My Interview with Creative Loafing

This month I was featured in Creative Loafing's Style Profiles for their Charlotte edition.  Thank you to Lauren Blake and Jasiatic for choosing me for the segment!

Interview: Adrian D. Howe, makeup artist

She doesn't seem like the type to own a large utility tool box from Lowe's

by Lauren Blake

 

The dainty, prim and polished Adrian D. Howe may not seem like the type to own a large utility tool box from Lowe's. But this isn't just any ordinary tool box. It's a cosmetic abyss filled with pounds of foundation, blush, eye shadows and lip colors. In the case that ruby, crimson or fire engine aren't the perfect lipstick match, she keeps more than a dozen other shades of red to suit her fancy. But priorities are priorities, and if this makeup artist was forced to take a trip with only one piece of makeup, she proudly claims she would choose "SPF ... and lip balm, as unglamourous as that is." Howe, a super fan of Dita Von Teese, is notorious for her own spin on the pinup look and admits she may have been born in the wrong decade. "I love the era when women were ladies and men were gentleman and when appearances meant something. I adore the classic ladylike look." But, no matter the look Howe can transform blah to beautiful, whether she's hired for a wedding, special event, print work or a runway show. A self-proclaimed workaholic, Howe, who sometimes books her weekends 10 months out, would "rather work than sleep."

Creative Loafing: You do makeup for a living, but what is your personal makeup regimen?
Adrian Howe: For myself, I go fairly simple on the eyes. A little black flipped out eyeliner and red lips. But I always tailor my makeup to the place I'm going and who I'm going with.

What's the reason behind using cruelty-free products?
I'm a vegetarian and a total animal lover. I have four dwarf bunnies that hop around the house and use a litter box. They're my babies and my inspiration.

What is your biggest makeup pet peeve?
Foundation that doesn't match ... you cannot fake a tan by going darker with your foundation. The floating head line ... I can't stand it!

What has been your most rewarding experience as a makeup artist?
This is going to sound really corny, but every client that sits in my chair is the most important client I have. Whoever is sitting in my chair is my VIP and who I give all of my attention to.

If you could give one piece of advice for all women about applying makeup, what would it be?
Be classic. Keep up with the trends but don't necessarily apply them; pick your style and be faithful to it.

How would you suggest that others interested in the trade get started?
The best way is to contact other artists and ask to assist them. Also, look for a retail job working at any counter you can. You've got to want it. It's not easy, but it is so rewarding. It's a profession where you never get bored. Every face you look at is different. That is something I love about this profession.

Visit www.adriandhowe.com for more information.

The many faces of Courtney

As you can see, Ms. Courtney Petersen has a lot of different looks.  I was fortunate enough to meet her at a photo shoot for SouthPark Magazine, in which she was the cover.  We kept in touch and decided to do a photo shoot with some of my favorite people, Larry Webb and Erin L Hubbs.

Not only is Courtney sharp as a tack (she's finishing up her Doctorate as we speak!), as we were working together, I realized that Courtney is a true chameleon, and can really change looks with different makeup designs.  We had a lot of fun bringing out several different styles with hair, makeup, and wardrobe changes, and Courtney wore them all fantastically.   Larry Webb really knocked it out of the park with all his hair designs for the shoot, and Erin caught her in all the right angles.

Thank to to Courtney, Erin, Larry and Berrie!

Photos: Erin L Hubbs

Model: Courtney Petersen, Directions USA

Hair: Larry Webb

Makeup: Adrian D Howe

Published: Anna in Charlotte Style

Ms. Anna Wolf is just beautiful.  I've had the pleasure of working with Anna several times now, and I always enjoy it - perfect skin, gorgeous full brows, and the cutest cupid's bow you've ever seen!

These images were taken by Michael Church and used in the Fall issue of Charlotte Style Magazine.  The clothes were styled by Nicole Sinclair and Bridgette West, and feature fashions from top designers, including Calvin Klein.

For her makeup, Anna has full beautiful brows and lashes, so I didn't feel the need to do too much to her eyes - simple shadow in earth tones and slate gray liner with lots of mascara was all she needed.  I gave her a flushed mauve pink cheek and changed her lip color in various shades of pink and bronze to suit her hairstyle and fashion changes.

Thank you to Michael Church, Anna, Deb, Nicole, Bridgette, and Larry for all your hard work on this shoot - it was definitely a success!

Photo: Michael Church Photography
Model: Anna Wolf, Evolution Management
Hair: Larry D Webb
Makeup: Adrian D Howe
For Charlotte Style Magazine

Charlotte Style: There's Something About Niki

There is definitely something about Niki Kapoor...
I was fortunate enough to get to know Niki during this photo shoot for Charlotte Style.  Niki is the owner and designer of Nika Formals, and her gowns are absolutely stunning.  She is an interntional designer and she has dressed some of the top and most glamourous celebrities around.

But that's not the only thing about her.  Niki is one of the most humble and good natured people you will ever come to know.  She has an air about her that puts you at ease, and lets you know she is trustworthy.  She is an animal rights activist (definitely something we have in common) and a human rights activist.

Niki is not content owning her own wildly successful business and making the most gorgeous gowns you've ever seen.  She understands the impact of giving back.  Inspired by her own humble beginnings, she's started an orphanage for girls in India which will allow them education, shelter, food, and clothing - and opportunities they would never have had otherwise.  Her story and cause definitely will tug on your heart strings, and I encourage everyone to research it to learn more.

At this photo shoot, I also got to know Niki's mother.  She has just as good a heart as her daughter, and I loved seeing the special look in her eyes when she looked at her daughter - very heartwarming.  For their makeup designs, I kept their skin fresh and natural using a cream foundation lightly buffed into the skin, and shades of gold and brown on their eyes. I accentuated Niki's beautiful exotic almond eyes with individual lashes.  Both ladies' hair was styled by Larry Webb for Salon Vivace Southpark.

Thank you to Niki, Erin, and Larry for allowing me to take place in this photo shoot, and be part of a very worthy cause.

To learn more about Niki's opportunity for girls abroad, visit:

	http://www.we-seed.org   Photo: Erin L Hubbs Stylist: Niki Kapoor Hair: Larry D Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark Makeup: Adrian D Howe

An Evening to Remember - Nika Gowns with Olivia Pires

This spread for Charlotte Style Magazine's Fall 2011 issue is aptly named.  This shoot took place in a private estate in south Charlotte.  The exquisite gowns are provided by Nika Formals - and if you think they look pretty in pictures, you must see them in person.  Accessories were provided by KK Bloom and Made by Custom.

The beautiful Olivia Pires was the perfect model for this shoot.  She wore these gowns with grace and elegance, but still looked young and happy.  Larry Webb created a new hair style to compliment each gown, and I changed her makeup design as well to compliment the colors and styles of her dresses.

For her makeup, I went with a subtle smokey effect using gold, brown, and a soft black on her eyes.  Black gel liner on the top and lots of individual lashes created a focus to her eyes.  I wanted her skin to look flawless and natural, so I opted for a cream foundation buffed lightly into her skin to give a soft dewy appearance.  I changed her lip color to suit each of her gowns, and ranged the colors from soft pinks to coral, bronze, and cranberry red.

Thank you to the entire team who made this possible!

Photos: Erin L Hubbs

Subject: Olivia Pires

Location: Private Estate, Ballantyne area

Gowns: Nika Formals

Accessories: Made by Custom and KK Bloom

Hair: Larry D Webb for Salon Vivace Southpark

Makeup: Adrian D Howe

Charlotte Style Fall 2011 - Double Cover!

I'm so excited to finally be able to show the beautiful covers of the Fall 2011 issue of Charlotte Style!  This is the first time the magazine has showcased a double cover - I guess there were too many good images to choose from!

The front cover features Olivia Pires, local model who has been shown in New York and internationally.  Olivia is donning an amazing gown from our back cover designer, Niki Kapoor of Nika Formals.  I had a wonderful time working with these beautiful women at the photo shoot, and Niki's gowns are definitely a sight to be seen!

I'm so grateful to the team of hard working editors, writers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and everyone involved in making this the best issue yet!

Read the entire issue online now at www.charlottestylemag.com

Cover Photos: Erin L Hubbs
Subjects: Olivia Pires and Niki Kapoor
Stylist: Nika Formals
Makeup: Adrian D Howe
Hair: Larry D Webb for Salon Vivace Southpark

STYLE's Fall Fashion Makeover Package!

Charlotte Style magazine is giving away a luxurious makeover package, to go along with their website and magazine makeover issue!  The lucky winner will recieve services and prizes from numerous vendors, and will also be immortalized in photos at their very own photo shoot!

For details and registration, visit www.charlottestylemag.com

Photo: Erin L Hubbs
Model: Zoe
Hair: Larry D. Webb for Salon Vivace SouthPark
Makeup: Adrian D. Howe

Charlotte Style Magazine: Fashion's Grand Finale!

After all the fabulous fashion events in September, come join Charlotte Style Magazine for Fashion's Grand Finale event on Friday September 30 at the Westin in uptown Charlotte.  Red Carpet events will begin at 7:30. 

I hope to see you all there!

Charlotte Style Makeover Issue Release Event!

Charlotte Style Magazine will release it's Makeover Issue on September 30!  This issue will be so legendary, and I can't wait for it! 

I hope to see you all at the event! Click below to see the invitation video.

http://GreendoorImaging.smugmug.com/gallery/10880543_nqf9DQ#1485120145_Zz2qbbb-A-LB

Behind the Scenes: Making the Magazine

If you're wondering where I've been lately, here's a little hint.  Beautiful Olivia will be featured in Style Magazine's next issue, which will premiere September 30th.  Until then, please enjoy this behind the scenes video.

Photography: Erin L Hubbs
Model: Olivia Pires
Hair: Larry Webb for Salon Vivace Southpark
Makeup: Adrian D Howe
Charlotte Style Magazine

http://GreendoorImaging.smugmug.com/gallery/10880543_nqf9DQ#1464970833_LShGgCj-A-LB

My Gratitude towards this author

I came accross this article today, written by agency represented retoucher Solstice Retouch.  Solstice is based in NYC, NY and is infinitely talented.  He wrote on the importance of hiring the right team when doing photo shoots to help save cost and time in retouching fees after the fact (also known as Post work).  My heart goes out to him....I'm very grateful someone of his caliber appreciates the work the Professionals do on set.  Below is his article.  Follow more of his work at http://solsticeretouch.tumblr.com

Original: The Importance of Talented Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists For Post Production

What role do makeup artists and hair stylists come in for the benefit of the retoucher? Or to be more specific, how important are talented makeup artists and hair stylists to have on set over an amateur? To carry on forward, I will label them in one term, ‘artists’, for the sake of brevity.

Artists are the glue that holds the shoot together. They are essential to every shoot that transpires, from inception of an idea to the published print. Most of the photographer’s ideas are based around what makeup and hair the model will showcase, especially if it’s beauty. Now, the question isn’t if they are important, but how important they are, and how important are great ones in relation to mediocre ones. Are they worth the added costs?

In short, yes, and allow me to explain.

What makes it hard for the talented artists, especially the makeup artists, is that they are usually undercut by people proclaiming to be good at makeup, because they know how to apply it to themselves. Just because you apply makeup to your own face, doesn’t make you a talented artist, let’s get that out of the way! Same goes for hair. Secondly, most people can start working without the need to go to school for it. So that leaves us flooded with a mix of amateurs and professionals in a market where everything seems up for grabs these days.

The Trickle Down Effect

What this now boils down to is the affect it has on you and your team.

Let’s say you’re doing a shoot where the artists become necessary. The question becomes, is it worth spending the additional money on talented and reputable artists for your shoot (hair and makeup) over beginners who may do it for TFP?

The answer is YES.

From personal experience, clients approach me and ask me for a quote on a job. Upon looking at the files, one of the worst things I find are that they cheaped out on makeup and hair, and they came to me because they didn’t have the ability to fix tremendous flaws the artists should have spotted on set. Peeling eyelashes, bleeding lip lines, uneven lip lines, improper blending of the eyeshadow, terribly clumped eyelashes, overfilled in eyebrows, face tone not matching neck and body tones due to bad makeup, uneven eyeliner, and the list goes on forever. Let’s not even talk about avant-garde looks. Did I mention that hair is the most expensive thing to fix due to the sheer time invested in digital combing out each strand of hair, one by one? Yes, it’s that brutal.

And in the end, after all that time and money spent in fixing these issues, you’re back to where you would have started out with it you hired someone who got it right in the first place. In effect, you may even scrap some really fantastic shots that the model gave you because it wasn’t fixable. You’ve now wasted your own time, and cost (depreciation, cost of time, space, etc).

With cameras these days, every flaw will not only be seen, but magnified and showcased. And most of the time and money goes into fixing these flaws just to get back to where you started! So the cost incurred by the team becomes 10 fold of what it would cost to have hired great artists.

In Conclusion

So yes, spend the extra money, the results will speak for itself, and they are truly worth the cost, it pays off for itself in post production if you have to do it yourself, or hand it off to your retoucher, he or she will love you for it! I know I do.

Instead of saving $300+ by going TFP, you will save a lot more in time, energy, and money afterwards. And not only will it pay off for itself, you will profit from it. Your portfolio will look fantastic which adds further to interested clients and opens up doors to better talent you can now work with. No one wants to work with someone who doesn’t have a strong team together, it makes everyone look bad.

I can’t vouch how much I appreciate talented makeup and hair artists as a retoucher, I always take note of their work. I have a list of 10 that I can think of right off the top of my head, but I do not want to start naming them in fear of leaving a couple behind. So if you’re reading this, give yourself a pat on the back, the industry recognizes your talents and appreciates it more than you know.

This deserves a Second Post: Fashion's Night Out Charlotte 2011

Fashion's Night Out Charlotte 2011 at the Metropolitan was just such a great show, I had to post twice.  The above photos were taken by Jamar Caldwell for Charlotte Style Magazine and also by Chewee Good.

It was a packed house, as you can see.  I'm just so proud of my models in the gorgeous dresses from KK Bloom!  And the always stunning Natalie Pasquarella hosted the event - I loved seeing her in her beautful dress!

OK enough gushing....but I had a great time and was very honored to be part of such an amazing show.

Read more about the show at http://www.charlottestylemag.com/

Location: Metroplitan, Charlotte NC
Fashions: KK Bloom Boutique
Hair: Larry Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark
Makeup: Adrian D. Howe

Fashions Night Out Charlotte 2011 with KK Bloom

Fashion's Night Out Charlotte was at the Metropolitan Thursday September 8, 2011.  I partnered with KK Bloom Boutique and Salon Vivace for this incredible fashion show.  The show was put on by Pascal Promotions and Effie Loukas, and showcased 26 boutiques, salons and makeup artists. 

Kendrick Allen Slaughter from KK Bloom showed her most glamourous fashions for the event, ranging from a full length beaded gown to fun to flirty cocktail dresses, including a black feather dress dripping in jewels.  Her accessories sparkled on the white runway and really made the outfits shine.

Hair was styled by Larry Webb of Salon Vivace Southpark.  Larry coordinated all the girls' styles to showcase texture in the hair, and created beautiful styles that kept the girls looking elegant, but still young and sexy.

I created the makeup design based on the fall trends, making them my own for the runway.  I used metallics in gold and copper on the eyes, a contoured cheekbone, very defined brows, and a deep red lip.  All the models loved their makeup, and airbrush foundation kept them looking fresh all night.

Thank you to Kendrick, Larry, and everyone involved at Fashions Night Out Charlotte for this wonderful show!

Photos: Leigh King Black

Published! Charlotte Style Web Campaign - AKA Webgirl

One of the hardest things about my job is waiting for my work to be shown...well here she is - Webgirl!  I worked on this web campaign for Charlotte Style several weeks ago.  Multiple images of the beautiful Megan Scott were taken by Erin L Hubbs to be used by Charlotte Style for a web campaign.  You'll be seeing Megan's gorgeous face for a long time with Charlotte Style - she's the new webgirl!

Thank you to Megan, Erin, Larry (the incredible hairstylist) and Kendrick Slaughter (who provided the beautiful dress and accessories).  This campaign will bring a lot of positive attention to Charlotte Style magazine, and to the Charlotte Fashion Industry.  I'm very pleased to have been a part of it, and I'm so excited to finally be able to show it off!  Watch http://www.charlottestylemag.com/ for more photos of Webgirl!

Photo: Erin L Hubbs
Model: Megan Scott
Wardrobe: KK Bloom Boutique
Hair Stylist: Larry Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark
Makeup: Adrian D Howe

Published! SouthPark Magazine September 2011

I was so thrilled when I got the opportunity to work with SouthPark magazine's September fashion issue!  The wardrobe, shoes (OMG!), accessories...so incredible!  The photographer, Jason Miczek was a lot of fun to work with, and the Harvey Gantt Center was the perfect location.  Hair was styled by my friend and fellow artist, Danielle Maddox.

The fashion focused on bold colors and prints, so Danielle and I decided to let the fashion be the main focus.  We pulled in some key elements of fall hair and makeup trends - metallic earth tones on the eye (gold and copper) and beautiful soft waves and braids in their hair. 

The September fashion issue is on stands at the Charlotte Observer and several locations around Charlotte.  Thank you to everyone for making this shoot such a success!

Photo: Jason Miczek
Location: Harvey Gantt Center, Charlotte
Wardrobe Stylist: Rachel Sutherland
Hair: Danielle Maddox
Makeup: Adrian D Howe
Models: Directions USA

Fashion's Night Out Charlotte 2011



I'm so excited to participate in Fashion's Night Out Charlotte 2011, held at the Metropolitan, near uptown Charlotte, on September 8!  Rumor has it there are several versions of this show on this weekend, but fret not - this is the one and only official Fashion's Night Out santified by the real FNO in New York. 

I'll be working with my friend Kendrick Allen Slaughter of KK Bloom Boutique (yep, you've heard me talk about the beautiful Mrs. Kendrick before), and of course, the ever so talented hairstylist, Larry Webb of Salon Vivace Southpark.  We'll have some gorgeous models, and though I can't give out our secret plan for hair and makeup yet, I can tell you they will look very classy and elegant.  But would you expect anything less from this stellar team of professionals?

Tickets to the event of the season are on sale now at bandtastic.com  I hope you all come backstage and say hello!  See you at Fashion's Night Out Charlotte!

Beautiful Bride: Danielle

Danielle was married June 25 in Belmont, NC.  I worked with Danielle and her mother Teresa throughout the planning process to come up with a makeup look Danielle would love.  Danielle is simply gorgeous with perfect skin and features - the makeup was just an accent to an already beautiful woman!  She looked stunning in her gown, and kept her look fun with a pair of custom-made converse sneakers - how cute!

Danielle and her fiance had been dating for over 10 years, and they were so excited this day had finally come for them.  Their wedding was a formal and elegant affair, with colors of black and ivory, with accents of yellow.  For her makeup, Danielle chose an earthy smokey eye, with shades of gold, brown, and soft black, with long lush lashes, paired with a neutral lip.  Her bridesmaids recieved a more understated look with shades of charcoal and bronze, also paired with a neutral glossy lip.  Airbrush foundation kept them all looking fresh and elegant all day.

Thank you to Danielle and Teresa for having me be part of this special day.  I had a lot of fun getting everyone ready, and I know Danielle's new life will be blessed with happiness!

Photos: Dawn McNally, Middle Gray Photography

Megan Scott in KK Bloom Fashions!

Megan Scott is a classic beauty in Black and White.  I was so lucky to have been able to work with her - Megan left two days later for her big break in New York, and she's doing very well. 
This photo shoot took place at Erin L Hubbs's studio, and her wardrobe was supplied by Kendrick Allen Slaughter of KK Bloom Boutique (yes, the same Kendrick whose beautiful wedding you just read about).  Her fashions and incredible jewelry looked so great on Megan, and Larry Webb made a masterpiece of her hair.

For most shots, I did a lightly smokey eye in shades of brown or charcoal, and used black mascara to bring out her already long lashes.  A neutral lip was enhanced with lipstick and just a little gloss, so Megan wouldn't be too overdone.  Knowing the photos would be in black and white, I chose mostly matte colors to work with, and gave Megan's already perfect bone structure a little more definition with countour and highlight.

During the course of the shoot we discovered Megan has the most incredible smile, and we loved seeing it!  Thank you to Megan, Erin, Kendrick and Larry - this photo shoot was epic!

Photo: Erin L Hubbs
Subject: Megan Scott
Hair: Larry Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark
Makeup: Adrian D Howe