Company Profile
Artis LLC
Company Overview
Artis is the Latin word for: "skill, method, technique, conduct, character."
Born from the realization that makeup brushes have never evolved from the watercolour paintbrushes they copy, Artis is dedicated to the creation of the modern cosmetic and makeup brush. Through inventing new methods, materials and designs, Artis enhances the application of cosmetic and makeup products. The Artis mission is to become a premier designer, manufacturer and multi-channel retailer supplier of Artis beauty tools and products worldwide. Artis aspires to define a global standard for efficient, ethical and aesthetically beautiful makeup brushes, beauty products, services, and information.
Company History
THE FOUNDER
Graduating with a B.S. in Business and Masters in Fine Art, Matthew Waitesmith has never been an ordinary makeup artist. And the makeup giant, MAC Cosmetics, saw that early on. After meeting the founders of MAC in Toronto over 20 years ago, Waitesmith was tapped to create and head their Artist Training and Development (AT&D) program, which provided ongoing education to all employees world-wide. Recognizing his penchant for educating, motivating and inspiring a team, Waitesmith was asked to create and define the important role of the MAC Artist in the retail selling environment. He created an entire training structure, curriculum and unique experiences, and helped to set a gold standard for both the company and the industry. During his time there, MAC grew from an 80 million dollar business to well over a billion dollar business, and after 17 years, he decided to retire from his role as Senior Vice President, MAC Global Artist Training & Development.
Never satisfied with the status quo, Waitesmith was constantly looking for ways to improve his craft. He decided to take an age-old makeup artist’s tool – the brush – and reinvent it in a way no one had imagined for applying cosmetics and makeup. From a design perspective, the brushes had to be aesthetically pleasing. And from technical standpoint, they had to be intuitive and natural for the consumer as well as superior in functionality and application performance. The culmination of those efforts is his new company Artis, offering a collection of modern and luxurious makeup brushes with patented designs and trade-marked technology that make them one of a kind.
“I feel that everything I’ve experienced until now has brought me to Artis,” says Waitesmith. “Each collection will use different design starting points, and then evolve with the ergonomics and aesthetic beauty we’re known for. We want to make tools that deliver both art and function.”