Artist Spotlight: Denyelle

I am so thrilled to introduce to you guys a brand new feature on my blog today- Artist Spotlight! This has been on my mind for a few months now so I figured what better way to get it started than to feature the talented artists I work with!

First up is one of my favorite makeup artists- Denyelle! We have been working together for not even a year yet, and it feels like we’ve known each other forever. So happy that she’s on my team and her talent shines just as bright as her beautiful personality :)

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What is your name?
Denyelle Duckett of Makeup Art by Denyelle

Where are you located?
Washington, DC Metro Area

What do you do?
Freelance Makeup Artistry and I also am a Makeup Artistry Teacher

How long have you been a makeup artist?
10 years!

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How did you become interested in makeup and when did you know you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I became interested in makeup in high school… Friends always liked the way I applied my makeup, so they began asking me to do their makeup for all occasions! I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist when I started doing weddings and realized just how much of an impact my talent made on people. It felt great to make people feel good about themselves!

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Who are some of your influences/inspirations?
God of course! Sam Fine (Celebrity MUA and Creative Director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics), the late great Kevyn Aucoin, and my wonderful makeup friends… everyday women also inspire me!

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What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
I recently showcased my work via a runway fashion show with RAW Artists DC, for designer Lyndora of Ekkleshia Clothing. I also love to travel so working with the DFinney Glam Squad in Atlanta has definitely been one of my favorite projects!

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What other types of creative work do you do?
I am the Makeup Artistry teacher and Creative Makeup Director for Charles Flowers High School’s drama club- The Jaguar Players. I have been with the Jaguar Players for four years and this year’s big production is “The Wiz”!

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by beauty, life, love, and people.

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What keeps you motivated?
The love and support that I receive from my family and very close friends motivate me every single day.

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Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?
Stay humble, always be open to learn new things about your craft, and be kind to everyone you meet.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?
I’m a single mom to my talented 17 year-old son- a future chef and restaurateur!  Having been single for some time, I’ve finally found that special love of my life :) 
I like cats but if I had to choose I’d have two dogs- one Pomeranian and a Golden Retriever. I love to cook, and I enjoy entertaining, if I wasn’t in the beauty industry I’d probably be a private chef!

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Where can we find you online? 
website: http://www.makeupartbydenyelle.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/makeupartbydenyelle
twitter: @DenyelleDMUA
instagram: @DenyelleDMUA

I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know Denyelle a little better! To check out more of our work together, check out the “MAKEUP BY DENYELLE” category over there on the right menu bar (or the tag below this post :) Please don’t hesitate to contact Denyelle if you’re interested in having her do your makeup for a photo session, event, special occasion, or just because!

‘Til next time!

-Danni