Every week, we feature a talented individual for our "Artist Spotlight" series and today's interview is with Sarrahh Blank, semi-finalist in the Hollywood RAWards makeup category. Keep reading as Blank fills us in on makeup tips and tricks, everyday looks, must have cosmetic items and transforming a daytime look into a bold nighttime look. Learn about her goals and the lessons she's learned being in the industry.

First off, congratulations on winning a semi-finalist spot in the makeup category! How does it feel to be recognized in this industry?

Thank you!! It is the most amazing feeling ever! Words cannot express the gratitude and happiness I feel. I never thought in a million years that I'd be doing what I love or for that matter, getting recognized for it. I have to truly thank my family, friends, and the amazing people who continue to support me throughout my career and of course, the people who voted for me!

Has your life changed in any way since winning the semi-finalist spot?

It definitely has! I have been getting much more business inquires and people have been recognizing me through my work. My facebook has been blowing up with "adds" from people in the industry as well. It's been really great and such an amazing life-changing experience.


How long have you been a makeup artist and what are some of your goals?

I've been a make-up artist since the moment I was three years old; I could pick up my red lipstick and put it on. [Laughs]. Professionally, I've been in the beauty industry for almost two years now. Some of my main goals would be to open up my own make-up studio, develop my own make-up line, and get the chance to work with the amazing Lady Gaga. The list goes on, I'd love to get a chance to work with Billy B. (Gaga's make-up artist) and Dany Sanz, (The creator of Make-Up Forever). However, my ultimate goal is to inspire others. If I could inspire “one” person to simply follow their dreams I have truly accomplished the biggest goal possible.

Do you have a favorite makeup artist that you admire and look up to?

Of course! I actually have three ultimate favorite make-up artists.

Kandee Johnson – An amazing sweetheart YouTube guru who has taught me everything I know. Since I am self-taught I have learned everything through her YouTube videos.

Billy B – Famously known as Lady Gaga’s make-up artist. This man is simply stunning. He is self-taught, incredibly humble, and just super talented. I can not express my love for this man.

Dany Sanz- The amazing, amazing, amazing Dany Sanz! The creator of Make-Up Forever! She inspires me to go “outside of the box” with make-up and create a painting rather than just the regular basic make-up. She has inspired me to take drawing and painting lessons to further understand the “art” of make-up. I’ve seen this woman paint faces live at IMATS and let me tell you, she is just fabulous and simply extraordinary.

If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

If I could work with anyone, it would be Michael Jackson but sadly, that is not possible. May he rest in peace. The runner-up is Lady Gaga!! I would love to work with Lady Gaga, I feel like I’d be able to just have an amazing time with her and create something totally crazy and fun!


Are there any lessons you learned being in the industry?

I have definitely learned a lot from being in this industry. I have learned to accept the fact that not everybody is going to like my work. Some people might love it and others might hate it. I learned to not take it to heart and to just keep moving forward. I have been able to develop another layer of tough skin. I have also learned to always stay positive no matter what!

What advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists?

There is so much I can say but I will sum it all up as best as I can in "Five Golden Rules."

1. Believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself and have confidence in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

2. NEVER Give up. No matter what anyone tells you. Push yourself to the farthest limits possible. Remember YOU are the only person who knows your own limits. Don't underestimate yourself.

3. Make sure you have business cards. Hand them out to everyone you meet. Literally, you don't know who is sitting right next to you -- it could be a photographer looking for a make-up artist for a Vogue Magazine shoot. You truly never know who is in your surroundings so make sure to literally give your card to everyone.

4. Always be professional. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT flirt with anyone on set. Be on time, sanitize you're hands, make sure your chewing gum so your breath smells good when you are applying make-up on someone, and always have a smile on your face. You love what you do, so make sure you show it.

5. STAY POSITIVE. Sometimes plans can fall a part but remember to always stay positive. Sometimes opportunities are lost and that happens all you can do it move forward. I lost my chance to work with Jermaine Jackson because I didn't respond to an e-mail quick enough, but sometimes life has something else in store for you. Remember, that everything does happen for a reason, cliché, but true.

Tell us a little bit about your favorite makeup looks (for everyday school/work, nightlife, classic pin-up looks and special occasions).

Oh! This is going to be so much fun!

Everyday:

Foundation: Anything that you like that will not break you out. I love Revlon Colorstay Yves Saint Laurents foundation (when I can afford it), Neutrogena, Make-Up Forever HD and Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation. If you prefer tinted moisturizer my favorites are Tarte, Laura Mercier & M.A.C.

Eyes: Either no eyeshadow or very light eyeshadow.

Crease Soba by M.A.C (these are just suggestions you can use ANY colors you’d like)
Eyeliner: A thin cat eye. I use Kat Von D’s tattoo eyeliner in Trooper. I have been recently using Almay’s liquid eyeliner which is a good affordable alternative, though it does come off easier. A good way of making sure it stays on is by putting on gel eyeliner first and a good affordable gel liner is by H.I.P Loreal.

Blush: I LOVE using Tarte’s cheek stain in Blushing Bride. Or any NYX blushes. They are ALL gorgeous! I also love M.A.C’s blushes.! I prefer pink and sometimes I love to bronze it up a little with Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting. The SILKIEST and SMOOTHEST bronzer I’ve ever tried. Also, Laura Geller has some AMAZING baked blushes. I high recommend them!

Lips: My favorite to go lip is a nude lip.
Lip Liner: Subculture by M.A.C
Lipstick: Viva Glam V by M.A.C Or Wet n Wild’s Mega Last Lip Color in Bare It All (902 C)
Gloss (optional): Either clear gloss or Viva Glam V gloss by M.A.C

However, don’t limit yourself. This is just my favorite to go products. Test out what you want to try!

Nightlife: I do the exact same thing as stated above but instead, I can make the crease color a little but darker by adding a darker brown in the V corner and thickening up the eyeliner. I also LOVE to add white eyeliner to my waterline. I love using NYX’s jumbo pencil in Milk. I make sure to add a lot of mascara and add a bit more blush. I sometimes will go with a dark purple lip or a red lip for going out at night. You’ll usually see me with a nude lip from but time to time I will change it up.

I can go on and on explaining what I exactly like to do for special occasions of pin-up looks, but I’ll just leave you with these two looks. I basically stem off of these and for special occasions. I make sure to powder and set my make-up for Make Up Forever HD Powder and Model In A Bottle Spray so my make-up stays set-in all day. I only do that for special occasions, not daily.


What are some tricks/tips to help makeup stay on longer?

- Use Primer. L’Oreal has a really great affordable primer. If you’re looking for something high-end I love Make Up Forever primer and Korres since they’re products are all natural.
- POWDER POWDER POWDER! I love using M.A.C’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, it is super light but stays on all day. If I really want my make-up to stay on, I’ll also use some translucent powder such as Make Up Forever’s HD Powder or Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder.
- Now if I REALLY want to make sure my make-up doesn’t go anywhere, I like to use a setting spray and my favorite is Model in A Bottle. It is AMAZING!

Are there any common makeup mistakes you see that girls should avoid?

Not having enough confidence!! Ladies and gents, put on your make-up and walk the streets of the world like its YOUR runway!

What essential must have items belong in every girl's purse?

-Breath mints/gum
-Deodorant
-Perfume
-Lotion
-Hand Sanitizer
-Pepper Spray or Mace (ha)
-Mascara
-Lipstick
-Lip Pencil
-Lip Gloss
-MONEY (of course ha).

What is the easiest/quickest way to transform a day look into an outgoing nightlife look?

- Just add a bold lip color and you’re done!
- If you’re not a fan of bold lip colors just create a smokey eye with any black eyeshadow/liner and add a nude lip and you’re ready to go!

What are some cost-effective beauty regimens that can be done at home?


My absolute favorite beauty regimen is using lemon as a whitening enhancer. Lemon has some cool stuff in it like citric acid which can benefit you in SO many ways.
1. Whiten your teeth: Just rub a slice of lemon and rub it around your teeth and you’ve got yourself a whiter smile.
2. Tighten your pores: Squeeze lemon onto a cotton ball or anything that will work, rub it gently around your face and there you go!
3. Brighten your face: Same method as above!
4. Rigid and clean skin: Same method as above!
5. Can make acne scars look lighter: Same method as above!

You can also create a lemon-scrub by adding some organic sugar and mixing it with some water. Use a cotton ball and rub it around your face and you’ve got yourself an easy at home exfoliator. You can use that on your lips as well to exfoliate.

How can people get in contact with you? Where can we see you next?

Email: SarrahhBlank@Gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarrahh-Blank-Make-Up-Artist/165515906828390
Personal facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarah.berjaoui
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarrahhblank
Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/1742444

I will be working with RAW again, so make sure you come out to one of those events! I will be everywhere! To stay updated on what I am doing just follow me on Twitter or check out my Facebook!

Is there anything else you'd like to add?


Just thank you so much for interviewing me! And everybody – keep on smiling!

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Singer/songwriter Nyla Hammond secured the Hollywood RAWards semi-finalist spot in the music category as part of the annual indie artists showcase. Her music incorporates elements of pop, jazz and classical roots. We asked her what advice she'd offer to other aspiring musicians and she said, "Know how to market what you have, with all you’ve got, and do your best to pump out music that stays true to who you are. If you don’t believe it, neither will anyone else." Learn more about Nyla Hammond in this exclusive interview where she discusses her goals, aspirations and current projects.

Congratulations on winning the semi-finalist Hollywood RAWards spot in the music category! How does it feel to win and what does this mean for you?
Thank you, it feels really great! A career in music can definitely feel stagnant at times, so winning this award really served as a reminder to continue doing what I love because there are a lot of people backing me up.

Who would you like to thank? Who helped you with this milestone?
I would like to thank my friends and family that continued to vote for me even in the earliest stages of online voting, and then to the people that I don’t know personally that were nice enough to show their support for my music.

How long have you been performing? Do you play any instruments?
Well it wasn’t until the past year or so that I began performing my own shows with my own music. I have been playing piano for over 14 years and within that time I've performed in plays, recitals, shows, church choirs- you name it. I also like to dabble a little bit with percussion; rhythm is something that is incredibly exciting for me.


Are there any artists you look up to? Who are some of your influences?
Being 5’2, there are a lot of artists I “look up” to - just kidding. Artists that influence me the most are those whose music is honest to who they are, and who are constantly being inventive with their music. Artists that I’d include on this list are Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Imogen Heap, India Arie, Corinne Bailey Rae. I also have a sweet spot for any type of music that gets me dancing, so any time an artist combines that with great musicianship—I’m there.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it before?
I've kind of made up my own genre- you’ll have to have a little sense of humor for it, but I like to describe my music as “popzicle” because it incorporates elements of my pop, jazz and classical roots. My music is mostly upbeat, and even slower songs always find a groove, I’m all about the groove!

Do you have any advice for musicians just starting out?
When choosing to pursue a career in music, you need to have a plan. I know everyone says that music is a tough industry to break into, and it is—but you’d be surprised how many people are musicians and don’t have a plan of action. They think that their music will always just speak for itself, and rarely take advantage of all of the opportunities that are out there. So what I’d say is know how to market what you have, with all you’ve got, and do your best to pump out music that stays true to who you are. If you don’t believe it, neither will anyone else.

What are some of your favorite songs to perform on stage?
My current favorite is a song that I recently wrote called “My Freedom.” It’s the best representation of how I’m feeling at this point in my life, so performing it unleashes an extra energy inside of me. Other than that, my usual favorite to perform is my song “Better,” because I usually get the help of the audience to help me sing the last chorus and it’s just a really fun jam. Any song that allows me to be an encourager is always a favorite for sure!


Are you working on any projects at the moment?
I sure am! I’m currently working on an EP entitled “Note To Self”. I’m really excited about it because I’m recording it with a full band, so there’s going to be a new element of arranging that most of my fans haven’t heard from me yet.

Where can we catch you next? Any upcoming shows?
Hopefully you will catch me at the Grauman’s Chinese theater for the RAWards! Other than that, I will be in a hole for a while, finishing up my recordings. Once those are done, I will be ready to hit the performance scene once again!


What's the best piece of advice someone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received was from John Mayer at an ASCAP convention - which is basically a 3-day long expo in which musicians, songwriters, publishers, music business personnel etc. gather to share insight on the business and network. Something that John Mayer said that continues to stay in my mind is “Surround yourself with people that are smarter and better than you. If you’re in a room with people that are not challenging, shoot through the ceiling.” What is meant by this quote is there should always be an urgency to be better. If you’re constantly surrounded by people that are on the same level as you, you’re going to think it’s acceptable, and think there isn’t anything more that you need to do. It can apply to so many areas in one’s life, which is why I personally dig it!

Where can people listen to your music online?
People can connect to my music via my Facebook music page at www.facebook.com/nylamusic. As of now, only live recordings are available of my songs, but within the next few weeks I will have my studio recordings available for streaming which I’m very excited about.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Just a big thank you for interviewing me!


Were you at the RAWards Hollywood Semi-Finalist Showcase event? Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook and tag yourself in our photos:

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Photographer Gregory Reeves took home the Hollywood RAWards semi-finalist spot. We asked Reeves what his favorite piece of advice was and he said, "Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from what you believe in and want to do, you create your own reality, it’s your decision to be successful, and no one else’s." Shooting for 5 years, he's already been named RAW Artist's "Photographer of the Year." Find out what inspires Reeves, how he got his start, his favorite subjects to shoot, what equipment he uses and what projects he's currently working on.

Congratulations on winning the semi-finalist Hollywood RAWards spot in the PHOTOGRAPHY category! What does this mean for you and how does it feel to beat out the other nominees in the Hollywood region?
Thank you, this is an honor to be voted Hollywood RAWards Photographer nominee. It feels good to have people who support what I am doing and appreciate my photography. Beating out the other talented nominees was a great feeling, but hearing my name as the winner was an unbelievable accomplishment.


Who would you like to thank? Who helped you with this milestone?
I would like to thank RAW Artists for the opportunity and all those who came out and supported me. I would also like to thank my talented girlfriend Rebecca, Mom, and Dad. I’d like to thank my grandpa Ron who gave me my first 35mm SLR, Lachelle the greatest sister ever, Grandma Betty, Taco, Christopher M., Bob (aka Danny Tanner),Lindsay, Lidia, Richard, Jessica, Adam, Josh, Allen, Kristy, my entire family and all those who support me and believe in what I am doing.

How long have you been taking photos and how old were you when you first realized you loved photography?
I have been taking photos for about 5 years. It started as a past time, riding my bike around downtown Los Angeles taking pictures of everything that caught my eye. I realized when I was 26 that I wanted to follow my passion for photography and pursue it. The truth is I have loved photography ever since I started.


What are your favorite subjects to shoot?
It’s always evolving, a bum on the street, a model on location, basically anywhere or anything I can get my camera and lens in front of.


How would you describe your style?
There is no one word to describe my style of photography. However, I always try to draw the purity of my subject’s emotion. Textures and shadow play are also definitive of my photography.

What inspires you and what has been your most memorable assignment?
Actually the last shoot I did was a tribute to a character, Dagny Taggart, from Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. The book has taken me on a journey of self discovery and continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

What cameras do you shoot with and can you describe how andwhen you use flash, reflectors and natural light?
The cameras I am currently using are a 35mm Canon FT QL and Minolta SRT101. I do not use flash or reflectors, I like to use the natural light of my surroundings, and adapt to whatever that is. The only time I use artificial lighting is in the studio (spotlight, overhead light, and fills).


Do you have a preferred lens?
My favorite lens right now would have to be my Canon 50mm.

Are you working on any projects at the moment?
I have a few projects that I am working on. Currently, I’m conceptualizing a couple of shoots themed around the psychology and mythology of death.

Have you learned any lessons being in the industry?
I’ve learned that things don’t always go the way you want them too, and it’s the ability to quickly re-adapt and overcome that sets you apart from everyone else trying to make it along with you. But, I mean, it also is applied in positive ways too. I didn’t think I was going to win RAWards and that was huge.



What's the best piece of advice someones ever given you?
Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from what you believe in and want to do, you create your own reality, it’s your decision to be successful, and no one else’s.

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers who are just getting started?
Go into every assignment with an open mind; expect the unexpected, break the barriers set by others.


Is there anyone you’d like to work with in the future?
I would like to work with Vanity Fair, Vogue and National Geographic.

Where can we see more of your work? (Online and offline)?
You can find my work on www.wix.com/reevesimpulse/freetobe. Also, check me out on Facebook under Gregory Reeves Photography, and at 33 Roomslocated in Burbank where I have an ongoing showcase.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to thank you, Disarray Magazine, for this interview!! Follow your dreams, and never give up what you believe in. Be you, be free!

We caught up with Sharlenne Chen, fashion designer and semi-finalist in the Hollywood RAWards division. We asked her about her current fashion collection Aerithe, her inspirations, favorite looks and current projects. Keep reading to see designs and to learn more about Sharlenne Chen.

Congratulations on winning the semi-finalist Hollywood RAWards spot in the fashion category. What does this mean for you and how does it feel to beat out the other nominees in the Hollywood region?
This means a lot to me since this can open doors of opportunity to my career. It feels quite rewarding as the competition in Hollywood is tough.

Who would you like to thank? Who helped you with this milestone?
I’d like to thank first and most of all, God. Then, I’d like to thank my dear husband, who has always been there for me in any circumstance, my one-of-a-kind family and my awesome friends, who have supported and encouraged me from the beginning. Lastly, I’d like to thank my patternmakers for all their help.


What is the toughest experience you've ever had to overcome?
With the first collection, I had a fulltime job. It was really difficult to find the time to create all the dresses...  I’ve since quit my job and can now dedicate all my time on the collections.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given to you?
To believe in your idea and give the goal a hundred percent to make it happen.

Do you have any advice for fashion designers just starting out?
The same advice that was given to me. Make sure your idea and goals are solid, then believe in yourself.


What inspires you and what makes your styles unique?
Celebrities and Hollywood inspire me. My designs were designed to be on a red carpet.

What's your ultimate fashion goal and what have you learned while trying to accomplish your goal?
My ultimate fashion goal is to be a respected couturier and designer. It is not easy in the current market as Haute Couture is no longer the main focus of clothing. Ready-to-wear has taken most of the spotlight. I’ve learned to continue believing in my goal and continue down that path.

Is there anyone you wish to work with?
John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld and Vera Wang


What's your favorite look that is simple to create, budget-friendly and always fashionable? (For women and how about for men?)
A silk sleeveless top for women and polo shirt for men

Who has influenced you the most in your life?
My husband

Are you working on any projects and where can we expect to see Aerithe next?
Yes, I am currently finishing my Spring Summer 2012 Collection and I’ve just finished with the shoot for the catalog. We are planning to hold a Fashion Show in the Pasadena area in December – January. You also may see us in another Rawartists show. Follow us on www.aerithe.com for future projects or events



Where can we find your designs? Stores or online?
You can find my designs online, at www.aerithe.com and www.etsy.com.