Val Harvey, Creative Human
"I make more money saying no than I ever did saying yes to everything."
Welcome to an occasional interview series in which I chat with interesting creative people about how and why they get good work done while staying alive. This week, I chat to my dear friend Val Harvey, who is hot as Hades, beautiful as Aphrodite, smart as Athena, and creative as Bob Ross if he were a hot girl and the happy little squirrels were, like, Jack Harlow and models and shit.
Tell me how you describe yourself as an artist/worker/ creative human.
I would describe myself as a sensitive and empathic soul who channels her emotions into her art.
To what extent does being raised in LA inform what you do? How about being born in Panama?
Being an artist and finding success and your tribe in LA is not for the faint of heart. You’re always striving for more and to better yourself to keep up with the endless flux of talent streaming intro the city. Iron sharpens iron and I’ve learned so much over the years from the incredible artists I’ve met over my career.Â
Being from Panama ties me to a beautiful culture I think will come full circle for me when I finally put down the brush. It’s also a deep reflection of how far my family has come.
Has mentoring been a part of your artistic experience, either as a mentor or mentee? (Maybe both?)
I routinely mentor people in and outside of the industry. I always feel as though it’s more beneficial for everyone to move road blocks out of the way for the upward mobility of all. No need to pass the same struggles on to the ones coming up. Just holds us ALL back.
Can you share advice for artists - fellow HMUA folks or otherwise - that you wish you'd known when you started out?
Always ask questions to get specifics on what the job entails. Don’t get so excited that you got work and forget to get paid (appropriately). It’s also very okay to stand by your rate and to say no if it doesn’t work for you.
I make more money saying no than I ever did saying yes to everything.
Have faith that something better will come your way. Learn how to do hair. Sometimes the difference between having a job and not having a job is if you do hair. But also remember it’s a whole entire additional service so don’t forget to get paid extra for that too!
At which time of day are you likely to feel most creative?
Night time. I’m basically a vampire.
What supplies do you prefer to have around you?
Good lighting, good music to vibe to and a joint.
What supplies do you NEED to have with you?
Clean brushes and sponges. I can improvise with very little.
Do you regard yourself as a confident person? Has your self-confidence changed as you've gotten older?
I do. Especially with my rate. I’m hanging up if you’re not going to pay me right because I’ve worked really hard to build a reputation in this town that keeps the phones ringing.
To what extent do you experience the "despair and compare" issue that haunts so many human beings? How do you return your eyes to your own paper, so to speak, and focus on your work?
I finally stopped wasting time thinking that my career or measure of success has to look like someone else’s. I realized that my journey is truly my journey. Be proud of everything you do!
Are there any resources around finance that you think artists should check out?
Get a good accountant that will navigate you through having an LLC and paying taxes quarterly.
Who are the artists to whom you return when you need inspiration?
All of the members of my makeup house party group formed during the pandemic; Pat McGrath; and Danessa Myricks.
Does physical activity play a part in your creativity?
Distance running and hiking!
Are there habits you've put in place to help enhance your mental health?
I have little rituals of making coffee, nut milks and green juices. Started during the pandemic and I’ve kept up with it. It’s something that feels like a treat, that I take my time doing for myself every day.
Do you recommend any books that might help fellow artists who are feeling stuck, confused, tired, sick of their work, or perhaps just bored?
The Body Keeps the Score and also The Drama of The Gifted Child. If you’re an artist like me, you feel everything all the time! As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that not everyone deserves the passion I put into things. Learning to regulate my nervous system helps [me] react proportionately to a situation. That leaves room for joy and leaning into it more fully.
If you decided to retire from your current career tomorrow and start a totally new one, what would you pick? (Imagine you've got enough money to live comfortably no matter what.)
I’d retire from being an armchair therapist and study to be a psychiatrist.
Where can SARATONIN readers learn more about you and your work?
@mohawkmakeup on Insta and @_badgal.val_ on Tiktok!Â
