Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Quinn Heinrichs . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Quinn, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve been creating art as far back as I can remember. I always knew that whatever professional path I took would be centered around creativity. My vision of what my professional path looks like is always subject to change because I want to give all of my endeavours the energy and time that they deserve. I hope to always be exploring new art forms to fall in love with.
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.
I’ve been working as a published, professional freelance model in Vancouver since 2017. As a Black Woman, I have a particular passion for using my skillsets to showcase the work of other talented BIPOC artists, whether that be designers, photographers, hair artists or product creators. I utilize my Fashion and Beauty Make-up, as well as industry standard training, from Vancouver Film School to ensure that my clients get the best outcome for their photo and video shoots. I find that modelling as a career allows me to integrate wellness, physical fitness and self expression into my every day life. I have a lot of fun with styling and merchandising my creative projects and love seeing an idea come to life and develop into a beautiful piece of imagery. I have been honored to extend those skills to other creators in more of an Art Direction position, creating teams of artists that respect each other, work well together and create magic.
I am a Daytime Emmy and Leo Award winning Makeup Effects Artist, working primarily as a creature lab technician in Vancouver’s bustling film industry since 2018. I’ve worked on films such as Aliens Stole My Body (2020), Childs Play (2019) and Corrective Measures (2022). This work entails a wide variety of tasks making up the fabrication of prosthetics, dummy bodies, and all things “monster”. My favorite thing to do is hair punching. Pushing individual strands of hair into an appliance in order to replicate hair growing from the surface. Whether it’s a replication of a human or animal likeness or in the creation of a completely new character, this is always my favorite step.
Similarly, my favorite way to illustrate is pointilism. I’ve been a fine artist since I can remember. I’ve always been very focused on realism and prefer the small detail work. I like to draw portraits of Black pop Culture icons. My current works in progress include Prince, Missy Elliot, Killer Mike and many more. I also love to paint. Using acrylic paint to create strong color and contrast, I focus on emphasizing textures that I love to play with in my fashion styling work, like shine and sparkle. My portfolio of self-initiated and collaborative projects has led to opportunities such as a mural commissioned by District Cafe in Edmonton, AB in 2016 as well as many portrait requests and set decoration projects.
Color and Sway is my brand where I showcase my fine art skills and current projects. Some of my plans for Color and Sway include creating coloring books, paint by numbers, prints and so much more out of my pieces. This is also where you can check out my styling work, including the custom press on nails that I create (another fave task at the creature lab- but think more glam-less zombie!). I believe that the small detail work can make all the difference, whether on the big screen or editorial fashion photography. That goes for the creativity and production, as well as the organization and prep skills that go into making a piece of art. I believe that we define our own success and should explore our ideas to the fullest. Everyone as their own unique gifts and perspectives and I’m very excited to share mine with you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think that the most rewarding part of Color and Sway, is making the decision to do art that promotes my wellness. When I create art, it’s because my body feels to do it and I’m very blessed to be able to take the time to center myself in it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to continue creating art that fully represents me and remember that there is value in my own story. Once I started my brand, Color and Sway, I really felt that I was able to share my art, ideas and talents without any barriers. I hope to encourage other creatives to find a space that keeps art fun. I love to use my modelling, make-up and styling talents to help other creators showcase their work. I’m looking so forward to all the projects coming up this year because there is no limit to the talent in Vancouver.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/qheinrichsyvr. www.instagram.com/colorandsway
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9977693/
Image Credits
Ariella Horvath Georgie Lawson DizzyDlux Quinn Heinrichs Color and Sway