Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521284
50 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2024 Natasha: And to add to that, this is the only job where I wear make-up and wear a dress and do my hair, and I know nobody on the crew is going to care. There are a lot of other shows whereas a crew, you have to be invisible. This is not a place like that, which makes the day even more fun because you get to participate. There will be days when a crew member throws on a feather boa or an eyelash; we love those crew makeover days. How has your craft evolved and how do you push yourself to be better in your work? Natasha: Drag make-up, looks and techniques, all of that has seeped into pop culture. It's kinda nice to be honest, because then it becomes an inventive thing. I can go into other gigs or clients and get to pull from those things. But also, the world of social media make-up is very different from the world of TV make-up. It's a different type of work than TV work, that's not to say one or the other is good or bad, it's just different world, we have to be aware of what's going on the other side, but keep in mind what we're doing is for the camera, the lighting, etc. Who inspires you from the world of make-up? Natasha: You, Raven, are an inspiration. Because you cut that face up! Your own, Ru's, you know everyone would be in line to get their make-up done by you. That's the thing, I think you do an incredible job, so that's gotta push the rest of the team to live up to that standard. Raven: I think we all inspired each other. We're all sitting there looking at each other's work going, "ooh look at that." "What's that on her lip?" "What did you use on the cheek?" I get inspired that way, what someone else is doing around you rather than a celebrity or pop princess or a diva. I do go to give a shoutout to Pat McGrath, I mean… Natasha: For sure, a pioneer. How does it feel to be a part of this massive evolution of the show, from so many years ago until now? Natasha: I am honored to be a part of the show. I think that we are doing very important work. Especially in today's political climate and it's great that the show has gained momentum over the years to come to this point where it's so needed and it's so important. And if what we can do can reach somebody, whether it be the looks or whether it be the comedy, whatever talent the queens bring, that's what's needed, that's what's important. And that's the goal is to reach people so that people who may not otherwise be aware of us and what we do. Raven: As someone who does drag, someone who started doing drag almost a decade before the Drag Race started, I had such a love and appreciation for it. But to step into this other side and be able to work alongside the QUEEN of drag, and see how the other side is, made me appreciate my love for drag even more. Seeing all these newbies, and these new drag babies coming out, everyone wants to do drag now, you do get asked a lot of questions. It put me into a different bracket where people now respect my opinion a little more because of where I've gone and what I do with my drag and make-up and all that. When you look at Seasons 1 and 2 and 3, look at the judges' panel, the queens, hair styling, costuming, jewelry, make-up techniques, everything has evolved so much. It's just amazing to see this has seeped into other people's make-up and other celebrities' make-up, and you see drag techniques used elsewhere. It's funny that everyone wants to be a little bit of a drag queen now, where before, they looked at it like "ew." Natasha: It's become elevated! •