Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsi Johnson.
Hi Kelsi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I remember during my sophomore year of high school, I was scrolling through different makeup looks on Pinterest when I came across a tutorial on how to create a scar using just eyeshadow, I knew I had to try it so I first did one on my face, and then I did one on each of my siblings. That’s when I first fell in love with makeup. I started learning how to make my own special effects makeup from things I could find in my house and when I was about 18 my mom bought me my first special effects makeup kit. I loved creating these gore looks that made people jump but I wanted my art to have a deeper meaning than just creating cuts and bruises. This last summer I created the first piece that really meant something to me. My friend from high school is a model now and she was looking for a makeup artist to help her with this concept she had so I reached out and told her I would love to work with her. She was inspired by Kintsugi (the Japanese art form of broken pottery put back together by gold) she wanted to make it look like she had cracks all over her representing all of the difficult trials she had faced and then she wanted to fill in those cracks with gold to represent her strength. The end result was stunning and the process really touched my heart. This experience changed me. I knew I wanted to start creating makeup looks that made me feel the same way that this look made me feel. I’ve been through difficult things in my life and it has created this belief I have that beautiful things can grow in the darkest places, and this is where I found my concept and my style I now use in my art. Each piece has an element of beauty and an element of darkness. It is my hope as a makeup artist to inspire others and share my story so people know that they are not alone and that beauty comes in many different forms. I can’t wait to continue to collaborate with others and to continue sharing what I create with the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, I feel my biggest obstacle is myself. I’ve struggled with confidence and believing in myself. I get in my own head and start to feel like I’m not good enough, there have been many times I’ve almost not taken a job because of this. Thankfully I have a pretty great support system, my friends and family remind me I am enough and they are my biggest supporters. It’s because of them I’ve been a part of some pretty amazing photoshoots and films, and I have even taught makeup classes. I couldn’t do it without them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance makeup artist and a hairstylist. My passion is special effects makeup and I am known for my creative looks that combine glam makeup with gore makeup. My style sets me apart from other makeup artists, other artists that I have seen tend to lean more on the beauty side or more on the SFX side, there aren’t many that mix the two together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kelsi.larae.beauty
