April 30th 2010 – a day that shall shine in my memory forever. On that day I was lucky enough to go to The Wit — one of downtown Chicago’s chicest hotels — to meet a legendary makeup artist. Sam Fine. Artist to celebrities such as Iman, Tyra Banks, Mo’Nique, and Vanessa Williams. Author of Fine Beauty: Beauty Basics and Beyond for African American Women, and the man behind the phenomenal new DVD Fine: The Basics of Beauty
.
It had already been a long day for him by early afternoon – when I arrived at the hotel he’d already done six interviews that day for various forms of media. When I showed up he was in the process of filming a segment for NBC 5 (with a reporter that seemed a bit irked that a blogger rolled up during her camera time, I might add. Let me tell y’all, it’s always interesting to see how old media deals with new media).
Despite the cameras, the ongoing interview, and the interviewer waiting in the wings – Mr. Fine remained so easy breezy, dapper, and comfortable on camera. Unflappable, professional and yes – the last name fits. Sam Fine is fine! And even though he is arguably one of the most famous makeup artists in the world, he remains down to earth, friendly, and funny when you meet him. I was nervous as hell as I headed to The Wit. Just a few moments in Sam’s presence, and I felt completely at ease. Our ensuing discussion was amazing. But of course, I may be biased. See for yourself.
I loved Sam’s insider perspective on the industry, and some of his views made me think about the issues addressed in the new documentary, “The Colour of Beauty.” The people behind the scenes who make the decisions about how beauty is depicted, make a direct impact on the industry’s level of diversity.
I didn’t get to ask Mr. Fine all the Twitter questions I’d recieved, or all the other makeup inspired questions I’d come up with – but he answered MANY of my questions the following day, during his demonstration at A Fine Day Of Beauty. Look out for a follow up post on that.
If you don’t follow Sam Fine on Twitter, you are missing out! And click here to get his DVD, Fine: The Basics of Beauty! The techniques I’ve learned from the DVD and from the presentation I witnessed, helped me step up my makeup game overnight!
What are your thoughts on the interview bellas?
COMMENTS