It’s time for Halloween!  As EF | STUDIO introduces our 1st Annual Halloween Looks Collection, get to know the faces behind the one-of-a-kind  EF | STUDIO Face Charts, created exclusively for EF | STUDIO by artist Cary James.

I recently interviewed EF | STUDIO cofounders Eddie + Kai and artist Cary to share with you, how they met, who inspires them, and why face charts are such a valuable tool.

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EF | STUDIO: How did you choose Cary to create EF | STUDIO’s Face Charts?

EDDIE:  I came across Cary through the introduction of a friend. Cary was interested in makeup and asked if I could share my advice and knowledge with him. Education is a core component of EF | STUDIO’s brand vision. We also believe in nurturing not only the artist but the creativity found within every individual. I sent Cary information I thought would be helpful to him as he started on his way into the world of makeup.  Shortly thereafter, I was surprised to find a Thank You card in the mail, people just don’t do that kind of thing anymore. It was a hand drawn card he had created of me (earrings and all). I thought it was the warmest thank you gesture I had ever received. I loved the style of the drawing and kept it on my desk for months. There was something about his style that really inspired me. When It was time for us to create a face chart for EF | STUDIO, I naturally referenced the drawing I received from Cary.

EF | STUDIO: Cary, what inspires you as an artist?  Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

CARY: Drawing has always been a part of my life. Born and raised in California, I grew up surrounded by art, culture, nature and family. I studied illustration and design in college, and recently finished makeup courses in Hollywood. I also gained experience working in the fashion industry over the past 4 years as a model, makeup artist, creative director, wardrobe stylist, photo assistant and post-production editor. My drawing style has been molded by my interests, experiences and the people I love. The use of simple line work, detailed backgrounds and mixed media formats used in Japanese animation has inspired me to think out of the box when illustrating. My friend Angie’s unique drawing style has been a constant inspiration to me. I have also been inspired by fashion illustrations, look books and editorials in fashion magazines. I am also inspired by an artist name elgatoazul. You can view his work at elgatoazul.carbonmade.com

EF | STUDIO: What was your motivation behind creating 4 distinct face charts?

KAI: Each of the 4 EF | STUDIO faces was specifically created to reflect a distinct ethnicity. It’s a global marketplace and we embrace and celebrate diversity on all levels. We hope to expand on these ethnic charts to create even more unique, multi-ethnic inspired illustrations.

EDDIE: We also plan to add a few male faces to the collection in the near future!

EF | STUDIO: Why are Face Charts an important asset for EF | STUDIO customers?

KAI: For me, there are 3 important reasons why our Face Charts are so valuable.

1. Education. It’s essential that we are providing valuable and useable information for our customers, so they can apply it in their daily lives.

2. Added Value. We strive everyday to help customers extend the use of ALL of their makeup, not just EF | STUDIO products. This creates enormous value for them and also keeps them loyal.

3. Creativity. We want to empower our customer to go beyond their comfort zone and explore colors, looks and effects that they wouldn’t normally approach. We are constantly reminding people (and ourselves) that transformation is an essential part of life. With intuitive, multi-use products that are effortless to use, customers can feel free to explore new realms of creativity and experimentation.

EDDIE: Women seek advice on beauty when they approach a makeup counter/brand. Many times the makeup artist will sit them down, do their makeup and then send them home with hundreds of dollars worth of product. It’s an exciting adventure for someone who is looking for “the new you”… until they get home, open their new products and become overwhelmed trying recreate the look themselves. Their experience then becomes disappointing. EF | STUDIO Face Charts allow customers to walk away with a reminder of how their look was achieved. It records what products were used, which colors were applied where and encourages them to be confident in their creativity.

EF | STUDIO: What kind of women inspire you?  Are there any particular women whom you find amazing?

CARY: I’ve always had an affection towards strong, beautiful women. Keira Knightley and Agyness Deyn’s different and unique styles have always drawn my attention. Keira’s ability to be so sexy, seductive and empowered while remaining classically beautiful is inspiring. Miss Deyn inspires me for always being herself – her cropped white-blonde hair and bright eyes are her signature, and she models like no one else!

KAI: Another female icon that really caught my attention was the famous German actress Marlene Dietrich. She was incredibly brave in the way she crossed gender lines in a time when it was strictly taboo to do so. But she did it in a way that still highlighted her inherent beauty. Through makeup and wardrobe, she enhanced her beauty, bone structure and height, making for a formidable star. For many it was an extreme look, especially when she would dress in (female) drag. But many directors of the time knew it was something special.

EDDIE: Beauty is an individual thing. It may seem cliche, and it can even be considered a blunder for someone who has a brand of cosmetics to say, but, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman with confidence, strength, dignity and pride.  There certainly isn’t a beauty product that will give you those things!

View and download the collaborative efforts of EF | STUDIO and Cary James here.

Download your favorite Special Edition Halloween Look here.

Check out more of Cary’s incredible work at caryjames.carbonmade.com