About: David Frank Ray
“David Frank Ray has spent his professional life making things beautiful…in person, print, film, and on-line. His intuitive sensitivity and sophisticated taste in style, color and design has defined him as an artist throughout his career. Combining these qualities with his concrete and practical attention to detail has become his signature in the world of beauty and high fashion.”
BIO
David Frank Ray arrived in New York City from his home town of Michigan in the early 70s to start his career as a makeup artist / hair stylist.
After first working in the salons of BERGDORF GOODMAN and ELIZABETH ARDEN, then on his own as a freelance artist, David was invited to join the roster of the first ever agency for hair and makeup artists BEAUTY BOOKINGS. After working on many test photos for his portfolio, David was booked for editorials with VOGUE, BAZAAR and COSMOPOLITAN.
This lead to his first national cosmetic advertising campaign for MAX FACTOR. He continued to build his reputation for the next five years working with the top models of the day, including PATTIE HANSON, JANICE DICKINSON and IMAN. And every Season David would travel to Paris to add FRENCH ELLE beauty pages to his portfolio while working on the fashion shows.
After a holiday in Los Angeles in 1980 he decided to make his home there. David’s work in Hollywood was very different from New York. The majority of work was with celebrities, which was new and exciting. One of his favorite celebs is JACLYN SMITH the actress of Charlie’s Angels TV fame…they worked together for many years while she was the spokesperson for MAX FACTOR.
He also worked consistently with LYNDA CARTER on the MAYBELLINE account, PRISCILLA PRESLEY for WELLA, as well as JESSICA LANGE, SIGOURNEY WEAVER, SHARON STONE and NICOLETTE SHERIDAN, to name just a few.
Being involved conceptually with photographers, magazine editors and art directors, inspired him to become a CREATIVE DIRECTOR. The first project David produced and directed creatively (as well as doing the makeup & hair) was the ELITE MODELS PROMOTIONAL CALENDER 1986 for which he received a recognition for excellence in creative direction by the CLIO AWARDS.
In the 90’s David returned to New York to consult with VICTORIA’S SECRET BEAUTY helping them develop and coordinate products for their new color collection, as well as a seminar and training video used by their staff nation wide.
This experience lead to David’s becoming DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT for THE TOVA CORPORATION. For the next three years he was immersed in every aspect of the company’s brand development…from new products, print advertising and direct mail catalog, to founder TOVA BORGNINE’s phenomenally profitable QVC television appearance’s in both the US and UK. While under David’s direction TOVA CORP received THE FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION’s “FiFi” award for the fragrance “Tova Night”.
In 2000 David started his own consulting firm ELRAY CREATIVE. He was hired by LVMH to collaborate on the homepage image of ELUXURY.COM’s successful on-line launch. David continued on as a CREATIVE PRODUCER of the photo shoots, directing and editing images, casting and hiring models, fashion stylists, hair & makeup artists, all for the designer boutiques of DIOR, MARK JACOBS, DONNA KAREN, MICHAEL KORS, and BULGARI.
Currently David is working on two books, a unique cosmetic system, a beauty related television concept, writing the beauty blogs Makeup Beat and Faces Places & Lipstick Traces, while consulting for cosmetic companies such as M.A.C./ESTEE LAUDER, and several other projects.
All this while indulging in his affection for dogs. David had a French Bulldog, the late “Kobey-Rose” that inspired him to create Gents Canine Society a fun blog about who’s who and what’s what in the dog world.
Recently David adopted a Papillion mixed breed named “Beauchamp” that is bringing much joy into his life today.
Please contact: david@makeupbeat.com or davidfrankray@gmail.com
on August 1st, 2006 at 12:17 am
David Ray is a fantastic and very talented person and has been a great friend to me ….since we met sometime in the late 1970s…when I was but a mere child…..I have a few great memories of going out with him, I seem to recall him in a lavish turban,…and he has a great and refined sense of style and beauty and a fabulous sense of humour…..I was really happy to read this BLOG and his resumé……he’s done quite alot more than mentioned here,…making people look so glamorous, so ultra…and he likes animals,…which in my book is a gigantic extra plus….BRAVO DFR…..Switzerland loves you! …..Truly yours, BillyBoy*
on August 1st, 2006 at 11:18 pm
So glad to discover your beauty blog and would love to have you submit it to our new directory, Delightfulblogs.com. We have a select group of blogs that appeal to stylish gals and I think they will enjoy your blog as much as I did.
Best,
Lynda
P.S. I hope you will post some photos of your French Bulldog. I’m crazy about the breed
on August 3rd, 2006 at 8:05 pm
Hey Honey
Love your blog!!!!
Baci,
Elwanda
on August 3rd, 2006 at 10:52 pm
I am one of the lucky ones to have met David through his love for his French Bulldog; Kobey-Rose. Although I’ve know him for only a short period of time, I consider him a man of honor and integrity… plus he has a kind personality. It’s great to see he is also talented, creative and artistic, but it doesn’t surprise me…i guess that is something I would expect from him.
Congratulations on your new site dear friend! David Ray ROCKS!
on August 6th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
diabla Simply Adore’s “Makeup Beat” & David Ray… What A Breath Of Fresh Air! Thanks David…
d.
on August 8th, 2006 at 7:38 am
Bravo David… What a classy artistic visionary.
I am honoured to have met you,
and enjoy your writings very much.
Much love…
~ Caron
on August 15th, 2006 at 4:49 am
Having arrived–dare I hope, fashionably(?)–late to your blog, I am thrilled and over-the-top impressed. This is beautiful, David. But, it is really no surprise as you are a beautiful man, inside and out. And that is real style!
on August 31st, 2006 at 12:53 pm
I’ve known David as “Elray” for more than 10 years. (I knew you were a talented man but, I had no idea how many successful projects you’ve been involved in.) I never cease to be awed by “Elray” he is a spiritual light in my life and I consider him a soulmate. Keep shining baby! Hugs and kisses to Kobey Rose.
Love and Light,
Maria
on September 3rd, 2006 at 9:27 pm
Congrats on all you have done..
on September 25th, 2006 at 6:08 pm
Dear David
So thrilled to see this great site. Much luck in the future. You are so
creative, fun and thoughtful. it’s been a pleasure to work (and lunch)
with you.
Cade
on December 3rd, 2006 at 4:20 am
Thank you so much for the info.. I knew there was something special about your profile. I am a dedicated Make up artist and hairstylist always striving to grow and reach for the stars. If all else fails I will fall amongst the clouds, right?
Ginabella
on December 9th, 2006 at 6:17 am
Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences. I am sure that many make up artists and plain enthusiasts (such as myself) are learning a great deal by reading this blog. Please keep it up for as long as possible!
on January 7th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Dear David Ray,
I’ve started reading your blog today and I’m impressed and fascinated by your stories and entries! Keep up the good work! You’ve inspired me!
Best wishes,
Benjamin
on January 25th, 2007 at 5:25 am
A Chicago lawyer named George successfully defends a major crime lord from charges of dealing drugs, racketeering, murder, kidnapping, and selling arms.
As he is leaving the courtroom, an indignant old woman grabs him by the arm. “Young man, where are your Christian scruples? I believe you would defend Satan himself!”
“I don’t know,” George says, “what has your kid done?”
on January 25th, 2007 at 5:37 am
A cat dies and goes to Heaven. God meets him at the gate and says, ‘You’ve been a good cat all of these years. Anything you desire is yours, all you have to do is ask.’
The cats says, ‘Well, I lived all my life with a poor family on a farm and had to sleep on hardwood floors.’ God says, ‘Say no more.’ And instantly, a fluffy pillow appears. A few days later, 6 mice are killed in a tragic accident and they go to Heaven. God meets them at the gate with the same offer that He made the cat.
The mice said, ‘All our lives we’ve had to run. We’ve been chased by cats, dogs and even women with brooms. If we could only have a pair of roller skates, we wouldn’t have to run anymore.’ God says, ‘Say no more.’ And instantly, each mouse is fitted with a beautiful pair of tiny roller skates.
About a week later, God decides to check and see how the cat is doing. The cat is sound asleep on his new pillow. God gently wakes him and asks,
‘How are you doing? Are you happy here?’
The cat yawns and stretches and says, ‘Oh, I’ve never been happier in my life. And those Meals on Wheels you’ve been sending over are the best.
on February 2nd, 2007 at 3:34 am
Hi David!
I am a make-up artist as well and love coming across other artist’s sites. Your work is just stunning and inspiring and your resume impressive. I have many more yrs to accomplish what you have and usually one can only hope in this tough industry of ours. Thank you for sharing with us and I look forward to many more posts from you! If you get a chance (I know you’re probably busy) but it would be great if you could check out my site: http://www.make-upjunkie.blogspot.com. I also have some of my work featured on there. Any feedback would be awesome! Thanks!
Joy
on September 29th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I met David Frank Ray fairly recently and we have become fast friends. A kinder, more generous and more talented person would be hard to find. He has helped me and other people so much. I am a great admirer of his work as a made-up artist and as a Creative Director. He is wonderful at organizing fashion shows, exhibitions, etc. he has a loyal following. i am looking forward to an upcoming exhibition of David’ work.
on October 15th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I LOVE AND MISS YOU DAVID!!!