Karima Dorsey
Name: Karima Dorsey
Occupation: Freelance model, stylist, and make-up artist
Photographer: Ciara Kelley (IG: capturedbyciara)
Model/make-up/styling/hair: Karima Dorsey (IG: libra_rima)
Wardrobe: Vintage to Vogue Boutique
( IG: vintagetovogueboutique)
Interviewer: Tell me about your work as an artist.
Karima: I’m a cartoon character trapped in a models body lol. I’m inspired by music, artist, photographers, pop culture, television, social media and trends. I eat, sleep, and breathe fashion. Each photo shoot is just a new season for me. Maybe I style myself as a widow, Biggie Smalls, or Drew Barrymore. All the photographer sees is a model who’s a great stylist, but to me they’re all characters with different personalities, and a story to tell. When it comes to make-up artistry, my mission is to make my client feel like the biggest superstar to walk this earth. It’s my job to bring out their best features, compliment the event, and instill confidence into the individual. Make-up is much more than colored pigments; it’s the cherry on top to an already perfect sundae. If I can make my client feel more confident and gorgeous, I’ve done my job.
Interviewer: What are you trying to FEED the world? (What do you want viewers to get from your work?)
Karima: I want my viewers to be inspired by my work. I especially want my young queer black women to feel represented without feeding into a stereotype. I want there to be a clear distinction between myself and any other influencers. I want someone to see my work whether it be styling, make-up artistry, or modeling, and know it’s me.
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Interviewer: What do you EAT? (What influences you as an artist)
Karima: I love the arts as a whole. From music; to cartoons, to movies, to paintings, it all has a huge impact on me. Social media gives me great access to arts from around the world. I could see a makeup artist incorporate neon eyeliner, and I’m inspired to create a glow in the dark photo shoot.
Interviewer: When did you decide, you wanted to be an artist?
Karima: I’ve been creating art for quite some time. I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was a sophomore in college. I knew I was interested in fashion, but I wasn’t quite sure for my place in such a vast world.
Interviewer: Can you tell us what you are working on currently?
Karima: I currently have two upcoming fashion shows in March. I’m in the goodwill “rock the runway” show, and a “free and fabulous” fundraiser event to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. I have a few shoots coming up as well; I’m really interested in having a drag themed shoot.
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Karima: I want to have my own make-up line catered to people of color, a freelance make-up artistry business, and a mentoring program for young black women. By then I’ll have dedicated my time to modeling in prestigious fashion shows, and have built the connections necessary to further my career.
"Glow babe"
Photographer: Luguzy Atkins ( IG: guzythephotographer)
Model/ styling/make-up artist/ hair: Karima Dorsey (IG: libra_rima)
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
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Karima: I want to have my own make-up line catered to people of color, a freelance make-up artistry business, and a mentoring program for young black women. By then I’ll have dedicated my time to modeling in prestigious fashion shows, and have built the connections necessary to further my career.
Interviewer: What would you say to the kid in the classroom or at home who is being told that they can’t
make money from being an artist of any kind?
Karima: Money follows passion and hard work. Put yourself in a place to network with those who not only believe in your work, but have the connections to push your career. Participate in as many events as you can, and if you aren’t able to find others to propel your career, do it yourself. Hard work beats talent any day.
Interviewer: What should we do as artists to make sure that our craft is taken seriously?
Karima: Take yourself seriously. Never invalidate your own work or feelings, and speak out against injustices. Make sure the people you collaborate with are giving you credit for your work, have a clear vision, and know your why. Consistency is key; keep your foot on the gas, and watch out for life’s potholes.
"Adrogynme"
Photographer: Ciara Kelley (IG: capturedbyciara)
Model/make-up/styling/hair: Karima Dorsey (IG: libra_rima)
Wardrobe: Vintage to Vogue Boutique
( IG: vintagetovogueboutique)