Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson
MW: What did you think when you were picked for season 3 of Face Off?
RM: I was thrilled, yet filled with anxiety! I like to take my time with my work, brain storm, do research if possible. Creating solid makeup designs can take weeks, sometimes months, yet on the show we only have two and a half days! It’s crazy! I didn’t know how I was going to handle it. That’s why on the first challenge, I hit the ground running (literally!). I wasn’t going to waste a single second. I gave it my all, and continued to do that on every challenge.
MW: What was going through your mind with the first meet up with everyone?
RM: We all met for the first time at the swimming pool on top of that high-rise (although I had met Alana before working on a project for Danny DeVito). My mind was really focused on what the first challenge might be at that poolside, hoping I wouldn’t have to glue leaves to someone’s head … oh wait, that’s what I ended up doing:/ ! lol
MW: Who was your favorite judge?
RM: During filming, we didn’t really get to interact much with the judges other than what you see on the show. And as tough as all the judges were on me, (and they all were, at one time or another:), they all had something constructive to say, and in the end, their comments made me a better artist. Since the show, I’ve had the chance to get to know them better. As “judgey” as they are on the show, they are all very nice people in real life (yes, even Glenn:). So, I really don’t have a favorite. Actually, come to think of it, Patrick only judged my work on the first challenge, had nothing but positive things to say, then left without any criticism …, so, maybe Patrick was my favorite, lol:)
MW: Was Joe as big a dick as the show showed?
RM: I had no problem at all with Joe, we got along just fine. I really wasn’t that present for the other stuff, I was swamped creating the Robot Baby with Roy, and helping others out when I could.
MW: Who was your favorite contestant to hang with?
RM: My roommates were Jason and Alana, we always cracked each other up. But we all got along great in the house.
MW: Who was your least favorite contestant to hang with?
RM: I don’t have a least favorite. Even when we were irritable from exhaustion, there was something positive to get from hanging with each person.
MW: How was living at the Face Off house?
RM: People don’t get to see the cool people behind the scenes making sure we are okay. We were always well taken care of. Under the structure of the show, we formed a family very quickly. The house had an amazing view, so when stressed, we could just sit outside and look over the city and unwind (if and when there was time!)
MW: What do you think you were cut from Face Off?
RM: As time went on, the judges were interested in me going beyond a style of mine that emerged. I worked as hard as I could, and listened to the judges as best I could. But on the last challenge, my client (Sofia) had a character that incorporated elements of my style the judges were hoping I’d move away from. I chose to honor a child’s design, and risk being eliminated.
MW: Is it bittersweet now?
RM: Sure, I would have loved to have stayed and kept on being challenged, but I was very proud of the monster Sofia and I created. And as I look back over all the challenges, I really enjoyed the results of being pushed so hard.
MW: What have you done since leaving Face Off?
RM: Man it’s been crazy! But my work with Legacy’s Truth campaign has been the most rewarding so far (you can see my strawberry monster transformation here: http://www.thetruth.com/games/flavor-monster-transformation). I lost a dear friend to emphysema many years ago, and working with Truth is a wonderful way to honor her. The tobacco industry isn’t allowed to make fruit flavored cigarettes, yet there are about 45 different fruit flavored tobacco products out there…. mmm, makes you wonder who’s being targeted. Awareness goes a long way. I was happy to read this at nytimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/opinion/a-ban-on-flavored-tobacco-products.html?_r=0
Maybe more legislators will make a stand like Angel Taveras and Michael A. Solomon of Providence R.I.
MW: What can we expect from you in the future?
RM: Now that the show is airing, I’m happy that people are getting to download and watch my film “The Wishing Well” on their iPhones and iPads (www.thewishingwellmovie.com). I really enjoy directing, whether its live action or animation, so I’m developing an animated series based off of my Dumbleton characters (www.thedumbletons.com). Working with Truth on the Flavor Monster Campaign has been so rewarding, I’d like to participate in more good causes such as this.
MW: What would you like to say in closing?
RM: I almost didn’t do Face Off, out of fear … I thought, what if I can’t do it, what if I make a fool of myself … all the things that stop us from moving ahead. But I learned from friends and family that have passed, life is short. So I said yes, and I made it on Face Off season 3. And yes, at times I made a fool of myself. I attempted doing things I couldn’t do. But I have to say, I had the time of my life. So I say, take a chance, say yes, make a fool of yourself, fall down, pick yourself up, its part of life’s journey. When it’s all said and done, hopefully you can look back and say, that was an awesome trip.
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