Eric Vosburg – 2014 People to Watch

Occupation: Makeup artist
Hometown: Gonzales
Age: 18

After graduating from East Ascension High School in December, Eric Vosburg is following his dream and moving to New York City this month. For many, such a move would seem adventurous, risky or even cliché—a starry-eyed youth escaping to the big city for his big break.

But Vosburg has a ton of experience and a hefty portfolio under his belt already. For the past few years, he’s likely been the youngest makeup artist working professionally in Louisiana, trekking back and forth between Baton Rouge and New Orleans to prep models for glossy magazine photo shoots, music videos and films. His work was featured on Italian Vogue‘s website last year.

“I love period makeup, and I’m kind of a history buff,” Vosburg says, rattling off a list of legendary screen stars who’ve inspired him, with heydays well before he was born.

Another inspiration is the late Louisiana-born makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, known for transforming celebrities into historical figures for his best-selling photography books. “He wanted to use makeup for good rather than just for vanity,” Vosburg says. “I feel the same way; I’m trying to empower people.”

“Growing up, my mom told me, ‘As long as you’re comfortable with it, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.’

For more on Vosburg, go to ericvosburg.com.