Interview with Makeup Artist Chantel Hardison
By Brittnee Campanella
Driven by passion and born to create, Chantel Hardison has explored multiple artistic outlets throughout her life eventually leading her to excel in the world of Makeup Artistry. From beauty to bridal to theatrical, Chantel creates visually striking and unique looks tailored to her clients needs, personality, and vision.
Photographer: Dayana Saucedo
“I grew up a dancer and loved getting dressed up and wearing stage makeup for our recitals. I felt like it transformed me and made me feel so glamorous.” One of Chantel’s goals is to inspire others through her art; she wants to make people appreciate makeup as a form of artistry. Chantel loves to create bold looks and is inspired by surrealist artists such as Mark Ryden and Michael Hussar. Through her detail oriented personality, engaging and compassionate demeanor, and her love of early mornings, it is no wonder Chantel has excelled as a makeup artist in Phoenix and is admired by so many.
Before she discovered makeup artistry, Chantel worked with various different art forms. “I have been creating my entire life. My passion for art has led me to many different mediums. I have explored Paint, Charcoal, Clay, even Fabric and Music. Art for me is therapeutic so I have always been naturally drawn to art in all forms.” says Chantel If you get the pleasure of viewing her art you will notice how unique each concept is. Chantel puts her own spin on every look to create something unlike anything you have seen before. When asked for a summary of who she is as an artist, Chantel stated “I am someone who believes that there is artistic value in everything around us. I try to derive inspiration from many different places in order to offer innovative looks for my clients.”
Model: Courtney Trapp, Photographer: Keelyn Cazzolla
“My favorite part about what I do is meeting so many different people! I have made so many amazing connections with clients as well as fellow creatives. It truly has been one of my favorite benefits to this career.” Says Chantel who is consistently collaborating on statement-making and thought-provoking projects. “My biggest dream project would be to do makeup for David LaChapelle! His work is so visually striking and kaleidoscopic. His pop culture surrealist style is so mesmerizing — it just pulls you in. It is equal parts beautiful and strange, my favorite qualities. I think we would make a great team!”
The ability to create art that makes people feel something is not a simple task. It takes empathy, compassion and an understanding of others on a deeper level. Chantel embodies all of these traits and if she wasn't making a difference and inspiring others through her art, she would be doing so through a different avenue. “If I wasn't an artist, I would probably do something in the mental health field particularly with the adolescent age group. I am a mommy to two amazing daughters. I will always have a special place in my heart for little ones. Especially those that need additional emotional and psychological support.”
Photographer: Katie Cooper
Chantel often shares advice with the creative community and also offers 1-on-1 Makeup Lessons and Group Classes for aspiring makeup artists. “I always tell new artists to get a job at a makeup counter or for a makeup retailer at some point in their career because you gain a ton of exposure to different skin types, tones and textures in a very short period of time. It will also help strengthen customer service and communication skills which are incredibly important.” Chantel has mastered specializations such as color correction, tattoo cover up, eyelash customization, and many unconventional techniques. “I love being able to step outside myself and focus solely on what my imagination leads me to create in that moment.
As Chantel continues to gracefully grow as an artist, we can expect new and ever evolving looks, as well as bold, visually intriguing projects in the near future. Chantel says there will be a couple of fun surprises for 2024, so make sure you stay up to date with everything that is Chantel!
