Meet Nikki Carmela Peters: Makeup Artist/ Creative Director

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

Hi Nikki Carmela, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In my early years, I had worked retail, worked an office job, worked in a bar, but none of which stimulated me creatively. I will never forget when I was 20 years old, working at an desk answering phones Monday – Friday 9-5 and miserable and my dad said to me, “you are far too talented and creative to sit behind a desk” And ever since that, it really hit me that I was meant to peruse a career in some creative field no matter what. 

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? 
I’m a makeup artist and creative designer/director. I specialize in everything from editorial, clean beauty, FX, glamour, horror, kink art, dark beauty, etc. And I’m known for creating weird beauty and storytelling through my art. I guess you’d say what sets me apart from your typical “makeup artist” is that to me, it’s more than just “makeup”. I dive deep into my art. I create and entire vision, the mood behind the look, the vibe, the story. I guess you would say my “brand” is all about weird beauty. I mean, I do have “stay weird” tattooed on the thighs after all. It definitely has not been an easy journey, but that’s the whole point isn’t it? Life is a journey and it isn’t meant to be easy. Art is not simple. It’s complex, as is the journey of an artist. I’ve always prided myself as a hard worker, and I will continue to do just that as I grow as in my craft and career. As far as what I’m most proud of, honestly anytime I can create art and truly express myself is an accomplishment. Recently I’ve been giving the privilege to dive more into the Director side of things for a few promo shoots and music videos coming out in the near future.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well there is definitely two people I must mention whom without, I would be utterly lost. First would be my Dad. He has always believed in me and pushed me on my journey of pursuing my dreams as an artist. From always giving me a shoulder to cry on, endless pep talks on how “I’m a Peters, and I don’t take shit from no one”, and allowing me to turn his living room into a make shift photo studio numerous times. (LOL sorry for all the fake blood on the walls pops) He’s always been my biggest fan and supporter and I’m so grateful. Second, would be my best friend of 19+ years, who I call my sister, Lexi Layne. There is no other person on this planet that knows me like this women. She has been there with me through my highest highs and lowest lows and without her I’d be lost. I look up to her so much, she has the best heart of anyone I’ve ever known. We’ve also both managed to move across the country together and she’s been my muse for a lot of my work and I’m so beyond grateful for the relationship we have. It’s truly unmatched and a once in a lifetime type of friendship.

Website: Www.nikkicarmela.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/nikkicarmela

Image Credits
@ashleyvonhelsing @alexanderthomas.psd @aballinphoto @roxyfaithalexandria