Lithuanian makeup artist Donata Dakinevičiūtė recently served as the primary makeup artist for the Black Eyed Peas during their concert in Kaunas, Lithuania. According to a report by Delfi, Dakinevičiūtė was hired via the event organizers, Ventures Events, to provide beauty services for the group, specifically working closely with vocalist J. Rey Soul.
How did a local artist secure a spot with the Black Eyed Peas?
The opportunity came through an existing professional relationship. Dakinevičiūtė told Delfi that she had worked with Ventures Events on previous projects, making the offer a natural extension of their established trust. She described the moment she received the call as an emotional experience, noting she sat in her car for ten minutes after the conversation to process the news.
This project marked the first international venture of this scale in her career. Dakinevičiūtė stated that the experience provided invaluable professional knowledge and bolstered her confidence to pursue further high-level global projects.
What happens behind the scenes of a global tour makeup routine?
The backstage environment for a stadium-level show is defined by rigid timing and high discipline. Dakinevičiūtė reported that her workday was structured with specific time slots for every stage of preparation, leaving no room for deviation.
Regarding the creative direction, the artist revealed that there were no strict pre-set instructions. The primary request from the performers was simply “to be beautiful.” According to Dakinevičiūtė, this lack of rigid constraints allowed her the creative freedom to adapt the look to the artist’s personality and stage image, with final decisions made on-site just before the show.
How do world-class stars behave off-stage?
Contrary to stereotypes of distant or demanding celebrities, Dakinevičiūtė described the Black Eyed Peas team as humble and sincere. She told Delfi that her interactions with the performers reminded her that “we are all humans first,” regardless of global fame.
She highlighted that the team’s openness and warmth were as surprising as the scale of the production itself. This human connection, she noted, provided more value to the experience than the professional milestone alone.
What are the future trends for “Hyper-Local” talent in global events?
The collaboration between Dakinevičiūtė and the Black Eyed Peas reflects a growing trend where global tours integrate local experts to handle specialized needs. This shift allows international acts to maintain quality while supporting the local creative economy.
As social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok turn makeup artists into recognized brands, agencies are more likely to hire “recognizable” local talent who bring their own following and professional discipline to the table. This creates a pipeline for local professionals to jump from regional work to international portfolios.
Comparison: Local vs. Touring Staff
| Feature | Touring Staff | Local Specialist (e.g., Donata) |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | High (Same look every city) | Adaptive (On-site decisions) |
| Logistics | Travels with artist | Sourced via local agency |
| Network | Internal team | Local agency (Ventures Events) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Donata work with specifically?
She spent the majority of her time working with J. Rey Soul, the vocalist for the Black Eyed Peas.
Who organized the collaboration?
The project was facilitated by the concert organizers, Ventures Events.
Was there a strict makeup brief?
No. According to Dakinevičiūtė, there were no prior instructions other than the request “to be beautiful,” allowing for on-site creative decisions.
Do you think local artists should be prioritized over touring crews for major events? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry insights.
Related reading