Painted with Raven, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race icon and Emmy-winning makeup artist, Raven is back! Eight unique makeup artists from across the country compete from their own homes for a chance to showcase their artistry and win $25,000.
To celebrate the new season, we chatted with LaQuan “Q”, one of the fiercely talented makeup artists competing to win the title of the Next Makeup Superstar this season.
What was your earliest memory of makeup?
My earliest memory was my introduction to drag. Attending Discovery Nightclub, being invited into the dressing room to meet the entertainers, and getting to see the elaborate makeup looks up close and in person.
What about makeup made you become passionate about it?
I started because I was beginning to do drag and wanted to be able to paint myself. And with anything I do, I am a perfectionist so I just wanted to learn more and more and get as much skill as possible.
What is one of your favorite looks ever?
My favorite look is my ice king because it was sexy and involved another hobby of mine which is crafting. I designed and created the crown as well for the look. Another favorite is Jafar because it involved creating an entirely new face on my own.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
All of my fellow artists. I feel there’s something that you can learn and take from every makeup artist no matter how seasoned or how new!
What does being on Painted with Raven mean to you?
Being on Painted with Raven means being able to showcase my talent with other amazing artists. It means celebrating all of our art and the art form that doing makeup is in general. It means challenging myself to rise to the occasion and push myself to become better.
What message do you hope viewers can take from seeing you on the show?
Never give up, try without ceasing, challenge yourself, and most of all, be kind to yourself as you navigate your own personal journeys of growth and progression.
