Nikki Star
Interview and images by Michael Yates

Help the readers understand your creative development by telling us a little about yourself, your up bringing and your background.

I moved around a lot growing up (new orleans, arkansas, texas, 6 different cities in california) so i think that actually helped me in my creativity. i embrace change and discovering new things and being open to different types of people, backgrounds, environments. i think the best way for people to learn is to go outside of your comfort zone or your box and forget rules. thats how i feel about makeup & creating art; forget rules and forget what something is "supposed to be."

We are all inspired by different elements of our environment; this could be a roommate, a movie or the old lady sweeping her lawn. Where do you draw inspiration from and what’s the oddest thing that’s ever inspired you?

I get inspired by anybody who's out there doing what they feel they were born to do. whether it's dancers, singers, photographers, writers, film makers.. In a more physical aspect, i get inspired by anything that sparks my curiosity. old movies/photos from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, ugly things in beautiful places, beautiful things in ugly places.

If you could paint the face of any model, who would it be and what would you do?

Lara Stone. Ilove her face, you could mold it anyway you want especially because she has nude brows!

What is your favorite fashion magazine?

Too many. V, lulu, love, pop, italian/french vogue, dazed & confused

Who is your favorite fashion photographer?

Yu Tsai, Ellen Von Unwerth

Do you have a favorite designer?

Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Helmut Lang

How would you describe your style to someone who doesn't know your work?

I would describe it as very clean and fresh. i love simplicity.

Your work has been published in many different magazines. How did you come across these opportunities?

Just working with talented, dedicated, hard working people with the same vision :)

What inspired you to become a make up artist?

I've always loved drawing and painting.. with makeup I can do that and also be part of a team and get other opinions, ideas and collaborations.

Are there any makeup artists that influence you? Why?

All artists influence me in different ways. there are artists who create art on faces and there are artists who can enhance faces. but my favorite artists off the top of my head are billy b, kabuki, samuel paul. their work is always flawless.

When you are presented with a new project, is there a special process that helps you get started?

I put together all the elements; color palette, model, inspiration photos, and create a facechart and sketch ideas/looks. this helps me feel more prepared and i can get what's in my head down on paper.

MyRQ is all about evolution and progression, how do you plan to keep moving forward and staying ahead of the curve?

Just stay on top of everything, research and keep up to date on everything around me, keeping pushing my creativity and the main thing: know what my clients are looking for. be aware of what the public needs and is craving to see, whether they know it yet or not.

View more of Nikki's work at: www.nikkistarmakeup.com
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