By KBR
The Phoenix makeup artist brings theatrical beauty, fashion, and imaginative transformation together in Contagion Magazine Vol. 6.
Makeup can do more than enhance a face. It can transform a person into a character, build an atmosphere, and tell a story through visual expression. For Phoenix-based makeup artist Chantel Hardison, that transformative power has been at the heart of a career shaped by experimentation, technical expertise, and a continual drive to evolve.
Photo by Sarel Moon | Contagion Media
Featured in Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: The ICON Issue, Hardison reflects on her journey through the beauty industry, from experimenting with makeup as a young dancer to building a career spanning fashion, print, and live performance. Her interview explores the experiences that shaped her artistic identity, the challenges of working professionally, and the resilience required to grow as both an artist and business owner.
Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue
Hardison’s early influences came from the drag and performance communities, where bold transformations and theatrical techniques expanded her understanding of what makeup could accomplish. Although she initially focused on event makeup and print work, an unexpected opportunity to create unconventional, theatrical looks for a fashion show introduced her to a more experimental side of the industry. It was an experience that helped reveal just how much creative possibility existed beyond traditional beauty.
That spirit of experimentation carries into her latest editorial with Contagion Magazine. Centered on theatrical makeup and fashion imagery, the photoshoot draws inspiration from extra-terrestrials, 1950s aesthetics, and AI-influenced concepts. The resulting visual direction explores the relationship between character, beauty, and transformation, allowing makeup to take the lead in shaping each image.
Under Hardison’s creative direction and makeup artistry, models ALEXIA and La Unica become part of this imaginative visual world, photographed and retouched by Sarel Moon. Together, the team brings the concept to life through striking beauty looks and editorial compositions that place theatrical makeup within a fashion-driven context. Produced by KBR for Contagion Media, the project reflects the collaborative nature of creative production while keeping Hardison’s artistry at the center.
The story continues beyond the finished photographs. An accompanying behind-the-scenes vlog offers a closer look at the photoshoot and the creative process behind the final images, giving viewers another way to experience the collaboration and see the work unfold.
In her interview, Hardison also discusses the professional turning points that helped define her career. Leaving her position as a makeup brand representative to pursue freelancing full-time gave her the flexibility to reassess her direction and develop her practice on her own terms. She shares insight into working with musicians, where theatrical looks must withstand heat, intense stage lighting, movement, and demanding schedules without sacrificing the original vision.
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, Hardison sees technology playing an increasingly important role, from the development of new cosmetics to the tools available to artists. Still, the most meaningful part of her work remains deeply personal: building connections, helping clients feel confident, sharing knowledge, and becoming part of moments that matter to others.
Order your print or digital copy of Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue.
Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue features 11 stories and 100 Pages that explore what it means to be an iconic artist.
From artist interview to valuable advice to behind the scenes videos, this premium magazine is the perfect read for artists who love to experience artist journeys, creative culture, and career development in the art & media industry.
Curated by KBR and Contagion Media’s editorial team, the ICON issue features artists of all mediums breaking artist boundaries globally, as well as their advice as to how they got there.
Artists Featured:
Sean Dackermann
Ryan Postas
Maddie tha Baddie
Angel Virtuoso
Erick Grillo
Rae.L
Chantel Hardison
B Bailey
ALEXIA
La Unica
Krysta Alyse
Yosh
Leslie Knox
Kevin Fides
& more!
Estimated Print Delivery Time: 2 Weeks
Estimated Digital Delivery Time: 24-48 Hours via Email
Her feature in The ICON Issue offers a look at the artist behind the makeup, celebrating the resilience and creative curiosity that have carried her through years of artistic growth. The accompanying editorial provides a visual extension of that story, demonstrating how makeup can move beyond conventional beauty and become an expressive art form in its own right.
Discover Chantel Hardison’s creative vision in Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: The ICON Issue. Read the full interview and experience the editorial photography in print or digital format. For a closer look at the creative process, watch the accompanying behind-the-scenes vlog and step into the making of this theatrical fashion story.
Published by KBR on October 31, 2026
