Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546047
62 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2026 bags and moved to Los Angeles to chase the dream. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work on a variety of fun and brilliant projects. What is something you are very proud of in your career? Stephanie: I am a pretty versatile actor for different roles in my career, but my best role is being a mom to my beautiful daughter and son in REAL life. Jared: I'm proud of the 21-year-old Deaf boy from a small town in Florida who had such a strong belief in his dreams. It was a huge leap of faith. Looking back now, I'm proud to say that dream is becoming a reality. Many hearing people do not know the preferred wording to use (such as Deaf/Hard of Hearing" rather than "hearing impaired" which is a very disliked title). What other linguistic nuances would you like the artists to know regarding Deaf/HoH talent? Both: Yes, "hearing impaired" is a completely outdated term right now. It is considered offensive due to the negative view of deaf people. What we would LOVE is if people could just know us as actors who happen to be Deaf ! We can play any role. I think that would help break stereotypes. Why is the "D" in Deaf often capitalized in this article? Both: The capital "D" in Deaf signifies being part of the Deaf community. I (Stephanie) identify as Deaf because I know American Sign Language. I grew up in the Deaf community and embrace my whole self. Think of the capital "D" in Deaf like you celebrate the "you!" Ginger: How beautiful! So, the "d" is sort of the factual element of deafness, but the "D" is really about the whole rich culture and community. What is your favorite part of sitting in the HMU trailer in the morning? Stephanie: Oh gosh, I enjoy drinking my cup of coffee and relaxing before the long day starts. Getting positive compliments from HMU artists is boosting my day! Jared: I love watching people shine while doing what they do best. Hair and make- up artists are incredibly talented, and it's fascinating to watch their work up close. Also, I enjoy gossiping about The Real Housewives with them, even when they don't watch the show. Somehow it's still a very entertaining conversation. What is your least favorite part of sitting in the HMU trailer in the morning? Stephanie: Too much foundation make-up is getting on my skin! Or missing out on entire conversations from HMU artists and actors who do not know ASL. Jared: When someone uses a thick, extra- moisturizing foundation on my face, I start mentally preparing for my skin to break out. I know they mean well, and they always assure me it's a great product, but at the end of the day, nobody knows my skin better than I do. Also, when working with actors who are Deaf, it's always helpful to ask what communication method they prefer rather than assuming or immediately asking if they can read lips. Every deaf person communicates differently. How can the artists communicate with you directly when in the HMU chair? Stephanie: Gesturing to let me know it is time to close my eyes for applying black eyeliner. Tapping my shoulder, I open my eyes. Pointing at their face to show where they will apply it on my face. I often look in the mirror to see what they are trying to say if they are behind me. Jared: I usually ask artists to tap me on the shoulder twice when they're finished so I know I can open my eyes. If they need me to keep them closed while they grab another tool or product, a gentle wiggle on my shoulder works perfectly. I also appreciate it when artists use gestures or point to direct me where to look, rather than relying entirely on the interpreter. Interpreters are amazing, but they aren't always standing right next to us, and we need to learn to communicate with Deaf artists independently. What do you find most challenging about working on set around mostly hearing people? Stephanie: It's dark on set—it is challenging and difficult to lip-read! Jared: When several people are talking at once, it can be challenging for interpreters to keep up with every conversation. After all, they only have two hands. Communication can get a little chaotic, but a bit of patience and awareness from everyone goes a long way. What would be helpful for the artists to know when working with you and an ASL interpreter in the trailer? Both: Not all Deaf actors are the same based on their background like small "d" or big "D" in Deaf, and they may not know ASL. Also, they might not be able to read lips. It would be helpful if they asked about your preferences for a "communication method" when you first meet. Sometimes they do not need an ASL interpreter in the trailer, depending on their moods. In the trailer, be mindful not to block or cover your mouth so they can see you better for communication. They might have ASL cues for HMU artists if they need you on set. Ginger: I've also heard from other Deaf actors that they like to use apps that generate real-time captioning for all the conversations in the trailer. ASL doesn't lend itself to passive listening so Deaf people don't experience the same amount of inclusion. Having your phone visible on the make-up station and running live captions is a thoughtful way to create inclusion for your talent. What are common misconceptions, mistakes, assumptions hearing people make that you would like to see happen less? Both: Not all Deaf people can lip-read! What does it mean to be an ally for Deaf actors? Both: Give shout-outs for their work, refer them, add closed captioning (CC) to your social media videos, and stand up for them. Be an "active" supporter. What are some helpful signs you would like the artists of Local 706 to know? Both: We've made a short tutorial with helpful signs! Type in "ASL Signs for HMU Film Production" into YouTube posted on the account KissFistBeauty. Link: https://youtu. be/xTRhaQERtMc Also, learning the ASL alphabet is a great way to start! Thank you so much Stephanie and Jared for taking the time to share this helpful info with the artists of Local 706. Inclusivity is the way of the future and a more accessible set is a happy set—at least we can do our part in the HMU trailer! • (Stephanie and Jared both teach ASL lessons in Los Angeles and can be found on Instagram @ StephanieNogueras and @JaredDeBZ)