Meet Deven Collins | Professional Makeup Artist & Event Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deven Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deven, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

I just started my business back up after a hiatus of starting a family, then Covid hit. Now that both children are in school I am reacquainting myself into the community as well as finding a new work/life balance.

Prior to children, I travelled Nationally for a Luxury Brand as a Lead artist/Trainer as well as Event Coordinator. I had the pleasure of working alongside some industry greats such as Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and top Global Artists from Nars, Lancome, MAC, Chanel. I have been able to do makeup and for Olympians, top models, t.v. personalities, philanthropists, film and in various publications.

Since children, I am trying to streamline my business to the Denver Metro area as I just don’t have the flexibility of constant travel as I once had. Styled shoots/wardrobe, event planning and makeup encompass my brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I fell into this industry while in College for Fashion Design. I was behind the scenes at many runway shows both as a model and a student. I would help the models get runway ready by adjusting their hair/makeup, sew a frayed hem or popped button. Pretty soon models would come to me instead of the hired crew and I had a little following.

Fast forward 20 years and I have been trained in 17 luxury brands (that’s a lot). While I am very comfortable in the beauty category, I want to push myself in other genres now that I have the independence.

I recently taught myself waterproof makeup for an underwater shoot, signed up for some SFX courses and am currently taking online courses from global industry giants. I feel very fortunate to have forged some fantastic relationships within the Beauty/Fashion Industry and again within the Denver community. I am having fun reinventing myself!

The most valuable lesson I learned was to check my ego at the door and not to take anything personally. It’s about the client’s needs. The more you can listen and include the client in the conversation the more each party will get out of the experience. It should be fun, it’s makeup.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

We live in Denver and love checking out local restaurants. I highly reccommend Cafe Brazil in the Highlands. (Not featured on the menu is the spicy yogurt cucumber soup).

A few times a year we book a staycation to decompress. Maven at Dairy Block has a modern design and has everything you need for a weekend, plus it’s walkable.

The rooftop pool at Jacquard has great views, atmosphere and walkable to shops and restaurants.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash is a 90 minutes or so drive and offers tons of outdoor experiences plus has a great spa.

I have heard nothing but great things about Telluride and need to find time for a trip there!

I love supporting small businesses and frequent the vintage shops on Broadway hunting for the perfect piece for a styled shoot or for myself.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My husband was the one who identified that I needed a creative outlet after children and encouraged me to return. When life changed, I would fill that creative void in other ways. Hosting events for 75-100, volunteering in the community, School Board member or a remodeling project around the house. I still had a foot in the door with a wedding, a class or a training to keep me current, but my children were the priority.

I think you can learn a lot from just about everyone these days thanks to social media (both good and bad habits). I love seeing how others use a product in a new way from both pros to the everyday women. Experimenting and surrounding myself around other creatives keeps me evolving.

The same applies with working with new talent, photographers and venues. Each provides their own unique perspective and if you remain open, you will get a lot out of each experience. I find myself reinvigorated after each creative shoot or runway show.

Instagram: @makeupbyDeven5280

Image Credits
Black swans-Martha Worth Licorice & Cotton Candy-Kent Youngblood Fine Art Scarlet-Autum Akers Brown Flying Blue Dress Styled Shoot-Fred Langer Ski Boudoir-Chelsea Beamer Sleeping Beauties Styled Shoot-Erin Dostaler