Celebrating Green Crew Heroes! Pro Makeup Artist Katey Denno
Green The Bid Crew Heroes is a series that highlights individuals who bring sustainable practices to any area of the production process, and seek to inspire others to do the same. Production can’t happen without all crew-members (both on set and off), and the same is true of their support of Green The Bid.
Here Green The Bid’s Gabi Kay talks to Pro Makeup Artist and eco-friendly product recommender Katey Denno.
G.K. Where did you grow up and how did it inform how you do your job today?
K.D. I grew up right outside of Washington DC in the 90’s + loved taking the metro into the city to spend time in museums, and to attend environmental action rallies + political protests. I marinated myself in art and design, and in the act of standing up for what I believe is right.
In my 20’s I moved to NYC, and spent the first 10 years of my adult career life working as a social worker, helping others through difficult times. All of that informs who I am and how I do my job today.
G.K. What are some things you do as a make-up artist to be sustainable and what things would you love more production companies and crews to adopt?
K.D. Reusable water bottles for all! Reusable cutlery and napkins for all! Every crew member should bring these every day. No excuses. I wish all production companies would bring water jugs from which crew could refill our refillable bottles.
If you work with the same models /actresses, no need for disposable lip and mascara brushes; it’s all about setting yourself up for more eco-friendly success.
G.K. What are the things you have changed in your own life to be more environmentally conscious?
K.D. I compost, I grocery shop at farmers markets, I use solar energy for my household and car power needs, I rarely buy furniture or clothing new, instead always shopping second hand finds.
I support makeup, skincare, body care, hair care and household cleaning brands whose missions align with mine – particularly those that have more eco-friendly packaging and ingredient lists.
G.K. Who most influences you and inspires you when it comes to being socially and environmentally responsible in your work life and your personal life?
K.D. The list is so long! At the top of the list of inspirations are the animal and insect kingdoms. Then there are vegans, and across the board, those holding large corporations accountable for their earth-harming behaviors. People like Greta Thunberg, Leah Thomas, Mary Annaise Heglar, and Lauren Singer, and then there are ig accounts like Greenmatters + Future Earth that give me focus and information on the daily. Then there’s Kjaer Weis, Axiology, Meow Meow Tweet Tweet and quite a few others, who are the makeup and skincare brands leading the way in eco-friendly packaging. They inspire me to live a more eco friendly life every day.
G.K. If you could do any other job on set - what would it be and why?
K.D. I love what I do so much that I can’t imagine doing anything else on set!
----- Are you a crew hero or do you know one? We want to hear from you!
