last. In the model world, a make up artist is hired by the photographer or client. It's the celebrity who usually chooses the makeup artists they prefer and feel most comfortable with for a job. A good celebrity makeup artist must be enough but not too much, humorous but not too funny, must never be a bigger star that the client and must always deliver the goods! It can be challenging and extremely rewarding! My career has been a blend of both worlds.

What is your creative process?
At this point in my career my process is very simple. When i'm hired for a job, I will study any references or directions given to me. When I feel satisfied that I understand the essence of the direction I put it away in my mind. As I begin the makeup I simply let my creative take over. This works for me. As a younger artist I was more cerebral about every detail and that is normal, over time one develops a natural rhythm that carries them.

When did you decide to become a makeup artist?
I never chose to become a makeup artist, it chose me.

What is the best advice you received regarding your career, you would want to pass along to someone new to the industry?
Never get so FABULOUS that you forget to be of SERVICE!!! Many makeup artist fall from grace when the smell too much of their own perfume. No matter what, try always to keep your feet and your ego on the ground level...you'll get a lot farther!

Who are Makeup Artists you admire?
Without a doubt, Way Bandy! He was the first beauty superstar!!! Every makeup artist should read his book "Designing Your Face", it's not full of pictures but the written instruction is priceless. Serge Lutens, a total artistic visionary! He created dazzling avante garde images as the long time creative director of Shiseido. He inspires me to think outside the box! Look at his beauty book....it's incredible and no retouching!
Stephane Marais is the living master of beauty! His work is transcendent, luminous, and organic.
He shapes and structures the face in a way uniquely his own. Every makeup artist interested in beauty should see his work...its breathtaking!

What was your first makeup job?
My first makeup job was for a local suburban newspaper that ran a weekly fashion page. I would prepare the models makeup and hair and I would make $40 dollars a week. It was so much fun! My first professional makeup job was making up Drew Barrymore at a press junket.

Name your 3 Favorite must-have M·A·C products:
If I had to narrow down my 3 M·A·C must haves (so hard to choose just 3), I would have to say Studio Sculpt Foundation. I would be lost without it....it is the perfect foundation! A priceless beauty tool to me!!!!

Next I would have to say Pigments -especially the metallic shades. They are so versatile; I use them wet or dry, on lips, eyes, cheeks, anywhere I want dazzling luminous shimmer!

Thirdly I love M·A·C accessories and lashes. The lashes are so well made and packaged and the selection is enormous! In addition I can't live without the packs of sponges and disposable shadow and mascara applicators. Besides being excellent quality, they look so beautiful and clean when you take them out of your kit!

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