Everyone who knows anything about the modern pinup and burlesque movements knows that Miss Rockwell De'Vil is among the best in the business. She's a class-act model, performer, businesswoman, and stylist, known for her superlative work with other greats in the community.
As Rockwell is a friend and frequent collaborator of Marilee's, we asked her to share a bit about her work and her story as an artist with us - and she graciously obliged!
You've been involved in vintage-related arts from a young age. When did you first become interested in performing and creating, and what or who were your inspirations? Which interest came first? Was it burlesque, pinup, vintage-style fashion, or hair and makeup design?
I was in small theatre productions at a very young age. I always loved to sing and dance and I was the one in the family who liked to make people laugh. I was weird and quirky and I fed into that. When I was in highschool I started getting into swing music and when my grandma heard that she started teaching me dance moves and would talk about how they used to do their hair. First came fashion, then hair and makeup, then pinup and then burlesque all by the time I was 19!
You are definitely one of the best hair and makeup designers in the business. How did you get into it?
My grandma is also an artist. She used to paint and she used to do the makeup for our large church productions. I loved to watch her and I was very curious about makeup so I started exploring makeup while I was still in high school. I would watch a lot of old movies with her and my great grandma and I was fascinated at how they did their hair and makeup.
What are your favorite types of hair/makeup projects? Do you have any favorite memories or interesting experiences you can share? Any specific projects you remember feeling were your best work, or just your favorite as far as results or experience?
I really love vintage styling in particular. I started studying period hair and makeup so I could really understand the way they did things and why. There was one shoot in particular that just all came together without really having a plan. A client had booked this photographer and I at Bonneville (a major car show/race) to shoot on the Salt Flats with a car. She brought this incredible emerald green dress. She had red hair and I knew that dress would be perfect. After I did her hair and makeup I remember feeling like it was some of the best work I had done. She looked like she walked off the set of Mad Men. She looked STUNNING. As we were just getting ready to take her to the salt, the perfect car was on its way out. The photographer ran after the car and asked if we could use it for the shoot. The timing was incredible, the lighting was perfect. I just knew this was the shoot of the weekend. Later on we find out the photographer accidentally lost ALL THE PHOTOS from that weekend. It was heartbreaking because we just knew that was going to be such an incredible image.
When it comes to makeup and hair, do you find it easier to work on yourself or other people? Is there a reason for this or do you think it's just a personal preference that varies from artist to artist?
I find it is so much easier to work on others. I can have full control over the back of their head in a way that I just can't with mine. I love the challenge of a new face. I have to see this noggin every day lol
Do you have any tips for hair/makeup artists, aspiring artists, or anybody interested in improving their skills with vintage hair and makeup?
Study. Learn about lighting and color theory. It will be super helpful in the long run. I was in school for photography so I learned so much there that ended up really helping me when it came to working commercially. When you see makeup in movies or commercial work that you like, find out who the artist is and check out their work. Always be open to education. There is always something to learn and new tools and products are always evolving. Staying up to date on trends will always help to give you a leg up.
What is your favorite professional activity? Is there anything you love to do as part of your work, or as a personal hobby, that you feel is unexpected or unique given your other pursuits?
Well aside from the hair and makeup things that I may be known for, another part of my personal work is my craft. I have a metaphysical shop that I run with one of my best friends, Kelly, and we offer specialty candles, oils, teas and a few other items to help with life.
Do you have any particular favorite projects or experiences as a model, designer, burlesque performer, and/or event organizer? Why do they stand out for you?
I was working for a well known actor/musician for a while and when the band was first starting off there was not a lot in the budget to bring a hair/makeup artist out of the country to work with them. So before they had to leave the country I touched up their hair cuts, color and style as well as did the makeup for the lead singer. They flew off and filmed the next day so I still got to take credit for the video and it held up. True rock star fashion.
Any current creative/professional projects, or projects on the horizon, that you'd like to discuss? Any blue sky/dream projects that might not be in the cards right now, but you'd love to set in motion someday?
I have a few irons in the pot right now that I am keeping hush hush until they launch but here's a hint of what you can look forward to: A new show/event, a new contest, new products for Kustomville and Hel haus and a launch of my other company that has been in the works for 6+ years! I'm just getting started!
To learn more about the superlative Rockwell De'Vil and her work, check out her socials:
And see below for samples of her hair and makeup magic, photographed by Marilee!
