Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bailey Turfitt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bailey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

All of my projects are typically very meaningful in different ways, as each project is specific to the model and the idea surrounding them. The goal is to make the person into something meaningful and beautiful to themselves. However, there is one particular project that means a lot to me personally.
I am deaf with little residual hearing in my left ear. My whole life I had to suffer with knowing that the hearing I have could disappear at any time, leaving me unable to hear music acoustically. I was a trained musician in high school and have an infinite love for music, so this kind of loss is beyond terrifying to me. One of my early loves of music is the Beatles. Growing up disabled left me very lonely at times, but was made bearable by the Fab Four. I would create characters in my head for different songs, almost like a visual memory of their music. This continued well after high school, and was my life line when I suddenly lost all residual hearing in my right ear. The music gave me a flashlight to see into the unknown of my future as I marched forward. To cope with this loss, I decided to use my skills as an artist and with a little help from my friends (see what I did there? Ok that was terrible) I brought my characters to life, especially in particular, my Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds. She represented everything I wanted to be and more, with her whimsical beauty and her unmatched sparkle. She was my first real character design, and in my eyes, was perfect in every way. I finally revealed her character in public along with The Walrus, Eleanor Rigby, and Octopus’s Garden at the 2016 RAW Artist Show. Cut to 2022, after two years of instability, dark times in my life, and a involuntary hiatus in my art, I felt the need to revive her once again, as my beacon of relenting hope. I wanted to come back with a bang and with familiarity. I also wanted to redo the concept with someone who truly embodied her, someone so full of life, love, and beauty. As fate had it, I was able to complete the project in February and now I am proud to debut Lucy in this article. She represents who I strive to be and the art I want to continue making.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Hi! My name is Bailey Turfitt and I am a makeup artist and visual arts creator. I specialize in creating different worlds in front of a camera with the use of makeup, costumes, props, and set design. I initially got into makeup in general when I was in middle school. The story goes as one fateful evening, my dad sent me a YouTube video of a special effects makeup tutorial and asked me if I could try to recreate it. I took on the challenge and he bought me my first SFX makeup kit. I succeeded and proceeded to dive more into the world of makeup. In high school, I provided my skills for theatre productions in the school district as well for the Dallas Summer Musical Academy. Once in college, I delved more into the artistic side of makeup and began working with various clients and models. I also taught several theatrical makeup workshops at different schools and completed several different prop commissions. I mainly focus on concepts that are built around the model as an individual, as I am to create a version of themselves that they will admire and fall in love with. Nothing brings me more joy when a client looks at their photos and say “wow, that’s really me!” One of my most memorable clients/experiences is when I worked with Sweet Tooth Hotel for the first time. Not only did I provide makeup for their Blacklight Party, but I also had the opportunity to model for their promotion images. I will forever be grateful for Jencey and Sweet Tooth Hotel for that incredible experience.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect to me is getting to see visual memories of my journey through life. Each character and each concept are based off not only the model, but also where I was in that moment in life. I enjoy seeing the growth I have gained, as well as the growth some of my repeat models have as well. I have forged many unforgettable friendships through these projects, and gained new opportunities because of them. Being able to grow as a person because of art (especially my own) is quite the treat, and one I will cherish forever. It’s also extremely exciting to be able to complete concepts for yourself and for others successfully and be able to step back and say “we did that!”.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To support growing artists, as a consumer, you can buy local. Peruse local markets, or talk to friends to create connections and find your favorite artists that way. Show off their art in person, or online. Word of mouth is always helpful and can get you many places. Allowing a space for artists to create and display their works without expensive fees would be helpful as well. I also find collaborating with other artists and creating something entirely new can help bring in fresh eyes to view your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: baileyturfitt.com
• Instagram: Deaf.dead.girl
• Facebook: Turfitt Terrors

Image Credits
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds- Photographed by Leah Wright, Model is Erin Renfro Virgo- Photographed by Leah Wright. Model is Vi Elson Fear and Loathing- Photographed by Leah Wright. Models are Kyle, James, and Aven Diamonds- Photographed by Leah Wright. Model is Maeleen