Carrie Esser
I am a full-time artist based in Phoenix, Arizona. My journey as a self-taught artist has led me to specialize in creative makeup and body painting, honing my skills over the past decade. I offer meaningful art, body paint and makeup services, creative learning sessions and I am available for events.
​
I believe that expression through creativity, reconnecting with our inner child, and nurturing the imagination holds the potential for healing ourselves and the earth. I am deeply inspired by nature and its wisdom and beauty which you will find throughout my work.
​
Growing up and living most of my life in Ohio, I ran around playing with childhood friends in the woods, transforming different areas of our home into arts and craft areas and enjoying the magic of the changing seasons.
​
We all have that child-like spirit within us. As we grow up we often get disconnected from that younger version of ourselves. When I am creating or in flow-state I feel connected to young Carrie and it is so special.
I feel there is beauty in the naivety of children before growing up and learning about the complexities of the world. Life is simple. Endless imagination and possibility.
​
These qualities are integral to who I am today and resonate through my art, regardless of the medium.
​
I am grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement of my family and friends throughout my life, which has empowered me to pursue my dreams.
childhood
nature inspired
From the changing seasons of Ohio to the heat of the Arizona sunshine, I find much of my inspiration outdoors.
​
I miss Ohio and the lush, green spring and summers with flowers endlessly blossoming in my dad's garden. Autumn is my favorite with the cool, crisp air and leaves changing from green to yellow and orange before our eyes. During Autumn in Arizona I try to create those fall feelings for myself. In the Arizona summers I long for hiking and being outside, much like I retreat indoors during Ohio winters (although I love the snow!)
​
I enjoy capturing photos and videos during my adventures, using them as references in my artwork and as inspiration during the less-than-ideal outdoor conditions
​
Through painting inspired by nature, I aim to create portals that allow us to tune in with those feelings whenever we please.
I often get asked where the name Makeup Madhouse came from.
I chose this name in my junior year of high school when tasked with creating a hypothetical business for my economics class. Little did I know then where that name would lead me years later.
​
I began playing with makeup in my early high school years by utilizing eyeshadows and eyeliners as if they were body paints. I quickly fell in love with this art form.
​
Since then, my journey has taken me to comic cons, countless themed group photo shoots with my show choir friends in high school, connecting and collaborating with fellow creatives, growth on social media platforms and features in artist showcases. I entered myself and my business Makeup Madhouse to Kent State's shark-tank-like pitch competition and placed as a finalist in 2019.
​
Throughout my career I have participated in several makeup competitions such as the NYX FACE Awards and Snapchat's Original Fake Up where I was recognized as a finalist. Additionally, I have been fortunate to win Mehron's Halloween competiton and was honored with the title of Creative Makeup Artist of the Year in the American Influencer Awards in 2021.
​
My artistic ventures include some incredible opportunities, from collaborating with renowned photographers, attending press trips and utilizing my makeup artistry to produce exciting creative content with a multitude of companies. Some of my most memorable work travels include Puerto Vallarta, the Terranea Resort in California, Nashville, Las Vegas and even doing a body paint on my study abroad in Florence, Italy.
origin
multi-passionate
In my early school years I created with polymer clay and launched my first business, CreARTive Clay, where I sold my creations and made YouTube videos connecting with clay artists around the world.
​
It is easy to recognize the beginnings of my enjoyment for creating on skin to when I would come home from school with intricate marker designs on my arms.
​
Over the years I have explored many forms of art and craft. Practicing a variety of creative mediums is not just enjoyable but necessary for the expansion and development of my art.
​
Now I practice drawing with many mediums, painting with acrylics, watercolors and textured mediums, creating on canvas and three-dimensional pieces, and of course, makeup.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your presence means a lot to me and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my art and myself with you.
​
Carrie
