We had the good fortune of connecting with Disco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Disco, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is something that I don’t think about. Sure, there are pros and cons to every situation, but I always looked at it as the next step towards achieving my goal. Objectively, were some of my choices risky? Yes. But when I was going through it, it just presented itself as “this is what you have to do to get where you want to be.” When I wanted to become a makeup artist, it never seemed risky to me if I was doing what I wanted to do. When I left cosmetic retail to become a freelancer, I had about $300 in my bank account. I honestly didn’t think twice because I wanted it so bad, and the lack of funding certainly motivated me to figure it out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

To be completely honest, being a makeup artist is NOT easy. It’s early mornings, long days, constant change, expensive, physically taxing, and emotionally draining. I know it sounds like I hate it but, all of these aspects, when mixed together create the perfect storm of creativity and controlled chaos that I thrive in. Being on set is one of the most exhilarating feelings. Multiple people are doing multiple jobs that all come together to create this work of art. The experience is addicting. It’s almost like doing a puzzle, you have to figure out what your part is and how it fits into the rest of the story.

I would say that being my own boss and dictating my own schedule is the part that gets me through the more challenging aspects of the industry. For example, September-October is always a very busy time of year; fashion week, events, parties, weddings, Halloween, etc. This past year, I had just finished a wild week at the end of October and FINALLY had a Sunday to myself, or so I thought. The next thing I know, I’m emailing an agent that “Yes, I can fly out to LA first thing in the morning,” and just like that, I was booked for the Gucci Love Parade. I was able to stay a couple of extra days and see friends on the West Coast after, and that’s the flexibility I think we all deserve. I think everyone can relate to the fact that it’s really hard to convince yourself that you deserve a much-needed break. 

I think the main lesson that I’ve learned after 13 years of being a makeup artist is to stay true to yourself and your art. Cher is a massive inspiration to me, not just for style but also for attitude. She has been through hell and back, has multiple platinum-selling records, awards, world tours, a Vegas residency, she’s an investor in fashion and beauty brands, an incredible actress, and she still has time to save the elephants! I am inspired by all she has accomplished, and how she has handled it with grace and sophistication, while also being able to unwind with a gelato in Malibu. The moment I got the email about Gucci, I thought to myself “Cher would be able to do it!” I think we all need to be more like Cher.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I was born and raised in New York, so any chance I have to get to Miami, I take it! There is so much culture and fun things to do while enjoying time in the sun and the incredible food that Miami has to offer. I absolutely LOVE Uchi and just recently had a fabulous dinner at Doma; MIA is giving the NY restaurant scene a run for their money!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being a Makeup Artist tends to be a little isolating as you become successful. You are constantly working with a new team so it’s hard to build relationships on a 10-hour shoot with people that are all trying to do their jobs. Also, not having other makeup artists around is another isolating factor. I know this because I have a startup called Kitpak with another makeup artist, one of my closest friends Marc Witmer. It’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas off and to share in the woes of our industry. He GETS it because he’s been in the same situation, and we really value each other’s opinions.

Website: www.makeupbydisco.com

Instagram: @makeupbydisco

Other: www.thekitpak.com @thekitpak

Image Credits
photo by Sherridon Poyer

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