Today we’re joined by Conner Quinn. Conner is an exciting first for Asexual Artists: he’s a makeup artist. The human body is Conner’s canvas and he’s an incredibly talented painter. The pictures he sent are absolutely remarkable as you’ll soon see. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
I do makeup and body paint on myself and others, occasionally for cosplay and conventions. I do face painting for parties and such, also, usually around Halloween. I don’t have much money to buy makeup, so friends give me gifts for my birthday and other holidays, but I mostly work with what I have and make it work. It’s fun to use the bone structures and curves of a body or face to create works of art. People are my blank canvases just waiting to be made into my own art.
What inspires you?
The contours and structures of bodies are usually where I start. I love eyes, especially. Otherwise, I’ll get my inspiration from video games like We Happy Few or a TV show or book. Lately, a lot of my inspiration has been coming from a podcast called Welcome to Night Vale because there are no character descriptions and it is very mysterious and intriguing, giving the artist the freedom of whatever they think the characters may look like.
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
A few years ago I stumbled on a YouTube channel called MadeULook by a girl named Lex, a professional makeup artist and body painter from Chicago. I thought it looked like lots of fun and wanted to try it out for myself, letting myself do whatever my hands would create. I am also an illustrator, write music, write stories, play instruments, and sing, so those were my main art forms before I found the world of makeup. I’ve always been pretty creative.
Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in our work that you’d be willing to reveal?
No, not really.
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
Don’t get down when you’re having a creative block, no matter how long it lasts. You’ll find your inspiration again and get right back up. You’re still an artist and your brain needs time to rest sometimes. Don’t get down on yourself.
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
I am a panromantic asexual. Also, gender fluid if that matters.
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
My friends and fans are very accepting, if anything it’s my parents that disrespect me for who I am. I usually just brush it off and keep going, I’ve got enough on my shoulders between finishing high school, dealing with gender discrimination, and applying to colleges.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
Usually when I tell people I’m ace their reaction is “really? But you’ve dated people before!” Asexuality has nothing to do with my romantic interests, thank you very much.
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
Hey, you do you, I’ll do me, and we won’t do each other.
But seriously, if you’re struggling with your orientation and are unsure, you don’t have to identify as anything until you’re sure! It’s also just fine to change your orientation as you see fit. As someone who changed their gender identity every month for a year and a half, changing what you identify as is just fine and if people don’t respect you then they’re not worth your time.
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
I’ll start updating my makeup and cosplay Tumblr and Instagram more once I get back into the routine of the school year. My Tumblr is rainbowdragons13 and my Instagram is snow.dragons. I’m always open for asks or DM’s! I’m a fairly open person and do photo editing if anyone who cosplays or just wants an edit ever needs that.
Thank you, Conner, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 