We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marcus May. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marcus below.

Marcus, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned my craft of makeup and transformation growing up and was fortunate to be in an environment where that was okay. I was always in the mirror playing in makeup during theater productions (when I wasn’t on stage) in high school. When I was growing up my mother bought a bundle all-in-one makeup kit and would always let me doll her up for so many fantasy adventures. I of course took Theatrical Makeup in college while pursuing my Bachelors and was blown away by my professor Barbara Cox at University of North Texas. I was inspired to continue to develop my drag techniques in that class. I got to buy my first mascara with my own money and I had never allowed myself that permission before!

All of these play into what I know now and I wouldn’t change the timeline. I wish I could have skipped the retail side of the makeup industry because I hate the concept of selling someone something they don’t absolutely need. But the amazing connections and customer service I learned through my retail life helped me flourish in my freelance career. Even the first pictures of my drag that I ever took were after locking myself in my bedroom after a breakup and just exploring. I wouldn’t change that breakup because I wouldn’t have found Roxy Rendezvous!

I love to be creative! And to some degree I don’t mind messing up because I usually can fix it. I don’t know what other essential skills were most helpful but I do know those two have gotten me through the toughest moment. Noted: I’m rather good at saving face in moments of panic.That has been a saving grace more than essential.

The only obstacle I really run into is the lack of passion to do my own makeup after working with so many clients. I learn with every client and on the job. I can paint one clients face more than 20 different occasions and still learn something about their skin, their favorite makeup product, what they’ve been wearing and buying themselves. I enjoy working on other faces because it’s more challenging. After I’m spent from the day of work it’s hard to put the brush to my face. Most time Roxy is a makeup ritual for me and that’s how that character can come to life. I’ll take the whole day off If I can just to have that zen before but most times I have to paint other faces before I can paint my own.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Marcus May! I’m a Freelance Makeup Artist in the DFW area. I co-produce a Queerlesque troupe called Mustache Envy and perform as Roxy Rendezvous.

I have a Bachelors of Arts in Theater from UNT where I put my focus into Costume and Makeup design. I performed in Musicals at my high school growing up and would be more concerned about my makeup than my lines. If I wasn’t on stage I was playing in the green room touching up my makeup.

After graduation I started to perform as Roxy more regularly exploring her persona and creating her makeup. I was actually spotted out at a club in drag and was offered an interview from a manager of a MAC counter. That lead right into my retail cosmetics experience.

I worked for MAC and Marc Jacobs Beauty honing my skills early in my career. I now freelance with a brand called Kjaer Weis and work for myself with a client list I have built over 10 years. My most recent endeavor is on-demand style bookings working with a business called Brite Beauty. Between my personal clients, freelance and on-demand I get to play in makeup everyday!

My personality and authenticity speak for me and my work. Im thankful for my theatrical background when it comes to connecting with clients. I’m very animated and tend to be a bit of a goofball with my actions and interesting lingo. It’s entertaining to say the least. I used to say in retail days ‘It’s a Makeover and a Show!’ There’s always a little bit of Roxy Rendezvous in there somewhere.

I love that my range in makeup has spanned Theater, Retail, Bridal and Freelance. Working the last 3 years heavily in bridal I feel like I’ve found a niche. Not a stopping point but something I could do in my sleep. It feels so natural and I enjoy being a part of such a joyous occasion! Taking a break from Roxy during the beginning of the pandemic I’m excited to start exploring her again as bars are opening up!

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

Supporting local BIPOC & LGBT Artists is a beautiful way of lifting up community and creating a thriving ecosystem! Anything you can do to get involved. Farmers Markets, Drag Shows, Trade shows, Community Theater, exhibits, street festivals! There is a local show somewhere and it’s a google or Facebook search away.

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

I get to play in makeup everyday. Even when I think I’m going to drop everything and become an accountant to work that steady 9-5 I look over and get distracted by a shiny eyeshadow and it’s all over.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: marcusmaykeup
• Facebook: Marcus May (Roxy Rendezvous)

Image Credits
Cher Musico Photography Beagleone Photography