
This April, Microbeau has chosen to highlight a few select SMP artists who truly shine in our PMU community. We gifted them with one of our latest and greatest PMU devices, the Flux S Max Oudwood and asked them to share their artistic insight on the machine.
Here's what they had to say
Ricky Ceijas @rickyceijasOpens a new window
1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start your journey in performing SMP?
Hello, my name is Ricky Ceijas. I’m an AAM Diamond Certified SMP, PMU Artist and Trainer! I drove sanitation trucks for 17+ years before beginning my Micropigmentation journey. I’ve always been creative and good at drawing. I’m a single father and have a beautiful daughter. I survived a brain surgery for an arachnoid cyst 5 years ago which I still have because it can’t be removed. I perform scalp, brows, lip blush, lash line, scar and stretch mark camouflage, 3D-Areola, and tattoos. My luxury micropigmentation studio is located in Union Township, NJ. I love what I do!
2. Can you give a piece of advice that you would have like to have known starting off as an SMP artist?
I was trained well by Matthew Iulo over at ScalpMicroUSA when I became certified, so it’s hard to think of anything I wish I had known, he was pretty thorough with the training. But, if I can give any advice to someone who is starting out it's to keep your eye on the needle cartridge, and make every single impression count. It makes a difference in your work!
3. What products do you use during SMP procedures?
I use Microbeau’s Flux S Max Oudwood, Folicule pigments, and Kwadron Optima PMU needles for my SMP procedures.
Alex Alshayeb @scalpmicrosdOpens a new window
1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start your journey in performing SMP?
When I started my career I wanted to be a traditional tattoo artist, but after I discovered SMP, I was immediately drawn to it. Giving men and women their confidence back is very rewarding to me, and I decided to make it my full time career.
2. Can you give a piece of advice that you would have like to have known starting off as an SMP artist?
For anyone starting off in the SMP industry I would recommend investing in a really great training course, an experienced mentor is priceless. Having someone to fall back on and ask questions to as you grow is so important to have. Support is sometimes all you need to keep going.
3. What products do you use during SMP procedures?
My staple products during SMP procedures are the Scalpmicrosd line of needles, and my Flux S Max Oudwood of course! Over the years, I have a variety of different Flux machines because they're my favorite.
1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start your journey in performing SMP?
2. Can you give a piece of advice that you would have like to have known starting off as an SMP artist?
One thing that I tell all my students, is that it is our job as artists to understand all skin types and how pigment will heal over time in our client's skin. A true artist not only understands the tools they have in their hands, but also the canvas they are working on. When you develop a full understanding on what makes everyone’s skin so different, you will then be able to execute work that will continue to look good, years down the road.
3. What products do you use during SMP procedures?
My absolute FAVORITE machine to date is the new Flux S Max Oudwood! I am a very light-handed artist, and I absolutely LOVE the 4.5mm stroke that it offers. I started using the original Flux S in 3.0mm a few years ago, and I was immediately hooked. I truly believe that these machines are at the top of the industry when it comes to wireless machines, and I don’t ever see myself not using them!
1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start your journey in performing SMP