Joshua Thompson is a 17-year-old makeup artist based in Carlisle, Cumbria. Josh creates stunningly vibrant and detailed make-up looks that range from full glam to runway and pop culture inspired looks to SFX makeup and more. Josh has also recently started creating stunning drag looks and developing his drag character.
We believe Josh is a makeup artist to keep an eye on as his talent continues to be noticed by large makeup brands. You can follow Josh on Instagram at @joshthompsonmakeup.
We caught up with josh to discuss his make-up career so far, his future plans and how he first got into the world of drag…
Tell us about how you first got into makeup artistry
My mum first took me to watch a makeup artist talk and originally teach her some things for her small business job on the side, then a few months after brought me along to a one day masterclass where I was able to do a makeup look myself and I fell in love with it. I realised I wasn’t bad and that I had a passion for it. Eventually, I began to practice on my friends and then myself. At first I had no confidence to post photos of myself and then I was playing around and I did a look I was so proud of I had to post it, since then I have had nothing but love on my posts and had amazing feedback, plus the chance to work with a lot of brands I have loved for over a year!
What inspires and influences you and your makeup
I get a lot of my inspiration from drag queens actually, I love the transformation aspect of makeup and that is what holds my interest and passion towards it. I also get a huge amount of inspiration from my peers and MUA friends who I have met via social media, I love to scroll on my Instagram page for hours and admire my friends talent and try and recreate what they have done on myself.
As Josh I don’t feel confident at all, but once I have finished my makeup process I feel unstoppable.
Tell us about your journey with drag
I have loved drag for as long as I can remember, since I was really young I have always been in skirts and heels, around 6 years ago I began watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and was infatuated by the queen’s confidence, artistry and creativity. I had always been watching but never even thought to do it myself until a few months ago. In around February 2020 I bought my first wig but didn’t actually wear it and post it until around November, it made me feel so confident and beautiful! I started to fall in love with transforming myself into this gorgeous character, so began investing in new makeup for drag and new wigs etc.
What do you love the most about being a makeup artist?
I love the transformation aspect of makeup and how I can turn myself into anything I want, such as a mermaid or a devil. I also love the confidence it brings me, as Josh I don’t feel confident at all, but once I have finished my makeup process I feel unstoppable. With being an MUA for a career, I love making other people feel the same confidence and the smile they get on their face after I have finished, you can just tell when they feel happy and it makes me happy.
Around 6 years ago, I began watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and was infatuated by the queen’s confidence, artistry and creativity.
What has been your favourite make up look so far and why?
Honestly, I don’t think I could choose what my favourite look is, every single look I post, goes through planning before-hand and then I will only post if I am proud of it. Therefore, I couldn’t say I had a favourite in particular as all of my looks are my favourite!
What future plans and goals do you have for yourself and your career as a MUA?
For myself my main goal is to work during fashion week as an MUA. Some of my short term goals are to carry on working with brands I love and use too.
We'd like to thank Josh again for being this week's COTW.
If you know a young creator who you think deserves to be featured as COTW, drop us a DM or email to nominate them.