Allow me to introduce the extremely talented and professional face & body artist, Melanie Dawn! Melanie has been in the industry for 25 years and her experience is apparent through her many visual body art designs. We first hired Melanie two years ago for Lil J's second birthday party after we saw her work at a friend's kid's party. In fact, her work is so impressive, she was able to paint an Angry Bird free-hand {back when Angry Birds first launched} by just looking at a picture online:
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| Lil J's first face paint! |
Fast-forward two years later and we were fortunate enough to have Melanie join us at Baby Z's first birthday! All of a sudden, we had Spiderman, Captain America and a puppy all in attendance! I wonder where they all came from...
{Interview with Melanie Dawn MUA}
Melanie has always been extremely professional and accommodating. She's very personable and to say she loves her job is an understatement. Clearly, it's her passion! Here, we were able to get some one-on-one time with her and get a glimpse inside her life as a professional face & body artist:
Q: I've personally seen your talented work many times in person. When did you first realize that being a Professional Face and Body Artist was your calling?
A: I've been painting on skin for 25 years ever since my mom bought me Snazaroo face paints to entertain my four younger siblings and their friends at a party! Art college and a career in makeup led me to fully embrace face painting as the ancient art form that it is. The crossover happened in 2008 after I immigrated from the UK and the rest is history.
When I see the look on a kids face that I have painted as a butterfly and she goes from being a shy, quiet little thing to smiling the biggest smile when she sees herself in the mirror, that's when I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. It really changes their whole demeanor and makes everyone else smile too. That's what it's all about really - smiles! And it happens at every gig, no matter the location, their gender, their age, the event or the budget. I really do love giving each child (or adult) the permission to become their alter ego. Plus, it automatically makes me a rock star!
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| Photo courtesy of Melanie Dawn MUA |
Q: What/who is your main inspiration as an artist?
A: Obviously my three boys are a huge source of ideas and inspiration, even if they no longer allow me to practice princess crowns on them (unless cash is involved). I had to bribe Isaac to sit for this photo shoot with a local newspaper with cash AND pizza!
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| Photo courtesy of Melanie Dawn MUA |
As an artist I find inspiration in all sorts of things from Vancouver sunsets to iridescent butterfly wings to kids tv shows. Another source of inspiration is the Wolfe Brothers, Brian and Nick of EvilTwinFX.com. Their style of artistry and bold design work have influenced me more than any other face painters in the industry. They have natural ability, knowledge and imagination that inspires me to do better and bolder work for myself.
Q: You're in huge demand around the city and have worked with many well known companies. What was the most memorable venue you've worked at?
A: Hands down the best venue I have ever worked has to be under the Grand Chapeteau for Cirque Du Soleil when they were here in January for Amaluna! It was so COOL! I've also worked at Science World, IKEA, Rogers Arena and the Vancouver Marathon!
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| Photo courtesy of Melanie Dawn MUA |
I'm actually going to be at another very cool venue for the month of June: ToysRUs are opening a WonderLab on Marine Drive in North Vancouver and I'm going to be painting all the faces from 9am each Saturday!
Q: Your artistic abilities are endless and you are incredibly talented at your craft. Not many people can draw from images in their heads and make it look good (does Angry Birds ring a bell?). Name your top three favorite face or belly designs.
A: Wow! I have so many favorites its going to be hard to narrow it down to just three! Each design has its wow-factor such as the starbursts or the airbrushed-like colour that makes the crowd wonder "how did she do that?"
My favourite 2-3 minute design, as its such a crowd pleaser, has to be the butterfly. It checks all the boxes for colour, line work, sparkle and wow!
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| Photo courtesy of Melanie Dawn MUA |
My favourite 10 minute design that I reserve for private parties has to be the zombie/skull. I get to showcase my anatomy knowledge and my flicking skills with a business card and fake blood (red/black paint)!
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| Photo courtesy of Melanie Dawn MUA {Okay, confession! This one is really freaking me out!} |
My favourite belly design that I did recently was a Blue Jay on a mom-to-be. Her son was going to be named Jay and they really loved the design I came up with on the spot at the semi-annual Bellies to Babies Celebration in Vancouver. I love creating original art for a mom's belly and I feel so blessed to be trusted to do what I do during this special time in their lives.
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| Photo courtesy of Melanie Dawn MUA |
In addition to face painting, Melanie also specializes in gestational art {or pregnant belly painting}, glitter tattoos and makeup services, as well as special events and Halloween bookings.
{About Melanie Dawn MUA}
Melanie Dawn is an award-winning, professional face & body painter and professional makeup artist based in North Vancouver, BC. Working all over the Lower Mainland, Melanie’s clients include EA, ToysRUs and IKEA. Having painted in both Canada and the UK, from where she immigrated with her family in 2007, Melanie has devoted herself to education, innovation, safety and best practices from industry leaders and master artists from all over the world.
{Win It!}
Melanie Dawn MUA is generously giving one of our lucky {pregnant} readers a chance to win a "Belly Art" session valued at $150! The session will last approximately one hour and is recommended for women 6-8 months pregnant. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to Greater Vancouver area residents only until Wednesday, June 19, 2013.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the opinions or views of Melanie Dawn MUA. We received a complimentary face painting session in order to conduct this review. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen at random. Please note that travel costs are not included and a small travel fee will apply to locations outside of North and West Vancouver, Vancouver and Burnaby. Gift certificate expires June 19, 2014.
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