Interview: Chlorophyll von Needle (makeup artist, Prague)

We met at an event in Prague and it turned out we have few things in common.

To start,  how did you come up with your name?

My pseudonym, Chlorophyll von Needle, comes from the fact that a few years ago I used to dye my hair distinctly green. As an amateur piercer I love body modifications so I added to the “needle“ to the name.

When did you realize you are different than your peers?

I think it was already in kindergarten. As I got older it escalated so I didn’t have many friends. When I started to attend a high school in Bratislava I told myself I should start living my dream and this is the result of it.

You live in Prague, but originally you come from Slovakia. Can you tell me why you decided to leave Slovakia?

There were many reasons. I come from a small village in western Slovakia and we all know how it goes there. Being even slightly different makes you an instant target and you are condemned. Except my parents and few good friends they all condemned me. There is much more space for my personal and professional development in Prague.

Chlorophyll's photos

How do you like Prague?

So far, I like it here more than I originally expected. It is one of the most beautiful places which I’ve ever visited. I have a job that I love and great people around me. I think I'll stay for a while..

What do you think about tolerance of sexual minorities in the Czech Republic and what is the difference compared to Slovakia?

It’s pretty open-minded here, but there is still lot of space for improvement. This applies especially to Slovakia where it’s really backward.

Just look at the Gay Pride in  Bratislava: you can see anti-riot squads, police helicopters, etc.  Before joining the pride they search you and you can’t have even a closed plastic bottle on you. Now compare it with Prague - here it’s Prague is the largest party of the year. Given that Slovakia is strongly religious you have to fight for basic human rights.

Can you tell me to what gender you feel closest and how do you classify yourself as a transvestite or transsexual?

This is a rather difficult question for me. Overall, I avoid fitting into any box, gender “box” is one I avoid a lot.  I use masculine voice (grammatically *) because I’m used to it. Yet many people approach me as female because they feel it’s more natural. I generally try to tear down gender stereotypes. The stereotypes made my life quite difficult and I think I'm not the only one.

* editor’s note: Czech and Slovak language uses a feminine / masculine voice in grammar to identify the gender of the speaker

Drag look - Chlorophyll

About your job, you are a make-up artist. Why did you chose this job?

Make-up has been my hobby for couple of years and and about 3 years ago I’ve  decided to become a professional in this area. Currently I am working in a famous Prague tattoo and piercing studio (Hell.cz). We started courses of make-up where we teach how to do a proper make-up. But if my clients prefer to get lessons in the privacy of their homes I have no problem with that neither.

Who is target audience for your services?

They are of course for anyone.

You have a very distinctive style, can you tell us the most influential person in your life?

There are many people who influenced me, mostly good friends. But I assume you are asking about public figures. That would be clearly Amy Winehouse, she  literally changed my life.

There were times when I was in a pretty severe depression:  I had no one close  and I was terribly unhappy/dissatisfied with myself. Then I've seen some videos of her where she walks the streets of London with distinctive haircut and eyebrow line across half the face.  She didn’t care what anyone thinks. Then I realized I can be just like her. And that’s how it happened. On the day she passed away I started to do my make-up. At that time had no idea what effect it will have on me in future. :)

During Trans Party In Prague you had an interesting lecture on the basics of make-up. If you should sum up everything in three basic rules what they would be? I especially mean advice for trannies (MTF).

Thank you for the compliment. Recently, I decided to focus more on drag make-up and I have to say it’s not as easy as it looks.

It’s hard to pick 3 basic rules. But let me tell you right away: it’s bad if you compare yourself with a photo of celebrity from internet, especially if you have no or very little experience with styling and make-up. We all have different facial features, different types of skin and this means different rules apply. First failure usually leads to demotivation.

A great source are video tutorials on the Internet. There are loads of step-by-step videos, but make sure you choose ones that cover transgender/drag make-up. Mainly because the initial process of applying makeup and contours is different and more complex than the same process for women.

And then.. practise regularly! For example, sometimes before removing make-up and going to bed I often play with colors and shading on existing make-up.

Are there any people you don't like?

I don't like people who are intolerant. People who live in this century, yet still can’t understand everyone is different and deserves to live free and have the same rights. Unfortunately, there is still lot of people like that.

And what kind of people you like?

Basically anyone who doesn’t fit the description above. Secretly I hope the next generation growing up will be more open and tolerant. For that to happen we have to start with ourselves.

And finally .. Do you have any fun stories from your life?

Oh there are many, but I’d rather stay silent to protect my reputation :D

Thank you for the interview.

For those who are interested in professional services of Chlorophyll von Needle contact her through Facebook.

Latex photoshoot - Chlorophyll

Interview by Betty (transbetty).