Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Emi Kaneko | Image courtesy of Bryant Artists
Emi Kaneko, Makeup Artist
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Based: New York
Representation: Bryant Artists
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
Polished and very skin-focused.
How did you first discover your passion for makeup?
Like many young girls, I was fascinated by my mother’s makeup routine. She would wear this purple YSL eyeshadow every single day, and on special occasions, she would wear it with a red lip instead of her usual pink. I was obsessed.
Was there a specific moment that made you realize this was your career path?
I’ve always loved fashion. Makeup, hair, and clothes have always been my way of expressing myself without saying a word, and I’ve always found power in that. When I moved to New York, I got to see models transform and come to life; they seemed so grand and magical. I was in awe of the creativity that went into it, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
What’s your process for conceptualizing a look?
It depends on what the look is for. It’s slightly different for a shoot, a show, or an event. I consider the creative direction, the clothes, the model’s or talent’s features, and most importantly, the light. Lighting can completely change the outcome of a look. From there, I draw from my research and references, whether from movies, artists, or current culture. I also love collaborating with the person I’m doing makeup on, since they know their face best.
Are there specific materials or textures you love working with?
I love skincare and a textured/finish. These days I find myself liking a bouncy, blurred matte.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced professionally?
Working freelance has its ups and downs. I think wrapping my head around the fact that you’ll never be everyone’s cup of tea was tricky at first, but now I prefer it.
What’s something about your job that still excites you after all these years?
Working with creative friends and colleagues.
Selected Work
Emily Ratajkowski by Larissa Hofmann
Emily Ratajkowski for Beyond Noise
I love this image because I love working with Emily ( Ratajkowski,) she really knows herself, and I remember going back and forth on her lipstick color and shape, etc. She said, ‘What about like this?’ And it worked. I love collaborating with her.
Gwyneth Paltrow by Venetia Scott
British Vogue November 2025 Cover
Turning Gwyneth (Paltrow) into a character was fun. I gave her a smoldering eye with so much mascara and kept adding more of everything throughout the day.
Chloë Sevigny by Charlotte Wales
Chloë Sevigny for Choppova Lowena
This was a collaboration between Chopova Lowena, Charlotte Wales, and Chloë Sevigny. It was a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, written by the poet Precious Okoyomon. We had so much fun reshaping her brows, making them pencil-thin, and giving her this wide-eyed look. We created multiple looks that day. Projects like this are why I love my job.
Greta Lee by Mert Alas
Calvin Klein Fall 2024 Campaign
This was a pinch-me moment for many reasons. It was a Calvin Klein underwear campaign with Greta (Lee) and Mert Alas. I wanted to do her justice and highlight her natural radiance. The focus was all on her allure and beautiful skin.
Mona Tougaard by Davit Giordaze
Mona Tougaard for The Travel Almanac
This was one of those shoots where I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Not because I didn’t trust the team, but because it was shot on film. I had to bleach her brows without actually bleaching them. I blocked them out but left a few hairs to keep the shape, then used some makeup magic to make them appear bleached.
