Debra Demskis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Debra , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think what’s most misunderstood about my business is the idea that makeup artistry is only about aesthetics. A lot of the work happens before anything is applied. It involves listening, collaborating, and understanding someone’s features, the lighting, what they’re wearing, and what they’re stepping into so everything feels cohesive.
Whether I’m working in fashion, editorial, film, or with private clients, my focus is always on enhancing natural beauty in a way that feels seamless and right for the moment, so they feel like the best version of themselves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a professional makeup artist based in Orange County, California, with years of experience working across editorial, on-set production, and one-on-one client work. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked in a range of creative environments that require technical precision and adaptability.
What continues to inspire me is the variety each project brings and the collaboration that comes with it. Makeup artistry has become both a craft and a shared process, and I value the trust involved in being part of a creative team or someone’s personal moment.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
What really shaped how I see the world was the early realization that creativity was always where I felt most connected. I was drawn to art from a young age, and makeup became one of the first creative tools I worked with in a meaningful way. Over time, that interest grew into something more focused and intentional.
In college, I studied marketing alongside art history and studio art, which helped me understand both the creative and strategic sides of visual work. I later attended Make-Up Designory in Burbank, where I refined my technical skills and fully immersed myself in makeup artistry. That combination of creative education and hands-on training continues to shape how I approach my work today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were moments early in my career when I questioned whether I was on the right path, which is natural when you’re building something creative from the ground up. What kept me moving forward was staying focused on the work and continuing to learn through each experience. Over time, that consistency helped build confidence and clarity.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that creativity and presence really matter to me. I care about doing work with intention, showing up prepared, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable.
Whether I’m working on set or one-on-one with a client, I value trust and collaboration just as much as the final result. I believe the process matters, and that how people feel during a creative experience is as important as what’s being created.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating, especially when I’m fully immersed in the work and focused on the details. In those moments, my thinking feels clear and steady, and I feel grounded in what I’m doing. Creating brings me both excitement and a sense of purpose, and it’s how I process ideas and experiences in a way that feels natural to me.
Over time, I’ve learned that making space for creativity is essential to my sense of balance. It keeps me curious, thoughtful, and open. Returning to that creative state helps me stay connected to myself, and it continues to guide how I approach my work and perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbydebra.com
- Instagram: makeupbydebra
Image Credits
Photographers: Dondee Quincena, Sarah Park, Luke Pidgeon
