Makeup Artist to the Stars: Alumnus Derrick Rutledge shares his journey

Webster University alumnus Derrick Rutledge, BA '83 is no stranger to the spotlight. He started his journey at Webster majoring in vocal performance and later became a makeup artist to the stars. Derrick’s story is relatable to many former and current Webster students. Like many, Derrick did not fit the typical mold of societal expectations and sought a path in life and education that suited his needs.

All my life I’ve been different.

Growing up in Washington, D.C., Derrick performed in the majority of his school’s music programs and wanted to further hone his vocal talent as a lyric tenor. While researching universities, Derrick discovered that alumna Marsha Mason, BA '64, attended Webster and wanted to challenge himself by attending college far from his hometown.

“All my life I’ve been different,” Derrick proclaimed as he delved into his experiences of his adolescence and college years. The Washington Post covered Derrick’s rise to fame and struggles in their article, “Makeup artist Derrick Rutledge makes over Michelle Obama, Oprah – and himself”. Derrick had self-esteem issues about his weight and often felt judged for his appearance. Unfortunately, Derrick was deterred from completing his major in vocal performance. Typically these roles are cast as slender men. Derrick did not let the negative attitudes of others discourage his path to working in theater. If anything, it strengthened his drive to prove himself. He shifted his focus to major in media arts and minor in vocal performance. Little did Derrick know that this change would be the first step in becoming a renowned makeup artist.

“I had no idea doing friends' makeup for five dollars would lead me to where I am today,” Derrick stated when discussing his humble beginnings.

As a media arts major, Derrick took a photography course and discovered his passion for makeup. Derrick noticed his photos were not turning out like the ones he admired in fashion magazines. He started to ask his models to bring their own makeup in order to do it for them. Derrick soon had students lining up for him to do their makeup once they saw how stunning his models looked after his photoshoots. Doing his friends’ makeup while studying at Webster helped give Derrick the experience of learning face shapes and skin tones. He realized he was good at doing makeup and would often practice on himself while looking at magazines.

“Take every opportunity, no matter how menial or how small, to transport yourself to the next big thing.”

Derrick won an award in a national photography competition as a student and would later go on to have his photos featured in Dudley Beauty books. From there, Derrick found himself working as a makeup artist at Black Entertainment Television (BET) for five years where he fostered connections with several celebrities.

For the past decade, Derrick has worked as makeup artist for media mogul Oprah Winfrey. Before Oprah, Derrick’s list of clients was extensive and included First Lady Michelle Obama, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Williams and more. In fact, it was due to his work with Michelle Obama that Oprah took notice of Derrick’s talent. When asked to describe his work, Derrick said, “It’s more than just makeup. People feel the love when I am around them."

Recently, Derrick launched his own line of skincare products in addition to the Master Classes he holds for makeup techniques. Learn more about Derrick by visiting his websites, Derrick Rutledge About Face and Perfecting Your Presence. Stay up-to-date with his newest works by checking out his Instagram, @derrick4mkup. 

Some advice Derrick gives to current students: “Take every opportunity, no matter how menial or how small, to transport yourself to the next big thing.” Now, more than ever, BIPOC students at Webster have support through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion led by Chief Diversity Officer, Vincent Flewellen. Derrick added, “Thank you [to Vincent] for being the advocate to reach out to me and to want to have me come back and revisit Webster again. Knowing that we have such a strong leader to help kids along the way matters.”