Since the launch of the RYDER make-up labs lecture and workshop series in 2002, James has become one of the beauty industry's most celebrated career development lecturers. He's inspired students and instructors from many of the top beauty and esthetics schools in over 100 U.S. cities.
James is transforming the way make-up is applied not only in film and print, but in the finest salons and spas across the country.
In the second year of the series, RYDER make-up labs workshops became the most popular professional make-up artistry workshops in the U.S., and its popularity continues to grow.
By the end of 2007, RYDER make-up labs lectures and workshops have helped over one hundred thousand aspiring make-up artists actualize their dreams by providing the information, technical training and guidance they need to get started in the entertainment industry.
James Ryder teaches the latest, cutting edge make-up techniques. The RYDER make-up labs method transcends the old fashioned theory that you must do make-up differently for print, video, and film.
Many of Mr. Ryder's students have taken advantage of the resources and skills they've acquired from RYDER make-up labs to work in film, television, and print. Others are platform artists for leading cosmetic companies and head make-up artists in fine salons and spas across the country.
With over 20 years of professional experience as a make-up artist for film, print, television, commercials and music videos, James Ryder has worked on over 100 films during the course of his career. He's been the Make-up Department Head or a star request on more than fifty of those feature films. His work has been seen in magazines like Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, Harper's Bazarre, GQ, Glamour, and others.
His body of work includes Steven Soderberg’s “sex, lies, and videotape”, Rob Cohen’s “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story”, Alexander Payne’s “Election”, Terry Zwigoff’s “Ghost World”, and Doug Liman’s “Go”.
As a personal make-up artist, James has transformed character actor, Vincent D’Onofrio, into the infamous Abby Hoffman in “Steal This Movie”, a tormented serial killer in “The Cell”, a nose-less meth-amphetamine dealer in “The Salton Sea” and others.
Many Celebrities have requested James Ryder as their personal make-up artist for movies, tv, magazines, award shows and publicity.
James has had the opportunity to work with countless actors like Katie Holmes, Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Alyssa Milano, Billy Dee Williams, Andie MacDowell, Judd Nelson, Taye Diggs, Lauren Holly, John Goodman, Thora Birch, Dennis Hopper, Steve Buscemi, Christopher Meloni, Scarlett Johansson, Timothy Olyphant, Robert Wagner, Jennie Garth, Harvey Korman, Vanessa Williams, Ricki Lake, Mercedes Ruehl, Eric Roberts, Janeane Garafolo, Gregory Hines, Joe Mantegna, Morgan Fairchild, Tilda Swinton, James Spader, Bridget Fonda, James Earl Jones, Faith Ford, Cathy Moriarty, Beverly D’Angelo, and many others.
More information about James Ryder is available at http://imdb.com
James Ryder has been the Make-up Department Head or a star request on more than 50 feature films.
Above and Below: As Make-up Department Head of the hit comedy "Election", James Ryder took Matthew Broderick through several hilarious stages as a Bee Sting on his eye continued to swell.
Below: As Vincent D'Onofrio's personal make-up artist for the film "The Cell", James Ryder applied and styled all of D'Onofrio's Wigs.
"Being a mentor is an honor, and I take it very seriously. When I see these artists change over the course of my workshops, it touches me. I want to change their life." And that is what he's done for many who've attended his lectures or workshops. "When one of these kids call me while they're working on their first film, I feel like I'm on the crew... I love to walk them through tricky gags and production problems... Filmmakers see a difference in my students. They know how to do make-up quickly and effectively and they show up to work with that look in their eye - That look of passion and confidence that's rare now a days."
