We've got a lot of amazing talent on ModelWire Network, so take a little time and get to know our Featured Members of the Month for May. We're showcasing some of the best from both coasts! As always, if you would like to be considered as an upcoming featured talent, please feel free to email us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com or send a message to the MWN account via your ModelWire Network profile.
MODEL OF THE MONTH: MOIRA TUMAS
Moira Tumas is a full time model and actress living in New York City. She was born and raised in New Jersey.
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: MARY MEYSKA
Mary Meyska is a Beauty, Fashion, Editorial, Commercial, and Bridal print photographer from the Ukraine. She currently lives and works in Los Angeles.
MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: CHRISTINA DELFINO
Christina Delfino is a freelance makeup artist based out of Los Angeles and New York. Educated at Quinnipiac University in Public Relations, Christina transitioned to the beauty industry to merge her love of artistry and collaboration.
Her work has been published in Locale Magazine, Beautiful Savage, Afrolle Magazine, and Fangoria. Upcoming publications include ALPHA/OMEGA and RUNWAY.
Why makeup artistry?
I grew up with an extremely traditional family. I was an uber-creative child, but was eventually urged by my parents to pursue a more "conventional" and "logical" career for both financial reasons and job security. I graduated with a degree in Public Relations and began my professional career at a wonderful agency in Los Angeles. It was a great job, but I felt unfulfilled. I struggled without being able to flex my creative muscles, so I picked up makeup as a hobby and an outlet. Over time, that hobby became a true passion and, with the support of my incredible husband, I left my full-time job to pursue makeup artistry. I took every job I possibly could, paid or otherwise, and practices on my friends and family consistently. I'm still pretty new to the game, but I'm excited to see what the future has in store.
Who's your favorite makeup artist of all time?
What a weighty question! There are so many incredible artists in the industry, and so many more who have helped to shape the landscape we see today. That being said, one of my absolute favorites in James Vincent. Aside from being completely infatuated with James' work and tremendous talent, I consistently find myself inspired by his work ethic and humility. Being an artist is about so much more than just having the talent. I think he's got the full package. Plus he's got great taste in music! I hope he doesn't see how hard I'm fangirling right now!
What inspires you?
The universe! The unbelievable series of events that it took for us to be where we are today. Seems like a pretty big pool of inspiration to draw from as a makeup artist, but when I see a face, I try to think about where that face has been and how I can best represent it. I love natural looks. Nature worked hard to create something beautiful, and I do the best I can to highlight those features.
What is your personal style?
If it's black, I'm good to go. I like to be comfortable with an edge. I really dig being able to change up my hair often, much to my mother's dismay.
What's your favorite band or song of all time?
Tough call. It's probably Led Zeppelin.
HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: DAWN MATTOCKS
Dawn Mattocks is an accomplished makeup artist and hair stylist who grew up in Detroit. She attended Otis Parson's School of Design in Los Angeles and found her calling early on in the fashion industry. Her latest hair styling and makeup credits for film and television include:
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas 3D, Scream 4, NBC's The Biggest Loser, NFL Fox Sports, and Jim Jeffries Live.
Dawn is represented by Artists by Sherrie Long and works in Northern California, Los Angeles, and Detroit in TV, Print, and video.
Who is your favorite hair stylist of all time?
Vivian Mackinder.
What inspires you?
Masterpiece Theater, Period pieces, fashion, nature, and costume.
What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?
I look for inner beauty, flawless skin, healthy glow, and healthy, long, wavy hair.
What product can you not live without out?
Moroccan oil (light.)
What is your favorite project you have worked on?
Annie Liebovitz: Vanity Fair/Rapunzel for Disney.
What is your personal style?
My style could be described as boho/romantic.
What genre does your work focus on?
I work mostly on Commercial, Editorial, and Beauty.
What is your favorite band or song of all time?
"Brand New Day" by Sting.
WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: JOEY THAO
Joey Thao is originally from Sacramento and now lives in Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Design Scene, Licked, Male Model Scene, Trendhunter, Cinder, and Agenda Magazine. Joey's eclectic style is a mixture of edgy details with high fashion elements; he loves mixing street fashion with high fashion glamour.
Living in Los Angeles has taught him about being truly innovative and learning to take risks when needed. He lives for fashion, loves dressing up, and truly enjoys all aspects of being a stylist.
