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

Hi Virginia, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I believe that two contentious issues most people in the fashion industry disagree with are Influencers and AI and their place in the creative process. Since the advent of social media & its influencers, the fashion industry has seen a HUGE shift in hiring people with enormous followers versus the artists who have put in the work since day one. We have seen our rates slashed and the industry diluted from a higher standard to a popularity contest.
Another issue is AI, which has most creatives in a frenzy fearing for their livelihoods. What would once take a crew of ten people, from makeup to hair to model to photographer to wardrobe, etc…can now be almost accomplished with some AI software & a tech savvy individual. It is the elephant in the room, or photo studio, which has increased the anxiety level within my field.
Personally, I feel there is room for all of us, a place for Influencers to influence, creatives to create and AI to facilitate. My artistic eye, sensibilities and hands are particular to me and no AI nor Instagram famous persona will be ever to recreate the spontaneity nor nuances of my heart.

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 have been a makeup artist all of my life, bringing out the beauty within of the people I found inspiring. Whether with my Barbie dolls as a Spanish child in Madrid, or in a cold basement of a New Jersey two-family house as an adolescent, or with my friends’ most celebrated moments in adulthood in Miami, I have always expressed myself in color. I derive much of my aesthetic from my love, respect and exposure to opera, theater and cinema throughout my childhood. By combining those forms of art and transforming “moments” in them with my makeup tools, I have finally found my creative expression.

I have 16 years of makeup experience in print, fashion, HD video, web, theater, and film. I have a Bachelor of Science in Motion Picture Production and Art Photography from the University of Miami, in which I gained experience in special effects makeup and working behind the lens. Upon graduation I emerged myself in musical theater and opera as a singer and choir member, fulfilling my other passion: music. It was this world which cultivated my love of fantasy through stage makeup and characterization.
I officially became a freelance makeup artist & hair stylist in 2016, acquired agent representation and haven’t looked back since! I believe that what sets me apart is my diverse background; whereas most people know what path they will take early on, my journey has been less linear. I’ve taken many turns down many creative fields, which have culminated into a well rounded education and skill set. Perhaps what I am most proud is not so much my work per se, but the way my personality can integrate itself into any medium, any situation and bring out the best in people.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

What non-creatives struggle to understand about a creative’s journey is that we do not have any defined structure nor clearly defined career trajectory. We do not deal in absolutes but rather in abstracts, and we heavily rely on inspiration and on each other, since it is a collaborative industry. There is a fluidity and versatility we need to continuously tap into in order to adapt to ever evolving trends and industry evolution. We are our own bosses, accountants, marketing directors and visionaries and although this all seems daunting, the rewards are exponential!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I started my journey there was no social media, and artists kept their methods close to their hearts thus making getting guidance an almost impossible task. Nowadays, everyone shares everything online, and I wish I would have had a mentor or better resources on how to embark on my career. Back then you had to move to a big city and build a network, whereas today you can film yourself from the comfort of your bedroom with a ring light and get noticed with ingenuity and luck!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.virginialefay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginialefay/