Today we’d like to introduce you to David Velasquez
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello I’m David Velasquez also know as MugOpus (make up artist). I’m born & rise in Los Angeles, Ca. Born into a chicano family from Watts,Cali I knew I wanted to be a make up artist. Watching my mother slaaayyyyy her makeup wearing dark lip liner & heavy mascara was always so Intriguing to me. So when I graduated Elementary on my way to seventh grade I started wearing make up myself Daily For school,which began my journey of make up. A few years later, I started doing drag & Drag shows in West Hollywood, California Along a side of legendary Rupaul,Raven, Raja, Jackie Beat And many more.I really enjoy the transformation of drag And how I felt becoming a queen.which inspired me To transition into doing make up for others. So The age of 16 maybe 17 I met Priscilla Ono and Downey, California at Stonewood mall which she had a make up booth and was selling cosmetics at the time. It was called scandalous cosmetics and she gave me my first counter job. I will always be so grateful for her for the opportunity and trusting me With my artistry. I worked for Priscilla Ono for about about five years We would do trade shows fashion shows, and such. Then I started freelancing and working with photographers Hairstylist wardrobe stylist, and sometimes I would do jobs for free just to get my name out here in LA. I’m also very thankful for Instagram because it basically Gave me a full make up career An online portfolio. I was able to reach an audience that I couldn’t do alone via Instagram. With that being said bookings just started happening and working with Instagram models, musicians, comedians influencers got me to where I am at today and I’m so thankful. Now I get to work on TV Film Music Videos & high end Clients. I do miss working on Regular Clients so I’m considering opening up my books in the near future. So stay tune Los Angeles.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s hasn’t been a smooth ride at all, being judge by family/people daily for wear make up but I have always been very Secure about myself and who I was so I didn’t care. Also, when I first started Freelancing I would always have to do free jobs. I will leave work early or wouldn’t show up to my 9 to 5 to go do clients, music videos photo shoots that I wasn’t getting paid for but I knew it would pay off. Sometimes I wouldn’t even be able to pay my rent or bills because I was leaving work early. But I sacrifice and it paid off because now I’m able and getting paid what I deserve again so thankful
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Make up All Over the World
I have worked on clients such as
-Doja Cat
-JLo
-Rico Nasty
– Karlo G
-Pamela Anderson
-Meg The stallion
-Glorilla
-Tanner Adele
– Foushe
-Tamar Braxton
-Latto
-Paris Hilton
-Noah Cyrus
& many More.
What makes you happy?
My happiest joy of Life is my kids.I am A Father to London Sky (daughter 15) & to Zeke (son 11). They give me the drive I have today.They keep me going & young forever. Hahah.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rarecreatives.com/david-velasquez?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6ESyapdBOBzKzKL1ZBtq3hozH9t24F4Uc-8U6eWNIuWgGCLDBZfrMLdI_aem_9DLT86R-qYUBj8sqr9TePg
- Instagram: @mugopus
