photographer David Leslie Anthony for British Cosmo |
So
often we see the glorious images in the magazines and admire the models and the
clothing designers but do we ever stop to think about who created the
picture-perfect makeup that completes the vision? Anthony Gordon is one such
makeup artist, and he has succeeded at the highest levels. Based out of Los
Angeles, he has worked in commercials, movies, upscale magazines and with
celebrities and members of royal families.
Grandson
of the actor/stuntman Jack Gordon and son of Emmy winner Stan Gordon, he grew
up in the movie lots of Hollywood. His career began in the Los Angeles punk
rock scenes of the late 70’s and 80’s, where he cut hair and did make-up in the
patios of local nightclubs. While working at one of Los Angeles’ first punk
rock salons, he was invited to join avant-garde designers Nicola Pelly and
Harry Parness to create some of the looks for their fashion shows at the
trailblazing Parachute in Beverly Hills. It was his first taste of runway
fashion and he fell in love with the creativity and energy of working in a team
environment.
Since
then Anthony has continued to work in fashion and advertising while bringing
his unique take on pop culture and old, Hollywood glamour to film and
television. He was worked with such greats as David Chapelle, Peter Arnell, and
John Landis. His work can be seen on billboards from Times Square to Hollywood,
and in the pages of Cosmo, UK, Rolling Stone, Moda FG, Angelino, to name a few.
Anthony was kind enough to answer some questions about his remarkable career
and the sizzling punk scene that opened the world to him and inspired his first
flash of creative inspiration and self-identity.
ANF: You came of age in the Punk Scene, what was this scene really
about? What did that look stand for?
Anthony Gordon |
AG: The Punk Rock
scene for me was my coming of age - yes! I feel so lucky to have been
there and been a part of that scene in Los Angeles and alive at that time! It
was a crazy, exciting and dangerous time! The scene for me, and I can only
speak for myself because we all had a different experience, was
about rejecting the ideals of our fathers. We came out of the 50's and 60's, the
sexual revolution, the 70s and disco and wanted something else, something new,
exciting, honest, bared down to raw, a way to live that wasn't the same old
ideology of our parents. There was also the threat of nuclear war, nuclear
energy, so many overwhelming new issues. I needed a release; I needed
Art, Music, and Fashion to free me.
I always was intrigued by bands and artists like The Velvet
underground, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and T-Rex. I loved Glam Rock of the early 70s and even
used to stay up late at night to secretly to watch Twiggies juke box. I
remember the news trashing these people. Shock rock they called it and
transvestites (laughs). I thought they
were amazing and free and I wanted that for myself! I was making a statement for myself and to
the world! It was so incredible being a club kid then: it was all new and fresh
and it was our scene, it came out in our music, fashion and art. I had never felt
so free and empowered. I finally had a voice and I didn't care what anyone
though because this is my voice, my look, my art. It was new, although I think
a huge chunk of the general population had no idea what was going on. We
also had a lot of humor in our music, teaching us not to take ourselves so
seriously. I started out in the hardcore
scene in Los Angeles , and then slowly the scene separated and it evolved
into the Hollywood art rock scene , New wave, Mod, New Romantic, Goth,
Rockabilly, etc. These scenes all became considered something different
but prior to 1980 it was all considered punk. Our look was an expression of
what we were saying and feeling
photographer David Leslie Anthony for Jimon Magazine |
ANF: How can a new make-up artist stand out in today’s job market?
AG: If you want to stand out you have to develop a
style unto yourself and that takes time, study the works of others and
take what you like and add your own special take on a look, learn to edit
yourself, develop a great working personality because people want to work with
people with whom they enjoy spending 8 to 16 hours a day. Get viral but
also remember the web is forever so be smart about how you represent
yourself online as well as in person. Also
learn about lighting and color temperature, this is indispensable as you are
testing and building a book.
ANF: What projects are you currently working on?
ANF: What projects are you currently working on?
photographer Klara G for M Magazine |
AG:
I just got done working with members of a royal
family and am looking forward to all my commercials for the Super Bowl and the
Oscars, as I wait for the next film. I also think a book will be in the works
which I'm excited about! I love to share my experience and work so it’s about
that time to write a book.
ANF: How have things changed for make-up artists since you first started?
AG: It was much easier when I started, there weren't any makeup schools and you had to
shadow other artists to learn or and test and practice. The
industry wasn't flooded like it is today. Rates were higher and with all the new
makeup artists being pumped out of schools, literally thousands a month,
it is driving rates down. New make-up artists don't know what they should be
charging so they are giving it away after paying a small fortune for schools
and their kits. I mean does a plumber, electrician, or any other skilled
professional charge less because they are new? No! My rates have
always been in relation to what the job "should" pay regardless if it’s
my first job or not. Always charge accordingly because if not, you're
ultimately shooting yourself in the foot.
ANF: Does the punk scene still inspire your work? And if not, what does?
ANF: Does the punk scene still inspire your work? And if not, what does?
Andrea R |
AG: Punk will always be a part of me and yes I do pull references from my past ,
but it’s not the soul of my inspiration, that comes from emotion, and what I'm
trying to say with each piece of work. Depending on the job, I pull from my
experience and I try to add my part to create the vision my client/team desires
to the best of my abilities. Being a makeup artist is just one piece of the
vision; wardrobe, hair, photography, and lighting creates the full picture, so
learn to work in harmony with your team.
I am constantly studying the works of others, be it fine art, makeup,
fashion or music. I find inspiration in all that surrounds me. It’s a
beautiful world we live in!
Click Here to see more of Anthony Gordon's work.
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Click Here to see more of Anthony Gordon's work.
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