The 5-minute Interview: James Kaliardos, Make-up artist

'If you have passion for something you'll find a way to make it happen'

James Kaliardos, the L'Oréal Paris International Make-up Artist, is the official make-up artist for Fashion Fringe 2007. Known for his high-profile clients, including Madonna, Kaliardos also edits 'Visionaire' fashion magazine which he founded.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

En route to a job, audition or something – walking across New York with my bag and typing into my Blackberry. Generally multi-tasking.

A phrase I use far too often...

That's amazing.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The freedoms being denied to women around the world. I also wish we could change how women are depicted in photographs and films.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Getting a phone call from Bette Davis when I was aged 13. I was a huge fan so my aunt wrote to her. She called and thanked me for liking her. She was very sweet, yet strong. She was a huge inspiration for me to be creative and explore the world.

A common misperception of me is....

That I'm just a make-up artist. I'm also an actor, singer and editor.

I am not a politician but...

I believe in separation between church and state. The blurring of that line in the US is leading to our demise.

I'm good at...

Anything I put my heart into. For example I didn't know anything about editing a magazine, but now I do. If you have passion for something you'll find a way to make it happen.

I'm very bad at...

Being selfish. Not selfish in a bad sense, but in finding time for myself and also time to help other people.

The ideal night out is ...

I had one of these last night actually. It's a nice New York evening spent with good friends. We'd start by doing something creative, then go to a restaurant and eat delicious food.

In moments of weakness...

I become a crazy romantic.

You know me as a make-up artist but in another life I'd have been ...

A pure individual – like Buddha or Jesus.

The best age to be is...

A hundred. Centenarians are celebrated in some countries and people come to see and touch them. It must feel so incredible to reach that age.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is...

Follow your dreams and be kind and considerate to other people.

Amy Salter