Launching from the world-renowned Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles, Smashbox’s four-week incubator residency program provides artists with premium resources to create, in tandem with a physical space to develop and showcase their work. The program culminated in a group show at Smashbox Studios, where the cohort unveiled three new projects that push boundary-breaking beauty standards across cultures, generations, and genders.

The three artists invited to participate in the inaugural residency are Uzumaki Cepeda, who creates faux-fur environments designed as safe havens for communities of color; Gabriela Ruiz, a mixed media artist who works with vibrant color palettes to explore ideas of self, home, and environment; and Randijah Simmons, a photographer and co-founder of community creative studio The Babe Cave LA.

"I wanted to create a culture. Not just a studio. I didn't want to exclude anybody. I wanted to plant a seed so people could grow, and that meant everyone was welcome," says Davis Factor, Founder and SVP of Global Creative at Smashbox Cosmetics.

Each artist received a grant to invest in materials, tools, and resources to bring their visionary projects to life. Additionally, participants were invited to take advantage of the brand's incredible breadth of resources:

Artists had access to various Smashbox Studios services and tools such as: lighting equipment, photography equipment, and studio space.

Artists were also introduced to Smashbox Cosmetics veterans who provided guidance on photography, lighting, branding and design, and makeup in science and practice, including:

• Davis Factor, Smashbox Cosmetics & Studios Founder; Smashbox Cosmetics Head of Global Creative

• Lori Taylor Davis , Smashbox Cosmetics Global Lead Pro Artist

• Gabriel Eid, Smashbox Cosmetics & Glam Glow Vice President/Global Creative Director

• Jill Tomandl, Smashbox Cosmetics Vice President of Product Development, Innovation & Brand Sustainability

• Brad Lansill, Smashbox Photographer

To further engage diverse communities and audiences, artists presented their final projects in a celebratory group show at Smashbox Studios on March 31, 2022.

[Image courtesy of Smashbox]