“Twenty Makeup Artists. Nine Themes. Five Days. One Unforgettable Experience.”

Since it’s conception, The Powder Group has come to be known by the makeup industry as a resource that puts forward outstanding artist education, events, publications, and more. One of their annual events is an exclusive, 5 day trip to Provincetown, MA. where  a group of 20 makeup  artists come together to partake in a unique experience to the beauty industry as a whole.

The tagline on evolution’s logo tells you enough to entice you, enough to know you need to be a part of the experience, but not enough about what happens each day. The vagueness is purposeful. The more open minded you go into evolution, the more you will get out of it in the end. I had the opportunity to not only experience this program once, but twice, and I want to share my experience with those interested in the process.

So I know you are waiting for the big reveal, what goes on in Provincetown and why isn’t its programs contents widely known by now? There are two main reasons that you may not have heard about what happens at evolution, even though dozens of people, ranging from beginning artists to those who are lead artists of top national cosmetic companies, have gone through the evolution program.

The first is that evolution is planned, while still organic. What do I mean? Each group of 20 artists has a unique culture that only those 20 different personalities can create. There is a an overall plan that creators Michael DeVellis and James Vincent work out for the week, but the plan can be changed at a moments notice depending on the needs of each unique group they work with every year. Some exercises I did in the first year were not the same I did in the second. Some were the same but completely different because of the different personalities in each group. Each retreat will have its own experience so it is hard to explain to another artist what they will be doing when they go to evolution, because it simply may not be the case.

The main reason the contents of evolution haven’t been divulged to everyone by now is because those who have gone through the process of “evoluting” (as my fellow evolutioners like to call it ) respect that they got more out of the program not knowing the line up then they would have if they knew what they would be learning each day. The experience gained our respect and trust enough to not want to ruin it for others who were thinking of joining future retreats.

I have talked to a number of artists interested in signing up for “evolution” that understandably just need to know that this is the right place to make an investment. I say the “food for the soul” you receive will more than make up for the cost. Also know that this won’t be the place to get a half day lesson in how to apply makeup, although there is much makeup to be done! It is so much more than that! You will be taken care of, challenged artistically and personally, brought past your comfort level, all while all being supported by 20 artists you will consider to be family after the week is through. James and Michael create a perfect balance between left brain and right brain to arm you with the skills and know how you need to get ahead in this industry, and in life in general. This program is unlike any you will find anywhere you go.

My advice is to go into evolution with your fears and weaknesses put on the table. To really understand this I will let you know my personal battles and how evolution helped me push through them.

My Story. My Evolution

Michael and James asked me a few weeks prior to evolution to teach a class at the upcoming NY Makeup Show in May of 2009. I was completely flattered but had to be honest with them that I could not do it. I had a lifelong bout with panic attacks that stemmed from speaking in public. I failed out of speech class because I could not deliver one speech all year, and it was something I was paralyzed by in every class I ever had to do a speech in! I would go to the nurses office, cry, would instantly feel “sick”, or I’d skip class and come with every excuse in the world every time a speech was due. The thought of standing on my own for 2 1/2 hours at the New York Makeup Show, surrounded by my peers, triggered a panic attack at the very thought of it!

Needless to say, James and Michael were in shock! All the times they have seen me in recent years I was outgoing and very sociable. What they didn’t realize is that I was never in a moment where “the spotlight”, was on me. I wish I could say that school speeches were the end of my panic attack experiences, but the truth is I went on to have major social anxiety for many years to come shortly after high school. I stopped working for years before becoming an esthetician as I couldn’t face anyone, including close friends, without being petrified. I took all sorts of medications for a long time and started to find comfort in talking to others who had gone through the same thing. This wasn’t a small problem for me, it was the center of my world for a number of years, so I “knew” that giving a speech was something that was out of the question, even though eventually I had managed to get back to a somewhat “normal” life, free from medications and Dr’s.

Michael and James said that they appreciated my experience, but (lovingly  ) they would not take “No” as an answer until I went through evolution program that was coming up in a few weeks. I thought, if they had that much confidence in the program then it would be worth a try. Two weeks later I was headed to Provincetown, Mass and on the first night I met everyone. I was nervous about what was in store for me but I chatted with the other artists all night, laughed, and had a great time. This was the Kathy that James and Michael knew.

The next morning was the first morning all the artists got together as an organized class. Michael wanted us to do a quick round table introduction to start off the week. It was short and simple, we didn’t have to stand up, it was just a quick casual intro. As each student was introducing themselves at their seat I could feel that panic consume my body. By the time they got to me I said my name and… busted out crying! I was a complete basket case and I think everyone had their jaws drop to the floor! It wasn’t that others didn’t admit to being nervous, they just weren’t having a panic attack over it!

I decided to just be upfront with everyone at that moment and let them know of my past with social anxiety disorder. I explained how I was at evolution to grow as a person, as an artist, and hopefully be able to work to getting through these weaknesses that kept me from getting to the next level. I had so many artists come up to me after that session and tell me their own stories , and even tell me how inspiring it was to have me share something so personal. The whole week  I had people hold my hand through challenges, and offer to help in any way. I had another genuinely caring artist give me a stone that was significant to her, telling me how she held it in her pocket while speaking to keep her from getting nervous. She also taught me different breathing techniques she learned to focus and keep calm. She asked that all I did was return the stone to the sea when I didn’t need it to get through speaking anymore. I realized that evolution was not just about the lessons, and The Powder Group, but also about the people who share these experiences with you and what they can offer to the challenges of your career and life as well. I can’t imagine any other situation where I would have such a safe place to build myself up.

If it weren’t for the tremendous support we all received in our own personal way at evolution, through EVERYONE involved, I would not have ever stood up at the New York Makeup Show teaching a 2 1/2 hour workshop, two weeks later. Some of the artists in my evolution group offered to sit in the class for moral support, others assisted. Within a few moments of talking I started to feel very comfortable and officially started teaching for The Powder Group. I went on to teach for every single Makeup Show and Artist Summit since my first time at evolution almost  two years ago, and I have been back to evolution as Michael and James’ guest artist last April. I know for a fact that I would not have been able speak at all the shows if I had not trusted in Michael and James and the process of the evolution program. Michael now jokes he can’t get me to shut up! I also know I don’t see art and this industry in the same way that I did pre-evolution. There is so much more to everything that I had taken for granted before hand. I will forever be thankful to Michael, James, evolution, The Powder Group, and to the people of Provincetown I met along the way.

As for the stone I was given at evolution, it rests safely in the waters of South Beach, Miami, home of Miami’s Artist Summit in October of 2009.

Tags: evolution, James Vincent, makeup workshops, micahel develllis, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, the artist summit, the makeup show, The powder group

I can’t stress enough how exciting a time it is to work in the Washington D.C. area! Sure it’s exciting in terms of the amazing and influential people one gets to meet throughout their time working here, but it’s also exciting in terms of not knowing what is on the schedule from one minute to the other. Those elements combined with random Presidential motorcades , having constant background checks to do makeup/hair on someone,and the obvious historical landmarks surrounding the entire area – one can’t help but be reminded just how amazing this city is.

Yesterday I had a scheduled photoshoot for a national publication that I have worked with a few time in the past. The topic of the photoshoot? The Women of Obama’s Cabinet. This shoot was very hard to pull off as President Elect Obama was actually in DC for the first time to have meetings with some of them on economic and domestic issues. Well, it what hard for that reason as well as the fact that they are major players in the Obama administration and definitely have their plates and schedules FULL.

I was assigned to go early to do makeup for a couple of the women involved in the photoshoot at a different location. They would be in the meeting with The President Elect right up until the time the photo would to be taken, not allowing them time to get ready on set.  I went over to the address I was given thinking I may be heading to their house or apartment. Approaching the building I got stopped by security asking if I was looking to enter. If not I would have to go across the street.  At this point, I realize I’m not at an apartment complex. From there it was X- Rays and Gates and Badges..Oh My!

Finally the wonderful woman who was orchestrating the scheduling came down to meet me and then brought me up to …
The Office of the President Elect.

Ok, really? You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw the signs everywhere. It’s amazing how discreet and unassuming the place was outside, even with all the security. I mean, you just come to expect major security everywhere in DC these days. I worked on two amazing women who have recently been appointed to Obama’s Cabinet. I literally had 10-15 minutes to get them each made up, maximum. That time frame is a typical amount of time you have to do anything in the DC area. Everyone here has a very “go Go GO!” schedule and it’s impressive all the stuff that can get fit into one typical Capitol Hill day! For this job I had to pay special attention that the Cabinet members didn’t look like anything more than a normal and pulled together version of themselves and not someone looking to be a “starlet” going into the meeting. (Their words, not mine!) We created the perfect balance for the photoshoot as well as meeting and then the two Cabinet members went on their way to have my makeup work sit in front of Obama  meet with Mr. President Elect.

Disclaimer: Their meeting with Obama took precedence over getting hair and makeup done at the hotel so the only option was to have quick makeup done in one of the empty rooms at the building beforehand. The magazine provided the makeup and hair services and no one at their Administration paid out of pocket for these services. End Disclaimer.
Dang those potential rumor mills!

After leaving the building, I show up to the location of the photoshoot and continue to work with a couple of other amazing makeup/hair artists from my agency to finish five more Cabinet members makeup and hair. I have to say, it was such a pleasure to work with each and every one of these women. Everyone was so friendly in that room and obviously all got along and knew each other really well. In fact, I started to chuckle to myself when I caught on that they were not only in tune but many of them would finish each others sentences and speak in “code like talk” when sitting in makeup. Their conversations went something like this:

“You know that thing we were talking about with the…” (glance)

“With the other one?” (glance back)

“Yes, that one” (nod)

“Yes, I was thinking the same.” (both ponder)

“Well, I think that we should …” (pause)

“No, no, I totally get what you are saying.”

(Me *puzzled*)

 I was literally in awe of how everyone seemed so in sync with each other which HAS to be a good sign, right?

Disclaimer #2:  I’m a professional with respect for private conversations and I only state these types of conversations took place because it WAS so cryptic- and I found it kind of entertaining. Had an obvious topic been discussed it would not have been blogged about. Sorry guys, I’m a makeup blog editor, not the gossip one. Although, I can recommend you to a great celebrity site on the sidebar if you are looking for that sort of thing!
End Disclaimer.

So overall today was a fun yet hectic day, and sadly, there are no behind the scenes photo of this one. Due to the sensitivity of the topic, I hope you can understand why. I am so thankful to be a part of this inspiring photoshoot and look forward to watching more of the new Administration working together for our Country.

When I started doing makeup full time, right around my “mia” makeup is art  days, I looked to the internet to find many inspirations. I didn’t have to travel far to find one of my immediate favorites , Alex Abagiu.

I first ran into Alex more than four years ago on a popular pro makeup artist forum called “EmElle’s” that I frequented. I was so in awe of his work but even more in awe that someone with his talent and credibility gave back so willingly to the makeup community. The preciseness, cleanliness, and creativity of his work still comes through in every face he touches.

Elle/ Photo: Steven Eskey

Alex seemed to dissapear from the scene for a while and his website and his beautiful gallery of work went with him. I was devasted! I wrote EmElle and asked her about him and she reported back with a note she got from Alex mentioning he had been busy with his new role as one of L’Oreal’s lead artists in Romania! 

When thinking of the first person to spotlight for this blog there wasn’t a more obvious choice than Alex. He was my original inspiration in the makeup field and years later his work has stood the test of time. His website is now back up with a fresh body of work and it’s just as immaculate as ever.  Alexandru Abagiu shows that Makeup is indeed Art.

More of Alex’s work can be found at : Alexandru Abagiu

Tags: alex abagiu, EmElle's, inspiration, Inspiration- "Makeup Is Art", l'oreal makeup artist, makeup artist, spotlight

Welcome to my new baby of 2009!

My name is Kathy Aragon, or Kat for short, and I am a professional makeup artist and hairstylist in and around the DC Metropolitan area up to NY. My work ranges from doing hair/makeup for CNN and  high society events  to doing commercial and fashion editiorials for popular national magazines.

I started my relationship with the name “Makeup Is Art”  after my first little girl, Mia, was born. She was an inspiration to me and when my family and I developed our makeup line we named it after her- “mia” makeup is art.  After working on the line for a while I realized my passion started shifting from marketing with doing occasional makeup to wanting to be the creative artist behind the products I believed in.  I didn’t want to go the route of using stock pictures for marketing as it didn’t feel genuine to me.  I wanted to take the reign and start doing the photoshoots on my own.  That is when the makeup bug hit me big time.

The instant gratification I got from creating something beautiful all the while lifting someone else’s spirits was addicting. After the bug hit, I realized I couldn’t do both sides of the job wholeheartedly. My heart just wasn’t in the paperwork anymore. That was when I decided to become a full time freelance makeup artist and retired the “mia” makeup is art line.

I decided to continue with more education and did every workshop and class I came across, but most importantly,  I just kept at makeup for years. It wasn’t hard to do because I loved doing it so much. A lot of what I learned to date has been learned through trial and error. I still learn so much on a regular basis from peer artists and even from the everyday woman who shares my love for finding that perfect (for now) product, look, or technique.

It has now been 9 years to the date of when I picked up my first set of makeup brushes and almost 6 years to the date that my line  “mia” makeup is art was created.

Cut to January 2009, where the electricity in the air is apparent in the Washington D.C. area. The feeling that there is an exciting new chapter around the corner is apparent. A new sense of passion seems to swell from the hearts around me.  My original passion in the makeup field got fueled by my “mia” makeup is art line and my passion now continues to be the makeup and hair work I am blessed to do on a full time basis. I now want to bring those two worlds together in some shape or form and that form seems to be taking place as this blog. I, too, am inspired to start a new chapter and am hoping this blog will be a good way to give back what I have learned through my endeavors.

My posts will be honest and about things I firmly believe in or am inspired by. That I can vouch for as it’s the least I can give to anyone putting time into reading this. I do, however, ask a favor of you.  Before my blog starts full speed ahead, I would love to get some feedback as to what type of topics you really look for in a beauty blog. I am open to all ideals and am confident that this blog will find it’s own footing fairly quickly.

I look forward to our time together!

xoxo,

Kat

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Tags: beauty blog, hair stylist, Inspiration- "Makeup Is Art", Kathy Aragon, makeup artist, makeup blog