Why Be Yourself When You Could Become a Character? Interview with Make-up Artist Vlada Krukovskaya

There are makeup artists, and then there are people who use makeup as a tool for world-building. Russian multidisciplinary artist Vlada Krukovskaya belongs firmly in the latter category. What begins as makeup often evolves into something much larger: a complete character constructed through wigs, styling, photography, color, fantasy, and performance. Drawing inspiration from horror films, music, vampires, underground aesthetics, and the constant desire to reinvent herself, Vlada has built a visual universe where beauty is less about perfection and more about transformation. In this conversation, she reflects on growing up in Russia, teaching herself photography and styling, the artists who shaped her imagination, and why some of the most compelling creative work begins with the simple desire to become someone else for a moment.

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview! I initially came across your work on Instagram and was immediately in awe. You’re a multidisciplinary artist from makeup and photography to hair and fashion styling. When did you start engaging with these different art forms? 

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it! I started drawing in early childhood, from about age 5. I studied at art schools until I was 18 and after graduating, I entered college to major in jewelry. During my third year, I was 21 years old. I became interested in doing makeup "for myself," and it became popular among my friends. After many years of developing my makeup skills, I began working with stylisation. I realized that makeup alone wasn't enough for me and wanted to start creating full-fledged looks. I started by trying to sew things myself from tights and old jeans and bringing things from my wardrobe. I started taking photos by buying myself a cheap camera and after many years of work, it became clear that I became a stylist, makeup artist,  and conducted photo shoots myself. Wigs have become an integral part of all my looks and I am very carried away by acquiring them. Now I have about 30 wigs and although I am not a hair stylist, I try to add something new to my looks. 

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: Where are you from and how do you feel it influences your art if at all? 

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: : I'm originally from Omsk, Russia. As a child, we moved to a military dormitory in St. Petersburg and later to the suburbs, where I lived until I was 15. Objectively, I understand that creativity and development often depend on a person's personality and their desire to become significant in society to prove something to themselves. But I also recognize that this can be directly influenced by where they live and their environment. Honestly, I'm grateful to my mother that one day we moved and I met people in the creative field. My talent wasn't wasted. I always listened to my heart and no matter how difficult my path, I still stick to it. Frankly, my place of residence still influences my creativity. I lack inspiration and full self-discovery, but I don't give up. I strive with all my might to achieve all my goals and reach the highest level no matter what.

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: Your work as a makeup artist is truly iconic. You build complete looks which include teeth, tongue, eyes, and hair. Where do you tend to draw inspiration from? 

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: : I often listen to music and imagine myself as an artist. I'm standing on stage with a crowd of people in front of me, and images pop into my head like stills from a movie. I know there's a hidden star inside me, and I often think that all my images would look cool, like a new character constantly in different guises. My images are precisely "characters." I adore Marilyn Manson and Deftones. Their energy in music is what I feel is hidden within myself. Traveling also helps me discover new facets of myself, expand my worldview, and learn about new cultures. As you can see now in my work, I was strongly drawn to the bright colors after my trip to Shanghai. 

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: Are there any music or film references you’re loving at the moment?

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: : Right now I'm into Chinese or Japanese trash style, everything bright, and I'm really drawn to pink. But, my soul remains forever loyal to a dark and gloomy style. I'm also greatly inspired by Christina Aguilera's "Fighter" video. She's amazing in it, especially when she breaks the glass of a transparent coffin in a black look. I'm also inspired by vampire movies like Queen of the Damned. I'm generally a fan of horror films and vampires. As for other styles, I adore Rihanna.  I look forward to her every appearance, wondering, "How cool will she dress this time?" In fact, I could go on and on about this. 

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: How long does it take to create some of your looks? 

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: : From 5 minutes to 3 hours. I usually work quickly, but some looks can be really technically challenging. I mostly struggle with the constant use of lenses and wigs. It's just uncomfortable, especially when I have full-face piercings. They always fall on the floor. When I do my collages, I often use light makeup or makeup over makeup and play up the look with styling. Then I really spend 5 minutes.

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: When do you feel the most beautiful?

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: : I am engaged in self-programming and try to think that I am always beautiful. Although there are days when I feel bad and do not look at myself in the mirror, I love myself both with and without makeup. Often without makeup I love myself even more. 

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: Are there any artists you wish to work with?  

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: :  I'm always open to collaborations if a person's work appeals to me and I understand that we can catch a common vibe. 

TAYLOR CHAMPLIN: How do you envision your future? 

VLADA KRUKOVSKAYA: : I never share my plans and my vision of the future. I let things turn out as they will, or better yet, exactly as I have planned in my head. The only thing I know for sure is that I need to put in a lot of effort to achieve all my goals.