Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545191
LOCAL706.ORG • 7 CRAFT EDUCATION Share the Craft and Share the Love Craft Meetings were designed with the intention to share demo-based education and techniques preventing a culture of "knowledge hoarding." One of the first ones I remembered attending was an entire step-by-step demo on Geisha make-up application by Emmy Award-winning make- up artist, Kaori Nara Turner (winning the award in 2003 for the TV show Alias S2). Our March Make-Up Craft Meeting for 2026 was a great success to begin the year. With a mix of techniques and trends, our artists gathered for an afternoon of connection and education. Longtime Guild sponsor Urban Decay came to present their new tubing mascaras, and 24/7 liquid eyeliner twist up pencils. We welcomed woman-owned and local business, Playlab Beauty, an independent K-beauty shop in Pasadena. They discussed the trends and the uniqueness Korean skin care and beauty have to offer; sharing skincare sheet masks and a coupon code with all of our in-person attendees. Primabiotic enjoyed meeting our artists so much last year, that they came back to reintroduce themselves, with their drinkable collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements. This event brought together five of our own make-up artists sharing their crafts with our members: Koji Ohmura discussing his free YouTube classes, Vance Hartwell and Kao Nunez demonstrating Vance's V-Hold gel, and Dan Crawley and Shelby Patton on the subject of tattoos. I was so pleased that these make-up artists volunteered to share their experiences, skills, create demos and answer questions for our members. The common theme amongst our presenters was how essential it is to share the knowledge with their peers, rather than hoard it to themselves. All made mention and referenced the legendary make-up artist and innovator Dick Smith, who openly shared his skills and techniques with fellow artists. Ohmura created his YouTube channel, as an extended effort to pay it forward. His channel, KOFX Prosthetics Makeup School, is free to watch and learn techniques such as old-age, prosthetic recipes and applications, blood FX, injuries, punching hair and making teeth, to name a few. (www.kojiohmura.com/prosthetic- school) Dan Crawley, who I first met when he attended a previous Craft Education event (where make-up artist Scott Wheeler discussed AI as a tool in make-up concept design), introduced himself to me and felt inspired and compelled to share with his union. Together with fellow Local 706 make- up artist Shelby Patton, they created a 40-minute "All Things Tattoo" presentation. "My interest in contributing to the Local 706 Make-Up Craft Education stems from a deep investment in freely exchanging wisdom to further professional development. I abide by the philosophy pioneered by Dick Smith of exchanging technique discoveries to build upon and elevate our craft. In the face of a contracting industry influenced by emerging technologies, the best way to protect our artistry is to expand and refine our abilities, rather than retreat to gatekeeping or dissimulation. I enjoy sharing what I know so that others can build upon it, and so that I may learn from them in return." Vance Hartwell returned with his new product, V-Hold gel. As an alternative to the classic Gafquat, Vance had fellow 706 make-up artist Kao Nunez and Roxanne McDanel demonstrate a full hair prep for bald cap prep. Kao shared, "I find that V-Hold gel dries faster than Got2b gel, which is what I used to use; and it makes it great when you're in a time crunch. I also like how easily it spreads and glides through the hair with a comb or brush. For best results, work in thin sections, apply the gel evenly (not too much) and maintain good tension to smooth and flatten the hair until it sets." Kao demonstrated how V-Hold can be used for a bald cap, underneath a wig, or prosthetic, and even good for flattening the eyebrows for prosthetic make-up applications by CLAIRE ALEXANDRA DOYLE Make-Up Craft Education President as well. Vance's V-Hold gel is available for purchase at Frends and Nigel's Beauty Emporium in Los Angeles. As we plan our next Local 706 Make-Up Craft Education meeting, I encourage any of our members to share and present. No matter how small or large the technique, these skills are unique and all have value.