I started face painting via a weekend class that I took at Tobi Britton's Makeup Shop in NYC in 2001.  This class was taught by an amazing artist named Olivier Zegers.  After my weekend with Olivier,  I started face painting children for free on Sunday afternoons in Tompkins Square Park in the East Village (where I lived through my 20's). Up until this time I had been working in a bar and also waiting tables to make ends meet.

It was later that year, after the traumatic events of 09/11/01, I decided that I would only work as an artist. Thus, I quit my bar job and focused on face and body painting.

With some minimal doubts, but much more support, my career began to take shape. The rest is history.

Since painting that first face in 2001, I have worked hard to grow as an artist and perfect my skills. Inspired by every smile I have ever been so blessed to create via my painting - I have now achieved both national and international acclaim for artistry and style.

This "work" I do is one of the biggest gifts I've ever been given.  I am so fortunate to have a job that constantly makes ME and so many other people happy.

                              Be Well & Smile BIG - Derrick