A while ago a friend of a very well known friend called and asked me if I would be interested in doing makeup for a music video debut in NY. "Hmmn lemme think..." I said. Uh...yeah???
Before I knew it I was packed and off to NY for an early morning shoot the next day.
I woke up at the crack of dawn with no idea of what I was about to experience. Subway trains, corner markets, walking through the bittercold streets of New York (it was January) lugging tons of makeup and props for the shoot. It was what I had always dreamed of. lol
When we arrived to the location, which was a beautiful rustic brownstone, I immediately fell in love with New York. I watched as the videographers set up and tested their equipment.
I was introduced to the "cast" and was directed to my place of set up.
Once I was all set up, I said a quick prayer and seated the first person, who was actually the artist!
That's right folks world renowned artist Siji was in my chair focused, determined and totally prepared to co-produce his video debut.
The video was set to premiere his first single"Yearning for Home" off of his new sophomore album entitled AdeSIJI.
The video's purpose was to capture images that reflected his nigerian roots...thus the title "yearning for home".
He requested that I give everyone a very natural look and I did my best to oblige him and fought the urge to beat everyone out like it was a beyonce video.
One subject who had never had makeup applied to his face before, was a little apprehensive until I continuously re-assured him that he would still look like himself and not malibu barbie. We had a good laugh over it.
My friend Melani, (the hookup) who was a background singer for Siji and whom I've worked with many times before, was next up for application. She was an easy canvas. No fuss, and not worried about looking like barbie. Although she could've easily passed for some kind of barbie. I kept her in neutrals.
There was one cast member/model who was absolutely gorgeous! She looked like the love child of Naomi Campbell and Lauryn Hill. There I was again... fighting the urge not to beat her out like a supermodel.
So I gave in a little bit. I initially had her with a very pronounced dark lip but I got cracked on the knuckles by Siji, so I switched her to a light gloss. I did get away with adding lashes but dang! That dark lip woulda been fierce!
The rest of the cast piled into my chair one after another as they prepared to dance, play an instrument, sing, make jewelry or just make a cameo in the video.
All in all I made some new friends, gained some video shoot experience, ate the best NY chinese food I've ever had in my life and had a lot of fun.
And here's the finished product... ENJOY!
Ciao Bella,
Wendy~
