Spencer Hedges, better known to his millions of followers as Painted by Spencer, is redefining what it means to be a beauty creator in the digital age. A self-made Cuban American makeup artist and proud member of the LGBTQ community, Spencer has built a global platform rooted in self-expression, confidence and visibility. What began as a leap of faith, leaving Florida for Los Angeles at just 16, has grown into a career that now reaches millions across social media, where his cinematic transformations have become instantly recognizable.
With more than 2.7 million followers across Instagram and TikTok and over 86 million views on YouTube, Spencer’s work goes far beyond traditional makeup tutorials. His signature before-and-after reveals celebrate individuality and resonating deeply with LGBTQ audiences and allies alike. That connection has translated into sold-out masterclasses around the world, from Paris and London to Dubai and Australia, where fans line up not just to learn technique, but to witness artistry grounded in authenticity.
Now, Spencer is entering a new chapter, one that positions him as both a creative visionary and an emerging business leader. From hosting a successful Los Angeles pop-up with Korean vegan skincare brand D’Alba to expanding his influence beyond social platforms.
Q: Moving to LA at 16 is no small decision. In what ways did that early leap of faith shape your evolution as both an artist and entrepreneur?
Spencer: Moving to LA at 16 forced me to grow up fast. I did not have a safety net, so every choice felt real. I was working, taking clients, figuring out how to pay bills and at the same time trying to learn who I was as a person. It taught me that no one is coming to rescue you. If you want something, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable and sometimes hear no ten times before you get a yes. As an artist, that made me fearless. As an entrepreneur, it taught me to think long term. I learned how to turn “being good at makeup” into an actual business, then into a brand.
Q: Your before-and-after transformations have become iconic. What do these transformations represent for you beyond the artistry?
Spencer: For me, the transformation is not really about “fixing” anyone. It is about revealing something they already have but maybe stopped seeing. The before and after is just a visual way of showing that they were worthy in the before and they are powerful in the after. The makeup becomes a way of saying, “You are allowed to take up space and be seen.” That is what I care about way more than a sharp liner or a snatched jawline.
Q: Many LGBTQ viewers say your videos make them feel seen. When did you first realize your work was having an impact on queer self-expression?
Spencer: I think it hit me when I started getting long DMs from people in small towns. They would say things like, “I watch your videos and they make me feel like there is a world where I am not weird for loving makeup.” The moment I realized it was bigger than makeup was when people started telling me they finally felt brave enough to buy their first concealer or walk into Sephora without apologizing for being there. That is when it stopped being just content and started feeling like responsibility, a sense of community.
Q: You’ve built a massive audience across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. What’s something people still misunderstand about the work that goes into this level of digital artistry?
Spencer: People may see a 60 second video and think I filmed it in an hour and posted it. In reality, there is pre production, product testing, lighting setup, refilming takes, audio dubbing, editing, captions, thumbnails, brand approvals, and all the back and forth that no one ever sees. On top of that, my team and I are running a business in the background. Negotiating contracts, traveling, answering emails, running payroll, managing deadlines. It’s creative, but it’s also extremely technical and mentally demanding. It’s a full time career, honestly sometimes it feels like two or three, but I’m grateful I get to show my daughter, Celine, that it’s possible to build a life around work you genuinely love.
Q: Cuban American identity plays a role in who you are. How has your heritage influenced your approach to beauty and visibility?
Spencer: Growing up Cuban American, beauty was loud and unapologetic. My family taught me that presentation matters and you always put your best face forward, even if no one’s watching. I think that stuck with me. That energy definitely lives in the way I approach glam.
Q: Your masterclasses in Dubai, Paris, and Australia have sold out worldwide. What has traveling and teaching globally taught you about the universality of beauty and identity?
Spencer: Traveling to teach has been one of the most humbling experiences of my career. I realized very quickly that beauty standards shift from country to country, but the feeling people are chasing is the same. Everyone wants to feel confident, desired, and beautiful. In Dubai, I saw a love for full glam. In Paris, there is this effortless chic energy. In Australia, people leaned into fresh skin and practicality. Different aesthetics, but same emotional foundation. No matter the language, there is always that moment when someone looks in the mirror after makeup and you can see their posture change. That expression is universal.
Q: You’ve evolved from a makeup artist into what your team calls a “global brand architect.” What does that evolution look like behind the scenes?
Spencer: At some point I realized this wasn’t just about doing a great blend on camera anymore. Becoming a brand architect meant building a whole world people can step into, whether they find me on TikTok, come to a masterclass, or eventually pick up something I’ve created. Behind the scenes, I’m trying to build something that can live even when I’m not in the room, and a certain tiny person in my life with the perfect mix of sweetness and chaos has definitely slipped into that vision. People might notice that a bit more next year.
Q: You recently partnered with Korean vegan skincare brand D’Alba for a pop up in Los Angeles. What drew you to that collaboration, and how does skincare play into your larger creative vision?
Spencer: I’m very picky with skincare partnerships, because if the skin isn’t right, the makeup won’t be either. So teaming up with d’Alba just made sense for me, especially with the textures I love for that glassy, radiant look. Their First Spray Serum has lived in my makeup kit for years. And the LA pop up was great because I got to connect with my community in real life, not just through a screen. It was truly one of the highlights of 2025 for me!
Q: The beauty industry has changed dramatically over the past few years, especially around gender and inclusivity. Where do you feel the industry is moving next?
Spencer: I think we are moving toward a world where products are less about “this is for women, this is for men” and more about “this is for dry skin, this is for texture, this is for whoever wants to feel good.” The younger generation does not care about the old rules in the same way. I also see a shift toward storytelling and niche identity. People are drawn to brands that feel like fully built universes, not just trends in a bottle. They want transparency, ethics, and uniqueness. Inclusivity is no longer just putting a few more shades in a range. It is about who is in the room making decisions and who feels invited into the conversation.
Q: Many young queer people dream of moving to LA to pursue creativity. What advice would you give your 16 year old self stepping off the plane for the first time?
Spencer: I would tell my 16 year old self to breathe. You do not have to prove everything in the first year. LA can be magical, but it can also be very isolating if you are young and trying to figure yourself out. Find at least one or two people who really see you and hold onto them. Say yes to opportunities, but also learn how to say no when something does not feel aligned, even if it looks glamorous. Take care of your mental health. Do not confuse followers with friends or virality with value. And remember, the parts of you that feel “too much” right now are probably the exact things that will make you stand out later.
