Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Jamal Scott | Image courtesy of Art Partner
Jamal Scott, Makeup Artist
Hometown: NYC, New York
Based: NYC & Paris
Representation: Art Partner
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
My trademark is, without question, the most delicious skin you’ve ever seen—no matter the color, age, gender, or otherwise. Skin is the story.
What sparked your interest in beauty/makeup, and was there a defining moment that made you pursue it professionally?
My introduction to beauty came from my grandmother, Fostella Francois. She was a seamstress for pageants, weddings, and special events in my parents’ hometown of Fyzabad, Trinidad. I would sit beside her, flipping through bridal magazines, some decades old, completely hypnotized by the glamour. Makeup, though, came through my mom. She used to go to the Sade counter at Fulton Mall in downtown Brooklyn, if you know, you know. She had every melanin shade imaginable, foundations, icy blue frosted eyeshadow, everything. And she would do your brows right there at the counter. That was a moment. The turning point for me came around 19. My only goal was to work at the MAC Cosmetics counter and wear all the punk, alternative makeup I wanted. Back then, that was the place to be if you were serious about makeup.
What’s your process for conceptualizing a look? Do you start with references, color palettes, emotions, or something else entirely?
When I create a look, it always starts with the person. Sometimes the character, sometimes both. I actually prefer to know the casting before seeing references, because every face is its own architecture. Every canvas is different. From there, I build the makeup around that person, around a place, a time, a feeling. Red carpet works the same way. I look at the dress and ask myself: Who is this woman in this dress? Editorial and commercial beauty can look like “nothing or minimal,” but trust me, nothing is ever truly nothing.
Are there specific materials or textures you love working with? Do you find yourself drawn to certain finishes?
My favorite textures are creams. They’re dense enough to cover scars from recent “work,” but they sheer out beautifully so the skin still breathes. Photographers love that kind of flexibility. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with deep metallic jewel tones that shift in the light—those bright reflective moments. I’m loving the shadow sticks from NARS and the Color Fix Duos from Danessa Myricks Beauty.
I loved the look you created for Doechii on the British Vogue August 2025 Cover. Could you walk us through the process of collaborating with both her & Elizaveta Porodina?
The British Vogue cover with Doechii was pure magic. Elizaveta (Porodina) and Stella (Greenspan) were very intentional about highlighting her divine feminine energy in all its power. That made me think about women who completely redefined what that energy could look like. So I pulled references from icons like Dorothy Dandridge, Grace Jones, Eartha Kitt, Donna Summer, and Missy Elliott, and honestly, Doechii herself belongs in that lineage. Working with my brother in beauty, Jawara (Wauchope), is always inspiring. He creates these sculptural shapes with hair that push me to go further with the makeup. Doechii was open to everything, completely fearless, and such a professional. Everyone came with their A-game, and she absolutely tore it up.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced professionally?
One of the biggest personal challenges in this industry has been learning to take up space and really own the power that comes with it. Sometimes you walk into rooms filled with people who built this industry, and it’s easy to shrink. But the truth is, we’re the ones moving it forward now, and that matters.
What other jobs have you had?
My path here wasn’t glamorous. I’ve been a shoe salesman. I worked at a big-box store. I’ve done makeup in the back rooms of Starlets and Sue’s Rendezvous. I’m a born-and-bred New Yorker, the hustle has always been there.
What advice would you give aspiring makeup artists looking to break into the industry?
For artists trying to break in: remember why you started. Some things aren’t personal; it’s business. Put the time in, keep your mind right. Study your references beyond Instagram, and stay gracious and kind, even when everything around you is chaos. You never know who’s watching.
Who’s one to watch?
Patricio Campillo of Campillo. The clothes are brilliant.
Selected Work
Irina Shayk & Mona Tougaard by Carin Backoff | Image courtesy of Art Partner
Vogue France December 2025/January 2026 Cover
I have worked with Carin Backoff and Alastair McKimm on many projects before, but this one felt like a small get-together of family – very intimate. And it being my first cover with Irina Shayk and Mona Tougaard made this story special. Especially since I was featured wearing a Rolex… thanks, Alastair.
Anok Yai by Elizaveta Porodina | Image courtesy of Art Partner
Mugler Alien Pulp Fragrance 2026 Campaign
Everything had to be waterproof, Anok Yai was submerged in water or glycerin. The shot of her coming out of the water headfirst was shot multiple times and it felt like I was holding my breath each time, too.
Kaia Gerber | Image courtesy of Art Partner
Academy Museum Gala Red Carpet
Kaia Gerber has a dream face to work on. For this look, we wanted to pay homage to her mom with a modern bob and a nod to the iconic duo that was Cindy Crawford and Kevyn Aucoin.
Doechii by Elizaveta Porodina | Image courtesy of Art Partner
Doechii for British Vogue
With a superstar like Doechii, you have to bring the glamour, and that we did. This look in particular, was one of the last shots. I used cream color and got the look on, and we got the shot in 5 frames!
Rosalieke Fuchs by Fabien Baron | Image courtesy of Art Partner
Zara Hair Summer
This Zara hair campaign was by far my favorite I’ve shot with Guido Palau & the Zara team. Fabien Baron is such a brilliant photographer/director, watching him create a full beach scene in the studio was magical.
