Where were you born?
Taichung, Taiwan
Where do you live now?
Vancouver, BC. Canada
What’s your sign?
Aquarius
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My childhood ambitions evolved with time, each one reflecting a different layer of my creative identity. At first, I dreamed of becoming a pianist, drawn to the discipline and emotion of music. Later, I gravitated toward illustration and painting, fascinated by the ability to capture stories on a page. Eventually, that passion for visual storytelling led me to fashion design, where fabric, form, and structure became my medium.
How did that transpose into makeup artistry?
Fashion was the first world I immersed myself in. My training in pattern making and garment construction instilled a patience and precision that continue to shape how I work today. It also gave me an appreciation for detail, craftsmanship, and design thinking — qualities I naturally carried into makeup. My earliest encounter with makeup was backstage at performance theaters, watching my mother get my sister ready for her dance recitals. The way makeup could transform not just her appearance, but also her presence, felt magical. That spark grew into a fascination, and eventually a career where I could merge my love for fashion with the artistry of transformation.
How did you know that the makeup artist industry was where you wanted to be?
The moment I first picked up a brush and swept pigment across the skin, I was captivated. Watching the colors melt seamlessly into one another, transforming into a gradient alive with depth and dimension, felt like magic. I’ve always been drawn to tangible creation — to taking an idea and giving it form — and makeup quickly became my medium of choice. It allows me to translate vision into reality in the most immediate, tactile way. What solidified my path, however, was the community itself: the makeup world is filled with passionate, inventive individuals who constantly inspire and uplift one another. That sense of shared creativity made me certain this was where I belonged.
If you hadn’t gotten into makeup what do you think you’d be doing right now?
I’ve always had an eye for fashion and beauty, so I imagine my path would still be rooted in the visual arts. My appreciation for multimedia expression naturally extends into photography and graphic design — mediums that allow me to shape narratives through imagery and composition. To be honest, I don’t believe in limiting myself to a single creative lane. While makeup has become my primary career, photography has increasingly captured my fascination, evolving into a secondary pursuit that I see running parallel to my work in beauty.
What was your first memorable work as an artist?
One of my earliest defining works was my avant-garde interpretation of Black Swan. I adorned the model’s brows with crystallized wings, meticulously composed of Swarovski crystals, white stones, and glass beads. The effect was both fragile and fierce — a timeless, sensual heroine who radiated power and vulnerability equally. It not only pushed my creativity but also marked the moment I realized how transformative beauty could become when merged with art.
What are the things about working in makeup that you love?
What I love most is that I get to paint for a living — to turn creativity into a career. Makeup constantly challenges me to invent, to push boundaries, and to reimagine what beauty can be. It’s an industry that never stands still, always evolving and demanding fresh perspectives, which keeps me energized and inspired. There’s truly never a dull moment. And because makeup crosses so many worlds—fashion, art, photography, performance, even business — the possibilities for expression are endless.
What makes you a good makeup artist?
I’m committed to constant growth. Whether it’s refining my technique, expanding my product knowledge, or staying ahead of trends, I’m always looking for ways to evolve. That dedication to learning helps keep my work fresh, relevant, and ever improving.
What should someone who is looking to develop a career in makeup know before getting into the business?
Makeup is an incredibly rewarding industry, but it’s important to understand that, like any career, success doesn’t happen overnight — it requires dedication and hard work. Be endlessly curious, humble, and adaptable, because growth comes from constantly learning and evolving. Opportunities won’t simply be handed to you; you need to equip yourself with strong product knowledge, refined technical skills, and a creative eye. Just as importantly, you must develop people skills, because at its core, this industry is built on relationships. With these foundations in place, you can build not only a career, but one that is fulfilling and lasting.
What are some of the most important qualities that a makeup artist can have?
Adaptability, accountability, and creativity are at the heart of being a successful makeup artist. Adaptability allows you to thrive in any environment — whether backstage at a fashion show, on set, or working one-on-one with a client. Accountability builds trust; it’s about being reliable, professional, and delivering on your promises. And creativity is, of course, the soul of the craft — the ability to imagine, transform, and bring something new to life through your artistry
How do you continue to grow as an artist?
For me, growth begins with curiosity — staying open to change and embracing it with intention. I seek out art, culture, and music, and surround myself with like-minded creatives who challenge and inspire me. These experiences enrich the soul, and when the soul is nourished, artistic growth becomes not just steady, but exponential.
What has changed most about the industry in the time that you’ve been working in makeup?
One of the most striking shifts has been the rise of AI technology. Today, creative directions and mood boards are often generated by AI, offering an efficiency and breadth of reference that didn’t exist before. While it’s an incredibly useful tool, I believe it should remain just that — a tool. True artistry still comes from exercising your own imagination and building ideas from the ground up. Originality is what gives work its soul, and no algorithm can replace that.
Do you have a project that you’ve done that you are especially proud of?
This past spring, I had the honor of being invited by Danessa Myricks to present at The Makeup Show in New York City. For that moment, I wanted to push beyond the expected and experiment with unconventional materials in a way that still felt organic. I created a silver metallic cutout design adorned with crystals, using various hole punches to craft unique shapes. Each piece became a tiny sculpture of its own, and I placed them individually onto the model’s face to form a futuristic floral composition. The result was something entirely new.
What project was the most challenging?
One of the most challenging yet enjoyable projects was an editorial I created for FASHION Magazine during the pandemic. Because of travel restrictions, I couldn’t fly to Toronto, so the creative director shipped me the wardrobe and accessories instead. I ended up doing everything on myself — makeup, hair, styling, and even photographing the story. Each look had its own backdrop, which I designed and built to complement the styling. While it was both physically and mentally demanding, it was also incredibly rewarding.
What are the things about your work that makes it the most interesting to you?
What keeps my work endlessly interesting is the way I weave my love for fashion into every beauty creation. That dialogue between fashion and makeup gives my work a distinct identity, and my constant pursuit of newness pushes me to evolve with each project. I find it deeply fulfilling when my creative input and direction are not only welcomed but celebrated, allowing me the freedom to fully express myself. That sense of freedom is, to me, the most compelling aspect of this career. It’s also why I always remind my students to stay true to themselves — because when your style resonates with authenticity, it becomes the thread that ties all of your work together.
What are the challenges you face working as a freelance artist?
The biggest challenges of freelancing often come down to the realities of running your own business, balancing the creative with the logistical. Securing consistent projects and keeping the calendar full requires not only talent, but also persistence and strategy. Networking is essential, as every connection has the potential to open new doors. At the same time, maintaining a strong social media presence is crucial; it acts as both a portfolio and a calling card, offering clients an immediate glimpse into your style and body of work.
What type of work do you find most satisfying?
The projects I find most fulfilling are those where I can create a concept from head to toe. When I’m given the freedom to shape the makeup, hair, and styling as a complete vision, it allows me to express myself fully. That holistic approach, where every detail speaks to the same story, is where my artistry feels most alive.
How has social media affected your career or work?
Social media has had a profound impact on my career. It has opened doors to international clients and connected me with like-minded creatives, often leading to instant bonds and lasting collaborations. Since I began sharing my work in 2016, the past nine years have been filled with incredible opportunities and relationships that might never have existed otherwise. It’s become not just a platform for visibility, but a community that continues to expand the reach and possibilities of my artistry.
Do you ever get stuck creatively?
Absolutely. I think every artist reaches a bottleneck at some point. For me, it happened during a period when I was constantly producing new looks for social media. The pressure to create endlessly left me exhausted and, eventually, burnt out. What I’ve learned is the importance of stepping back, changing routines, taking time to rest, and allowing yourself the space to recalibrate. Creativity flows best when it’s nurtured, not forced.
What would your clients say is the best thing about working with you?
I think my clients would say they feel supported and inspired when we work together. They trust me to bring a clear creative vision while also paying attention to the smallest details. Beyond the artistry, I strive to create an experience that feels professional yet collaborative — reliable enough that they know they’re in good hands, but open enough that their ideas are always heard. At the end of the day, I want them to feel not only confident in the final result, but also genuinely enjoy the process of getting there.
What inspires you?
Music is my greatest source of inspiration—especially cinematic scores that stir emotion and set entire worlds into motion in my mind. Beyond sound, I’m constantly drawn to materials with sculptural or reflective qualities, objects that can be manipulated into embellishments or transformed into unexpected focal points. Inspiration, for me, is about staying curious—always seeking out textures, sounds, and forms that can be reimagined into beauty.
Words Michael DeVellis
Photos Timothy Hung
