{ WOMAN WHO INSPIRES }
YOU MICHELE ARE ENOUGH. CLAUSER BY NICOLE HEROUXBY WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO TAMMY VREELAND
My interview with Michele Clauser, a very talented artist! A woman who can apply movie magic through makeup. Transforming humans into the most amazing living pieces of art. Tammy - Michele, thank you so much for giving us a ‘behind the scenes look’ at well - behind the scenes! A tribute to the unsung heroes who can magically create and transform people.
How about training? Your thoughts on classes or courses? I know for many artists, whatever form it is, there is a natural talent. Something where training only enhances the talent. I guess what I am trying to ask is this something anyone can do? Michele - For the most part I am self-
Of course you know, my first question has to be when did you realize this was something you wanted to do?
Tammy - Both are my favorites! Especially an American Werewolf in London! That was a transformation like no other before it!
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ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE : MARCH EDITION 2022
Thankfully, this is an age where everyone shares their techniques and is happy to discuss what they learned. I always ask other artists about what they used or how they achieve looks I like. They are usually quite happy to explain. Natural talent is only a small part that gives you the start. Hard work makes up the rest. Tammy - You’re right, I couldn’t agree more! I think a desire and then hard work can make you accomplished in anything.
Michele - I fell in love with movie monsters at a very young age. In my teenage years, I saw all the classic monster films. However, it was Rick Baker’s work in An American Werewolf in London, along with the makeups in Planet of the Apes, that sparked my desire to learn all I could about how makeup could do more than make women beautiful. By age 18, I was doing makeups and costume designs for myself, family and friends during Halloween. In college, I read every book and magazine I could find on the subject.
and makeups. I am still studying Master Makeup Artistry and Airbrush makeup classes through QC Academy, as well as studying other applications through Stan Winston’s programs.
I have to admit, growing up, I was fascinated with the monsters on the screen, too! I believed in the scenario being played out because the characters looked nothing like us. Granted, many of them were in costumes, but the face was what always seemed to be the magical influence to me. taught but I did find tons of videos and how to’s once the internet became a big thing. From there, I started taking online classes in Special Effects Makeup online with QC Academy. I finished those and worked on classes in face painting and learning how to use different mediums to create characters
When you first think about creating an illusion. Does the shape of a person’s face factor in? Michele - For me, it plays a big part. I prefer to look at the model’s face and build and see what it lends itself towards. You can always bulk up a slender person, but it is hard to create the illusion of
