SMP Artists of the Month: Flux S Max Oudwood

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

Ricky Ceijas

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

Alex Alshayeb

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.

Francisco Ahumada @azscalpdoctorOpens a new window

Francisco Ahumada

1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start your journey in performing SMP?

My name is Francisco Ahumada and I'm an SMP Artist & Educator based out of Scottsdale, AZ. I grew up with a passion for barbering, which led to teaching myself how to cut hair at a very young age. The first time I heard about SMP was around 4.5 years ago while helping my wife @AzBrowDoctor run her PMU studio & academy. After seeing my wife transform women’s eyebrows & the joy it brought them, I found myself wanting to be able to do the same for others in my own way. I remember the first time I saw a before & after picture of SMP, I knew immediately that I wanted to do this at a very high level. I truly believe that this is what I was meant to do.

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!

Helen Lac @hybid_ink_Opens a new window

Helen Lac

1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start your journey in performing SMP

My corporate job was no longer fulfilling so I decided to take some courses in PMU. SMP was interesting to me, so I took a leap of faith and took a course. I knew right after that SMP was what I was meant to do because of how life changing it is! The best part about SMP is watching someone’s confidence grow almost immediately.

2. Can you give a piece of advice that you would have like to have known starting off as an SMP artist?

Stay consistent and never give up. Focus on perfecting your craft and seek out continued education and knowledge. It can be hard to try to not compare yourself to others, but as long as you stay focused and have a strong sense of purpose, you can go far in the industry.

3. What products do you use during SMP procedures?

I can’t go without my FYT cartridges and Flux S Max Oudwood machine! A quality machine and needles make all the difference in your caliber of work.