Meet Mimi Meyer | Artist/Makeup Artist

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

Hi Mimi, what are you inspired by?
For me it’s hard to pin down one exact thing because there are so many moments of inspiration. When I’m working or putting together something as art I think of characters. I always go back to the movie Paris is burning, and think of the part of the film that they talked about vogueing. its about creating a character and giving the full realness of who that person/inspiration is.
I suppose my big inspirations in a nut shell would be. Drag culture, fine art and the whimsical fantasy stories and movies that were such a big part of my childhood and also just people!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Special Effects Makeup artist, a lot of my clients are in the music industry but not limited to just that. I think what sets me apart are my characters and the attention to detail they have. What makes me most excited is coming on to any job or creative venture i’m doing is getting people to laugh and smile with a child-like joy. At the end of the day I’m just a big kid, I think you can really read that in my work. No matter what I do there is always a whimsical or silly aspect that is present. I’m such a goof all the time. I ended up here by just being myself as scary as that feels in a city full of big first impressions. It has lead me to connecting with some of the most talented like minded people. I don’t think doing anything you love is always easy. We all have our own personal demons and insecurities we deal with. I think my scariest leap was being asked to lead teams for big jobs that were live preformances or had a lot of eyes on it. I would just hope that anyone on my teams felt empowered in their own artistry. I only intend to be balanced have grace and create some really rad makeups! I think the lessons I’ve learned is allowing yourself to be vulnerable as an artist. Your best work comes from that and being fearless to show the world that.
Being kind and understanding to those around you we all get in our own world and no one is perfect. Working in this industry can have its moments of feeling overwhelmed and stressed, everyone deserves grace. We are doing things that strike the imagination of the world. And lastly plastic bald caps are preferable over latex bald caps.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, LA is a huge city! I have lived here for like 11 years now? I still am discovering new things all the time! A few of my favorites for just walking around and people watching. I love downtown LA and the fabric district. Tons of people watching as well as looking at all the fabrics and rhinestones, I always come down there to feel inspired. Thats also a great place to find street food, elote and aqua frescas. I love going to the food truck festivals or night markets they are all over LA. There are so many different types of food here and that’s one of my favorite ways to try them all. Obviously love the museums here, I just saw the John Waters exhibit at The Academy Museum of Motion pictures. My three favorite restaurants here are Musso & franks old Hollywood glamor if you please. Mirate in Los Feliz hip Mexican restaurant with a garden oasis feel. Last but certainly not least The Rainbow Bar and Grill in Hollywood. the Rainbow has been there for years its iconic and there are so many characters that go there. The mozzarella squares are 10/10 must get. Im very much a concert lover and love going to Cafe Zebulon they always have something going on there. The last show I saw there was Deathchant and it was excellent (if you like metal). Its getting warmer out and that’s my favorite time in LA. there’s always something going on. I love going to hollywood forever for movie in the cemetery. Anything that allows me to get dressed up and do silly makeups on myself with my friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man all the people that have supported me in my journey since I moved here. My mom is such an incredible artist and really brought me into the world of creativity and making it professional since I was a kid. I feel very lucky to have grown up in such a colorful free thinking space. My best friends/colleagues, i’m really lucky to be able to work with so many people that I can call friends as well. Joanna Cataldo, Joey, Lisette Santana, Shelby Patton, Misha Lindes, and Ambar Navarro to name a few. Honestly there are so many more.
It’s hard finding your people out here in LA and I can honestly say I feel like we are all just one big silly creative family. The gratitude I have for everyone (if you are reading this yes you!) is so very deep. My partner Ryan Murphy he sees all the blood sweat joy and tears I put into this and supports and inspires me in my wildest and weirdest dreams.

Website: https://www.dolosfx.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screaminmeemz?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Eric Anderson photography (photo of myself)
Parker Day Photography (camel makeup and chicken makeup)