Kay - Bride to Be

Molly Kate Taylor Photography ©2014

That's true love, right there.

My college friend, Kay is getting married! I was privileged to style her hair and do her makeup for two photoshoots. As it was one of my first professional photoshoots, ever, I was nearly brought to tears by how beautifully Kay modeled. The engagement shoot with her fiancé, Kay needed no direction as you can tell, she is very much in love with her guy. <3

Hair/makeup/styling: Claire Nobles - Photography: Megan Bayley Copyright 2014

Best wishes to the happy couple!!

Claire + Jacquelyn Michelle = Photo Shoot Magic

This is Jacquelyn. Jacquelyn does not take a bad picture, like, ever.

Somehow I managed to steal this beauty for a few hours of hair, makeup and posing for photos. We had possibly way too much fun being ridiculously girlie girls and feeding off each other's high energy. It was also great to know that I can be the photographer in a pinch~

Here's more from the shoot! - Hair, makeup, styling and photography by me ©2014

Pin your favorites~

Those eyes... 

A Natural Model

Sincerely hope to work with her again!!

Meet The Muse - Tara

Meet Tara Ross, isn't she lovely?

Hair/Makeup & Styling by me. Megan Bayley Photography ©2014

Makeup&photography by me. ©2014

Bridal Shoot- Hair/Makeup/Styling by me. Megan Bayley Photography ©2014

At 5'11," with features like an elven, magical being, Tara is an aspiring model whom I have the privilege to work with regularly. She has become my new canvas for hair, makeup and creative ideas. Not only is she a beautiful, she is possibly the most kind hearted person I have ever met. She is always down for whatever look I want to try and any pose I put her in. 

Book her!!

Blursday

I'm so tired this morning, it feels like Blursday. So for today's blog, instead of posting pics from my recent photoshoots, above is a picture of some shoes I really want and me lusting after them.

I mean look at them! So ridiculous-- who would wear them?!? I would. I need these in my life. And they're only 30 bucks or something, not unreasonable. 

Sorry (not sorry) to Girl all over the place. Hot models and makeup pics this week!

Hair by Claire

USA Women's Synchronized Olympic Swim Team. All hair and makeup by the students at Blush Scool of Makeup. Hairstyling by me on Sarah Rodriguez (3rd from the right).

Attending Blush School of Makeup has led to some incredible opportunities for me. 

Two months ago, I was decent at beauty makeup, but could not style hair to save my life. I just didn't know how. I figured I'd stick with the makeup and leave hair to the professionals. Who knew that two weeks after a hair styling course at Blush, I'd be doing hair for Olympic Swimmer, Sarah Rodriguez?!? 

My school was called to style hair and do makeup for the Women's Synchronized Swim Team (heading to the 2016 Olympics!)!! 

I worked with a talented artist, Lexi who did airbrush makeup on Sarah. It turned out beautifully. I was told last minute to do hair and I was beyond nervous. I need to have more faith in myself-- I was terrified I'd burn Sarah with the curling iron! Sarah was super chill and friendly, so that helped me relax quite a bit. In the end, we got a style that was to Sarah's liking, took the photos with a really cool photographer and then it was done! (and then we had pizza!) 

I am amazed I am at how much I've learned in two short months at Blush. It has opened up so many incredible opportunities for me and my makeup (and hair) career.

Last Saturday, we had a photoshoot for a bridal theme (pictures coming soon!). I decided to do hair and makeup on three models. I stood practically the entire day, hair spraying, curling, powdering and getting super-ridiculous-close to their faces for false lashes. At the end of the day I was beat, but completely exhilarated. I knew in that moment, that I am doing what I love.

More photos coming soon!!!! 

Makeuping.

Above: Claire Nobles- hair stylist, makeup artist, and balloon arranger/wrangler. (Photoshoot with some awesome people)

If you follow me on any of my social media (all links on the right), you already know that I am "Makeuping" like crazy.

I've been awful at updating my blog, but since my last post (a BATCAT comic), I've done hair styling and makeup for a few photoshoots. I also discovered that (in a pinch) I am not too shabby at photography when needed! Photos from these shoots will be posted on my snazzy new website, and the behind-the-scenes will be on my social media sites.

And if you catch me slacking on the updates, feel free to bug me about it!

Batcat!!

©ClaireNobles

No kittens were harmed in the making of this comic.

And not to worry, I don't actually put Jasper the Cat in costumes. Though maybe a festive collar or bandana. 

If you like this comic, please share on social media! You'll get a shout out from me and eternal internet hugs!!

Fox Illustration

Get this shirt!

How's your day going? Hopefully it's full of awesomeness!

I created a little fox drawing a while back, and finally put it in my online shop today. This fox was created with ink, colored pencil and copic markers on canvas. I have a thing for weird mixed media lately. 

Also, Happy October 1st!!!!! 

Doodle Days are on Their way!

Who me??! (don't let him fool you)

Just to get the weird stuff that hides out in my brain, out of my head and onto paper, I decided to doodle! Above is Jasper the Cat, in a position that can only be described as "guilty."

Jasper, unsurprisingly, has a knack for getting into trouble. When I catch him, say up on the garden window behind my mom's wedding glasses, he does what only a cat would do and be super adorable. The little bugger will try to crouch down and hide, while hooting like an owl, throwing his tail up sky-high, and peeking behind whatever the object is-- even if it's see-through.

While Jasper is not the smartest cookie, he's certainly the most adorable. (Hey, Claire! Why don't you use a weird metaphor with cookies that doesn't relate to either adjective? That sounds like a great idea, wowwww....)

Have an interesting and entirely strange experience for the rest of the day!

Want to see more of Jasper?? Check out this pillow with him!!

Autumn Update from Claire and Jasper the Cat

Well, hello.

Wanted to let you all know that I have not died and Jasper is the same grumpy-pants he always is. (see above)

I miss blogging. I hope to do more of it in the coming weeks-- especially since fall, my favorite season,  is in full swing! 

Also, as many of you have seen my special effects makeup, with halloween just around the corner, I hope to put aside time for makeup tutorials and the like on my youtube.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TIME- I am attending school in Mid October. I know what you're thinking, "Didn't you graduate?" Yes, I did graduate with a degree in studio art just this past May. I'm attending a makeup-only school so I can use my artsy creative skills and ridiculously steady hands to be a pro makeup artist. This does not mean that I'll be stopping my art! I cannot live without creating paintings and silly comics. In fact, if I haven't posted anything in a while, bug me about it.

Makeup is an amazing creative outlet for me. Creating paintings and drawings to sell can be isolating. Makeup allows one to interact with people, bounce ideas off each other and ultimately give that person the confidence to take on the world! Makeup is empowering. Some people don't want to wear makeup, and that's ok. Some people get a confidence boost when they wear their favorite eyeshadow color, or rock a red lip. Makeup is all about expressing yourself. It's just like wearing certain clothes or listening to a song to pump you up for the day. I couldn't be more excited to pursue it as a career. (especially if I can get one zombie or horror movie in my resume)

In other news, Jasper the Cat turned six in August! He celebrated by snoozing all day.

I will try to update and write more frequently. Follow me on the social media sites linked to your right and have a great day!

Just Lovely

Lovely - Ink, colored pencil, markers - ©2014

Good afternoon! How are you guys doing?

Today, I'm pretty awesome considering I finally finished this weird piece you see above. Trust me, it gets creepier the more you look at it. The inspiration behind this is my love for cosmetics, eye makeup and the slightly absurd. And now apparently the slightly disturbing.

As you may have read in earlier posts, I graduated college and now no longer have the excuse to say "Well, this art was for an assignment." Now I have to own up to what I create and provide appropriate commentary and reasons for creating what I create. 

Art is like therapy or my own personal time. Because I haven't painted in a few weeks I was surprised at the stuff that came out of my pen. I titled this piece "Lovely." Lovely refers to my sarcasm and to the ever important point that nothing is quite how it seems. It symbolizes the duality in the world. You may only see a beautiful eye, but after a while you might notice the deadly creature and its victims... Oh, just lovely. *shakes head at self*

Thanks for reading! If you'd like to purchase a print, head to my shop by clicking here!

Goretastic SFX Gore with "Bernurd" and Reginald

Warning! The following contains fake wounds and gore created by me which may spoil your lunch.

Do not view if you get squeamish with blood. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz-3VdRMWTU

Oh hello! As many of you know, I'm diving into the world of makeup artistry as more than just a hobby. The above video is the result of a nice experiment of creating a fake wound from scratch on my very tolerant friend's face. If you would like to see the making of the wound, stay tuned as I shall upload a video in a few days.

For now, enjoy this lovely SFX in action of me putting nails and a needle through my friend, Bernard's face. My bestie, Reginald was kind enough to film this whole process for me and provide amazing commentary which had me laughing the whole time. Thank you guys-- you rock!

Enjoy the pictures too!!! (No Models or Bernards were harmed in the making of the SFX makeup job)

"Dead Bernurd"

Action Shot

"Doink"

"Oops..."

Guilty

Wouldn't be complete without full-on eyegouging!

Please head over to my Youtube Channel- if you like this video, please subscribe. And if you don't like this video.... um... just click away into the magical interwebs.... 

My Fairies are BACK!

Hello all, how was your weekend? Mine was productive!

First off, I know a lot of you have been asking where my fairies have gone. Well, they're sort of in computer-file-limbo for the most part. Most of the files of my Fantasy Art are on a different computer from the one I have now and copying those files over proves to be a big job. My trusty webguy Matt, may resurface once more to transfer those files.

However, I do have some of the files! Many of you have asked me about shirts, prints, and other products for my fairies, and now it's possible!!!! *wheeeee!*

Autumn Faery Shirt!

Viola Faery Card!

Night And Day Embrace Throw Pillow!

Bubble Fairy Phone Case!

Violet Mermaid Greeting Card!

Key Faery Tote Bag!

And there's a whole lot more! Click here for the full fantasy collection!

For all the latest updates - follow me on Twitter @clairenobles

And Now, For Something Completely Different - A Miley Cyrus Makeup Tutorial

This is interesting...

Wrecking Ball of AWESOME!

Yeah... So I'm not sure which of my videos are more scary, my Special FX Gore where I sew up arms or this, the Miley. 

So, this is my Miley Cyrus makeup tutorial inspired by the infamous VMA performance. I'm not condoning anything Miley does (or did) but just wanted to try out the look for my portfolio. Also, I love her. I never used to pay attention to her (I was a bit old for Hannah Montana). Once she became a bit more outspoken (Can't be Tamed song era), she piqued my interest. When the whole VMA thing happened, it was talked about by everyone. Three days later, I actually watched it at school with my Art-Husband, Noah. We giggled and screamed all throughout the video. It was crazy! And then came... The Miley Cyrus Face

Hashtag: No Filter

Since then, I've been in love with her. She literally does not care what people think about her. And while that mentality doesn't work too well in the real world, I think most people enjoy living vicariously through her attitude. However if I was to actually meet her, all I'd want to do is take her home, put a Snuggie on her, feed her some nice whole food with veggies, and let her sleep at the foot of my bed. Y'know, just take care of her and keep her indoors.

If you would like to see more makeup tutorials for every day makeup, smokey eyes, celebrities, characters, etc or even hair/face/body product reviews, please let me know through my twitter @ClaireNobles or other various social media outlets!

Music by my friend, Melissa Harding "Til You're Gone"

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/set-me-apart/id607002571

http://www.melissaharding.com/#!music

Her Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/user/melissakharding

Her Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/melissahardingmusic

Seriously, Melissa is AWESOME!! Check out her jams!

End "Credit" Song performed by me and Jasper the Cat - Inspired by Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball"

Products Used:

Hourglass - Mineral veil primer (used before filming)

EmCosmetics - Chiaroscuro contour and highlighter stick

EmCosmetics - Makeup Mood Enhancer in Sparkles in the Sand

Peter Thomas Roth - CC Cream in light

EmCosmetics - Liquid Foundation

Nars - Concealer in Chantilly 

Bare Minerals - Ready Bronzer Compact in High Dive

Urban Decay - Naked Basics palette 

Urban Decay - 24/7 Shadow stick in Sin

Sephora Collection - white eyeliner pencil

Benefit Cosmetics - High Brow pencil

Benefit Cosmetics - Brow Powder Duo in Medium

Kat Von D - Liquid Liner in Trooper (Black)

Sephora - Lash Curler (Mine is purple)

Lancome - Cils Booster XL

Buxom - Lash Domination Mascara

Kat Von D - Liquid Everlasting Love lipstick in Outlaw

Bite Beauty - High Pigment Pencil in a red color (the name scratched off mine) 

 

Thanks for watching/reading and have a great lunch!

How to Train your Kitten- DRAGON! Take 2-

So earlier this week, I crawled out of my hermit cave and went to see How to Train your Dragon 2. I wrote a little blog (which you can view here) about the first movie and how my cat, Jasper and the main dragon, Toothless are completely the same.

Exhibit A

So anyways, the movie started out with more of the same adorableness as the first one. There are lots of scenes where important things are being said and Toothless is romping through the background being too hilariously cute and completely distracting. A good directing choice in my opinion. 

They introduce a few new characters who start off really strong, but in the end just fade out and have little purpose or resolve. Though seeing as this is a sequel, I can let it slide. 

The message about love, family, and being true to yourself was prominent throughout. However, then they did something that was sadder than Leo dying in Titanic. And Leo dying in Romeo and Juliet. And Leo dying in the Great Gatsby. And Leo dying in Blood Diamond. And Leo dying in-- well, you get the point. Leo dies in every movie.... There was totally room on that door!! I would never let go!! (it still hurts me)

But honestly, this scene in How to Train your Dragon 2 was not only ridiculously sad, but so dark and twisted!!! It was like, Lord Voldemort dark and twisted!! I mention this because I literally had tears streaming down my face. And quite a few of my "Manly" friends admitted to doing the same. Though I suppose I could question the manliness of these friends....

Anyways, I figured I'd warn you guys. I'm not saying it's not a kids movie. Well, Bambi was a kids movie and we all know what happened there. Honestly, every time I think about HTTYD2, I am reminded of that one scene and sob loudly. 

All in all, it was highly entertaining and had a good moral message. Definitely take your kids and just remember to hold them tightly during the sad parts. If you take an adult friend, it's ok to get mushy with them. 

If you're already a pet-person, the dragons will constantly make you smile and remind you of your own little furry children back home.

Speaking of pets! I made another Pop Cat. This time I created Winston the Cat, who is actually Jasper the Cat's best friend! 

Left: Winston, Pop Cat 04

Right: Jasper, Pop Cat 02

Winston and Jasper, judging the world.

Being 800,000,000 times adorable. Those faces urge to check out my shop!

 See, I wasn't making it up, these kittens love each other. Winston is my bestie, Rachael's cat. So we have play dates for the children-- I mean kittens!

Winston and Japser come in throw pillows, cards, prints, tote bags and so on! Visit my Shop and take a look! 

That's my randomness for today... Dragons, movies, kittens, Leo dying over and over.... *WHY!!* OH SWEET LEO!! *sobs in a corner*

Enjoy your lunch!

Warning- The Following is Kinda Gross

You have been warned! The following video and photos contains Special Effects Makeup that probably shouldn't be viewed while eating. All effects are FAKE using just my makeup skills. 

Viewers Discretion Advised.

Well hello there.

I may have mentioned that I started a youtube channel for my makeup art.

Some of the videos will be normal makeup videos such as natural looks and special occasions. Other videos will be costume or stage type makeup jobs. And of course, there's the GORE.

Back in the fall of last year as I was eating a bagel at my favorite cafe on campus, I overheard some film students mentioning the need for a makeup artist. I wasn't eavesdropping, that was the only word I heard. I immediately spun around and said "Makeup artist? I'm a makeup artist!"

This led to a 20 minute discussion about their horror-slasher inspired short film. The guy told me that they needed someone who could "create gore." Like, cuts, burns, bruises, faces getting ripped off, etc. The only kind of experience I had with special effects makeup was maybe this one day in high school drama class (eight years ago) but otherwise I knew zilch. I also don't watch scary movies. I'm afraid of them. I had literally nothing going for me in the field of Gore Makeup so I told them "I'm sure I can figure something out."

That evening after a full day of school and a long train ride home, I played around with whatever makeup I had for about 20 minutes to create some "gore." The following is the result.

SFX Makeup by me

I used all sorts of luxury brand and cheap makeup. I blended Kat Von D's Mi Vida Loca palette colors for the bruising, some of Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette, Makeup Forever lip gloss for the blood, and so on.

The next morning I texted my "school-husband," Noah the above picture and wrote "Some crack addict just attacked me on the train!" I knew my friend Noah, a laid back guy, would appreciate the prank more than say, my family. 

I believe poor Noah responded with something to the effect of "Oh %@$&!" and other condolences. 

After being fully prepared to walk into class and tell our professor "Yeah, Claire's not gonna make it to class today...." Noah strolled in, saw me looking normal and his reaction was priceless. 

He first thought I had sent him an old picture of a random injury, then he thought I had makeup on to cover it, I finally convinced him that the whole thing was a prank and I just wanted to know if it looked real or not. Mission: Accomplished. (And don't worry, Noah liked the prank. None of Noah's feelings were harmed during the making of said prank.)

So, I never did hear back from the short film guy, but he is the one who got me started in this so for that I am grateful.

In the following weeks, I used more of my art friends as models to gore up and I've been doing it ever since whenever I have the time.

The video above was made around February for my painting class homework. (our homework was pretty laid back with what was considered "painting"). I needed more practice with gore effects so I used myself as a model. I created the cuts and blood entirely on my own without any sort of SFX or Halloween kit. The video features Jasper the Cat for a brief period, my chipmunk voice, and I nearly poke my own eye out with scissors (not really). 

I am entirely self taught in the Gore Special Effects Makeup field, So I experiment A LOT! I don't use prosthetics or professional SFX kits, I just make it up as I go along.

So check out my youtube channel for more videos (gore and normal makeup), like, comment, subscribe, tell your friends and feel free to send video requests!!!

Also, my friend Noah is single... And straight. For reference on his appearance, you can see him getting tortured on my youtube channel. So, um, date him? (He asked me to tell this to "the ladies")

Free Shipping!

Hey guys-- just wanted to inform you all that for a limited time, you can get FREE SHIPPING on all orders at my online shop, redbubble.com/people/clairenobles using the code WEEKENDBLAST

Not sure how long the sale lasts, but I'd imagine through the weekend, given the context clues of the code. =)

Here are some ideas of what you can get!

Night and Day Embrace ©2012
One of my most popular fantasy designs now as throwable art!

Pop Cat Series - 01 ©2014
Send someone a card (or five) with little Victoria the Cat on it! They'll melt from the cuteness!

Paint Dancing ©2013
For the dancer/dance lover in your life (to carry dance stuff)

Lurking in the Deep ©2012
Can't go wrong hanging this in your bathroom.

Octopus 1 ©2012
Or get a print and frame it later!

Skull 1 ©2013
This will make your phone way cooler.

The Fox Says... ©2014
My personal favorite right now. 

All of the art designs above also come on different products. Not all designs are available on each item though. Please message me if you wish to see more options!

YOLO, you only live once, so you may as well decorate your living area, electronics, and self with some rad art. And you'd be supporting me to make MORE ART! YAY!

Thanks for reading, have an awesome weekend!

Follow me on Twitter for updates! @clairenobles

The Fox Says YOLO (Coz She, Also Likes to Live Dangerously)

The Fox Says... ©2014

Well, mystery solved.

Above is my new design available at my shop as prints, cards, throw pillows, tote bags, onesies, and clothing for adults and kids.

After months of internal debate sparked by the Ylvis Song "What Does the Fox Say," I finally found out.

Throwable Art!!!

I was driving home around midnight (past my bedtime) and this crazy thing happened to me. I know this sounds like the start of a young adult novel with wizards and vampires, but I'm not making this up, I promise.

As I drove up this hill, in the dead of night, I was humming that ridiculously catchy song and trying to think of a corresponding art piece to make. So out of no where, a Fox, yes, a real FOX, runs across the road causing me to brake and maybe, possibly scream like the teenager. I didn't hit him or her, so don't worry, this isn't a story about me killing a wild animal-- thank goodness! So I was able to witness the little orange adorableness sort of notice me, decide he or she didn't care and ultimately flee into the bushes.

Get this shirt to show Shirt-Readers how Bad Ass you really are. Tell them Claire sent you.

I took this bit of magic as a sign (coz why not). Animals seem to love running in front of people's cars. Not sure if they're being dared by their animal friends or just doing it for the thrill. (I jest.)

Many teenagers, young people and hipsters seem to also fall into this idea of dare-devilry and sum it up in one ridiculous word which, let's be perfectly clear, is a dumbed down version of Carpe Diem: YOLO.

Take your new attitude with you and show people how you live: with this tote bag- ONCE!

To the people who have been spared from the stupidity, Y.O.L.O. stands for You Only Live Once.

It's a phrase I love to hate. And I'm being decidedly hipster about this phrase by only using it ironically. Though in fact, it's not hipster to point out that you're being hipstery, but then again screw hipsters. Go form opinions that aren't based on forced irony, you uncreative, insufferable, bowler hat-wearing, unicycle-riding embarrassments to society! But god, I love your flair for style, politics, environmentalism, feminism, beards and bowler hat-wearing. But I'm not trying to be ironic.

For the times that your hipster self needs no explanation necessary, just walk away (while presumably wearing this hoodie.... It comes in other colors.)

So spread the word! Tell people your story! Stay up past your bedtime, because you also like to live dangerously! Shout it from rooftops! And above all, try not to fall off of the the rooftop you were shouting from-- after all you do seriously live once, unless we get reincarnated, but if we do, we clearly have no knowledge or scientific evidence of this supposed past life or lives so it all seems kind of pointless to assume that it's a great privilege to live as a banana slug in your next life but if you truly theorize that we only live once, you may want to try and actually *stay alive* during that allotted time because otherwise even if there is an afterlife in heaven, do you honestly want to be the one who climbed a roof coz your friends were telling you to do it (because YOLO!) and you plummeted to your death at the young age of 22?

*slow claps*

Be cooler than your friends and get a sticker!

My point is: You probably, most likely only live once. Make good decisions that don't involve risking your life --unless it's to impress others.

(As usual, don't take me too seriously, I jest.)

Have a great rest of your lunch!
And Carpe Diem!