Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Kristen Lee

4/13/2020

Kristen Lee - Wisconsin
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kristen Lee is an old soul with a passion for adventure. Not only is she beautiful on the outside but her heart and compassion for those around her is inspiring. She is family oriented, loves softball, enjoys music and concerts, and is artistic. From one creative to another, I know she will make the world an even more beautiful place with her unique perspective.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

What are some of your goals that you have for you future that involve cosmetology?
I would love to eventually work on the sets of movies or TV shows and do the makeup for the actors/actresses. I am currently enrolled in an online cosmetology course as well as a bridal makeup course to learn the basics and history of cosmetology. After earning my Associates Degree in Applied Science, with an emphasis on Business Administration/Entrepreneurship, I plan to attend Make-Up Designory in Burbank, California to broaden my make up artistry skills and study Special FX.

What is your favorite thing about makeup and what inspired you to want to pursue cosmetology?
I love that makeup can be whatever you want it to be. There are so many different styles to choose from, such as Special FX, everyday looks, dramatic, colorful, film, etc. Since middle school I've experimented with makeup, most of the time it didn't go so well now that I look back, but that was when I started getting some makeup kits for Christmas and my birthday. High school was when I really learned different techniques and styles of makeup and started my already enormous collection of eye shadow pallets, brushes and lipstick. It's really given me a way to relax and escape when life gets stressful, as we all know it does. I think that's why I've become so passionate about learning the art of makeup, because I genuinely enjoy doing it, which is the most important thing to me when I think about my future career.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

Why did you want to get into film and special fx makeup?
My entire life I have been a movie fanatic. Originally, my plan after high school was to attend a film school in Albuquerque, New Mexico to study cinematography and possibly become a director. As I made my way through senior year, I slowly realized that I wasn't as passionate about cinematography as I used to be, which caused a bit of panic. Then, I remembered how much I loved just sitting at my vanity and doing my makeup just because. I started to really look into the idea of makeup artistry and learned how many different paths you can take. I didn't want to cut out film entirely, so that's how film and Special FX makeup came up on my radar.

What is a difference between that type of makeup and runway or dance makeup?
Special FX, runway and dance makeup are all fairly dramatic styles of makeup because all are put under harsh lighting, so you have to be able to see it through the camera or from the crowd. Special FX, however, is where you see your zombies, aliens and fake injuries that require latex to shape whatever feature you want to add or alter.

I know that you were involved in cross country, what is one lesson you have learned from the sport, and how did you overcome the tough times and injury that were brought to you from the sport?
The biggest lesson I learned from cross country was that we really need to be thankful every day for the things we're able to do. Not everyone is able to go out and run or even do everyday activities that most of us don't even think about. We need to take advantage of the opportunities that are given to us, no matter how scary or intimidating it seems, because someone else out there may be wishing they were able to do the same. With my injury, I tried to take advantage of the situation and became a manager. This allowed me to make friends with a few people I hardly ever saw or interacted with outside of practices. It also made me appreciate everyone who works so hard behind the scenes of all sports and events/productions to bring it all together.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

What was your role as the cross country manager?
The best thing about being a manager for cross country is that you get to see how much hard work really goes into putting a team together. From the coaches to the athletes, it takes a lot more behind the scenes work to make everything happen. My role as one of the managers was to take everyone's time as they made it to the mile mark as well as recording their finishing time. On the bus ride home, we would transfer the numbers from the sheets onto our coach's computer. When the race started, we were also in charge of starting the clock at the one and two mile marks so the runners were able to see their times. At some races and practices, I would also take pictures of the team so they could be hung in the hallway outside our coach's classroom. One thing I will never forget about being part of the Platteville cross country team is how so many people, from all different friend group and backgrounds could come together for one shared passion and support each other.

Kristen will be featured in Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Olivia Aguzzi

4/2/2020

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Olivia Aguzzi - Illinois
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Faith Aguzzi
Photography by Veronica Adams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I am nominating Olivia because what first started out as a hobby in playing with make-up & art in junior high has turned into a successful learning experience as the ‘make-up chick’ for her high school theater department to having artwork presented & placing at Conference. Olivia has led to teach other students about theater makeup to prepare them for productions & to take over after she graduates. Proud to also state that she got accepted into DePaul University’s BFA-Wig, Make Up & Technology Program & will start Fall 2020!! Follow your passion!!

Photography by Veronica Adams Photography

Do you remember when you first discovered makeup? How old were you?
I was about 10 years old when I first discovered makeup. My parents and I were scrolling through TV channels when we stumbled upon a show called Face Off. It was a special effects makeup show where 10 artists would compete through a series of challenges and create extravagant makeup and costume designs. I immediately fell in love with it. I would create my own designs, on paper or doing makeup on myself, based on the challenges of every episode.

Tell us about the evolution of your makeup - where you first started to where you are now.
I first started using my mom’s makeup to create different looks that I saw on Face Off or from YouTube videos. I kept practicing with more materials that I’d receive as gifts or from my parents, fueling my passion for special effects. Once I hit high school, my love and passion for art and special effects sky-rocketed. I’ve taken art classes since freshman year, have been a member of the National Arts Honor Society and I’m currently the President. I’ve learned many different techniques in painting, drawing and sculpting, and how it went hand-in-hand with special effects. I’m also Head of the makeup department for my school’s theatre program. I’ll be starting college at DePaul University’s Conservatory, BFA- Wig, Makeup & Technology program.

Photography by Veronica Adams Photography

What is it like being the head of your makeup team for the theatre department?
Being head of makeup for my high school’s theatre program is a blast, but definitely a challenge. We would have approx. 1 class per month that is open to everybody to teach the basics of stage makeup. Then, in the weeks leading up to opening night, I’d lead classes for the makeup people to teach them how to do specific looks; bruising, fantasy, stage makeup for the boys, and anything special. I would oversee around 5 makeup people guiding and directing them on how to do different character makeups for the different shows.

Photography by Olivia Aguzzi

How difficult or easy was it learning how to face paint with your makeup background?
It was a challenge to learn how to face-paint on other people. But, through my background of being in painting classes and the makeup department in school and doing special effects on myself, helped me with the foundation to learn new skills for my business. I have also practiced on my parents and my friends to help get over a fear of working on someone else’s face.

Photography by Melissa Liegl

What is it like being on a badminton team? My high school does not have a badminton team so I would love to hear about it!
Being on a badminton team is so much fun! But competitive badminton is not the same as backyard badminton. It’s so fast-paced and hard on our bodies to where I tore a ligament in my ankle playing. I have been on my school’s team since freshman year and I have made so many friends over 4 years. I’ve made amazing memories playing on my team through bonding and becoming a family. I became a varsity player during my sophomore year, and I became a Captain my senior year. Sadly, my senior season was over before it started due to the heart-breaking pandemic occurring currently, but my coaches are keeping tabs on every-one through Zoom calls and group text messages.

Olivia will be featured in issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 32

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Olivia Bradin

2/12/2019

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Olivia Bradin
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by
Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)
Michigan
Issue 15

The Nomination: Olivia Bradin is a young lady beyond her years. She graduated high school at the age of 15. She is a very talented special effects makeup artist, she can do hair and makeup for photoshoots, she is a very talented photographer, she draws, sings, dances, plays several musical instruments, cares for her sisters, planned an entire surprise engagement for her mom. She has got such an amazing perspective on life. Did I mention, she GRADUATED high school at FIFTEEN, yes, 15 years old!!

How did you become interested in makeup and how did you start?
When I was around eleven years old, a friend of mine asked if I would help him in making a short film over the summer. He and I had participated in theater productions previously, and I often helped in creating props, so when he asked me to help him with his short film that is what I was expecting to be assisting with, the props. I wasn't entirely wrong, not only was I in charge of creating and obtaining all of the props, set accessories, and costumes but I also was told that I had to do everyone's makeup and special effects makeup.
I spent the next week researching everything I could about this so-called "special effect makeup" and watching any video I could find on it. So the next week when I had to transform a twelve-year-old boy to an 80-year-old man I borrowed a big bag of my grandma's eyeshadows and powders and got to work! When I was finished, I looked over my newly created old man, and instantly felt so proud of what I had created.
Now granted looking back, it was not as amazing as I thought, however, at that moment that was all I needed to know that I loved special effects and that I wanted to do for as long as I could. I've been at it for almost five years now, and I'm still learning brand new and challenging things every day.

Are you looking into a career with makeup in the near future?
Yes! I absolutely love makeup, and it brings me such joy! This past year I had the joy of receiving my first professional job as a special effect makeup artist at Blakes Haunted Farm and Attractions. I would do makeup for the actors that worked there. That job really helped me to learn how to incorporate both quality and speed into my makeup. Fast forward in time a bit, and I am currently working on starting up my own business called ConstantLeeSharp that combines both photography and special effects makeup into one for the clients.

What is a piece of advice you would give to teens interested in starting makeup professionally?
Save your money and get creative! Products for this field can get very expensive. Before buying, think to yourself whether you will use it in your kit. Most importantly be patient with yourself! Special effects makeup takes so much time and practice.

Being a great student, what did you do to graduate at age 15?
I wouldn't necessarily call myself a great student. I had my struggles just as any other student would. The only difference is I treated my school work as if it was my extracurricular activity. To put it in perspective a high school football player dedicates the majority of his/her week to practices and games knowing that the more they better themselves, the more likely they are to further a career in football or even get a full ride to college. This is how I viewed my schooling.

I was a homeschooled kiddo, and through the years I met many people who didn't support homeschooling saying that they aren't social and will struggle in life. I took this negativity and turned it into motivation to push even harder. Plus, some of my best friends were also homeschoolers and helped and supported me to graduate early. By having a great support team, a drive to learn, plus a dream to study material that I am genuinely interested in instead of the basics, I was able to graduate early. I am now in my first year in college studying psychology! As Plato said, "To know is to be. The more you know, the more you are, and the better you are."

As a performer, what have been your favorite performances/shows/gigs and why?
Every performance is different; each one brings its perks and their struggles. It is so difficult to pick a favorite. However, I have to say one of my more recent performances is in my tops. You see I am an oldie at heart, and don't listen to or play too much of today's popular music. Once I knew that the annual music show was coming up at the studio where I have taken instrumental lessons for many of my instruments, I signed up right away. I talked to my teacher and settled on doing a guitar piece and a vocal piece.
But it was the vocal piece that I was most excited for this time. I decided to do " House of The Rising Sun". I felt thrilled with this performance, like I really let my voice off of its leash and expressed its true form. I put my heart and soul into the piece. It felt as if I had taken any ounce of struggle I ever faced and pushed it out, and at that moment it felt nonexistent to me.

Olivia will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Kristen Lee

Kristen Lee - Wisconsin
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Aguzzi

Olivia Aguzzi - Illinois
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Faith Aguzzi
Photography by Veronica Adams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Bradin

Olivia Bradin
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by
Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)
Michigan
Issue 15

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Kristen Lee

Kristen Lee - WisconsinInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and DesignIssue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Aguzzi

Olivia Aguzzi - IllinoisInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Faith AguzziPhotography by Veronica Adams PhotographyIssue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Olivia Bradin

Olivia BradinInterview by Michelle SicardNomination and Photography by​Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)MichiganIssue 15

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kristen Lee - Wisconsin
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Aguzzi - Illinois
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Faith Aguzzi
Photography by Veronica Adams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Bradin
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by
Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)
Michigan
Issue 15