Chontelle Sewett has never been one to color inside the lines.
At just 31, the Guyanese-born creative emerges as a powerhouse in visual storytelling, blending graphic design, fashion, content creation, and the often-overlooked art of special effects (SFX) makeup into a bold, boundary-defying brand.
“I love the weird and the wild,” Sewett said in an interview. “Makeup gives me the freedom to express all the parts of myself—the glamorous, the scary, the unexpected.”
Photo courtesy of Chontelle Sewett
Raised in Guyana and trained in New York, Sewett’s artistic journey spans over 15 years. But it was not until 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, that she decided to pivot toward makeup as her primary creative outlet. She had completed a makeup program in New York when the world shut down. Stuck at home, she used the downtime to dive deeper into her craft.
“I began experimenting with colors and techniques, pushing my boundaries,” she said. “That’s when I discovered my passion for special effects makeup. My inspiration came from Guyanese makeup artist Tenisha Billington, whose work opened my eyes to the possibilities of this art form.”
While most Caribbean makeup artists focus on beauty and carnival looks, Sewett carved out a niche with elaborate, horror-inspired designs—think zombies, monsters, and surreal fantasy characters. Her bold transformations quickly turned heads on social media, where she now commands a loyal following.
“When people in the Caribbean see me pop up as a creature or zombie, their reactions are priceless,” she laughed. “It’s something they’re not used to seeing, and that’s what makes it exciting.”
Sewett’s creative pursuits have taken her around the world, including stops in the Caribbean and Dubai. However, she is now in Guyana, where she continues to push artistic boundaries while inspiring a new generation of Caribbean creatives.
A Self-Made Creative Machine
In addition to makeup, Sewett is a seasoned graphic designer with more than a decade of professional experience. Her background in design influences her approach to color theory, composition, and overall visual presentation.
“Being a designer taught me how to see the world differently,“ she said. “Now I can look at anything and find inspiration. Everything becomes an idea.”
But behind the flawless content and elaborate makeup looks lies a one-woman operation. Sewett writes, films, edits, and produces all of her content. The demands are high, and the pay isn’t always guaranteed.
“SFX makeup is expensive,“ she admitted. “I don’t always get paid for my looks but invest in it because it’s my passion.“
Even with limited resources, her work has garnered attention beyond the Caribbean. Recently, she trained under renowned SFX artist Wayne Anderson, best known for his work on Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” and hopes to one day collaborate with him or work behind the scenes in film production. “My dream is to work on movie sets,“ Sewett said. “I want to create characters that come alive on screen. That’s the next level for me.”
For Sewett, makeup is more than just artistry — it’s a form of empowerment. “I’ve seen people light up with confidence after a makeover,“ she said. “That transformation, even if it’s subtle, can change someone’s entire mood or mindset. I love being a part of that.”
Beyond her projects, Sewett is passionate about mentoring young artists across the Caribbean. She’s planning to launch workshops and masterclasses focused on SFX and creative makeup techniques, especially in Guyana, where the field remains underdeveloped.
“There’s so much talent here that just needs guidance and opportunity,“ she said. “I want to build a community around this — something bigger than myself.”
Makeup is just one tool in Sewett’s creative arsenal. A lifelong fashion enthusiast, she designs many outfits, conceptualizing the look before passing it off to a tailor in Guyana.
“I sketch, I plan, I obsess over the details,“ she said. “I don’t sew, but I love the process of bringing a vision to life.”
Photo courtesy of Chontelle Sewett
Her fashion-forward thinking is evident across her digital platforms. On Instagram, she maintains a polished and curated aesthetic. On TikTok, she lets her personality shine, often unfiltered and humorous.
“I’m goofy, I’m weird, and I’m just being myself,“ she said. “People love that mix of realness and creativity.”
While her journey has not been without obstacles, Sewett remains undeterred. “There are times when I doubt myself,“ she admitted. “But then I finish a look or a project, and I’m like, ‘Wow, I did that.‘ That’s the reward.”
As she looks ahead, Sewett hopes to expand her brand into film, education, and product development. But whatever comes next, she’s determined to stay authentic.
“This is who I am,“ she said. “And I want to keep showing others, especially in the Caribbean, that you can be anything you want if you’re willing to put in the work and stay true to your vision.“
Sewett is currently back in Guyana, focusing on preparing for her next significant step, attending a special effects makeup school in Los Angeles. She is diligently securing the necessary funds to make this dream a reality. With unwavering dedication, Sewett is committed to advancing her skills and excited about the opportunities in her creative journey.
Follow Chontelle Sewett’s journey on Instagram and TikTok @ChontelleSewett or visit her website chontellesewett.com.
