Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545191
52 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2026 Charlie Hunnam (right) L-R: Charlie Hunnam and Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein Alanna Darby as Christine Jorgensen sure everything was cohesive. Creative moments like this are so rewarding because they challenge your skill set and demand growth, and that's ultimatel, the greatest gift of being an artist. Monster has such a unique tone narratively and visually— was this something you considered as you thought about how each look would land? There's beauty even in the darkest of places and Ryan Murphy has mastered the art of telling difficult stories while making them beautiful at the same time. This is a very dark subject matter, but when it's surrounded by the glamour of each era, it becomes more palatable for the audience. Leaning into that beauty was key to creating balance within our storytelling. You've worked on numerous Ryan Murphy productions— what is it like collaborating with Ryan? Ryan is someone who inspired me long before I started working in the film industry, in fact, it was his television shows that encouraged me to pursue a career as a hair designer. When Nip/Tuck first aired, I was so connected to the visual elements that were present in his work. It was almost like a signature. He knew how to pull you into a story with iconic imagery before a word of dialogue was even spoken. There's so much power in that. I saw how all the creative elements were utilized to elevate the storytelling. It was masterful, it still is. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would have the great fortune of working side by side with him on so many projects. From Pose to Love Story, and everything in between, he has been instrumental in guiding my career and challenging me as an artist. I always compare him to a modern- day Andy Warhol because he knows how to assemble the most talented group of creatives and under his focused leadership, he brings out the best in everyone. He always has his finger on the pulse and his contribution to the medium of television is something to be celebrated. I'm a better artist because of the influence he's had in my life, and he is someone I will always look up to with immense admiration and respect. • Rondi Reed as Mary Hogan