ABOUT

My name is Alan Anderson. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, I moved to Denver in 2004. As a career firefighter/paramedic, I do face and body art every chance I get. Whether I am creating monsters, various characters, or simply making someone feel beautiful, my reward is always the reaction on my subject's face when they look into the mirror after all is said and done. Since my early twenties, I've utilized the Halloween season as a chance to pull out my makeup and create something fantastic. It wasn’t until Halloween 2008 that a friend of mine wanted me to do their make-up for a costume. I thought it was so strange to turn the brush around, and paint another person…but from that day on, I never looked back. I joke often that I wish I had grown up with a sister to “practice” on. With no formal art training, I have learned on my own how to create what is in my imagination. Although I am sure that professional training can be priceless, I believe the way to be good at your craft is simply to do it, and do it often. If I have learned anything since I picked up a make-up brush, it is that no one is born with these skills. We were all created equal. You just simply have to have more discipline than the next person. It starts with a strong work ethic, and then you just have to study it and practice it until you begin to “get it”…and then do it some more! I am a very modest person. Although I appreciate the attention my art brings, I sometimes feel embarrassed from the praise. I am unarguably my toughest critic! Rarely am I 100% satisfied with my work. However, this is exactly what pushes me to create something better, every time I pick up the brush. Where this might frustrate others, it only drives me harder to produce something better the next time! I also believe that teaching others something you have learned from your craft is vital - even your closest competitors! Sharing that knowledge only makes each artist strive to reach farther, and as a result, get better at this medium that we are all so passionate about. I love doing this! I have recently started telling people that I am an Artist, not a Fire/Medic. I find that humorous. This has just taken over my every spare day. I love creating, and making people smile, or sometimes shriek, with what I have learned. Thank you for checking out my profile, and I hope you enjoyed viewing my work! ~Alan Anderson If you are having any trouble viewing the video below, please use this link in your browser - http://youtu.be/9hbifPkvJRs

FAVORITE THING ABOUT RAW

Their professionalism and motivation to spotlight "unknowns". And GIULIA PECONE of course! ;)

MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND

Face and Body Art, and making people smile!