User:Mister Billy B

Billy Brasfield, better known as "Billy B" is one of the most successful and sought after makeup artists in the world. He is an expert in the artistry of makeup, whether it is to subtly enhance a face or completely transform it. Billy is a master of his craft, and his exceptional talent and passion have elevated him to the top of his field.

Billy's career path began in 1985, when he left his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi and moved to New York City. Billy applied for a job at Macy's, Herald Square and after inventing a story of prior experience in makeup, he was offered a position in cosmetics where he immediately began teaching himself on "Real Women" on the main floor of Macy's. Ironically, it was those women that Billy "practiced" on, that validated his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in beauty beyond the cosmetic counter. With that encouragement, Billy began to focus on a career as a freelance makeup artist working days at Macy's and building his portfolio and by night in nightclubs where he got his break when he met and began working with photographer/director Ken Nahoum.

Now, Billy is in high demand in all aspects of his field including his work with the world's leading beauty and fashion magazines including Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and most recently the 25th Anniversary issue of British Elle with CoCo Rocha, and with Lady GAGA for the cover of Time Magazine. His work can also be seen in print advertising and commercials including Christian Dior's Capture Totale with Sharon Stone with photographers Jean Baptiste Mondino and Solve Sundsbo, as well as the Dior Capture Totale commercial featuring Ms. Stone directed by Wong Kar Kai. His work can be seen on every high-profile red carpet including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tony's and more.

Billy's works with many of the music industry icons, including Lady GAGA, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Tina Turner, Debbie Harry, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Cheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Bilge, Yoko Ono and Dolly Parton and the list goes on. He has created the looks for some of the most iconic and award winning music videos ever made. Most recently, Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", "Bad Romance," "Telephone," and Videophone with Beyonce, Beyone's "Listen," PINK'S "Raise your Glass," Melissa Etheridge's "Fearless Love," Keri Hilson's "Pretty Girl Rock," Dolly Parton's "Backwoods Barbie, And Keri Hilson's "Pretty Girl Rock". Billy's work has appeared in books by Thierry LeGoues, Andrew Macpherson, Tom Ford and Francesco Scavullo. In the dedication of Making Faces, written by legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, Billy was acknowledged as one of the makeup artists that inspired and taught him.

Billy does not take his successes for granted. He has not forgotten where he came from by "Paying It Forward" Equally to both aspiring makeup artists and the town he came from. Billy is a favorite among makeup artists as a lecturer and teacher. For example his 1997, 9 City "American Beauty Tour with Billy B" where he taught aspiring and accomplished makeup artists alike. In Billy's hometown he has co-founded a Non-Profit organization SAL (Save Aberdeen Landmarks) whose focus is preserving his hometown's historic landmarks. Billy's impassioned work in his hometown has not gone UN-noticed.

The "New York Times" did a feature story on Billy and his work in his hometown which lead to his own 6 hour television mini series entitled, "Hometown Renovation" premiering Jan. 03, 2011 on HGTV. Billy was awarded by HGTV as "Community Crusader" an award given too individuals for Outstanding work in their communities.

Billy along with business partners he is currently working on a revolutionary new beauty industry venture launching in 2012.

From his humble self-taught beginnings to his current place as a global A-list style-maker, it has only just begun for billy b.

Billy's work has appeared in books by Thierry LeGoues, Andrew Macpherson, Tom Ford and Francesco Scavullo. In the dedication of Making Faces, written by legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, Billy was acknowledged as one of the makeup artists that inspired and taught him.

Billy has had the privilege of working with many of the premier photographers and video directors of the decade.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Billy Brasfield

Billy currently lives in Aberdeen Mississippi, New York City, New York and West Hollywood, California, and works as a makeup artist worldwide.